H2E2: Hip Hop En Español You Should Listen To

AUDRY FUNK: AUTOGESTION Y RESISTENCIA
Reggae influenced Hip Hop en Español! With her latest release, Audry Funk brings forth an evolution of her unique style and lyrical prowess. Known for being socially conscious, a feminist and defender of human rights; this Puebla, Mexico native drops knowledge on the ills of the world in this 12-track release known as “Autogestion y Resistencia” (“Self-Management and Resistance”)

With a tremendous amount of positive feedback from fans and artists alike, this new LP blends a variety of reggae and hip-hop beats, intelligent verses and melodies like only Audry Funk can can deliver. “Autogestion y Resistencia” plays like a culmination of experiences in her life, and the world around us, since the release of her previous work. Audry’s contagious music and verse is a welcomed break from what is normally expected in this genre.

Tackling social and gender issues alike, favorite tracks on this release include “No Me Representas” (“You Don’t Represent Me”) and “Hija Del Subdesarrollo” (“Daughter of Underdevelopment”). A touching tale is also told in the song “Desde Que Te Fuiste” (“Since You Left Me”). This track takes on the epidemic disappearance of children and young people throughout Mexico, the inaction to resolve these crimes and the missing closure from these parents’ lives.

The production in this album is a small but refreshing departure from Audry’s last LP “Verso… Luego Existo”. From upbeat to mellow, from personal reflection to social criticism, each track on this release is unique enough to be a favorite in its own respect. “Autogestion y Resistenca” is must have for Audry Funk fans, female rap fans or reggae, hip hop and global music fans alike. Even your OG’s will like it!

Album on iTunes: Audry Funk – Autegestion y Resistencia on iTunes
Facebook Page: @AudryFunk
Spotify link: Audry Funk – Audry Funk – Autogestion y Resistencia on Spotify
YouTube Channel: Audry Funk – YouTube

 

EPTOS UNO: VIAJEROS DEL TIEMPO
Chicago was recently treated to one of the few Hip Hop En Español artists to be signed to a major label. Eptos Uno has excelled in the underground scene and in rap battles alike. Now signed with EMI/Universal Music Mexico, his new album “Hacer Historia” (“Make History”) is in the works. But to take a spin back to where it all began,  his release “Viajeros del Tiempo” (“Time Travelers”) is one fo the productions that helped him get there.

This album, released 3 short years ago, features collabs with other favorite artists Aczino, El Grave and Muelas de Gallo (from La Banda Baston). At times, reminiscent of hip hop from two decades back, at other times fresh and distinct, Eptos Uno has dominated on several levels and his success is a sign for things to come. But, as we wait for his latest, take it back to 2013 because “Viajeros del Tiempo” is worth a listen to.

And, if you can’t wait for the new stuff, the tracks “Un Momento” (“One Moment”) and “Esto” (“This”) from the upcoming “Hacer Historia” are playing Youtube.

Album on iTunes: Estos Uno – Viajeros del Tiempo
Facebook Page: @EptosUnoOficial
Spotify link: Eptos Uno – Viajeros del Tiempo on Spotify
YouTube Channel: Eptos Uno – YouTube

 

REBECA LANE: ALMA MESTIZA
Born during the Guatemalan Revolution, this self-claimed daughter of war grew up in a country where violence and crimes against women are often normalized. Currently touring Canada, Rebeca released “Alma Meztiza”(“Mestizo Soul”) late last year and has been taking her message across the Americas. This album includes collaborations with Miss Bolivia, Ali Gua Gua and Tr3s Palabras and is another new school dose of edutainment, if you will.

The album “Alma Meztiza” embraces her roots, shuns the appropriation of Latin American and indigenous culture and speaks for the rights of women and people oppressed by society and governments alike. Tracks like “Libre, Atrevida y Loca” (“Free, Daring and Crazy”) and “La Cumbia de la Memoria” (“Cumbia of Remembrance”) marry hip hop verses and cumbia beats, the latter documenting the Guatemalan genocide of 200,000 Mayan and Landino people. Also known as the “Silent Holocaust”, entire villages of people were literally wiped from existence by the Guatemalan military. Something important in human history that Rebeca Lane won’t allow to be swept under the rug.

Album on iTunes: Rebeca Lane – Alma Mestiza
Facebook Page: @RebecaLane6
Spotify link: Rebeca Lane – Alma Mestiza on Spotify
YouTube Channel: Rebeca Lane – YouTube

 

DANGER: SEMBRANDO LAURELES
Released earlier this year, Danger’s long-awaited LP “Sembrando Laureles” (“Sowing Laurels”) hit iTunes, Spotify and other musical outlets. A follow-up to the album “Danger Recopilarorio” and his group’s release “Alto Kalibre Vol. 1”, fans (including myself) had been waiting for this production for quite some time. Also categorized as a raptivist, Danger is a veteran of freestyle battles, winner of Mexico’s 2011 Hip Hop Awards and the “Premio Juventud” award for his social work.

Rapper or poet? Walking this fine line has never been more obvious for an artist than it is for Danger. As a child he began competing in recitals and poetry competitions at the age of 7. In his pre-teen years, he discovered American rap artists like Jay-Z, Biggie, Tupac, Public Enemy and Eminem. Today he cites these artists as strong influences in his music and verse but he also finds inspiration in writers and poets like Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Federico Garcia Lorca.

Album on iTunes: Danger – Sebrando Laureles
Facebook Page: @DangerAKOficial
Spotify link: Danger – Spotify (only one track but a good one!)
YouTube Channel: Danger – YouTube