Aldeanos and Orishas among the 10 greats of Hispanic rap, according to Rolling Stone magazine

October 16, 2023

The magazine recognized the 50 greatest artists in the history of Spanish-language rap, marking the half-century of this genre's creation.

Los Aldeanos and Orishas have been chosen among the 10 greats in the history of Spanish-language rap, as recognized by Rolling Stone magazine this week.

The prestigious publication reviewed those considered by them as the "50 greats in the history of Spanish-language rap." It is a tribute to the half-century of this genre in Spanish.

The list, compiled by rap experts, acknowledges that this genre in Spanish has achieved a place of tremendous importance, with leading figures who have created trends on a global level.

Rolling Stone places in the number eight position the duo made up of Bian Oscar Rodríguez Gala (El B) and Aldo Roberto Rodríguez Baquero (El Aldeano), who "constituted an influential duo that today continues to be remembered by thousands of fans."

We present 50 greats in the history of Spanish-language rap. From the legend of Canserbero to the activism of Ana Tijoux, passing through Control Machete's MTV success.
#RollingStoneEnEspañol #RollingStone #Músicahttps://t.co/NO2T8miFPh
— Rolling Stone en Español – México (@RollingStoneMX) October 12, 2023

Los Aldeanos, who formally started in 2003, stood out for their confrontational character and their denunciations of the Cuban regime.

"Over time they achieved significant reach beyond Cuba, and major international media echoed their activism, leading them to be recognized throughout the region. Later they managed to tour outside the island, but their spirit always remained close to the underground," the outlet noted.

Orishas

For their part, Orishas, the former group that united Flaco-Pro, Roldán, Ruzzo and Yotuel, was positioned in the ninth place of the ranking for its "sophistication of sound" that conquered millions of followers.

The magazine highlighted the album A lo cubano (1999), considered one of the most important of the genre.

"The fusion of rap with Cuban rhythms immediately conquered millions of people in the Americas and Europe (the group was based between France and Spain) with songs like 'Represent', 'Atrevido' and '537 C.U.B.A'. Emigrante (2002, already without Flaco-Pro) and El kilo (2005) maintained the artistic level and enthusiasm of audiences," the text noted.

Both groups also appeared on the list of most influential figures of rap in the Spanish-speaking world "from yesterday and today" compiled by the team at Billboard Latin and Billboard Español, in this half-century of rap.

Billboard highlighted that Spanish-speaking rappers during these five decades have played "a tremendous role in the evolution and expansion of the hip hop movement."