Customer Reviews

A Lo Cubano

5 star:		(52)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Innovative and yet relying on its roots Orishas have an excellent handle on la musica de Cuba. A mezcla of hip-hop and old school Havana music, Orishas are a vital voice representing the urban Latino youth. Other latino groups have blended their roots with hip-hop like Illya Kuriyaka and the Valderamas from Columbia, El Gran Silencio or Molotov from Mexico but these guys rock the house with conviction ala estilo Cubano. The percussion, jazz y sonido Cubano are the perfect recipe. All 15 songs are superb and each fill a role on the CD. It is hard to pick out favorites as they are all good. I like that they pay homage to their roots constantly and so eloquently. Their adaptation of Compay Segundos classic "Chanchan" is the perfect example of taking the old and making something new that is exquisite. Old school meets new school with dignity. "Connexion" es una brindis para todos los Latinos. I especially love their performance of "Barrio", it is so tight. They flow from sweet Cuban melodies to hard hip-hop, weaving in and out with timing that is impeccable, el nuevo sonido de Cuba. This CD gets better and better with each listen. One of the freshest sounds to emerge in a saturated Cuban music field, move over BVSC and all it's offshoots, Orishas has arrived. If you love Cuban music or hip-hop this is one for you. With voices sweet as sugar cane and lyrics that flow like smooth dark rum, Orishas create the perfect elixir, a musical cocktail for the new millennium.

A friend at work loaned me this CD because she knew I was Cuban and thought I might be able to understand some of the slang she couldn't quite get. Not particularly a fan of hip-hop, I wasn't sure I would like it. But, I figured I listen to the lyrics; if nothing else, they would bring me back to my younger days in the streets of "La Vibora", Habana (nothing like el barrio "Cayo Hueso" or "Jesus Maria", but "un barrio en Cuba" never the less). Well, I've been playing this CD constantly for three weeks. The music is captivating. Wow, what a refreshing style; I couldn't stop playing it! The rhythm and sounds are energizing, particularly "A LO CUBANO" and "ORISHAS LLEGO"; they are my favorite. Also outstanding is their blend of old and new in "537 C.U.B.A"; it is a real treat, I loved it. The lyrics are great all over, not offensive at all, but instructive in many respects and a times amusing. "Atrevido" is an amusing tale about the consequences of a guy (un tipo) going after someone else's girl being used as bait for a scam: "Que punto el tipo acere! Que clase de jugada le hemos metido!" "1.9.9.9" is another amusing and exhilarating collections of sound and lyrics" A mi tu no me enganas... Me estrana que siendo arana, de la pared tu te caigas". Even though I just mentioned a few highlights, the entire CD is absolutely energizing and a must have. I am getting my own copy right after I submit this review so I don't skip a beat when I return the one I have to its owner. Even though I had no idea they existed, Orishas get a top rating (5 stars) from me. I am hooked on their sound!

I've specialized in Cuban music for over twenty years as both performer and educator, and never heard - until this recording - the perfect blend of contemporary Cuban popular music with Hip-Hop/Rap. Orishas has captured the best of both urban sounds, with a gritty and highly-danceable sound, and more importantly, lyrics which are funky AND intelligent. Older folks have the Buena Vista Social Club to feel nostalgic - but finally there is a group who sings about issues in Spanish (with a little French sprinkled in), and who speaks to young Latinos everywhere. "A lo cubano" is more than a Spanish-language rap album; it is a testament to the timeless marriage between American black and Afro-Caribbean sensibilities and musical traditions, with a slammin' groove to boot!

I heard this playing in The Art Store in San Francisco and was immediately hooked! I have long loved the beat and energy of rap and hip-hop, but have grown increasingly bored and disgusted by the lack of originality or depth of American artists. "Represent" was playing in the store and it grabbed me by the jugular - I asked the clerk for the name and looked for the CD for months before finding it on Amazon and since I got it, I've played it over and over - I have no idea what they're saying but the beats and the rhythms are so crisp, clear and POWERFUL -I DON'T EVEN CARE! The music transcends language boundaries and touches my soul.

This is a masterpiece. The Orishas have mastered the technique of the hiphop idiom while melding the best of Cuban musical traditions to make a unique and unforgettable CD. Rejecting the racist and violent character of much of US hiphop, these guys celebrate their communities, their families, their beliefs, and most importantly, their love for their homeland. Nurtured and celebrated in Cuba, they still had to go to France to cut this CD and access a world audience. Yet another reason to demand an end to the embargo...

THIS IS A GREAT CD. THIS GUYS ARE REALLY GOOD, THEY TAKE ME BACK TO MY ROOTS, JUST CLOSE YOUR EYES AND IT'S LIKE YOU'RE WALKING IN HAVANA. CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THEM IN CONCERT. thanks.

In Afro-Cuban beliefs the ORISHAS are the emissaries of Olodumare or God almighty. The 9 Orishas rule over the forces of nature and the endeavors of humanity. In this case these ORISHAS are only 4 and their powers have been felt in Europe especially France, Italy, Spain and Holland. This CD is indisputably the best combination of rap/sonero sound/and salsa blend ever put together. The Orishas are Cuba's answer to now extremly well known Fugees originally from Haiti. Fortunate for the Orishas they do NOT resided within their native land of Cuba. It is due to their freedom that they are able to express themselves in the way in which they do. The tentalising rapping flows and back beats along with their salsa scats and choruses will make any latino dance their but off. This their second production will forever leave a unbelievable mark on the history of Cuban music and what it has evolved into in the new Millenium. On a more personal note, I have been a DJ for over 12 years and have worked in local radio station here in Miami. I listen to 90% anglo music, this CD blew me away. Thank you ORISHAS!

Mike

It's a great blend of hip hop with Cuban son and merengue. The beats are dope but Orishas lyrics are what make their music great. They are not lyrics filled with sexism and violence. Their lyrics deal with issues of the struggle of Cuba and political freedom "Represent," "Barrio," "1.9.9.9," and "537 C.U.B.A.," are one of the best tracks on the CD, but the seriousness of their lyrics doesn't take away from enjoying the beats and music. Overall it's a great CD.

Este disco es excelente. La mezcla afro-cubana con el hip- hop moderno hacen de este disco uno de los mejores en su categoría. Ojalá podamos conseguir nuevos trabajos de ls Orishas pronto. Lo recomiendo 100%. No se defraudará ni se arrepentirá de comprar este disco.

When Orishas released this CD I was still living in Cuba. I used to listen to these songs all day long with my friends. Then I moved to US and what can I tell you? 537 Cuba is like an anthem for me because it really tells the reality about the feelings of Cuban people and perhaps every person that lefts his country likes us. On the other hand, these guys are amazing! The mixture of rap with traditional Cuban music is something original, out of this world. I don't like hip hop music at all, but Orishas are the exception. Buy this CD, it worth every penny, you won't be disappointed!