When you think of Latin Hip-Hop what names come to mind? Perhaps rap veteran Frost and Cypress Hill from Los Angeles or maybe Fat Joe and Big Pun from the Bronx. California and New York are the two states where the seeds of urban music were planted. Even back in the day when popping and break-dancing were popular in every varrio. Latinos were there influencing the urban culture from day one. Latin Hip-Hop has spread to other states such as Arizona, Colorado, and Texas. Now it can even be found south of the border, Mexico!
Mexico, which is well known for its famous Mariachi, Norteno. The phenomenon that has taken Latin music to a whole new level. Two native rap groups from Mexico have been blazing new trails from the culture they pick up from their Latino brothers in America.
Two hours south of the Texas border in Monterey, Mexico comes Control Machete. Pato, Toy, and Fermin IV Cabalerro were destined to become Mexico's first Hip-Hop group. Their debut album "Mucho Barato" , released July 1, 1997 has sold well over 100,000 copies in Mexico alone and is selling well in the U.S. This album took Latin Hip-Hop to another level, in "Comprendes Mendes?" Control Machete laces Mexican riffs with hardcore Hip-Hop beats. Their political lyrics that would make Rage Against the Machine's Zack De La Rocha proud. Tracks such as "Hermanos Mexicanos" and "Mexican Curious" attack the United States for it's anti-immigrant campaigns, while encouraging raza to unite and defend what is rightfully ours. Their last album is called Artileria Pesada Presente, and it was released March 30, 1999.
