Anónimo Consejo

Anónimo Consejo is one of Cuba's hottest up and coming rap groups, whose name translates into English as Anonymous Advice. The duo consists of MC Sekou and MC Kokino, Sarrias and Jaramillo . The rappers cover the usual bases of contemporary and social themes in their music, as well as edgier topics. "Hip-hop is the rebellion within the revolution," says CNN journalist Simon Umlauf, and Anónimo Consejo acknowledges the efficacy in the medium of hip-hop. [cite news|last =Umlauf| first = Simon|title = Cuban hip-hop: The rebellion within the revolution|work = CNN Headline News|date = 2002-11-25|url = http://archives.cnn.com/2002/SHOWBIZ/Music/11/22/hln.hot.hit.cuban.hip.hop/|accessdate = 02-08-08] Material includes politically edged lyrics, though the group is careful to not overstep their boundaries when they speak about the government. They often warn young Cubans against the temptations in American style capitalism, which got them a contract with a state run promotional company. While these young men make up one of Cuba’s rising rap duos they are only paid 350 pesos ($32) per show, the accustomed price of admission to a Kanye West or Lil’ Wayneshow. Because their paychecks are not enough, the group still lives with their mothers. Nevertheless, the group continues to make music despite the fact that they are not making a fraction of their American counterparts earnings. [The Vinyl Ain't Final - Cuban Hip Hop: Making Space for New Voices of Dissent_Annelise Wunderlich ] [cite web| author=Susan Herrod | url=http://www.cubaabsolutely.com/music/hip_hop.htm| title=Cuban Hip-Hop, Rap and Reggaeton | accessdate=2008-02-31] Cuban producer Pablo Herrera, who has worked with Anónimo Consejo, views the "empowerment of youth as a battle spear for a more conscious society." This rap group, along with approximately 250 others in Havana alone, are eager to work with producers like Herrera, but there are only so many producers to go around when compared to the constantly increasing number of aspiring rap groups. The popularity that the group might have globally is uncertain, since it has been difficult for them to transmit their sound far beyond Cuba, but the content of their messages reflects thought and study. Sarrias and Jaramillo "receive informal sessions about African-American history, poetry, and world politics" from Nehanda Abiodun, alleged member of the Republic of New Afrika. In fact, the duo has foregone Cuba's free university education to devote themselves to the creation of music. [>Citation| first= Annelise | last= Wunderlich | title= "Cuban Hip-hop: Making Space for the Globalization of Black Popular Culture" The Vinyl Ain't Final: Hip-Hop and the Globalization of Black Popular Culture | editor= Dipannita Basu and Sidney J. Lemelle | place= London; Ann Arbor, MI | publisher= Pluto Press | year= 2006]

Their musical style reflects the love of the island. Similar to popular American groups, Anónimo Consejo combines politically powerful lyrics, written by Sarrias, with Jaramillo’s unique vocal delivery. In the song, “Appearances are Deceiving,” they rap, 'Don't crush me/ I'm staying here/ Don't push me/ Let me live/ I would give anything for my Cuba! I'm happy here.’ As a result of the limited technology in Cuba, their sound is more “old school” in comparison to their wealthy American counterparts, such as Jay-Z and P. Diddy. Many socially conscious rappers come to the island to listen to the manner in which they capture the pure essence of hip hop. “I work with them because their music is really authentic. I like their flow, but what is really striking is what they say…so mind-boggling.” --Producer Pablo Herrera, Representative of Asociacion de los Hermanos Saiz, the cultural arm of the Young Communist Party. There is hope that Consejo can achieve stardom without sacrificing their passion for la patria (native land) or by jumping to salsa music. [ Wunderlich, Annelise. “Cuban Hip-hop: Making Space for New Voices of Dissent.” In The Vinyl Ain’t Final: Hip Hop and the Globalization of Black Popular Culture, ed. by Dipannita Basu and Sidney J. Lemelle, 167-79. London; Ann Arbor, MI: Pluto Press, 2006.] [ [http://www.anonimoconsejo.com/ anonimoconsejo.com ] ]

Regardless of the groups’ criticism of the Cuban government, Anónimo Consejo wishes to gain success in Cuba without defecting and remain true to their Cuban roots. Sarrias and Jaramillo admire heroes like Jose Marti and Che Guevara, both heroes of the Cuban Revolution. "But they also look up to Malcolm X, Mumia Abu-Jamal, Nelson Mandela, and other Black icons" Annelise Wunderlich. Anonimo consejo's lyrics stand to be probably the most edgy lyrics in all of Cuban hip-hops lyrics, but due to the obvious oppression and the Cuban governments unwillingness to support hip-hop are restrained in some of their lyrics. [ [http://www.blackelectorate.com/articles.asp?ID=988 :: BlackElectorate.com :: ] ] [Citation| first= Annelise | last= Wunderlich | title= "Cuban Hip-hop: Making Space for the Globalization of Black Popular Culture" The Vinyl Ain't Final: Hip-Hop and the Globalization of Black Popular Culture | editor= Dipannita Basu and Sidney J. Lemelle | place= London; Ann Arbor, MI | publisher= Pluto Press | year= 2006] Despite the recent influx of the reggaeton style in Cuba, the group remains strongly hip-hop in style, [Citation| first= Annelise | last= Wunderlich | title= "Cuban Hip-hop: Making Space for the Globalization of Black Popular Culture" The Vinyl Ain't Final: Hip-Hop and the Globalization of Black Popular Culture | editor= Dipannita Basu and Sidney J. Lemelle | place= London; Ann Arbor, MI | publisher= Pluto Press | year= 2006] though recently collaborating with Puerto Rican reggaeton artist Tego Calderón on the song “Son Dos Alas”, appearing on the album The Underdog/El Subestimado, which emphasizes the connection between the two countries and the racial issues present in both nations. [cite web| author=M. Riviere | url=http://www.tc.umn.edu/~rivi0001/SonDosAlas.html| title=Son Dos Alas | accessdate=2008-02-04]

References

The Vinyl Ain't Final - Cuban Hip Hop: Making Space for New Voices of Dissent_Annelise Wunderlichg1http://www.blackelectorate.com/articles.asp?ID=988