Los Aldeanos

Los Aldeanos began as one of many underground Rap Cubano groups based in Havana, Cuba. Dubbed as "underground rappers", Los Aldeanos became a group in 1998, comprised of El Aldeano and El B, both of whom are MC's. Los Aldeanos describe themselves as not being the pioneer of Rap Cubano, but credit themselves with producing "real" Rap Cubano, giving to the followers of "real" Rap Cubano and "real" Hip Hop lyrics that not only instill a sense of understanding of the social, political, and economical problems that aggravate Cuban society today, but also with a sense of urgency. [Los Aldeanos: http://www.myspace.com/losaldeanos] The lyrics of Los Aldeanos are largely anti-status quo and as a result express sentiments that are anti-socialist. Such an example can be found in their song "Libertad de Expresion". [ [http://www.myspace.com/losaldeanos MySpace.com - Los Aldeanos - - Hip Hop - www.myspace.com/losaldeanos] ]

With such claims to authenticity and explicit discontent with the status quo, Los Aldeanos are just one among many underground rap bands that oppose the rising popularity of Reggaeton in Cuba. Groups like Los Aldeanos have come to openly disagree with and condemn Reggaeton, calling it unconscious and negative music that detracts Cuban society from the ailments that continue to afflict society and instead focuses attention on the pleasurable acts of self-indulgence and dance. [Baker, Geoffery. 2008. "The Politics of Dancing" In Reading Reggaeton. forthcoming in Duke University Press]

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