Orishas

When I first listened to this one I was like WOW These guys are going to be huge! Have they lost their magic???
This is one of the great albums these guys produced.

El mejor album de los Orishas sin la menor duda. Todas las canciones son magníficas. Lo mejor, la version de Chan Chan. Delicioso cocktail entre el son y el hip hop

I love that CD. I only new a couple songs from that band but the whole CD is good.

Yea baby, when the Cubans are out all others should go to school to catch up or just go home. This cats should embarrass all those Puerto Rican "artists" with their STUPID reggaeton trash, with their over repeated monotonous beats and over promoted junk, just hype(let's be fair and exclude Tego & Voltio). If Cuba were not under a communist tyranny that even controls the music that can be done, so it does not sound too "imperialist" (ask Arturo Sandoval) Cuba would rule in this genre the same way they did musically back in their capitalistic days. This Orisha guys (who got out of Cuba) are more than proof of the talent that is wasted just like everything else in Cuba right now.

It is mostly a fusion of Cuban flow and rap that reminds me of the mentality in some of the fusions of Dr. Dre with 70's American funk & r&b. However, as great as the music is, lyrically this guys are pretty ambiguous, non-understandable, meaningless, and dull. Lyrically they are pu$$ies, simple. There is a lot that should be said and they don't say, to be allowed back in Cuba to shoot their videos and use it as their back ground, the $$ are there for a reason. They are not representing or speaking for anyone, they got out and forgot the abusive slavish regime that bounds Cubans? Maybe it is the producers, I don't know. But I do know that in a genre as unrestricted as rap this is called being a PU$$Y.

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!

This latest album is the most lyrically and musically profound of all their work. If their last album "El Kilo" was the perfect synthesis between "A lo Cubano" and "Emigrantes," then "Cosita Buena" is the next step. Unlike their previous work which was a strong traditional Cuban Son and US rap fusion, "Cosita Buena" incorporates a European and a modern Cuban rock feel to the music. Spanish piano rock can be heard in "Bruja," and modern Cuban pop rock (ala X Alfonso) can be felt throughout their opening song "Cosita Buena". The obvious Cuban folkloric music samples, found in the three previous albums have become more like the frame which this newer mix stands on --their style is still there only with a bit of evolution.

Also, I think it's important to note the profundity and complexity of their words in this album. More than just catchy riffs, the majority of this album has a greater depth of meaning than their previous albums. BABILON FIRE is the "war cry" in the first song and with that the album shows that the world is smaller than we think, and we are all closer than what money ("Mani"), race ("Que quede claro"), or culture ("Camina") can divide.

"Somos iguales, el mundo lo sabe y estamos sentados encima de la misma barca." --Roldan in the song "Cosita Buena."

Their previous albums, although contained a lot of quotes from Nyrican music of 1970/80th, were pretty authentic. This album presents a different sound many bands introduce.

Orishas is well-known for their music, me myself i am a big orishas fan, i bought this cd which is good but not quite as good as their other cds. For me the best song was Hip Hop Conga it had a cool mix of conga and hip hop and is a cool song to dance to. But the rest of the songs are good but its not memorable as their previous songs like A Lo Cubano, 537 Cuba, or Emigrantes. I like this cd but is not as good as their previous work. Orishas I hope your next cd will blow your public away.

I've heard people claiming that Orishas never recouped after Flaco Pro left. Quite frankly his leaving was inconsequential to the group's future. The two power houses of this group are Roldan (as a reviewer Anonimo mentioned) and Ruzzo (who has to be the most talented rapper in the world right now.) Roldan definitely has Orishas vision in focus and Ruzzo has the ability to carry it out with Yotuel (both Yotuel and Ruzzo originated the group back in Cuba when it was known as Amenaza).

What is the vision of Orishas? To create a genuine Cuban rap/hip-hop style.

Their first album "A lo Cubano" gave a very heavy US rap feel with Cuban rhythms in the back ground, and let's face it, the first album was heavily influenced by the Puerto Rican rapper Vico C. Their next album, "Emigrantes," moved drastically away from "A lo Cubano" focusing more on Cuban melodies and harmonies and the US Rap was put in the background (this is why many find "Emigrantes" to be the most shocking of all the albums.) "El Kilo" is the perfect synthesis and culmination of the two previous albums. Cuban rhythms, melodies, and harmonies, are fused with US rap and hip-hop rhythms and the "Flow"--as it is called--is flawless. The first song in "El Kilo"--Naci Orishas--is the clearest example of this synthesis with Ruzzo and Yotuel rapping seamlessly between each other as Roldan sings in a traditional Son format. Naci Orishas set's the stage for the rest of the songs in "El Kilo," an album that gives an authentically Cuban style of hip-hop.

My musical training is classical, and as I've grown over the years, it has expanded to include various types of music, from ancient to modern, obscure to mainstream.

One thing that I've found harder to grasp in enjoying hip-hop was getting over the absence of conventional melody and instrumentation. Orishas has been my answer- blending hip-hop to what I love about traditional Cuban sounds and their infectious beat. It's an irresistible combo that proves to be a dynamic gem to the ears. The lead singer has a voice that it expressive, seductive and smooth at once. They're able to combine the singing /rapping in a seamless transition where it transitions from one to the other and back seamlessly without it feeling jarring or forced.

My Spanish is minimal, and my knowledge of Cuban slang is nonexistent. Even without the ability to understand the language, it's highly enjoyable on its musical and rhythmic values alone, although I have enjoyed translating the lyrics to gain more appreciation of the music. Everything on this album is stands on its own- I especially love El Kilo and Naci Orishas.

I think I like these guys mostly because they can sing. I'm not a big fan of hip-hop, since a lot of it sounds the same. I generally like Carlos Vives and Ojos de Brujo, but these guys are pretty impressive.

On this their third release, Orishas seems to have found a nice common ground groove that is still street-smart but even more melodic and harmonious than their previous two releases. The title track "El Kilo" exemplifies this unity between hip-hop and sweet harmony vocals perfectly. The softer edge might not appeal to some who prefer the more angry-macho lyrics and vocal stylings of some Latin hip-hop artists but I think there is a nice balance to this disc that is more mass appealing. The toned downed rap offerings are not complete vanila ice cream by any means as is evident on tracks like " La Vacuna"(comes out as "Oblata" on the I-Pod reading of the track) and "Quien te Dijo" which features Pitbull. Most of the songs are more on the mellow side like the downtempo song "Reina de la Calle" or the sweet harmonies on "La Calle" that will have you jumping around getting into the rhythms. The Cuban beats give the music a good equalizing balance. The incorporation and integration of melodious vocals with modern dance grooves and Cuban beats results in the signature Orishas sound; part hip-hop and part Cuban rhythms that equals complete soulful harmony. This is one of those discs that sounds best turned up so your bass shakes and vibrates your booty through the sub-woofer. Orishas is on solid ground on this effort so if you liked their previous releases you probably will like this toned down disc. If you are new to them start here or on their first disc for a nice compare and contrast; both are good, Orishas has just matured like fine wine.

He sido fiel seguidora del trabajo de Orishas. Este es definitivamente mi album favorito ... distinto!

This is a basically a greatest hits album. The album is great and should make you want to purchase Orishas's individual albums. As any one knows greatest hits albums are only the opinions of the record company's. After listing to this offering I would think you would want to develop you own opinion.

Definitivamente esta selección de canciones me encantó. No tenía tanta canciones de esta agrupación y al escuchar esta selección de lo mejor de ellos me di cuenta de lo excelente que son.

Unfortunaly this more mature and rich album, follow up to their debut "A lo cubano", lose freshness and fun... we miss the strong and natural rap of Flaco Pro. Anyway, good effort, but not enough for the Grammy nomination.

orishas comes back with another amazing record!! this cd had me completely hooked!! as if "a lo cubano" wasn't amazing enough, the guys from orishas come back with a bang. even without flaco-pro, who had some serious skills. he left the group about 4 shows into a tour because his brother got in with some bad people in miami. he was killed, and flaco-pro turned to booze. but be on the look out for flaco, because word is he's still writing and collaborating and recording...
anyway, i can't wait til "el kilo," their third cd drops march 29th. i saw a video online of "naci orishas" (the first single) online and it's incredible!!

First of all, I am a huge rap and hip hop fan. I own albums from just about every rapper out there. Orishas first album "A lo Cubano" is one of my favorite rap albums of all time. "Emigrante" is a good encore for them but they clearly miss Flaco-Pro who in my opinion was by far their best flower and rhyme spitter. Apparently he had a falling out with the rest of them. He is the reason that their first album was so good. Without him, it seems that they got away from rap and went into more hip hop which is fine. Emigrante is good, but Orishas badly misses Flaco-Pro.

Orishas's 3rd work's release date is not official yet but will must likely come out around September 20th.... so be on the look out!

Their new work promises to be another classic just like "A Lo Cubano"....and they are also coming to USA on tour later this year....!

They Simply Rock!

Dear Hip Hop Lovers.... I present to you "Orishas", your first and last stop in latin hip hop, they are simply taking the world by storm, just when you thought hip hop's best work could only be heard in English...we were simply wrong... by combining traditional cuban music with hip hop they are able to create a never heard before fresh hip hop sound that speaks for itself!

This... their second album, has proven once more their abilities to simply be the very best at what they do...and that's the truth...

All songs are great, but specially "Que Pasa"; "Guajiro"; "Asi Fue"; "Niños"; "300 Kilos"; "Testimonio" & "La Vida Pasa"... The album contains Spanish & French lyrics, but don't worry because I'm sure their flow will make you nod your head without understanding a word of it, that's a promise... as a result both of their albums are part of my most frequent played-permanent collection!

Their 3rd album is being released sometime next month!...

For both cd's I thank Orishas, Thank you Orishas!

Keep up the good work!

A Lover!...

[Here is a track listing for this CD]:
Satires, Ballads & Bop
Catalog Newport: 85507
Performances
1 William Bolcom Satires for madrigal group, The Movie queue
2 William Bolcom Satires for madrigal group, The Maternity ward
3 William Bolcom Satires for madrigal group, The Late show
4 William Bolcom Satires for madrigal group, The Funeral-marriage
5 William Bolcom Satires for madrigal group, The Secret of the universe
6 William Bolcom Satires for madrigal group, The University
7 William Bolcom Satires for madrigal group, The Subway beggar
8 Peter Perrin: The Flight into Egypt, With text by W. H. Auden
11 Ronald Gold: Bop Prophets: Beat Visions of America at Midcentury for vocal ensemble, Rock and roll adolescent hoodlums
12 Ronald Gold: Bop Prophets: Beat Visions of America at Midcentury for vocal ensemble, Mexico fellaheen
13 Robert Dennis: Ballad of the harp Weaver for vocal ensemble, America
14 Robert Dennis: Ballad of the harp Weaver for vocal ensemble
16 Tania Leon De-Orishas: for 2 sopranos, countertenor, 2 tenors, & bass, Ache Iroko
17 Tania Leon De-Orishas: for 2 sopranos, countertenor, 2 tenors, & bass, The Amossary
18 Tania Leon De-Orishas: for 2 sopranos, countertenor, 2 tenors, & bass, Bambula

Represent: Cuban hearthbeat, real rithm and cuban music; 537 C.U.B.A: homesick and neverstopping sadness for the live and the people left behind. You will fall in love with this CD. It will make you dance and think. This guys have mixed the sound of salsa, cuban rumba, authentic "son", soul, reagee and hip hop really good. I hope will listen to more of them.

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.

I flew in to La Habana 3 weeks ago. I was picked up at the airport by my best friend Timo and two of my cuban friends, Cicci and Fernandito. My Yunta Timoteo interupted me to say, "Yo money...you GOT to listen to this!"
"A lo Cubano" was kickin in the cassette player of the Peugot we rented for our trip across Cuba. From Habana to Camaguey, I found that all Cubans were well aware of the group ORISHAS and was accepted by young and old. Every song on this CD is a smash hit, with a fusion of Afro-Cuban Rythms, Reagge Riffs, Salsa Sounds, clever Gangster Hip Hop Beats and even some soulfull Son. They pay homage to thier Gods', thier country and most of all thier way of life. They tell it like it is. What it's like to be Cubano. It's real life cuban culture. They REPRESENT CUBA and LA MUSICA! What I liked the most is that they recognize they're Mexican, French & English fans by including some of thier colloquial slang in ORISHAS masterful compilation. These guys have obviously been influenced by other cultures and their fusion has proved thier success. It's serious, funny, sad, mad, and upbeat all at the same time. Since I've been back in the YUMA (USA) I've turned it on to many of my friends. Everyone who hears it thumpin on my stereo always asks, "Who are those guys?" Even though it's mostly Cuban Spanish, It easily crosses over to mainstream American Hip Hop with a Heavy Yoruba flavor. I have not been able to stop listening to it. It's only a matter of time before they are recognized everywhere. I see a Grammy in thier future. Defenitly for New Latin Artist. I hope to catch them in concert somewhere. Get the CD! You wont be sorry.
Que Bolaa...Asere?

On my way out of L'Habana a few days ago, I caught a cab at 4:30 am from the Parque Centrale to Jose Marti Int'l Airport when suddenly the cabbie's cassette player began to thump this heady rap. I was completely enthralled. On learning that I'm Nigerian, the driver sped me forward to Cantos para Elewa and Cantos, certainly, is the finest cut on this really fine album by one of Cuba's leading young acts. I don't speak Spanish, so, maybe 537 Cuba will do something for those who understand it. It just reminds me of the Buena Vista Social Crap. I think that Orishas are in their finest form when they side-track speakeasy guitar [which any trio in any of L'Habana's million restaurants can furnish you any given evening of the year], tack down to bare percussion and speed-drag their delivery. Searing.

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.