El Kilo

It’s fair to say that Orishas are on the cutting-edge of Latin hip-hop, but that doesn’t tell the whole story. They do more than just lay down beats and rhymes; they craft solid songs with catchy, anthemic sung choruses as on “El Kilo” and “Que Se Bote,” as well as slower grooves like “Reina de la Calle.” Infectious, danceable, and diverse, El Kilo ranges from Latin-flavored pop to rumba to rap. Across the album they cut their beats with acoustic guitars, afro-Cuban jazz rhythms, sharp horns, and as much organic percussion as electric, while the MCs trade lines crisply and smoothly. Comprised of Cubans who have lived in France and toured the world, the trio has soaked up influences from around the globe and used them to broaden and deepen their sound. Though they are well known enough to have received a Latin Grammy for their last album, Emigrantes, this strong effort should gain them an even wider audience.