Anónimo Consejo
Encyclopedia
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
Kanye West
Kanye Omari West is an American rapper, singer, and record producer. West first rose to fame as a producer for Roc-A-Fella Records, where he eventually achieved recognition for his work on Jay-Z's album The Blueprint, as well as hit singles for musical artists including Alicia Keys, Ludacris, and...
or Lil’ Wayne show. 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 making a fraction of their American counterparts. 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
Havana
Havana is the capital city, province, major port, and leading commercial centre of Cuba. The city proper has a population of 2.1 million inhabitants, and it spans a total of — making it the largest city in the Caribbean region, and the most populous...
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.
Their musical style reflects the love of the island. Similar to popular American groups, Anónimo Consejo combines politically powerful lyrics
Lyrics
Lyrics are a set of words that make up a song. The writer of lyrics is a lyricist or lyrist. The meaning of lyrics can either be explicit or implicit. Some lyrics are abstract, almost unintelligible, and, in such cases, their explication emphasizes form, articulation, meter, and symmetry of...
, 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
Cuba
The Republic of Cuba is an island nation in the Caribbean. The nation of Cuba consists of the main island of Cuba, the Isla de la Juventud, and several archipelagos. Havana is the largest city in Cuba and the country's capital. Santiago de Cuba is the second largest city...
, their sound is more “old school” in comparison to their wealthy American counterparts, such as Jay-Z
Jay-Z
Shawn Corey Carter , better known by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists and entrepreneurs in America, having a net worth of over $450 million as of 2010...
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
Hip hop
Hip hop is a form of musical expression and artistic culture that originated in African-American and Latino communities during the 1970s in New York City, specifically the Bronx. DJ Afrika Bambaataa outlined the four pillars of hip hop culture: MCing, DJing, breaking and graffiti writing...
. “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
Salsa music
Salsa music is a genre of music, generally defined as a modern style of playing Cuban Son, Son Montuno, and Guaracha with touches from other genres of music...
.
Regardless of the groups’ criticism of the Cuban government, Anónimo Consejo wishes to gain success in Cuba
Cuba
The Republic of Cuba is an island nation in the Caribbean. The nation of Cuba consists of the main island of Cuba, the Isla de la Juventud, and several archipelagos. Havana is the largest city in Cuba and the country's capital. Santiago de Cuba is the second largest city...
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. Despite the recent influx of the reggaeton style in Cuba
Cuba
The Republic of Cuba is an island nation in the Caribbean. The nation of Cuba consists of the main island of Cuba, the Isla de la Juventud, and several archipelagos. Havana is the largest city in Cuba and the country's capital. Santiago de Cuba is the second largest city...
, the group remains strongly hip-hop in style, though recently collaborating with Puerto Rican reggaeton artist Tego Calderón
Tego Calderón
Tegui Calderón Rosario is a Puerto Rican rapper and actor.-Early life:Calderón was born in Santurce, Puerto Rico, the son of Pilar Rosario Parrilla, a schoolteacher, and Esteban Calderón Ilarraza, a government worker for Puerto Rico's Department of Health. Moving at a young age from his native...
on the song “Son Dos Alas”, appearing on the album The Underdog/El Subestimado
The Underdog/El Subestimado
The Underdog/El Subestimado is a Rap/Hip-Hop album released by Tego Calderón on August 29, 2006. The first single of the album was titled "Los Maté" , which has garnered much air-play on the radio. During a press conference in und, Tego decided not to use as much reggaetón and focus more on hip-hop...
, which emphasizes the connection between the two countries and the racial issues present in both nations.