Bocafloja
Encyclopedia
Aldo Villegas better known as Bocafloja, is a MC, poet, spoken word artist, and outspoken social communicator from Mexico City
, Mexico. Bocafloja began his musical career in the mid-90's with the groups Lifestyle (1996–1998) and Microphonk (1999). As a solo artist since 2000, he released his demo EP album Lengua Insurrecta in 2002. Bocafloja burst on the Mexican hip hop scene with the release of the his debut album, Pienso Luego Existo, in 2003. Followed by the successes of Jazzyturno in 2004, A Titulo Personal in 2005, El Manual de la Otredad in 2007, and Existo: Matriz Preludio al Pienso in 2009, Bocafloja has transgressed into one of the most revered icons in the hip hop scene in Mexico. Lyrically Bocafloja critically addresses topics such as institutionalized racism, social and political oppression, mental slavery, colonialism, and other human conditions. Bocafloja is recognized in Mexico as the pioneer of the utilization of hip hop culture as an alternative tool to create awareness, developing a different form for political participation that reaches and is more relevant to marginalized youth. Bocafloja currently lives and works between New York, California and Mexico City.
2003 marked the release of Pienso Luego Existo whose subject matter struck cords among his peers and established Bocafloja with respect and following within the burgeoning hip hop community in Mexico City and beyond. With many of the tracks the artist recounts his experiences of life in the second largest metropolis in the world and critiques the political and religious systems within the country,. The album spawned several hit singles which became instant classics, "Chillatown", "Los Diez Mandamientos", "Avasallando" and "Pasado, Presente, y Futuro". Bocafloja utilized the production of ED One and collaborated with fellow MC's JR (now known as Akil Ammar), SPIA, Epik and NedMan.
In 2004 Bocafloja released Jazzyturno, a departure from his previous album with jazz infused beats. Noteworthy singles include "El Día de mi Suerte" which samples Héctor Lavoe
's song of the same title, "Mi Gente", "Mujer Ser" and "Sector Lucido". The album features collaborations with Akil Ammar, Miguel Contreras
, Skool 77, and Ximbo. Tracks are produced by Skool 77, Ed-One, Matheus Pinguim, Mother Tongue Productions, Nemezyz Beats, Nugit Productions, and Ximbo.
In 2005 Bocafloja released A Titulo Personal. The album, produced in grand part by Soulman, contains tracks with a soulful feel. The album contains the hit single "Tiempo", which has proven to be Bocafloja's most famous single. The video "Tiempo" gained popularity with frequent media rotation on various cable and network channels in Mexico. A Titulo Personal features collaborations with Menuda Coincidencia, Nico Royale (Italy), and Denisse of the group Anastasias (Brazil). The album's success gave way for Bocafloja's to win the DJ & Clubbing Awards’ Hip Hop Artist of the Year Award 2006 in Mexico.
El Manual de la Otredad, the artist's fourth full-length album, was released in 2007. In this album Bocafloja experiments with a new sound, utilizing stylized mainstream hip hop beats. It was the artist's intent to juxtapose fiercely politically charged lyrics with beats that the hip hop community would deem "commercial." The album's singles included "Autónomo" and "Soulrebel" and contains collaborations with Malena Actitud Maria Marta (Argentina), Moyenei (Chile), Tek-One (Puerto Rico), and SieteNueve (Puerto Rico). For the album El Manual de la Otredad Bocafloja was awarded Hip Hop Album of the Year 2008 by the Indie-O Awards in Mexico. The album has also been the subject of several academic studies and research projects in the United States and Latin America for its poetic contribution and connection with political processes.
Existo: Matriz Preludio al Pienso, released in 2009, was the first album Bocafloja wrote and released after moving to the United States in 2008. Existo's sound is reminiscent of early 90's classic hip hop albums with its jazz influenced beats—a trademark of Bocafloja. The album's content does not cease to push the envelope with Bocafloja's politically infused lyric, but Existo stands out among previous albums with its sophisticated poetic discourse. The majority of the tracks are produced by Nuff Ced (Puerto Rico), Yallzee (Puerto Rico), and Jim B (Spain). Bocafloja collaborates with classic global hip hop artists, such as Afu-Ra
, Velco (Puerto Rico), Hache ST (Dominican Republic) and Cambio from the group Para la Gente, with whom Bocafloja has formed an artistic alliance. "Quilombo" and "Las Estaciones" which was produced by Hexsagon, are the album's top singles
Bocafloja has shared the stage with such artists as Dead Prez
, Afu-Ra
, Ozomatli
, MV Bill
(Brazil), J-Live
, Freestyle Fellowship
, Immortal Technique
, K'naan
, Rascalz
, Intifada (Puerto Rico), Actitud Maria Marta (Argentina), and SieteNueve (Puerto Rico), among others.
s, during the colonial period on the American continent by fugitive black slaves (also known as maroons
and cimarrones), indigenous peoples and others who rejected colonialism's domination, who preferred to live as free people in communal form. Quilombos (also known as mocambos
and palenques), were founded as independent and self-sustaining collectives which rejected the state of slavery and its oppressive nature. As such, QuilomboArte's roots are based in political principles and conceptions that direct its actions. The organization works autonomously, with its own resources and abilities within the Mexican hip hop community. Bridging links with existing progressive and revolutionary conceptions worldwide, QuilomboArte works with the transformational force of the global hip hop culture applied to education and social development.
and first world imperialism
. He has been influenced by Black and Brown political struggles throughout history. While admitting the shortcomings of politics in practice, Bocafloja is an open supporter of socialism
.
Mexico City
Mexico City is the Federal District , capital of Mexico and seat of the federal powers of the Mexican Union. It is a federal entity within Mexico which is not part of any one of the 31 Mexican states but belongs to the federation as a whole...
, Mexico. Bocafloja began his musical career in the mid-90's with the groups Lifestyle (1996–1998) and Microphonk (1999). As a solo artist since 2000, he released his demo EP album Lengua Insurrecta in 2002. Bocafloja burst on the Mexican hip hop scene with the release of the his debut album, Pienso Luego Existo, in 2003. Followed by the successes of Jazzyturno in 2004, A Titulo Personal in 2005, El Manual de la Otredad in 2007, and Existo: Matriz Preludio al Pienso in 2009, Bocafloja has transgressed into one of the most revered icons in the hip hop scene in Mexico. Lyrically Bocafloja critically addresses topics such as institutionalized racism, social and political oppression, mental slavery, colonialism, and other human conditions. Bocafloja is recognized in Mexico as the pioneer of the utilization of hip hop culture as an alternative tool to create awareness, developing a different form for political participation that reaches and is more relevant to marginalized youth. Bocafloja currently lives and works between New York, California and Mexico City.
Early days (1995-1999)
Bocafloja was first exposed to hip hop thanks to immigration patterns between the United States and Mexico.Professional career (2000-present)
In 2002 Bocalfoja released his demo EP album Lengua Insurrecta. The album, which established Bocafloja as a solo artist, represented a radical departure from his previous musical projects in his initial career with its politically infused lyric. The LP contains 6 songs and was distributed by hand and gained underground popularity by word of mouth.2003 marked the release of Pienso Luego Existo whose subject matter struck cords among his peers and established Bocafloja with respect and following within the burgeoning hip hop community in Mexico City and beyond. With many of the tracks the artist recounts his experiences of life in the second largest metropolis in the world and critiques the political and religious systems within the country,. The album spawned several hit singles which became instant classics, "Chillatown", "Los Diez Mandamientos", "Avasallando" and "Pasado, Presente, y Futuro". Bocafloja utilized the production of ED One and collaborated with fellow MC's JR (now known as Akil Ammar), SPIA, Epik and NedMan.
In 2004 Bocafloja released Jazzyturno, a departure from his previous album with jazz infused beats. Noteworthy singles include "El Día de mi Suerte" which samples Héctor Lavoe
Héctor Lavoe
Héctor Juan Pérez Martínez , better known as Héctor Lavoe, was a Puerto Rican salsa singer. Lavoe was born and raised in the Machuelito sector of Ponce, Puerto Rico. Early in his life, he attended a local music school and developed an interest inspired by Jesús Sánchez Erazo. He moved to New York...
's song of the same title, "Mi Gente", "Mujer Ser" and "Sector Lucido". The album features collaborations with Akil Ammar, Miguel Contreras
Miguel Contreras
fernando Contreras was an American labor union leader. He "was known as a king-maker for both local and state politicians."...
, Skool 77, and Ximbo. Tracks are produced by Skool 77, Ed-One, Matheus Pinguim, Mother Tongue Productions, Nemezyz Beats, Nugit Productions, and Ximbo.
In 2005 Bocafloja released A Titulo Personal. The album, produced in grand part by Soulman, contains tracks with a soulful feel. The album contains the hit single "Tiempo", which has proven to be Bocafloja's most famous single. The video "Tiempo" gained popularity with frequent media rotation on various cable and network channels in Mexico. A Titulo Personal features collaborations with Menuda Coincidencia, Nico Royale (Italy), and Denisse of the group Anastasias (Brazil). The album's success gave way for Bocafloja's to win the DJ & Clubbing Awards’ Hip Hop Artist of the Year Award 2006 in Mexico.
El Manual de la Otredad, the artist's fourth full-length album, was released in 2007. In this album Bocafloja experiments with a new sound, utilizing stylized mainstream hip hop beats. It was the artist's intent to juxtapose fiercely politically charged lyrics with beats that the hip hop community would deem "commercial." The album's singles included "Autónomo" and "Soulrebel" and contains collaborations with Malena Actitud Maria Marta (Argentina), Moyenei (Chile), Tek-One (Puerto Rico), and SieteNueve (Puerto Rico). For the album El Manual de la Otredad Bocafloja was awarded Hip Hop Album of the Year 2008 by the Indie-O Awards in Mexico. The album has also been the subject of several academic studies and research projects in the United States and Latin America for its poetic contribution and connection with political processes.
Existo: Matriz Preludio al Pienso, released in 2009, was the first album Bocafloja wrote and released after moving to the United States in 2008. Existo's sound is reminiscent of early 90's classic hip hop albums with its jazz influenced beats—a trademark of Bocafloja. The album's content does not cease to push the envelope with Bocafloja's politically infused lyric, but Existo stands out among previous albums with its sophisticated poetic discourse. The majority of the tracks are produced by Nuff Ced (Puerto Rico), Yallzee (Puerto Rico), and Jim B (Spain). Bocafloja collaborates with classic global hip hop artists, such as Afu-Ra
Afu-Ra
Aaron Phillip better known by his stage names, Afu-Ra & Afu is a New York-based American underground rapper. Afu, born Aaron Phillip, is a devout student of the Martial arts, as well as Chess...
, Velco (Puerto Rico), Hache ST (Dominican Republic) and Cambio from the group Para la Gente, with whom Bocafloja has formed an artistic alliance. "Quilombo" and "Las Estaciones" which was produced by Hexsagon, are the album's top singles
Bocafloja has shared the stage with such artists as Dead Prez
Dead Prez
Dead Prez stylized as dead prez is a hip hop duo from the United States, composed of stic.man and M-1, formed in 1996 in New York City, New York. They are known for their confrontational style, combined with socialist lyrics focused on both militant social justice and Pan-Africanism...
, Afu-Ra
Afu-Ra
Aaron Phillip better known by his stage names, Afu-Ra & Afu is a New York-based American underground rapper. Afu, born Aaron Phillip, is a devout student of the Martial arts, as well as Chess...
, Ozomatli
Ozomatli
Ozomatli is a seven to ten piece band playing primarily Latin, hip hop, and rock music, formed in 1995 in Los Angeles. They are known both for their vocal activist viewpoints and their wide array of musical styles - including salsa, jazz, funk, reggae, rap, and others.In a 2007 NPR interview, band...
, MV Bill
MV Bill
MV Bill, real name Alex Pereira Barbosa, is a Brazilian rap singer and co-author of the best-selling book Falcão - Meninos do Tráfico. The initials "MV" stand for "Mensageiro da Verdade", Portuguese for "Messenger of Truth"....
(Brazil), J-Live
J-Live
J-Live is an MC, DJ, and producer from New York.-Early career and The Best Part:...
, Freestyle Fellowship
Freestyle Fellowship
Freestyle Fellowship are a rap group from Los Angeles consisting of rappers Aceyalone, Myka 9, P.E.A.C.E., Self Jupiter and producer J Sumbi...
, Immortal Technique
Immortal Technique
Felipe Andres Coronel , better known by the stage name Immortal Technique, is an American rapper of Afro-Peruvian descent as well as an urban activist. He was born in Lima, Peru and raised in Harlem, New York. Most of his lyrics focus on controversial issues in global politics...
, K'naan
K'naan
K'naan , born Keinan Abdi Warsame in 1978, is a Somali Canadian poet, rapper, singer, songwriter and instrumentalist.-Biography:Born in Somalia, K'naan spent his childhood in Mogadishu and lived there during the Somali Civil War, which began in 1991. His aunt, Magool, was one of Somalia's most...
, Rascalz
Rascalz
The Rascalz are a Canadian hip-hop group from Vancouver, British Columbia, who played a crucial role in the artistic and commercial development of Canadian hip hop. The group consists of MCs Red1 and Misfit, and DJ Kemo. Breakdancers, Zebroc and Dedos were also part of the group.Formed in 1991, the...
, Intifada (Puerto Rico), Actitud Maria Marta (Argentina), and SieteNueve (Puerto Rico), among others.
The QuilomboArte project
In 2005, Bocafloja founded Quilombo: Arte en Resistencia. QuilomboArte is an organization that seeks to produce cultural events in which hip hop functions as an educational tool and an essential collaborative adhesive to social and political Leftist movements in the processes of transformation throughout Mexico and Latin America. QuilomboArte operates in Mexico City, New York and California, producing three annual events in Mexico: Progreso Rhythms, Palabreando, and Quilombo Anniversary at which hip hop concerts, conferences, spoken word sessions and open community dialogs are presented to the public. The organization derives its name from the communities in resistance, QuilomboQuilombo
A quilombo is a Brazilian hinterland settlement founded by people of African origin, Quilombolas, or Maroons. Most of the inhabitants of quilombos were escaped slaves and, in some cases, a minority of marginalised Portuguese, Brazilian aboriginals, Jews and Arabs, and/or other non-black,...
s, during the colonial period on the American continent by fugitive black slaves (also known as maroons
Maroon (people)
Maroons were runaway slaves in the West Indies, Central America, South America, and North America, who formed independent settlements together...
and cimarrones), indigenous peoples and others who rejected colonialism's domination, who preferred to live as free people in communal form. Quilombos (also known as mocambos
Mocambos
The mocambos were village-sized communities mainly of runaway slaves in colonial Brazil, during the Portuguese rule....
and palenques), were founded as independent and self-sustaining collectives which rejected the state of slavery and its oppressive nature. As such, QuilomboArte's roots are based in political principles and conceptions that direct its actions. The organization works autonomously, with its own resources and abilities within the Mexican hip hop community. Bridging links with existing progressive and revolutionary conceptions worldwide, QuilomboArte works with the transformational force of the global hip hop culture applied to education and social development.
Literary projects
In 2008 Bocafloja, with the collaboration of Fabian Villegas, published ImaRginación: La poetica del hip hip como desmesura de lo político. ImaRginación, a collection of poems and essays, explores the possibility of giving new meaning to the political realm disarming the dominant and standardized discourse of subjugated knowledge. The text takes readers on a journey to the spaces where resistance, rage, dignity, pleasure, desire, struggle and creation unite giving way to a profound process of emancipation. ImaRginación represents the first literary work produced by the hip hop generation in Mexico and is one of the first in Latin America and the Spanish speaking diaspora,.Personal life
Bocafloja does not comment on the details of his personal life. He has maintained his private life out of the public eye.Social and political views
Bocafloja understands the inherent political nature of hip hop, as a musical genre born out of marginalized communities worldwide. For that reason he utilizes his musical and literary careers as a manifestation of resistance and political participation. Bocafloja's lyrics harshly critique the oppressive nature of capitalismCapitalism
Capitalism is an economic system that became dominant in the Western world following the demise of feudalism. There is no consensus on the precise definition nor on how the term should be used as a historical category...
and first world imperialism
Imperialism
Imperialism, as defined by Dictionary of Human Geography, is "the creation and/or maintenance of an unequal economic, cultural, and territorial relationships, usually between states and often in the form of an empire, based on domination and subordination." The imperialism of the last 500 years,...
. He has been influenced by Black and Brown political struggles throughout history. While admitting the shortcomings of politics in practice, Bocafloja is an open supporter of socialism
Socialism
Socialism is an economic system characterized by social ownership of the means of production and cooperative management of the economy; or a political philosophy advocating such a system. "Social ownership" may refer to any one of, or a combination of, the following: cooperative enterprises,...
.
Solo albums
- "Lengua Insurrecta" (2002)
- "Pienso Luego Existo" (2003)
- "Jazzyturno" (2004)
- "A Titulo Personal" (2005)
- "El Manual de la Otredad" (2007)
- "Existo: Matriz Preludio al Pienso" (2009)
Compilation albums
- "Universo Mixtape vol. 1" (2006)
- "Quilombo Radio: Progreso Rhythms: Vol. 1" (2008)
- "Qulilombo Radio: Volumen 2" (2010)
Awards
- 2006: DJ & Clubbing Awards, Hip Hop Artist of the Year (Winner)
- 2008: Indie-O Awards, Hip Hop/Rap Album of the Year (Winner)
- 2010: Indie-O Awards, Hip Hop/Rap Album of the Year (Winner)
Videography
- 2006: Tiempo
- 2008: Soul Rebel
- 2008: Imarginación
- 2008: Autónomo
- 2009: Las Estaciones
- 2009: Quilombo Mocambo
- 2009: Iconoclasta: Microdocumental
- 2009: Testigo feat Hache ST