Rebel Rappers in Cuba

From CNN:

HAVANA, Cuba (CNN) -- Working on an old computer with a burned-out monitor, Cuban rapper Aldo Rodriguez painstakingly lays the tracks for his next song.

Sitting shirtless on the edge of his bed, tattoos up and down both arms, the 23-year-old says he's not afraid to speak his mind in the communist country run by Fidel Castro for decades. His lyrics are punchy and edgy, tackling issues that the state would prefer not to be aired.

"I've pointed out the things that seem wrong to me, and the people like it," he says. "They like to hear it because they identify with what they hear in the songs.

"It's not anything bad. It's just the truth, and the people aren't used to hearing it." (Watch a Cuban rapper speak his mind )

Comments

[El Mizzoubanazo]

The guy cites all these injustices and inequalities, then adds the disclaimer "I'm not against our government."

Bullshit. In a country where the constitution declares the Communist Party of Cuba is thee "superior directive force of the society and the state," you HAVE to see how stupid that is. You also HAVE to see how dumb it is to say he's "not afraid to speak his mind."

This guy knows that if he doesn't kiss up for good measure, what little equipment he has available to him is taken away.

"Not afraid" my ass.

Calling this guy fearless is an insult to Cuba's independent journalists, who tell it like it is and are willing to do time and put their health/lives on the line for what they write rather than pussyfoot around and complain on enough to keep your computer, your stage, and your audience without getting jail time.

[victor]

Rappers have been doing this for awhile and the govt doesnt persecute them...They also rap about religion and the things a that are wrong with it....Hey,I say alot against things here and I still end it with I love this country....Besides,you take the "C" out of crap....no more on this, please...Next question Mr Corral...

[a thought...]

Rap is horrible in any language and in Spanish it sounds especially trashy. Please, I already have to drive around this town and hear that reggaeton garbage. Do I have to read about it as well?

Besides, I also agree with El Mizzou about how "brave" this so-called artist is. What is he pointing out that's "wrong" if he agrees with the government in Cuba? But I bet you if he gets to Miami, he'll be swaggering around talking about how he was some big rebel in Cuba. Everyone is real brave about Cuba once they get to the U.S.

[victor]

Mr Corral,Next question please.