Amid the superficial vanity dominating the present state of hip-hop comes a trio of underdogs ready to mix things up, Latin style. MC Slow, MC Goyo, and MC Tostao of Cho Quib Town come busting through the scene with their U.S. debut album, Oro, a hard hitting blend of socially conscious lyrics in both English and Spanish, as well as hip-hop, funk, and electronic beats that evoke the sounds of their native Colombia.
As the name implies, Choc Quib Town’s Oro is a treasure for music lovers seeking something new. The first track off the album, “De Donde Vengo Yo,” catches you with its infectious hip-hop beats, all while making a statement about the rough and humble origins of the group. “La Calle O La Casa” is an alluring single about believing in yourself, which also showcases the slick and sensual voice of the lovely Ms. MC Goyo set against a hypnotic and steady base line. “Mi Musica” is a head thumping anthem for all Choc Quib Town fans, whereas “Busco Personas,” with its mellow Afro beats and flowing rhythms, recounts the plight of those who live in poverty. “Pescao Envenenao” is a clever denouncement of the corrupt political system in Colombia, perfectly disguised within a bouncy, Latin jazz vibe. An instant favorite is “Oro,” a tale of how Africans were enslaved in the name of gold.
While Oro deals with a lot of heavy topics, such as slavery, poverty, and political unrest, it’s always presented in a manner that’s attention grabbing, both rhythmically and consciously. Choc Quib Town is definitely making a name for themselves and Oro is the album to put them on the map.
