Amazon.com

You generally don't have to listen too hard to hear what's on the mind of Los Angeles music collective Ozomatli. The multi-faceted band is rarely subtle in its politics or its incorporation of countless Latin traditions as well as modern rock, jazz, pop and hip-hop. But on the band's third album, Street Signs, the addition of the Prague Symphony and the distinct influence of Arab and North African music certainly qualify as ambitious curve balls. Announcing its intentions from the get-go, album-opener "Believe" starts with a Rai-style vocal melody before finishing with a gritty rap as Bollywood-style strings provide a sweeping backdrop throughout. Never lingering in one place for long, the band quickly goes from there into some of the catchiest Latin Rock this side of Santana's "Smooth" on such gems as "Love And Hope" and "(Who Discovered) America?" before tearing off in other directions. These fearless hip-hop bambinos truly go their own way, saying what they want, playing what they want. --Tad Hendrickson ... Read more

Reviews (30)

Stunning mixture of sounds the OZO way....
I'm only a recent Ozo fan, and have to say that I have missed out on numerous chances to see this band over the years. I am fortunate enough to have seen them once, and was blown away by their raw energy, and mixture of latin, funk, hip hop, rock among many different styles of music. I was immediately hooked.

With their third full release, it's easy to hear Ozomatli's influences taken to a new level. The middle eastern underlay on tracks like "Believe" and "Who's To Blame?" featuring Chali 2na is apparent. The spanish guitar on "Santiago" soothes the soul. The Latin Jazz sound of "Nadie De Tira" featuring Eddie Palmieri on piano is pure bliss, not to mention the beautiful intro - "Doña Isabelle". The funk rock "Saturday Night" will get any party started and the Orishas like title track is a standout.

Overall "Street Signs" is a manifestation of what Ozomatli are all about - making funky, shake your ass music. Ozo have already proven to be one of the best bands in the world, live or in the studio, and this album is just another verification of this fact.

awesome
i love it! this cd just like the others is amazing a must for ozo fans!it is different but familiar.

Eclectic, Amazing
Yes, it is far better to see this band live, but this album does not dissappoint. I've been an Ozo fan for a long time and I really like the direction they took with this album. It is an eclectic mix of genres. I think the mix of the band members contributes to the mixing of musical genres in an innovative way. The sounds produced here from hip hop to ballads, middle eastern to brazilian are fresh and new. They are definitely ahead of their time, and I can't wait for the rest of the world to catch up to Ozomatli!

Ozomatli always impresses!
The one thing about Ozomatli is that you must see them perform live. However, if that's not possible, then buying the cd is the next best thing and "Street Signs" is what you need. With so many musical styles on this one cd, it's impossible to be bored. There's hip-hop with "Saturday Night," a Cuban drive in "Nadie Te Tira," and a flameco-flair with "Te Estoy Buscando," just to name a few. If you're familiar with Ozo, then you know what great music they're capable of; if you've never heard of them before, then you need to get to know this band and their music. Even if you don't understand Spanish, their music has something for everyone and their energy is contagious. Bottomline is "Street Signs" will lead down many roads, each one more enjoyable than the one before.

Ozo Packs Plenty of Surprises
After owning three Ozomatli cds (which includes this new release as well) they seem to almost reinvent themselves each time. This is an excellent thing. While some ingredients may seem familiar in each album, there is tons of new sounding material and all sorts of artistic experimentation utilized each time in good doses! I cannot pin it down exactly about what it is, but this third release has a much more coherent and smoother track flow. In each album the listener never knows what type of cultural or global influences the group will incorporate on that particualr project.These artists incorporate a healthy plethora of cultural melting pot influences to the nth degree.Ozo seems to know the secret to what is essential for them to succeed and produce such captivating music and "food for thought" lyrics.Ozo knows how to mix in plenty of vacationing/travelling escapism as well in some of their tunes; Just listen to a track like Santiago and tell me that no person in their right mind would not be influenced to wanna go or would like to go to places such as Cancun, Rosarito Beach, Baja, San Diego or even a Latin nightclub in L.A. While they may sing about life,global,social,political or any kind of issues, it's the music and talent aplenty (diversity) that makes the grade (possibly exceeds it) ! It's all universal baby !... ... Read more

Amazon.com

While North American rap drowns in its own clichés, international artists are invigorating the genre with their own musical traditions. The Orishas, a Cuban group based in France, use Afro-Cuban religion to summon the spirit of hip-hop. Named for gods of Santeria, they came together in 1998 when members Yotuel and Ruzzo hooked up with Roldan and Flaco-Pro (a veteran of Sergeant Garcia) through a cultural exchange program between French and Cuban rappers. Collaborating with French hip-hop producer Miko Niko, they bring the attitude of Havana streets to the rest of the world, appealing to the Buena Vista Social Club crowd as well as the hip-hop heads. On their debut, A lo Cubano, the song "537 C.U.B.A." (their remake of Compay Segundo's "Chan Chan") gives new meaning to the term "old school." And the sound of sacred Santeria beats and traditional son weaving through sharp-edged lyrical attacks with groove-heavy bass and drum tracks on tunes like "Represent," "Atención," and "Atrevido" make for a cool joyride through the back streets of Havana. --Jesse "Chuy" Varela ... Read more

Reviews (33)

Orishas's take Latin HIP-HOP scene by storm.
In Afro-Cuban beliefs the ORISHAS are the emissaries of Olodumare or God almighty. The 9 Orishas rule over the forces of nature and the endeavors of humanity. In this case these ORISHAS are only 4 and their powers have been felt in Europe especially France, Italy, Spain and Holland. This CD is indisputably the best combination of rap/sonero sound/and salsa blend ever put together. The Orishas are Cuba's answer to now extremly well known Fugees originally from Haiti. Fortunate for the Orishas they do NOT resided within their native land of Cuba. It is due to their freedom that they are able to express themselves in the way in which they do. The tentalising rapping flows and back beats along with their salsa scats and choruses will make any latino dance their but off. This their second production will forever leave a unbelievable mark on the history of Cuban music and what it has evolved into in the new Millenium. On a more personal note, I have been a DJ for over 12 years and have worked in local radio station here in Miami. I listen to 90% anglo music, this CD blew me away. Thank you ORISHAS!

Mike

amazing dance music
I LOVE this CD. Dancing to housework has become a regular sight in my house since A Lo Cubano came to town. If you're not a fan of hip hop but you like salsa and can appreciate hard hitting beats, check this spanish language CD out. EVEN IF YOU'RE NOT INTO SALSA but you like hip hop and love dancing, check it out. Even if you don't know Spanish, it'll make you want to learn! The band is fantastic. Did you ever think you'd hear rapping to "the Buena Vista Social Club"? You will now. It's awesome. How much do I love this band? I had downloaded all the songs on the net and STILL bought the CD. It would make a great gift for a hip hop fan wanting to branch out.

AMAZING
THIS IS TRUE HIP HOP. THIS ALBUM IS INCREDIBLE. VERY INNOVATIVE. I WAS BLOWN AWAY BY WHAT THESE GUYS CAN DO.

Orishas celebrate Cuba with beautiful mix of sounds, beats
This is a masterpiece. The Orishas have mastered the technique of the hiphop idiom while melding the best of Cuban musical traditions to make a unique and unforgettable CD. Rejecting the racist and violent character of much of US hiphop, these guys celebrate their communities, their families, their beliefs, and most importantly, their love for their homeland. Nurtured and celebrated in Cuba, they still had to go to France to cut this CD and access a world audience. Yet another reason to demand an end to the embargo...

orishas - lo maximo
this is the real thing from the young cuban music scene - a must for anyone who likes music that represents the complexity of history - cultural, political, and social - while still being quality entertainment. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Multiculti Los Angeles-based 10-piece Ozomatli is more than the sum of their parts: hip-hop, salsa, and funk crash head-on in this surprisingly natural collaboration. Their self-titled debut makes Ozomatli sound like one of the world's great live shows--a party band with a brain--and they pull it off deftly. Rapper Chali 2na ("Charlie Tuna," get it?) has an authoritative voice and a way with words, mixing references from Edie Brickell to Ed McMahon; just he and the Cut Chemist (both of Jurassic 5), who lends his turntable skills to the proceedings, would make for an entertaining album. But it's the way that the two--when they're even featured--build on and blend into the grooves of the wah-pedal-and-brass-section-powered ensemble that sets Ozomatli apart. Danceable and engaging, they've made a promising debut. --Randy Silver ... Read more

Reviews (80)

From the 14 year old who played with OZO...
Ozomatli was very impressive when I saw them open for Carlos Santana in Cleveland in June 1999. They called me up on stage and I played a guitar solo in front of 16,000 people. Mainly I was gonna go on Amazon.com later that night to go buy their CD, but they gave it to me, along with a T-shirt. The tracks on this CD combine latin music and hip-hop. "Cut Chemist Suite," "Oh Le Le," "Super Bowl Sundae," and "Cumbia" are prime examples of this superb mixture of urban hip-hop and pure, smooth latin music. OZO rules! Wazzup to Chali 2na, Raul, Wil-Dog, "El nino," Cesar, and the rest of the guys from OZO! Thanks for letting me play with you! This CD deserves to be at the top of the Billboard charts, these guys appeal to everyone! Rock, Rap, Soul, Reggae, Latin, Blues Jazz, R&B, New Age, and even Pop! Ozomatli is a great band and is here to stay!

Ozomatli is in the house - don't you know that by now?
I love this CD - there's a lot more to it than any record I've heard for some time. A ton of different styles are here - from the good-time sunny day party music that's so fun (Como Ves) to some for-real knowledge about our world (Coming War) to fantasic tomfoolery with the mixer (Cut Chemist Suite). Plus, I'm hearing some beautiful guitar work - not unlike the repetitive style from west African high-life - and of course Latino styles a-plenty along with just amazing lyricism and beats. Everything goes well with everything - you will believe it when you hear it.

Simply Astounding
This is one of the best Latino cd's I am proud to play in my rotation 6 years after the album was released. I first heard Ozomatli when they opened for Santana in Montreal and I was like woah! I was on my feet dancing throughout their opener. They were so pumped and hyped that no matter what mood you are in they just get you in this partying and dancing mood that you cannot resist. If you are the kind of person who loves those smooth Latino beats blended with a bit of everything for an ultimate summer driving cd be sure to pick this up!!!

Such a refreshing change
As a fan of J-5, the release of this album made sense, in that Jurassic 5 make a point of putting their music first and image last. Ten piece band 'Ozomatli' seem to work perfectly in tandem with Chali 2na an Cut Chemist, blending all of their styles so well that it sounds as if this is how hiphop should be- a fusion of a wide variety of styles. When this album came out, i would listen to it over and over again, and because of the albums' diversity, it never felt tiresome. It is very difficult to put into words how successful this collaboration is, buy it and you will understand. For those who dont want to buy it, download track such as:
cut chemist suite, o le le and cumbia de los muertos

hits.
I think this cd is great. and sets path for rock en espanol. Ozomotli is of the charts with there wicked instrumentals and meaninful lyrics! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Led by the deep-toned Sen Dog and the deliciously adenoidal whine of B-Real and backed by DJ Muggs's beats--as thick as the smoke they inhaled--Cypress Hill spun dope-fueled tales of revenge, revolution, recreational drug use, gangbanging, and cultural pride. Like R. Crumb's Mr. Natural, but with a hardened voice and a B-boy attitude, Cypress Hill slow-walked their funk-flavored way through a minefield of anthems (the still sizzling "How I Could Just Kill a Man") and comic manifestos ("Stoned Is the Way of the Walk"). Heavy on the bass line and punctuated by flashes of wit and rage, Cypress Hill's joint was definitely one to draw deep on. --Amy Linden ... Read more

Reviews (29)

ONE ALBUM YOU'LL LIKE TO GET "HIGH" TO!
This album's got to be one of the hardest, funkiest and eclectic rap albums ever. I just bought it yesterday and popped it into my CD player and enjoyed the forty-six minute ride of pumping bass, clever sampling (Big up to DJ Muggs) and nasal, infectious rhymes by the one and only B-Real. However, I have a big problem with them mentioning the N-word about two or three times. Whether that word was supposed to mean something else or not, there will always arise strong misconceptions. Check out "Pigs" - a song demeaning lawbreaking or unfit cops; that is my favorite song on the CD. Other standouts are "The Phuncky Feel One", "Tres Equis", and of course, "How I Can Just Kill a Man". You know, I had two options at the music store - either buy "Cypress Hill" or "Let the Rhythm Hit 'Em" by Eric B. and Rakim, which is considered another of those hip-hop classics. But my advice to hip-hop lovers is: If you do not have this album, and you run into such a situation, do not hesitate to buy "Cypress Hill"; you won't be sorry...

A Classic To Say The Least
Still Goin' Strong After 10+ Years And On The Verge Of A New Abum "Stoned Raiders",I'd To Remind People Of Their First Album,It Will Be And Has Bein'Enjoyed By Rap Fans It Needs To Be In Your Collection And If It's Not Put It There.It Kicks Of With The Opening Song "Pigs" Right To Classics "Hand On The Pump","Hole In The Head" To Their Very First Single "The Phunky Feel One" And Onto Funky Grooves Like "Latin Lingo".My Favourite Tracks On This Album Are "How I Could Just Kill A Man" And "Hand On The Pump".I Wouldnt Just Recommend This Album I'd Recomend Cypress Hill In General As All The Albums They Brought Out So Far Are Brilliant And I Hope This Continues For A Extemely Long Time.

The first album..
I'd have to say this album grew on me, I had bought temples of boom first, and I really got used to the darker tone of it, so when i bought this cd, it caught me by surprise,the beats are a little faster and have more samples,and the lyrics are more cartoony. Stoned is the way of the walk, is my favorite track and it has me skipping to it again and again. I'd highly recommend this cd to anyone whos a fan of newer Cypress Hill stuff or just wanna hear something different.

This (along with "Black Sunday") is their finest work.....
Cypress Hill's Debut Album (along with second album "Black Sunday") is their best album effort......After Virtually coming from nowhere to take a firm stranglehold on the then floundering Hip-Hop scene, which was lacking innovation, sleazy Lo-fi fat Beats with a distinctive sound all of their own (Courtesy of D.j Muggs) , coupled with rapper "B-Real's" latino-voiced pro-marijuana rhetoric (which was to prominently feature in all their albums)....tracks such as "How I Could Just Kill a Man", "Hand on the Pump" & "The Phuncky Feel One" went on to became Club Classic's thanks to Cypress Hill ability to back up "B-Reals" Pot-smoking fantasies with Thumping Funky Beats (that have been nicked for various Latin / Jazz & Soul artists, and given reworked to work within a Hip-Hop Blueprint, endlessly Drug-influenced but with a playful Rambunctious Party feel, that defined Cypress Hill throughout the 90's. And although people will debate which of the Cypress Studio albums is/was their best work...the majority of people will usually cite this & "Black Sunday" as a careers best.

Black Sunday doesn't even compare.
Most people regard "Black Sunday", Cypress Hill's second studio album, to be their finest work. Those people are insane. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Next to the BuenaVista Social Club, France-based Cuban rappers Ruzzo, Yotuel, Flaco-Pro, andRoldan--a.k.a. theOrishas--were quiterecently the hottest musical export from that forbidden island to hit theseshores in years. Now, riding on the heels of their international debutA lo Cubano,Emigrant continues the group's soulful syncretism of African-American rapand Afro-Cuban percussion and musical genres. The combo, which is now a trio,adds its patented conga-coded syncopations to the bling-bling hip-hop beats,especially on the synth-trenched "Que Pasa?" (What's Happenin'?) the horn-driven"Ninos" (Children), and "Habana" (Havana). Make no mistake, this CD can bouncealongside any tracks performed by stateside Latino superstars, fromFat Joe toBig Pun. --EugeneHolley, Jr. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

More than worth!
Dear Hip Hop Lovers.... I present to you "Orishas", your first and last stop in latin hip hop, they are simply taking the world by storm, just when you thought hip hop's best work could only be heard in English...we were simply wrong... by combining traditional cuban music with hip hop they are able to create a never heard before fresh hip hop sound that speaks for itself!

This... their second album, has proven once more their abilities to simply be the very best at what they do...and that's the truth...

All songs are great, but specially "Que Pasa"; "Guajiro"; "Asi Fue"; "Niños"; "300 Kilos"; "Testimonio" & "La Vida Pasa"... The album contains Spanish & French lyrics, but don't worry because I'm sure their flow will make you nod your head without understanding a word of it, that's a promise... as a result both of their albums are part of my most frequent played-permanent collection!

Their 3rd album is being released sometime next month!...

For both cd's I thank Orishas, Thank you Orishas!

Keep up the good work!

A Lover!...

Not dissapointing at all, good effort.
I didn't start listening to Orishas back when they released A Lo Cubano, that may be the reason why I liked this album so much, with great songs like Que Pasa, Mujer, Guajiro, Desparecidos,Que Bola and Testimonio. Mujer and Testimonio I found to be the best songs, the absense of one of their member really hurt them but they still got good music, Orishas is well known but not in North America, well not as well as they should be known. These Cubans can really hold it down, regardless of their slightly new sounds. These greats have sung with the likes of musical talents such as Iggy Pop, Compay Segundo and Cypress Hill. Alot of people out there regardless of the type of music you like, Orishas manages to blend in many in this album that is highly underated, this is a must get, just stop thinking about the old Orishas, the change isn't THAT GREAT, they still manage to keep their soul.

El tercero será mejor!
Pudieron esforzarse más!
Perdieron un poco la pegada del Primer CD "A lo cubano" Creo que al darle mayor protagonismo al "no rapero" las canciones perdieron su fuerza, cuando en realidad la potencia del grupo está en el hip-hop, los ritmos y sonidos tradicionales afro-cubanos y la forma de expresarse de los habaneros, que te parece estar metido en la Habana, además de sus mensajes muy positivos y profundos a pesar del tono popular, el cantante entonces es excelente para darle toques a las canciones pero no para tomar el protagonismo. Pero no se extraviaron tanto porque ahí está el tema "¿QUÉ PASA?" lo mejor que el grupo ha hecho en su carrera y muy bueno también el video, para guardarlo para siempre, sobre todo los cubanos.

Another must have album
ok if you have heard the first Orishas album and loved it, then you will love this one. simple as that. the style is fantastic and they manage to keep the sound fresh. this album also seems to be a little more from the souls of the artists than the previous one was. i would not hesitate to recommend this album to anyone, it makes US/UK commercial hip-hop/ urban music sound extremely manufactured and repetitive. I have seen these guys live, and then attended an after-party with them, they are all extremely talented and have a genuine love for the music, i think that this comes out through the recording, and makes it that much better. If you don't like this album, it is probably because your stero is not good enough to experience it.

A must for any Hip Hop collection
For those who have an inkling for exploring Hip Hop and it's international influence, this is a must have. This sophmore outing for the Cuban ex-patriot group, the Orishas easily sets them up there, both lyrically and musically with such "cutting edge" acts like Rage Against the Machine and Public Enemy.

Tracks like "Guarijo" (Cuban for "redneck" or "hick") which describe a day in the life for a typical rural Cuban, to "Emigrantes" which explores the life of an emigrant who travels from Cuba to Europe and "finds himself facing tremendous disillusionment". The tracks of this album pushes the scope of social criticism to a whole new level and illustrates the next generation of hip hop as the American art form spreads to the far-flung reaches of the world. ... Read more

Amazon.com's Best of 2001

The follow-up to Ozomatli's 1998 eponymous debut, Embrace the Chaos builds on the band's proven strengths: a masterful command of a palette of musical styles, a firm commitment to social activism, and an unending devotion to the power of rhythm. Like the L.A. landscape from which the group emerged, Ozo's music is a polyglot of cultures, whether it's the Puerto Rican salsa of "Dos Cosas Ciertas," the Mardi Gras funk of "1, 2, 3, 4," the Brazilian batucada beat of "Suenos en Realidad," or the Cuban son influence on "Timido." The result is a gorgeously diverse sound that changes from song to song without seeming disjointed or random. Rap fans may be disappointed to note that Jurassic 5's Chali 2na and Cut Chemist are no longer with the group, but the album is hardly suffering from a dearth of hip-hop; in-house rapper Kanetic Source and DJ Spinobi offer their talents, while notable cameos are provided by De La Soul ("1, 2, 3, 4"), Medusa ("Vocal Artillery"), and Common ("Embrace the Chaos"). Even though the album is capped at an efficient 11 songs, it doesn't come up short. With so much different music represented, Embrace the Chaos is like a dozen albums fused into one. --Oliver Wang ... Read more

Reviews (27)

A true masterpiece-by my standards.
This album is truly good, in fact, it is remarkably good. I first heard Ozomatli in the movie "Never Been Kissed" and didn't think they were any different than the other latin performers out there. Well, when I'm wrong, I'm wrong. This album was more than I expected it to be. An undeniably fun, foot-tapping mixture of different music genres(hip-hop,latin,jazz, etc) that is not only refreshing but also a bit needed in the world of music. I feel that Ozomatli is one the better bands out there since they incorporate different styles into their music. This group is an entourage of distinct cultures reflecting how each using their own creative style can combine to make something so intensely well. Now to talk about the album, clearly all of the tracks are brilliant in their own way. "Pa Lante", "Guerrillero" and "Timido" are upbeat high-paced latin tracks that make you just want to get up and dance. Of course there is the inclusive hip-hop beats on such tracks as "Vocal Artillery" and "Lo Que Dice" which for some reason, on this album, does not seem out of place when fused with latin rhythms. All in all, a great album that almost anyone regardless of their musical taste can enjoy. Too bad we can't hear stuff like this playing on mainstream radio.

Embrace the Chaos
No other band so far, in my opinion, accomplishes what Ozomatli does on their album Embrace the Chaos. Its definitely a great follow up to their debut album. Something very noticeable to me was how much OZO has improved their instrumental skills since the first album. The first track "Pa Lante" is vigorous! The bouncy, fun, energetic rhythms get you going from the start! What I love about OZO is their ability to mesh Latin rhythms and off tha hook hip hop beats like they did in their song "Lo Que Dice", Cut Chemist starts things off with a traditional Spanish vocal track laid over a fat hip-hop beat! Its AMAZING! Not to mention the great collabos on this album with Black Eyed Peas' Medusa and will.i.am, Jurassic 5's Cut Chemist, MC Kanetic Source, Los Lobos' Steve Berlin and David Hidalgo....you cant go wrong with this cd! Two of my fav tracks are "Pa Lente" and "1234" they are fun tracks that showcase the album's overall upbeat sensation.

Baltimore Hons rocks to Ozomatli
I have been listening to this CD everyday for a year! Just saw them in concert April 27 04 and they were fantastic. They jumped into the crowd and played right next to us for the last 30 min. Very rarely do you hear a group who's live performance is exactly the quality of the CD. You won't need to understand Spanish to groove to the heated explicit lyrics. Even a gringa can learn rhythm with this CD. Ozomatli played some songs from the new CD being released in June. I was on line today to see if i could pre-order it.

Ozomatli excels! online concert, too...
This album is fantastic. This group is excellent. You know this album rocks, so here is a tip! They recently played a really small, initimate concert at The Expression Center for New Media in the Bay Area and it is online ...
I love Ozo and if you do, too, you'll be stoked on this.
Surfer

Maximum Surprise
Having seen this group on the Latin Grammy awards perform "Dos Cosas Ciertas" and knowing nothing else about them, I bought the CD. I was very surprised to hear two of my favorite hip-hop artists on some tracks, especially the title track performed with Common! I love groups like Ozomatli and Groove Collective for their efforts at fusion. Their melange of latin and hip-hop and jazz reflects the diversity of urban America today. What Ozomatli should do now is carry their social activism further in their music. Play very loud! ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Yes Its A Must Have.
When Devil's Strike is SPM'S new album coming soon but for now this one will keep you busy, so yes it is really kick ass. AND NO HE DID NOT RAP A 9 YEAR CHILD YOU SICK FREAK!!!!

Never change is right............keep molesting 9 year olds
Currently doing time for molesting a 9 year old. This guy isn't representing ... He could of made a positive role model for the chicano kids. But he chose to use his celebrity to take advantage of 9 year old child. There were other complaints by other minors, so this wasn't he's only offense. He was convicted and sentenced. 40+ years, he'll have to do at least 20+ before being eligible for parole. ..

This album is [great]
This is one of the best cd's I have heard period. The best spm to date. It came out in 2001 and I am still listening to it like I just bought it. 5 out of 5 stars for this album. Not one song [stinks]. The lyrics are tight, the beats are tight, and the production was off the chain. If you don't have this album you better get it now.

great chicano rap album
This album is off the chain. Theres not one bad song on the entire disc. Production is good. The rhymes are tight. The beats are the .... This is probably one of SPM's best efforts to date. If you are a fan of spm or chicano rap definetly pick up this disc. If not pick it up anyway and give it a chance you might actually enjoy it.

lyrically humourous
the album is good from start to finish, lyrically SPM is really funny. Also the production is very good too, many tracks feature a female artist singing the chorus (she is also on his other album "time is money"-which is not as good as this one). Basically its a hispanic classic! ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Don't buy it / No lo compres
If you are looking for latin hip hop don't buy this CD, it ain't worth it. In the other hand if you like reaggeton, maybe you'll like. Personally I hate EVERYTHING BIG BOY, BABY RASTA y GRINgo, among others do. Better buy "El Abayerde" the first and latest cd of one of the spanish speaking rappers, or anything from "La Mala Rodriguez".

summer of 1997 love in the air
This cd is the best igive it 5 stars . I love the song mis ojos lloran por ti cuz it brings memories of my first true love back then we used to chill to that song .

*BEST CD EVER*
This CD "Mis Ojos Lloran Por Ti" and all the rest of Big Boy's CD's are awsome they are good for any ocassion, I listen to it everyday and I don't get tired of it even though it's been a while since it came out it's still great.This song keeps me up all day...I love it! I recommend people to buy this CD and listen to it and then you will see what I'm talking about! Go Buy it... NOW!

AWESOME CD
This is one of the best CDs that I've ever heard. It has amazing beats which make you want to rap along w big boy. its best song is mis ojos lloran por ti..i've been listening to this song for about 5 years now and it's still my fav song. if ur into spanish rap you will definetly luv this CD. Even though this great CD came out a long time ago...i still concider it AWESOMMEEE!!!!!

Just a fad.
This albun reflect a short fact in P.R. in the mid 90's, it wont be remembered as a clasic. In general lirics are poor, the voice quality is less than average. Good buy if you remember the fad of having a huge pacifier around your neck, fortunately this fad only lasted about two moths. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

The many faces of Jovanotti
Ever since I first listened to Jovanotti's album "Lorenzo 1990-1995 Raccolta," back in 1997 I've been struck by the many faces of this Italian "rapper" - to me his band's creativity is not limited to this genre. In this album, our beloved "ragazzo fortunato" doesn't go overboard with his long-winded percussion experiments (like in "Lorenzo 1997 - L'Albero"). This opens up space for heart-felt songs like my favorite on the CD, "Un Raggio di Sole" (with a rock beat on the drums, and a 70's disco sound to the bass, and anything BUT rap), and "Per Te". The album, however, isn't all puppy dogs and sunshine - he really grooves with songs like "Funky Beat-O" and rhymes like mad in "Dal Basso," which includes some equally cool English lyrics. His music is a great introduction to what's going on now in original Italian pop. ...

Bellissimo!
Jovanotti is getting better and better all the time. You can definately see how he and his music have matured (from his songs "Per Te" which he wrote for his daughter, and "Raggio di Sole" which was for his wife) and gotten better. This is definatley his best CD yet.

Jovanotti rocks my world
I have just fallen in love with Lorenzo Cherubini (aka Jovanotti)'s music. I have bought threeof his albums since studying in Firenze last year, and love listening to him. This album in particular is great. It is mellow, and you can turn it on and groove to it. I love his different influences all throughout his musical career. Here he is maturing, but still SO MUCH FUN. He experiments with all sorts of sounds and lyrics (why does everything sound so much better in Italian?), and pulls it off nicely. I highly, highly recommend buying this album, even if you don't speak a lick of Italian. My sister is foreign-language deficient, but still loves it when I put on some Jovanotti.

Buy this album
Buy this album. Trust me. I'm a musician, italo-argentinian, and i can tell you that this band sounds terrific. The lyrics are beautifull, and it's absolutly the best album of Jovanotti. Open your head and listen to this talented italian musician. Check Out the songs "Per te", "Dolce fare niente", "Un raggio di sole".

che bellissimo album!
quando ascolto cuesto album mi sento molto bene! penso che Jovanotti e bravissimo a cantare!He managed to mix different styles of music which makes this album very interesting.I like particularly "stella cometa" and "un raggio di sole" which are full of feelings.This album helped me to improve my Italian and also makes me smile when I'm sad.Secondo me, e veramente bellissimo! ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Se llama Ragga, no reggae
Este es uno de los mas tipicos errores que cometen algunas personas, confundir el reggae con ragga, ragga es reggae con rap, como Baby Rasta, Gringo, Dj Playero, Mexicano,Vico c, y algunos grupos europeos como Raggasonic, en cambio, reggae es mas lento, como Bob Marley por ejemplo, Sizzla, y algunos grupos latinos muy buenos como Gondwana. De todas maneras los dos estilos estan unidos por la base del reggae, pero no son lo mismo, asi que no sigan con las confusiones =)
Espero que el ragga siga expandiendo sus raices por todas partes, poruqe es verdad, que su ritmo es contagioso, y si dan ganas de moverse un poco al escucharlo. De todas formas es una lastima que aqui en USA, sea tan dificil encontar musica ragga, sobre todo en vivo, en el tiempo que llevo aqui en USA no he podido encontrar ni un letrero ni un papel ni una persona que me diga acerca de un concierto de Baby rasta o Vico c, estoy segura que si hubiera uno, mas de mil personas irian. Pero bueno, espero que algun dia se anime alguno de los cantantes mas buenos del ragga y den algun concierto por aqui por San Jose o Santa Clara. Espero que las tendencias del ragga siempre vivan y sigan todos estos cantantes con geniales ideas y liricas como siempre.

Comprenlo...
Al que le guste el reggae como muchos lo llaman ,en otros lugares se hace llamar playero y underground, compren este Cd esta buenisimo es de los mejores grupos de reggae que hay en el mundo ,la musica tiene un ritmo pegajoso que aunque no sepas bailar te dan ganas de aprender,es un ritmo contagioso.Esta buenisimo...

WOw
Well i wanna say two words....REALLY FABULOUS this two guys son los mejores in the rythm so i can tell ya to buy this cd porque esta perron..para perrear...enjoy it!!! peace out

Phat and all that
I've been tryin to find spanish hip-hop ever since I 've left NY and this CD is off the hook. It was worth the money.

Baby Rasta & Gringo : Los Mejores!
Dios Mio! Nadie del genero de rap & reggae lo mete tan duro como estos dos jovenes de Fajardo,Puerto Rico. Les recomiendo esta produccion a todas las personas que les encanta escuchar musica, sea merengue,salsa o balada. Porque antes de escuchar este produccion yo no escuchaba reggaeton. Se los recomiendo. ... Read more

Reviews (28)

This is a firme cd i love tha night shift and merry-go-round
Hey Qvo this is tha original ~La Angeleyez~ just shootin these couple of line to say this is a firme cd.nice work my homeboys play this cd so much but its not played out.any wayz ya me voy... ~La Angeleyez~

WoW!!!
HMMMMM...
i usualy listen to alot of country music, and i hate rap music...but *S.P.M* is a total exception. i love the songs.
GeT ThE CD's!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Best Ever
I Myself think that this album is one of the greatest albums in history.
2 Da Ruf

"...Hustle-Town ,city of dreams..."
SPM's earliest releases were by far his best. This CD contains some o' the best songs to come off of tha III Coast.
--214

Speech From Down Dirty South
Hey what's happenin I would just like to say that SPM is cool on how he talks and raps about are mexican culture , on how we hustle just to make it threw the day , on how we try to stay on are feet and let no one step on us ,just cause were mexican Nah I don't so ............... ... Read more

Reviews (20)

3rd Wish is the best SPM yet
The 3rd Wish is the tightest cd out now. It has some bad azz bass and the best lyrics on a cd. Hes gonna explode this year all over U.S.A not just Texas where hes from.The tightest songz 2 me are High So High, Wiggy, and HILLWOOD HUSTLAZ it is sooo tight, the corus is dope. Buy this f'n CD it is the best. Nobody matches SPM or any rappers the Dirty South. Peace out

The lyrics are stronger than the beats
Once again Carlos Coy AKA SPM delivers heart felt lyrics, but the beats are not as hard hitting as Power Moves and Hustletown. The song Miss Perfect seems like an out of place love song on a gansta rapper's cd. Overall, if you like southern fried funk, then you'll want the 3rd wish.

one of the best
This is one of the best cds to come out of texas in a long time. Taking a mexican mentality and mixing it with the sound the south is known for,SPM has undoubtly bypassed any independent label to date.

SPM KIKS AZZ
HEY HOMIES SPM KIKZ AZZ ZO HURRY AND BUY HIS CDS

spm is tight
usually spm is really tight, this album is no exception, although it is not really upto the standard of "never change" it still has some classic tracks, unfortunatly, the album features too many other rappers and SPM does not really do that many. on the other hand, i would still buy it. I really loved miss perfect its quite moving, but also he keeps it rough with the other tracks. nice contrast. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

IKV shines, once again.
-after their experimental record 'versus' (wich happens to be damn good, and one of my all time fav.) the kuryakis are back with their wild style funk mixed with rap and hendrix-esque guitars, this is one hell of a CD, and like Chaco, and Ninja Mental (mtv unplugged), it's full of surprises, they never stop to impress me, with their ability to play any kind of music they want and do it good, god bless dante + emmanuel, for they are the most unique of rock en español's movement.

Highly Recommended!
When i heard that IKV broke up i knew that it would not only be a great loss to the Rock en Espanol scence but also to music throughout the world. Masters of Funk, Hip Hop and Soul, IKV layed down some of the tightest tracks i've ever heard. Even their videos are awesome! I had to go to Mexico to find their latest (and possibly last album) "Kuryakistan" but it was well worth it. Thank you IKV for 10 years.

Funk is worth the earful...
...but some of the "rappy" tunes lose my interest. "Latin Geisha," "Apocalipsis Wow!," "Lo Que Nos Mata," and "Robot" exemplify the funk mastery, while "Hecho Mierda" and "DJ Droga" I can certainly do without. "Wacho" is also a disappointment, being too much of a heavy rocker to match well with the other songs on the disc. "Coolo," while rap-laden, is thoroughly enjoyable thanks to its infectious underlying groove.

If you understand Spanish, be aware that some of the lyrics are quite objectionable (as are some of the images on the disc jacket).

Terrible
I thought this CD was going to be good because of coolo, I heard it in Amores Perros, but I was sooooo disappointed in this CD, it's freaking terrible, anyone could do better. If you want a good CD compared to this, buy Molotov which is ten times better than this garbage. Is there any wonder why they only have one CD out?

don't expect more like "Coolo"
If you've heard "Coolo" on the movie soundtrack and think that you'll get more of the same on this album you're in for a disappointment, as there is nothing else even remotely similar on this disc. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

prelude to one good album
time is money is not the classic, like "never change" however many of the tracks are of his usual high quality standard, literally. South Park mexicans deep south mexican style is the best, honestly he is one of the best hispanic rappers out there along side frost and im really glad i brought this one. it doesnt start off so well but later on in the album is much better especially tracks 9, 11, 12. boys on da cut samples eazy- e's boyz n tha hood, which makes for an interesting track (nb all the words are changed so its not your average boring remake) but most of the rest seems original. a classic

HE DID IT AGAIN
SPM is the best MEXICAN rapper!! No ONE could ever beat that!

Don't Believe the Hype
Despite a few good tracks ("Oh My My," "Somethin' I Would Do"), "Time Is Money" is a lackluster album. The beats are repetitive, and SPM's flow is so-so at best, and he really doesn't speak on anything new or provocative. You'd be much better off borrowing and dubbing this album from someone who bought it off the rack.

this is tight
this guy isnt just the best mexican rapper he is one of the best period. he derserves to blow up all over the world. His beats are super tight and so are his lyrics. He brings a new style with him that works. The best songs on here are ohh wee and the remix to you know my name. There is only one bad song on here. Go pick it up it you wont be dissapointed.

Best CD of the Year
Yes that title is true. Among the best rap cd's of the year (Kottonmouth Kings, Threee-Six-Mafia, Insane Clown Posse, Twiztid, C-Murder) there is no doubt this is the best. I just heard of SPM so this is the first album I've bought of his. Now I realize I've missed alot of good rap the past few years. Dopehouse can really turn out phat beats and smooth rhymes. The best songs are every song except for 14. Get this cd and you will wear it out I promise ... Read more

Reviews (14)

One of today's most creative artists
This is one of, if the not the best, CD I own. I fell in love with Jovanotti in 94 when his "Lorenzo 1994" album came out, and since bought all his albums, older and newest, and they are all my favourites. In this compilation you will find a mix of many styles, ranging from pure old-school hip-hop to pop, cutting through funk, jazz, reggae and world music. In addition to his beautiful music, Jovanotti has some of the best and most meaningful lyrics I have ever heard. If you don't speak Italian, it is a big loss, but I am sure you will be able to appreciate the music nevertheless since it is, for lack of a better description, all but perfect!

Italian rap CD that's hip, upbeat, and great dance music
Even if you can't understand Italian (I don't) this CD is amazing to listen to. It is the best CD I have ever heard, and I am an alternative music fan for the most part. You will fall in love with the Italian language in no time. I first heard this CD in Europe where it was all the rage the summer of 96, and where Jovanotti still is incredibly popular, esp in his native Italy. If you like upbeat, contagious, feel good music to dance to, this is the perfect CD. It's essentially Italian rap, with a little bit of reggae, and latin beat...a whole medley of great sounds that will put you in the best mood.

Fun, but a little dated
I wish I had found this CD ten years ago. I would have loved it then. Now, like fade haircuts and MC Hammer pants, it all seems out-of-date (ok, maybe it's not that bad). Worth a few listens, but I'm guessing that unless you're already a fan, it probably won't become a favorite CD.

La musica italiana è la più bella
Jovanotti's eclectic mix of rock, rap, and funky beats just gets you pumped up. There is not a single song on this album that I don't enjoy. They're all awesome, as is this great Italian rocker.

Great cross-cultural experience
It's fun to hear Italian lyrics flowing over trans-world rhythms in a funky, hip-hop manner. Jovanotti has a positive, upbeat take on the world. It's great for learning Italian. This is his best since it spans his early career; "Capo Horn" is less fun although it has a few gems. If you don't speak Italian you'll wish you did, and wonder at how well it raps. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

TRUST ME!!!!
This CD is for anyone who listens to rap period. SPM's music can relate to a lot of people. Just sample some of the best dope cut straight from the south and you'll be hooked TRUST ME!!!!

Dope House Records remains the best record label in 2003

much luv

you know his name
that boy got flow. from hillwood 2 reville park he can still shut um down on the mic with hitz like "revenge" or "red beans and rice" though his been convected of child rape he's flows still kick.I'm telling u get all his albums he wrecks the mic in all of them.peace
-south east hustlaz

Off Da Hook!
If ya like ANY of SPM's music then you'll love this one....Dopehouse records and it's artists are one of a kind....Some of the best rap music on the planet!

Spm Is the Bomb
Man this cd has the tightest beats i ever heard and the way spm raps is off the hook.. this is the type of cd you could be jammin out to when u go crusin.

South Park Mexican got it goin' on!
If you lookin for some of the PHATEST beats and the best rhymes this c.d. got it all. You know his name because once you hear his bomb stylings you can never forget his name. He's made himself well known and will be another one of the big time rappers of the millineum. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

BIG DADDY SANCHEZ
THIS ALBUM IS EXACTILY WHAT IT SAYS PURITY.ITS SO OFF THE HOOK YOU JUSTS GOT TO SPIN IT!THE PURITY ALBULM SPEAKS THE TRUTH ABOUT THE BROWN,JUST LIKE THE REST.IN MY OPINION CARLOS COY AND DOPEHOUSE RECORDS IS NUMERO UNO IN THIS RAP THING.IF YOU PICK UP ONE ALBUM YOUS GOTS TO GET THEM ALL.ME AND MY FIANCEE ARE ADDICTED WE CAN'T STOP LISTENING TO IT !! IF YOU LIKE RAP YOU WILL LOVE SOUTH PARK MEXICAN! ... Read more

Reviews (6)

A few misfires but a very potent arsenal
I don't speak a word of Spanish but I am a fan of Cypress Hill and Control Machete. After I heard that this was coming out I thought it would be interesting to listen to and after I heard "No Entiendes La Onda" ("How I Could Just Kill A Man" en espanol) that really decided me.

The sound of this album is roughly equivalent to the sound of each song in English, mostly. Because of the problems of translating between the two languages, there are often some beats which should (or, in the English versions, do) have lyrics on them or lyrics without beats - however the "homeless syllble syndrome", as a friend christened it - is hardly terminal.

The thing which is particularly interesting for students of cross-cultural linguistics is how rapping in a different language really puts a different tone on a familiar track. "How I Could Just Kill A Man" becomes a lot more menacing when performed in Spanish, while the emphasis on "Insane In The Brain" changes from the infamous sample to the elastic-tongued rapping when the song becomes "Loco En El Coco". In a purely subjective sense, it is very entertaining to listen to Real and Sen rapping "Medio loco en el coco/ido de la mente" over the "Insane" sample - although the song does lose the "Don't you know I'm loco?" intro and the sampled outro.

One rather bored afternoon I had the brainwave of translating these Spanish lyrics into English. I am still unsure whether it was due to Babelfish's inability to understand idiom or whether that is actually what the words were, but it is now almost impossible to take "Loco En El Coco" seriously again. This is due to the comic frequency of a word translated as "frog" in the version given to me by Babelfish. I still can't quite work out what the word replaced in the English version.

One of the problems with Cypress Hill is that their albums generally have a fair number of tracks on which it is clear that B-Real, Sen and co didn't work for enough time. Here it can be seen again, there are some tracks (especially the ones written especially for the album) which do have a distinct sound of not having been really taken notice of.

The only other downside for me on this album is the fact that my copy of the CD doesn't work on my CD player - so I have to borrow my parents' to enjoy the idiosyncratic delights of this album. This is made up by the fun of playing "Loco" at a party and being told to take it off - before the listener's face gets a puzzled expression at the reams of Spanish coming out of the speakers.

On the whole, a great CD for Cypress Hill fans (especially those who speak Spanish) or fans of Spanish music. If you want a good fun album which is certainly something different, this is the way to go.

in spanish!
cypress hill finally release an album for their spanish speaking fans all over the world.the songs are from past albums but redone in spanish.they are the same beats but the lyrics are just as good in spanish.some of the songs even sound better in spanish! a must have for all hardcore cypress hill fans.

Cool idea
Now THAT was an idea: "Let's make a greatest hits album, but let's redo all the songs en espanol!" I have always loved the Hill's canciones en espanol, especially Tres Equis and Latin Lingo from their first album.

If you listen carefully (and know some Spanish), you can tell that some of the lyrics had to be changed around in order to have the same meaning. Unfortunately, the songs that were translated into Spanish from English didn't seem to be as finely crafted as the ones that were originally written in Spanish (check out Siempre Peligroso). Now, I can't understand a lot of what they're rapping, but I can sense that some of the lyrics had to be compressed in order to fit in with the music. Unfortunately, this gives a different lyrical tempo to some of the songs and seems to change them. Not that this is entirely bad...it just takes a little getting used to if you've listened to the original versions enough to have the tempo down in your mind.

All in all, a very impressive album. I'd love to see an entire album of new songs written entirely en espanol.

LATINO LINGO
Este nuevo disco de cypress es una recopilacion de sus grandes exitos en español, cabe destacar que la transferencia lirico-vocal del ingles al castellano está muy bien conseguida por parte de BREAL y SENDOG. Este disco contiene un tema original junto con FERMIN IV de CONTROL MACHETE "SIEMPRE PELIGROSO" con el cual nos demuestran que este grupo puede producir un album original en esta lengua.

ASI SE HACE!
Simply said, Cypress fans HAVE to buy this album. Unlike typical Greatest Hits albums, the English->Spanish translation necessitates a different interpretation to convey their sentiment. Translating is harder than it seems and this album could (and should) be held up as a standard to all bilingual artists. It is obvious that Cypress, Mellow Man Ace, Jacken, Duke and Fermin IV put a lot of work into it. Often a lot of attention is paid to a more dance-oriented sound. Hopefully, this album will influence future artists and inspire a bit more diversity. Los Grandes Exitos puts CH ahead of all others as far as rhyming in Spanish is concerned. ... Read more