Cuban urban music is at a turning point. The use of vulgar and explicit language, which was once seen as an occasional element in lyrics, now seems to have become the norm. Many artists have adopted it as a strategy to attract audiences and go viral on social media.
Several weeks ago, the singer and content creator Victoria Queen (@victoriaqueenmusic) shared a video on her social media addressing this topic.
It referred to an incident at the Casa de la Música Havana, where a backup singer improvised a song with vulgar expressions on stage, reigniting the debate about the limits of music and the role of cultural institutions.
On that occasion, the institution condemned what had happened and stated that it would take action against the group Nivel21 and Wildey. However, the reality is that this trend has been solidifying within reggaeton and Cuban distributing for years, even supported by agencies and playing at full volume in various venues.
One of the greatest exponents of this movement is Chocolate MC, who made a landmark with songs like "El Palón Divino". The song, which was once considered vulgar, now elicits laughter and is even remembered by some Cubans as being of "light tone" due to its numerous double meanings.
If we talk about rawness in lyrics, few topics surpass "Échame el pellejo pa' atrás", a work by Los Bikingos that in 2017 was labeled as the most vulgar reggaeton in Cuba. With no artistic pretensions and a title that speaks for itself, the song became a symbol of the lyrical excesses of the genre.
More recently, Yomil also embraced highly explicit content with "Crazy bebé", a trap song that included lines reminiscent of "the look you give me when I have you all wet." The artist made it clear that he would not self-censor in his venture into this genre.
This trend continues to evolve with artists like Ja Rulay, whose song "El Barco" includes verses such as the one that explains: "We concluded to do it without a condom and let the boat break," normalizing a candid discourse that, for some, borders on irresponsibility.
For his part, Bebeshito, one of the most popular urban artists of the moment, has taken vulgarity to another level with songs like "Qué rico me siento," where he sings unabashedly: "You have me hard."
If famous artists create these lyrics, it's no surprise that the new representatives of the genre succeed with songs like "Pa La Pinga Soy un Yuma" or "Todas Las Que Me Gustan Viven En Caselapinga", the latest trending songs in Cuba.
These examples raise an inevitable question: Is vulgarity a genuine expression of Cuban social reality or simply a commercial strategy?
While some argue that reggaeton, distribution, and hyper-distribution must evolve to establish themselves in broader international markets, others believe that the rawness in the lyrics is part of the genre's identity and defend it as such, regardless of how successful it may be.
Cuban urban music faces a dilemma: to continue on this explicit path, which generates controversy and virality, or to evolve towards more intricate lyrics that could pave the way for success on the international stage.
Time will tell if this strategy is sustainable or if the industry will opt for a reinvention of the genre. Let us know in the comments how you view this phenomenon.
Frequently Asked Questions about Vulgarity in Cuban Music
Why is vulgar language used in Cuban urban music?
The use of vulgar language in Cuban urban music has become a strategy to attract audiences and go viral on social media. Artists aim to differentiate themselves and capture the attention of young audiences, leveraging the controversy generated by their explicit lyrics. For some, this trend also reflects an expression of the Cuban social reality.
What incidents have reignited the debate about vulgarity in Cuban music?
A recent incident at the Casa de la Música Habana, where an artist improvised using obscene language, has reignited the debate over the boundaries of music and the role of cultural institutions. This event has sparked criticism and has brought to the forefront the trend of using explicit content in song lyrics.
Who are some of the main exponents of popular music in Cuba?
Chocolate MC, Los Bikingos, and Yomil are some of the most well-known artists for their explicit and vulgar lyrics. These musicians have embraced this style as a personal brand and have succeeded in capturing the attention of both fans and critics.
How has Cuban society reacted to vulgarity in music?
Cuban society is divided over this phenomenon. While some defend that the rawness in the lyrics is part of the genre's identity, others argue that it is necessary to pursue a lyrical maturity that allows for greater international projection of the genre. Cultural institutions have expressed their disapproval of these manifestations, but the trend continues to grow.
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