Cuban urban music finds itself at a crossroads. What was once an occasional use of vulgar and explicit language in lyrics has seemingly become the norm. Numerous artists have embraced this approach as a strategy to engage audiences and gain traction on social media platforms.
A few weeks ago, singer and content creator Victoria Queen (@victoriaqueenmusic) posted a video on her social media addressing this issue. She mentioned an incident at the Casa de la Música Habana, where a performer spontaneously crafted a song filled with vulgar expressions on stage, reigniting the debate over the boundaries of music and the role of cultural institutions.
In response, the institution condemned the incident and promised to take action against the group Nivel21 and Wildey. Despite this, the trend has been gaining momentum within Cuban reggaeton and reparto music for years, even supported by agencies and blaring at full volume in various venues.
One of the most notable figures in this movement is Chocolate MC, who made waves with tracks like "El Palón Divino." Once deemed vulgar, the song is now remembered by some Cubans as having a "lighthearted tone" due to its multiple double entendres.
The Evolution of Explicit Content in Cuban Music
When it comes to rawness in lyrics, few songs surpass "Échame el pellejo pa' atrás" by Los Bikingos. In 2017, it was labeled as the most vulgar reggaeton in Cuba. With no artistic pretensions and a title that speaks volumes, the track became emblematic of the genre’s lyrical abandon.
More recently, artist Yomil ventured into the explicit content realm with "Crazy bebé," a trap song featuring lines like "the look you give me when you're all wet." The musician made it clear he wouldn't self-censor in his exploration of this genre.
This trend continues to evolve with artists like Ja Rulay, whose song "El Barco" includes verses such as "We came to the conclusion to do it without a condom and let the ship sink," normalizing a no-holds-barred discourse that some see as irresponsible.
Meanwhile, Bebeshito, currently one of the most popular reparto artists, has taken vulgarity to new heights with songs like "Qué rico me siento," where he unabashedly sings: "You have me standing tall."
Cultural Reflection or Strategic Move?
When prominent figures create these types of lyrics, it comes as no surprise that rising stars in the genre achieve success with songs like "Pa La Pinga Soy un Yuma" or "Todas Las Que Me Gustan Viven En Caselapinga," the latest hits trending in Cuba.
These examples raise an unavoidable question: Is vulgarity a genuine expression of Cuban social reality or merely a commercial ploy?
While some advocate that reggaeton, reparto, and hyper-reparto must evolve to secure a foothold in broader international markets, others argue that rawness in lyrics is intrinsic to the genre's identity and defend it regardless of commercial success.
Cuban urban music faces a dilemma: to continue with this explicit path, which stirs controversy and generates viral moments, or to transition towards more sophisticated lyrics that could pave the way for international acclaim. Time will reveal whether this strategy is sustainable or if the industry will pivot towards reinventing the genre. Share your thoughts on this phenomenon in the comments.
FAQs on Vulgarity in Cuban Music
Why do Cuban artists use vulgar language in their music?
Many Cuban artists use vulgar language as a strategy to attract audiences and go viral on social media. It is often seen as a means to reflect social realities or to stand out in a competitive music scene.
Is vulgarity in Cuban music a reflection of the country's social reality?
While some believe that the explicit content reflects the social realities of Cuba, others argue that it is primarily a commercial strategy to gain attention and popularity.