A Chain for the "King of Reparto"

For many years now, wearing jewelry, especially gold chains, has become a distinctive mark of an "unofficial identity" among Cubans. This trend isn't confined to the Caribbean but is recognized globally. It's common to hear, "That person must be Cuban," when someone spots a fellow sporting these popular adornments, especially when coupled with their distinctive way of speaking or walking.

Historically, such adornments were passed down as heirlooms or worn as symbols of elevated social status. These chains were investments that loudly proclaimed, "I am wealthy." Wearing them didn't necessarily mean one was raised in the underworld or was a neighborhood celebrity like Yarini. The choice often lay in wearing them discreetly under one's clothes or flaunting them for all to see.

Gold chains have served as identifiers and even caused trouble for both historical monarchs and local figures like a Cuban butcher dethroned from his frozen chicken empire in a "Plan Maceta." These chains "speak," sometimes louder than words themselves, echoing the saying, "The tongue speaks and hides... and the body suffers."

In modern times, urban artists, especially from the United States, have started a new wave—these "new kings" compete not just for music sales but for the most impressive neckwear. The more expensive the chain, the more precious stones it holds, the heavier and more uniquely designed it is... the more sophisticated and costly it becomes. These pieces can cost a fortune, sometimes representing the work of several lifetimes.

Today, there's an exclusive group of jewelers dedicated to turning artists' visions into reality. This trend has also captured the interest of urban and Caribbean musicians, particularly Cubans, who have a well-established tradition in chain-wearing, with Havana and Miami being prime locations. Within this circle of "street artists," we focus on those known as "reparteros," especially one self-proclaimed and widely recognized by his fans as Chocolate MC, "The King of Reparto," who also flaunted these striking chains.

Rise and Fall of a Monarch

Some kings ascend by birthright, inheriting their thrones. Others self-proclaim and often become tyrannical dictators, leveraging their followers' identification with their lifestyle to maintain power. They think they're invincible, oblivious to the consequences of their actions.

Chocolate MC, known for his music rooted in a challenging and marginalized environment, gained fame through his talent, despite the controversial quality of his work. However, with fame came drugs, an inflated ego, flattery, bad company, poor social behavior, and frequent jail visits as if they were his palatial quarters. Meanwhile, the "commoners" watched, laughed, and applauded, much like jesters enjoying the antics of their king.

Eventually, his domain transitioned from clandestine recording studios in Cuba or legitimate ones in Miami to the stage provided by a smartphone, where he could freely express his thoughts on social media. This marked the beginning of his downfall. When he realized his Cuban realm had become constricted, clashing with government laws and unwritten street rules, he sought to expand his territory. He confused freedom with French revolutionary recklessness, believing he could act without consequences, using his phone to threaten or assert power.

Feeling powerful is not the same as possessing power. He forgot that what you post online remains there. No one warned him—or perhaps he ignored the warnings—that other lands come with different laws and judicial systems. This oversight, typical of monarchs on their thrones, has led to regret, as a jury found him guilty, requesting a chain most despised, one that dims life itself: a life sentence.

The Lesson for Urban Artists

Chocolate MC and fellow urban artists are now facing a harsh reality, likened to reading a despised scroll nailed to the wall, illustrating how a phone can lead to serious trouble. The moral is clear: not only do you need to guard against supposed enemies in the genre, but also against yourself—your own actions and words. There were no betrayals or conspiracies against the sovereign.

There is empathy for him, certainly. He's a young Cuban who might languish in the U.S. prison system for life, a son, brother, father, and friend who brought joy to many through his music. However, for the U.S. penal system, what matters is your social behavior record, not how often you made people dance. Threatening and ordering hits, even in jest or online bravado, is taken seriously as a real crime.

God Save the King

The march of history never halts, and it's unclear who will inherit his throne. Followers wonder if the king will emerge alive from this legal onslaught. They yearn to see him victorious again, promising a fresh start. Yet, the path ahead is fraught with battles and costly appeals; honestly, the terrain looks bloody and unfavorable for His Majesty.

Throughout history, in times of great trouble, men, especially kings, have turned to the gods for solutions. This pattern repeats. Recently, during his imprisonment, the "repartero monarch" has shown signs of seeking salvation from the Almighty. He and his followers hope for divine intervention before the judge's final sentence, pleading, "God save the King."

Before any divine intervention or hope that the judge considers his addiction and mental health issues, the harsh lesson offers clear guidance for new generations of "urban artists" and others: If you lack professional and cultural preparation or emotional intelligence, once you achieve fame or popular recognition, learn to be "managed" or entrust your public image to a social media expert to avoid becoming a prisoner of your own words. This is an essential condition today.

Once they ascend the throne and don these flashy golden chains around their necks, these new "kings" must lift their gaze to see the true virtual and physical limits of their kingdoms. And if they're wise, they'll never get angry with their advisors when they approach and say, "Majesty, please, put down your scepter, or rather, your phone."