Argentine Rapper Trueno on Hip-Hop’s Growth and Artistic Resilience

Argentine rapper Trueno has emerged as a leading voice in Latin hip-hop, blending the sounds of his heritage with the energy of classic rap. In an exclusive interview with Variety, Trueno discusses his creative journey, the challenges of the music industry, and his commitment to positivity in his work.

Rising from Buenos Aires: Trueno’s Artistic Evolution

In the vibrant neighborhood of La Boca, Buenos Aires, Trueno (real name Mateo Palacios Corazzina) first made his mark on the global music scene. Trueno, the son of Uruguayan-born MC Peligro, grew up surrounded by hip-hop rhythms and rhymes, an influence deeply embedded in his music today. His 2021 hit “Dance Crip” showcased his unique style, a blend of lethal bass lines, funky choruses, and breathless flow that quickly caught the attention of listeners worldwide. As reported by Variety, Trueno’s journey from a local freestyle champion to an international rap sensation has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Trueno’s career took off when his YouTube session with Argentine producer Bizarrap went viral, positioning him among the top figures in Argentina’s burgeoning hip-hop scene. Alongside artists like Cazzu, Nicki Nicole, Duki, and Tiago PZK, Trueno has been at the forefront of a movement that has seen Latin American hip-hop achieve unprecedented global success. His second album, “Bien O Mal” (Good or Evil), released in 2022, was a significant milestone in his career, earning him critical acclaim for its ambitious production and deep cultural references.

Creating a Soundtrack for a Generation

“Bien O Mal” was an expansive, operatic work that mixed live instrumentation with diverse genres, reflecting Trueno’s desire to merge hip-hop culture with the native sounds of Argentina and South America. In his interview with Variety, Trueno explained that each new project is a learning experience, and he doesn’t feel established or fulfilled just yet. For him, conveying a message through his music is paramount, especially as he sees himself as a representative of his culture on a global stage.

Trueno’s latest album, “El Último Baile” (The Last Dance), marks his debut under Sony Music Latin and is a tribute to the roots and splendor of hip-hop culture. Unlike its predecessor, “El Último Baile” is a brisk, 30-minute record designed to be a continuous dance party from start to finish. The album’s lead singles, “Tranky Funky” and “Real Gangsta Love,” became Trueno’s highest-charting releases yet, with the latter achieving RIAA Gold certification in the United States and topping streaming charts in Spain and Argentina. As reported by Variety, Trueno’s ability to connect with listeners across different cultures and languages has solidified his place as one of Latin hip-hop’s brightest stars.

The Power of Positivity in Hip-Hop

One of the defining characteristics of Trueno’s music is its positivity and life-affirming messages. In his conversation with Variety, Trueno emphasized that hip-hop was born out of necessity from the lack of tools and solutions available to marginalized communities. Despite this, the genre has always been about finding joy and unity in difficult circumstances—whether throwing a party in the hood or channeling aggression into a rap duel instead of violence. Trueno believes hip-hop can help forge a better future and eliminate paths that lead to crime and despair by generating unity among suffering people.

For Trueno, staying true to hip-hop’s roots means rejecting the tough-guy persona often associated with the genre. He understands his influence on younger generations, particularly the kids in his neighborhood who look up to him as a role model. This awareness drives him to create music that dissolves boundaries and promotes positive values rather than perpetuating negative stereotypes.

Navigating the Complexities of the Music Industry

While Trueno’s passion for music is evident, his journey hasn’t been without its challenges. In his interview with Variety, Trueno opened up about a challenging experience with his previous management team, who took control of his publishing rights. At just 17 years old, Trueno was naive about the business side of the music industry, focusing solely on his art. However, as he quickly learned, the industry consists of people with ulterior who may not share the same respect for the creative process.

Trueno eventually managed to buy back his publishing rights, though it came at a significant financial cost. Despite the setback, he remains undeterred. “People may take my money and whatever else they please. But they will never manage to kill my passion for music,” he told Variety. Trueno surrounds himself with a team that genuinely supports his artistic vision, ensuring that his music remains authentic to his values.

This experience has only strengthened Trueno’s resolve to navigate the industry on his terms. He is committed to learning from his mistakes and using those lessons to propel his career forward. Trueno’s ultimate reward isn’t wealth or luxury but the connection he shares with his audience when they sing and dance along to his music. This passion and dedication continue to drive him as he embarks on the next chapter of his career.

A New Era for Latin Hip-Hop

Trueno’s impact on Latin hip-hop is undeniable as he continues to make waves in the music industry. His blend of traditional and contemporary influences has brought him success and helped elevate the genre as a whole. With his latest album, “El Último Baile,” Trueno pays homage to the rich history of hip-hop while pushing the boundaries of what the genre can be. His music resonates with fans across the globe, uniting them through the universal language of rhythm and rhyme.

Looking ahead, Trueno shows no signs of slowing down. His recent performances in the United States, including at the Outside Lands music festival in San Francisco, have been met with enthusiastic acclaim. As he continues his international tour, Trueno remains focused on his mission to spread positivity and inspire others through his music.

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In Trueno’s words, “This is only the beginning.” As Latin hip-hop’s new wave continues to rise, artists like Trueno lead the charge, bringing their unique sounds and stories to the world stage. With each new project, Trueno proves that his passion for music is unstoppable, no matter what challenges may come his way.