All Songs Considered Alt.Latino: Rapper PJ Sin Suela on Puerto Rican hip-hop and more
May 1, 2025
PJ Sin Suela, a talented Puerto Rican rapper and hip-hop artist, discusses the rich history of Puerto Rican hip-hop and his personal musical journey. He delves into the evolution of the genre from the 90s, highlighting key artists and the socio-political themes they confront. PJ also explores the fusion of hip-hop with traditional Afro-Puerto Rican styles like Bomba y Plena, emphasizing the power of music as protest. Listeners gain insight into the balance of authentic storytelling versus commercialization in rap, capturing the essence of cultural identity.
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PJ's Hip-Hop Introduction
- PJ Sin Suela discovered Puerto Rican hip-hop around age 14 through CDs made by his friend's older brother.
- He learned about influential artists like Tech One, Siete Nueve, EA Flow, and Intifada via these mixtapes.
Roots of Puerto Rican Music Influence
- Puerto Rican music reflects diverse influences: African, Spanish, and American due to historical and cultural ties.
- Its small size and diasporic connections help artists export music and blend genres like salsa, hip-hop, and reggaeton.
Parallels of Reggaeton and Hip-Hop
- Reggaeton and hip-hop share roots in black marginalization experiences but come from distinct cultural contexts.
- Early reggaeton was marginalized as music for poorer communities, enhancing its rebellious power like salsa did.