“Rap de acá” (Rap around the block)
Autor: Martin Alejandro Biaggini
Editor: Leviatan
Buenos Aires, Argentina, 2020.
The first volume in a series of books addressing the issue of the origin of rap and Hip Hop
in Argentina, Rap de Acá (Rap Around the Block) follows the origin and evolution of rap
and Hip Hop here from their beginning around the year 1993.
Resorting to interviews with the protagonists of these cultural movements – such as Mike
Dee, Jazzy Mel, Frost, DJ Bar, DJ Black, Derek, DJ Hollywood, Karen Pastrana, DJ Tito
Caro, Los Adolfos Rap, Club Nocturno, etc.) – and through intensive research of archival
material from specialized newspapers and magazines, Rap de Acá traces the history of the
first steps of rap and Hip Hop as it was practised in Argentina.
With a prologue written by Juan Data, a long-standing journalist and founder of the fanzine
Mopshit, and also an expert in local rap, this book includes a bonus track: a tango rap song
entitled De pibes (Kids’ Stuff), composed by Smoler Bazz (former member of Sindicato
Argentino del Hip Hop, winner of the Grammy Award for Best Latin Hip Hop Band in
2001), and Mariano and Alejandro Rucci (formerly with 9mm). Both Sindicato and the
Ruccis are pioneers of the genre on the local scene.