Sincopa

On their fifth album, <i>Sincopa</i>, Cartel de Santa create a syncopated Latin rhythm bed perfect for hip-hop. “Bombos y Tarolas” kicks it all off with a <i>cumbia</i> beat, as authoritative vocals and twangy electric guitar snake in, percussion echoes, organs swirl and the kick drum holds steady. They proudly call attention to trafficking kilos of rhymes, styles and vocals in “Traficando Rimas”, while dub techniques on “Con el Coco Rapado” and samples of conversation on “El Mal Necesatio” enhance the album’s steady flow.