Recommended hip-hop/rap

A classic of Mexican hip hop and Chicano rap

Former vocal coach specializing in Western musicRyo
Under the theme of “vocal skills that stand up on the world stage,” I have experience teaching as an online vocal coach specializing in Western music, and I usually listen to genres like nuevo flamenco, bolero, canzone, and R&B. In my teens, I questioned the idea that “foreign music equals English,” and started exploring songs from around the world. My commentary is characterized by a unique perspective shaped by listening to music of every genre, in every language, from every country. I mainly cover world music, so be sure to check it out!

Chicano rap—rap by Mexican Americans.

It’s often misunderstood as “Spanish-language hip-hop = Chicano rap,” but as long as the artist is Mexican American, it counts as Chicano rap even if they’re rapping in English.

What really defines Chicano rap is its old-school vibe that pays homage to oldies.

Its refusal to chase trends is a big part of Chicano rap’s appeal.

This time, we’ve picked out some classic Chicano rap tracks!

From timeless old-school cuts to the latest hits, we’ve curated a wide range—be sure to check them out!

Mexican hip-hop, Chicano rap classics (41–50)

ES MI BARRIOBARRIO 22

BARRIO 22 ES MI BARRIO VÍDEO OFFICIAL

ES MI BARRIOBARRIO 22

The track is very simple.

But the rap switches up the flow in various ways, so you can listen all the way through without getting bored.

It’s so addictive that if you listen to it alone, you’ll end up putting it on repeat.

I feel like it’s precisely because the track is monotonous that it achieves this sense of expansiveness.

Isn’t it absolutely a must-play for the car?

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México y sus CulturasPanchas Psycho

I don’t think there’s anyone on the U.

S.

West Coast who doesn’t know him.

Said to be a Mexican gang member who became a rapper as-is, he has that distinct West Coast flow that’s very easy to listen to.

He’s an artist with a truly unique vibe who raps in Spanish, and his tracks are notably very upbeat and energetic.

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EnemiesYoung Sleepz

Young Sleepz – ENEMIES (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

EnemiesYoung Sleepz

A track that sees everyone around as an enemy.

You can’t help but call it a truly Chicano rap song.

Still, the way he raps with a persona that stands up to the beat has a certain charisma that draws listeners in.

The straightforward rap feels overall well put together and extremely catchy.

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ZUMBANDO LA VIDA LOCAUNION FAMILIA

UNION FAMILIA – ZUMBANDO LA VIDA LOCA

ZUMBANDO LA VIDA LOCAUNION FAMILIA

A distinctive Chicano rap collective.

Their rapid-fire delivery, while uniquely Spanish, rides the beat so tightly that it never feels out of place, drawing listeners in.

Through headphones, the groove is irresistible—the unique Spanish pronunciation really resonates in your ears.

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In conclusion

While selecting Chicano rap this time, I felt that compared to the broader US scene, Chicano rap tends to be less swayed by trends.

Given the era, they’re certainly aware of current trends, so perhaps there’s a culture within Chicano rap that places value on tradition.

At LUG MUSIC, we feature a wide range of hip-hop tracks.

We also include lesser-known songs, so if you want to deepen your knowledge of hip-hop, be sure to check it out!