Don't Miss Cuban Rap Phenomenon

El B

Member of the Famed Duo

Los Aldeanos

With Two Performances at SXSW 2015

Half Step Stage 10:55 PM CST

(75 ½ Rainey Street)

About El B

El B (Bian Oscar Rodríguez Gala) a member of Los Aldeanos, a rap duo from Cuba, has undoubtedly become a cutting edge leader of Latin American Hip Hop in the last decade. Born and raised in Cuba, El B's music and themes transgress the borders of his native country. His outspoken, uncompromising, and unique voice has spread messages of hope and unity on a global level against all odds, even against those who tried to suppress him.

With a career spanning from Censurado, his first album with Los Aldeanos in 2003, followed by their second album, Poesia Esposada, a year later, El B has been recognized as a revolutionary figure critical of bureaucratic regimes, corruption, and all the ills of society while at the same time reinforcing universal human values. Mi Filosofia, released in 2006, was El B's first solo album, where he declared against the Cuban regime that his revolutionary music was here to stay.

The following year Los Aldeanos joined together with 43 other artists and collaborated on the album La Comision Depuradora (The Purging Commission). This large collaboration drew much attention as it was the first time many of these Cuban born rappers on the album had the opportunity to release their music to the public. In 2008, El B's double album, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, gained much significant international exposure. His lyrics represented two alter egos: deep human emotions versus aggressive ideas.

His talents and accomplishments have not gone unnoticed, as he is considered a pure artist among his peers. In both 2007 and 2008, El B participated in and won Redbull's Batalla de Los Galos of Cuba, a free styling rap championship. Through the power of the internet, El B has become and international rap sensation with over 40 million views on Youtube alone.

Currently, El B is living in Miami, Florida releasing solo projects with total creative freedom on the emergent indie label, ZenStar Productions. He is collaborating with numerous artists such as MLKMAN, Danay Suarez, Eptos Uno, and Stephen Marley to name a few.