Monterrey-based rapper Santa Fe โฃKlan has released โhis first full-length cumbia album, Baile Cholo,โ aโ project deeply rooted โขin the sounds andโ experiences of hisโฃ upbringing. The album dropped today, offering a vibrant collection of tracks that blend traditionalโ cumbia rhythms with theโ artist’s signature style.
Baile Cholo represents a full-circle moment for Santa Fe Klan, whose musical journey began with โa love for cumbia long before his rise as a hip-hopโค artist.โ The albumโ is a tribute to theโข barrio-the neighborhoods thatโฃ shaped him-and a festivity of resilience,โ community, and the enduring power of cumbia culture. it arrives as Santa Fe Klan continuesโ to broaden โhis artistic scope, demonstrating his versatility โand commitment to representing his roots.
The 10-track album opens with “Claves,”โ a cumbia that pays homage to the late Rigo Tovar. Other tracks include โcollaborations with Anaidita y Su Sonora on “No Hace Falta,” and “No SER QUIN CANTA,” alongside contributions from alberto โคyโ roberto (“Tu Forma deโ Ser”), Javier Lopez y โคLos Reyes โVallenatos, and Los โKombolokos.
“Cholo Dance is myโฃ life in songs: el barrio, โคthe fights on the streets, the losses that hurt, andโข the peopel who always uplift you,” Santa Fe Klan shared. โฃ”Each cumbia is for you โto remember โขthat even if the world tries taking โฃus down, we’ll always beโ strong, dancing, โand being who we are.”
Prior to theโ album’s release, Santa Fe โฃKlan expressed gratitude to Monterrey, whereโ the album was recorded, and to the โคproducers andโข collaborators who brought his vision to life. He emphasized the unifying force of cumbia,โ stating on Instagram, โข”Thank you, cumbia, forโ giving me โlife and for filling that emptiness we all feel hereโ in the barrioโฆ Thisโข is the true unity of the barrio;โข unity isโข what gives us strength to take thisโ movementโข to the top.” Heโข also revealed that cumbia has been a lifelong passion, predating โขhis career in rap.