Monterrey-based rapper Santa Fe Klan has released his first full-length cumbia album, Baile Cholo, a project deeply rooted in the sounds and experiences of his upbringing. The album dropped today, offering a vibrant collection of tracks that blend traditional cumbia rhythms with the artist’s signature style.
Baile Cholo represents a full-circle moment for Santa Fe Klan, whose musical journey began with a love for cumbia long before his rise as a hip-hop artist. The album is a tribute to the barrio-the neighborhoods that shaped him-and a festivity of resilience, community, and the enduring power of cumbia culture. it arrives as Santa Fe Klan continues to broaden his artistic scope, demonstrating his versatility and commitment to representing his roots.
The 10-track album opens with “Claves,” a cumbia that pays homage to the late Rigo Tovar. Other tracks include collaborations with Anaidita y Su Sonora on “No Hace Falta,” and “No SER QUIN CANTA,” alongside contributions from alberto y roberto (“Tu Forma de Ser”), Javier Lopez y Los Reyes Vallenatos, and Los Kombolokos.
“Cholo Dance is my life in songs: el barrio, the fights on the streets, the losses that hurt, and the peopel who always uplift you,” Santa Fe Klan shared. ”Each cumbia is for you to remember that even if the world tries taking us down, we’ll always be strong, dancing, and being who we are.”
Prior to the album’s release, Santa Fe Klan expressed gratitude to Monterrey, where the album was recorded, and to the producers and collaborators who brought his vision to life. He emphasized the unifying force of cumbia, stating on Instagram, ”Thank you, cumbia, for giving me life and for filling that emptiness we all feel here in the barrio… This is the true unity of the barrio; unity is what gives us strength to take this movement to the top.” He also revealed that cumbia has been a lifelong passion, predating his career in rap.