The big fish in Argentina’s small rap pond is unquestionably Dante Spinetta. Music credentials include a rock legend father and a successful 90s funk-pop band, ladies love cool Dante and fellas show respect. With limited hip hop potential in a scene dominated by reggaeton and cumbia, Dante gets his by being dynamic in the face of adversity. And teaming up with talented global peers like Julieta Venegas and Tego Calderon.

This next video is a perfect example of dude’s ability to connect to a scene outside his country. There is not as much Argentina in this video as Colombian cartel.  (Except for the girls, they ring pretty true.)

The characters and Cuban cantina aesthetic are nada que ver with where the artist is from and presently resides. Except for the fact that he spends some time in Florida – that might really be the story. Because there is more Caribbean going on than Southern Cone – but I’d say the same for hip hop so there you go. If you build it they will come? Dante is a one-man Argentine hip hop factory spitting game and bringing heat to fans of reggaeton and cumbia, and likely converting a few new hip hop heads along the way.

What’s the difference between reggaeton and hip hop en español? Like every style of music, it’s the beat that identifies and categorizes. Most of Dante’s tracks are radio ready hip hop, rather than reggaeton. But don’t take my word on it, give a listen.

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