Malamarismo (Remastered 2022)

Mala Rodríguez

explicit

Released on 30/04/2007 by Universal Music Spain S.L.
Main artists: Mala Rodríguez
Genre: World

Available in

24-Bit/96 kHz Stereo

Unlimited Streaming

Listen to this album in high quality now on our apps

Start my trial period and start listening to this album

Enjoy this album on Qobuz apps with your subscription

Digital Download

Purchase and download this album in a wide variety of formats depending on your needs.

Mala Rodríguez pushes the boundaries of hip-hop with her third album, Malamarismo, and not just in the direction of flamenco as she did on her previous album, Alevosía (2004), or even in the direction of other Latin styles like salsa or reggaeton as one might expect. Malamarismo instead finds the Spanish rapper pushing her music forward in new directions, expanding her flamenco-infused style of hip-hop to include more experimental beats, unconventional rhythms, and a greater emphasis on melodic singsong vocals, especially on the hooks of her songs. With the exception of "Te Convierto," an album-opening firestorm rap similar to her early work on Lujo Ibérico (2002), the album-closing bonus track, "Por la Noche," previously released in 2006 as a standalone single, is the closest the album comes to replicating her previous work. "Por la Noche" is a beautiful, haunting song, but no doubt to the dismay of some purists who might wish Rodríguez remain firmly entrenched in her hip-hop roots, it's uncharacteristic of the album. The high-energy lead single, "Nanai," is more characteristic: not because the other songs here are similar to it -- they're generally quite different, actually -- but because most every song here is unique in its own way and fairly distinct from Rodríguez's past work. The list of producers she works with on Malamarismo is full of familiar names, most notably Griffi, DJ Rectangle, Giggi Mantequilla, and Supernafamacho. Yet these guys contribute beats that are quite experimental for hip-hop and comprised of unconventional rhythms. This is especially true in the case of Griffi, who is credited with six of the album's 13 productions. Partly because of the experimental beats and unconventional rhythms, Rodríguez is challenged as a rapper. Not only must she keep time, but she must find a way to navigate through these jagged beatscapes without losing her flow. Rodríguez is also challenged as a rapper, though, because she chooses to push herself in much the same way the producers push the boundaries musically. She alters her flow frequently throughout Malamarismo, from song to song as well as within the course of each song. The dexterity of Rodríguez is extraordinary here, as she switches back and forth from rat-tat-tat rhyming to melodic singsong hooks. That she can match the melodic touch of Mexican pop singer Julieta Venegas on "Tiempo Pa Pensá" as well as the gymnastic raps of Puerto Rican reggaetoñero Tego Calderón on "Enfermo" is an impressive feat. Rather than push the boundaries, Rodríguez, who took time off between her previous album and this one to become a mother, could have continued with the flamenco-infused hip-hop of her past work. Instead, she risked alienating some of her fan base with Malamarismo. Yet it's commendable that she's chosen to challenge not only her fans but herself by pushing her music in new directions that aren't obvious or easy. Nor are these new directions likely to push her up the pop charts, for despite the presence of Venegas on "Tiempo Pa Pensá," there are no radio hits here. "Nanai" is the closest Malamarismo comes to boasting a radio-ready hit, and for all its catchiness and chart, it's very abrasive and, like the rest of the album, a far cry from the norm.

© Jason Birchmeier /TiVo

More info

Malamarismo (Remastered 2022)

Mala Rodríguez

You are currently listening to samples.

Listen to over 100 million songs with an unlimited streaming plan.

Listen to this playlist and more than 100 million songs with our unlimited streaming plans.

From €13,50/month

Volveré (Remastered 2022) Explicit

00:03:57

Juan Sueiro, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Yves Sombolay, Composer, Producer, Mixer, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Mala Rodríguez, Vocals, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer - María Rodríguez, Author