Written by Cultura Dura is a Remezcla and Mike’s HARDER content and event series highlighting emerging Latin urban culture. We’ll be exploring scenes that haven’t really gotten any coverage anywhere else – from block parties and street art to underground sports and raw, young artists making movements pa’ la calle.
Ruidosón innovator María y José graces us with an exclusive mixtape to preview his appearance in San Diego tonight on the #CulturaDura tour.
The artist also known as Tony Gallardo transports us to his slow-rapped, apocalyptic club revelations with his very own “Plata ó Plomo” track off upcoming Hot Tropics EP, and goes on to splice socio-political anxieties in mixtape form to the beat of tribal, synthetic house, and violent techno rumblings.
In his interview with Remezcla, Tony Gallardo muses on his first US tour, which has routed him already through Chicago, New York, LA, and beyond, and an offers up an interpretation of how the #CulturaDura lifestyle translates to daily life for him.
Catch him tonight at the #CulturaDura stop in San Diego at U31 with DJ Saul Q, Viejo Lowbo, and AbJo of Soulection.
Now that you’re in San Diego for the #CulturaDura tour stop, what are your first impressions of the city?
It’s a beautiful place and one of the best places to live in the USA. I’m really stoked to play here.
You’ve been moving around non-stop on this tour– what’s it like connecting with US audiences?
It’s been a pleasure to be playing these US shows. I’ve been meeting new people and enjoying their stories. I’m not a tourist [kind of] guy, I prefer to meet people instead of visiting popular buildings. My highlights for food: New York’s pizza (wow, wow). For shows: all of them, I just love the energy that people are bringing to the shows…and they dance, too!
What’s it been like growing the ruidosón name alongside your comrades like los Macuanos, Santos, and Siete Catorce?
It’s been a roller coaster ride for me. Sometimes I don’t feel like I’m being recognized as much as I should be, but then I just forget it and I just concentrate on my work. María y José has grown a lot, production-wise and lyrically. I really want to work with my ruidosón friends and I think that’s the next step for me.
Do you foresee any up-and-coming artists in the ruidosón community?
Yes, but we don’t know who– I just want more kids to start producing good music and to be an influence on them.
What does #CulturaDura lifestyle mean to you?
Having to deal with everyday’s Politics, personal issues, and lots of stuff. I struggle as an artist, I’ve had to deal with tough situations but all of these things are making me stronger so I can achieve my dreams. All these things are real– I’m not rich and I have a kid to support, so I have to work harder if I want to be someone. Cultura Dura is working so hard to achieve your goals through real life situations and being yourself, not something fake.
What’s on deck for your #CulturaDura mixtape?
This is one of the best mixtapes I’ve ever made. There’s a lot of bass so people can move their bodies even if they’re at the office. I put some of my favorite producers here and one new unreleased demo from Sunsplash. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
Tracklist:
- Los Fabulosos Cadillacs – V Centenario
- María y José – Plata o Plomo
- Air Max ’97 – Chasm
- A$AP Ferg – Shabba Feat. A$AP Rocky
- Mijo – Coconga
- Jimmy Edgar – Strike
- DJ Bark Lee – M.O.N.I.C.A
- L-Vis 1990 – Workout
- Rushmore – Moment X
- Clap Freckles – Danza de la Lluvia (Paul Marmota Edit)
- Sunsplash – La Punta
- DJ Dodger Stadium – Stadium Status
- DJ Slugo – Busts Downs
- DJ Sliink – Put Cha Back In It
- Victoria Kim – Apgu Freeway
- Sango – Pa’ Mala
- Dre Skull & Daniel Haaksman – Split Screen
- JSTJR & Happy Colors – Tiripa
- DJ Rashad – Pass That Shit
- DJ Paypal x DJ Taye – All Of Me
- Lucky Dragons – Oh My Gosh Vagina
