------------The first cd from the subgroup of the Darkroom Familia known as Los Traficantes, "Matan Mi Gente" exploits the rappers' ability to flow just as easily in Spanish as in English. The people who make up the group are Locote (Sir Dyno), E-Clips, Victor, Mr. Ace, and A.L.G. Since the release of this cd, as you may know from the Crooked Interview, E-Clips and another member have been kicked out, but have been replaced in the follow-up ("No Pararemos Hasta La Muerte") by Torcido (Crooked) and Mr. Mentiroso. At any rate, this cd was released in 1999 on DogDay Records and is about 95% Spanish.
Some people may be turned away by the fact that the majority of the cd is in Spanish. However, if you enjoy tight beats and can understand the littlest bit of Spanish, this cd might be for you. It is 14 tracks long and the first and last tracks aren't by Darkroom, but by a Mexican mariachi band named Potencia. These songs are typical Mexican songs (with instruments such as guitars and accordions) that have no rapping in them. Also, track 2 is a Spanish intro by Locote (Sir Dyno) named Los Palabras. Beyond these three tracks, however, it is that pure and classic DRF sound we are all used to.
___The title song, Matan Mi Gente, is a tight song by Locote. As with many of the other songs, the background music offers heavy Mexican influence which gives the story the song tells a feeling of authenticity. The story is about the life of a traficante (trafficer) and is a predominant theme throughout the entire cd. Arguably the best song on the cd, "Corrupcion", has a really tight beat that rivals some of the best to have come form the Darkroom. The rapping, which is in Spanish with a few words in English here and there, features Victor and Locote. Not only is the beat good, but the lyrics and the flow are the best I have heard on a Spanish song. One of the songs that is in English, and one of the best songs on the cd, is "Mi Camarada". The beat is tight, the flow and lyrics are comparable to anything else from the Darkroom, and the hook is catchy.
___Overall, the cd is pretty tight. If you are looking for some Spanish rap, there are a lot of choices out there, but "Matan Mi Gente" comes from the Darkroom and that automatically gives it some prestige. Some tracks could have been better, but there are also some tight-ass tracks that can be enjoyed by anyone in either Spanish or English. This being the first cd by Los Traficantes, it is a good effort and won't let you down if you like the Darkroom and can understand some Spanish. It might be hard to find (except on the West Coast and at Manifest), but if you see it and are looking for a tight Spanish rap cd, pick it up.
