Ponto Chicano
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~ · "O<!lober23, 1991 MECHISME page 3 Latin Alliance puts Latino rappers on map Ponto Chicano (Reprinted from Lowrider, Oct. 91) Latins to bring everyone together." Frost By Enrique Jesus Cardiel jr. In the truest sense, Latin Alliance explains, "not just keeping it for Mexicans CNNReponer lives up to the name. A coalition of Latin or Puerto Ricans or Dominicans." the Latin Chicanos can no longer allow Rappers from varying backgrounds, Latin Alliance became official in October, 1990. themselves to be intimidated as if they are Alliance's members have joined forces on Latin Alliance's group chemistry infringing on Anglos' rights. the self-titled debut album on Virgin transcends mutual respect. "This thing has Chicanos' rights have been Records. Their message of pride and unity to be a tight unit,• Frost says emphatically. infringed upon since 1836 when Anglos urges fellow Latins to rely on cooperation "It has to be more of a family thing than just were illegal aliens in the northern-most instead of confrontation, and they deliver a bunch of kids just trying to come up or get territory of Mexico. their message at the tip of a high-velocity over. We have a cause. Our main theme is Another issue Chicanos must face i rap sound. to bust stereotypes--stereotypes that say 'rap the myth of being "Hispanic.• Chicanos, as The Latin Alliance emphasizes a should be this' or 'rap should be that.' We a group, are 70 to 80 percent indigenous, broad, multi-cultural and multi-racial theme feel that the whole art of rap is an urban according to John Chaviz, author of The of unity. "I don't even talk about black, sound, coming from the street, and the street Lost Land. brown, or white--I'm just pro-minority,• are in East L.A. the same as they are in the That statistic must be presented as admits member Raysk.i. "I'm Pro-positive, Bronx, the same as they are in South a fact to Chicano people especially Chicano as well as being pro-Latin. I think the Central. The whole concept for the Latin youth who may suffer from cultural world would be a better place if everybody Alliance is that we're trying to spread a schizophrenia. tried to be a little more positive. We're just message of unity." Chicanos come from various tribes, trying to put Latin rappers on the map as More than 150 students expected such as Azteca, Zapoteca, Mixtec, being real.• for high school Motivation Day Tarahumara, Yaqui, Cahuilla, Dine Lots of live tracks (as well as a few On Nov. 14 more than 150 (Navajo), Pueblo, Apache, Sioux, and many carefully chosen samples and synths) power Chicano/Latino high school students will be others. Latin Alliance's street level sound. "Low coming to visit for Motivation Day. This Chicano students are realizing this Rider,• the debut single by Latin Alliance day will include workshops and tours. once they get to the university. and War, sets the tone. Featuring Virgin MEChA recruitment coordinator Lupe Silva The message now needs to be taken Records' Kid Frost and fellow Latin rap is hoping for a big participation. "Please into the junior high and high schools where star, Cuban-born Mellow Man Ace, "Low show your support,• she says. "I am going the next generation of Chicano students are Rider" offers an urban-beat update of the to need all of your help." Anyone who is finding their identities. War classic. The groove stretches bumper interested in participating can pick up a to-bumper--close your eyes and you can feel schedule at the next MEChA meeting or the asphalt beneath your feet, and hear contact Lupe at 247-0522. engines revving in the humid twilight. "Valla En Paz (Go In Peace" defines the Latin Alliance philosophy. Its chief writer, Stevie, paints the picture: "Being Spanish and living in Los Angeles .. .I see people in my environment destroying themselves, and I wanted to say--specifically to Latin people -'don't do that to yourselves'." Other key tracks include Rayski's pounding "Know What I'm Sayin'?" the steamy "What You Soul Is What You Get,• ~-,. and "Latinos Unidos, • Latin Ali°iance's :;., manifesto. Frost urged all members to ' combine their own view of Latin heritage for "Latinos Unidos," saying "let 'em know ,;;;: '. -. where you're from, who you are, your ' . heritage, your pride.• The collaboration effort is a mosaic of images and experiences of urban Latin life. Kid Frost first gathered group members together to work on a Cinco de Mayo lowrider show in Los Angeles in ----,~--. - 1989. "The next thing you know, we came Rdel Beltran-Fresno.Co\ up with the idea to form an alliance of .