(Courtesy) El Chivo

 

Sometimes, when you identify with a cause, it is easier to showcase your craft.

In the case of urban rapper El Chivo, his focus wasthe immigrant struggle. His latest single "Si Se Puede," is about the struggle of Mexican immigrants trying to make it in the United States.

El Chivo said the song hits home because he was once an undocumented immigrant.

"I was inspired for this song by all the controversy going on with the border and the wall," El Chivo said in a recent interview.

"You see all this stuff going on, with the separation of families, with little kids staying here by themselves because they are citizens while their parents have to go back.

"I was born in Mexico. I know how people feel having to be here without papers. I was like that, too. I came without any permits or anything. Thank God, I got my papers.

"I fixed my status, but that does not mean I am safe."

The single is from El Chivo's latest solo CD, "Cicatrices"(Scars). El Chivo is part of the Milwaukee-based urban rap group Kinto Sol, and his latest CD is his third solo effort. His previous CDs were "Wachate con los Topes" and "Si Ladran No Muerden."

El Chivo, like the other Kinto Sol members, is a native of Guanajuato, Mexico.

A mid-tempo tune, the song builds to a singalong chorus about being united against oppression. Lyrics accuse authorities of using terrorism as an excuse for tighter border restrictions and note that immigrant backlashes have been going on for decades.

" 'Si Se Puede' has lyrics about the people who are fed up with being treated like criminals," he said. "We're not criminals. We came here to work and make a living and raise our families."

For more details check out:
Ramiro Burr: El Chivo raps about immigration, his roots on latest solo CD