Emigrante
Next to theBuena  Vista Social Club, France-based Cuban rappers Ruzzo, Yotuel, Flaco-Pro, and  Roldan--a.k.a. theOrishas--were quite  recently the hottest musical export from that forbidden island to hit these  shores in years. Now, riding on the heels of their international debutA lo Cubano,Emigrantcontinues the group's soulful syncretism of African-American rap  and Afro-Cuban percussion and musical genres. The combo, which is now a trio,  adds its patented conga-coded syncopations to the bling-bling hip-hop beats,  especially on the synth-trenched "Que Pasa?" (What's Happenin'?) the horn-driven  "Ninos" (Children), and "Habana" (Havana). Make no mistake, this CD can bounce  alongside any tracks performed by stateside Latino superstars, fromFat JoetoBig Pun.--Eugene  Holley, Jr.