Argentine Rapper Trueno on Leading Latin Hip-Hop’s New Wave, Buying Back His Publishing Rights: Nothing Could ‘Kill My Passion’

In the music video for the 2021 hit “Dance Crip,” Argentine rapper Trueno bikes, walks and dances his way through the soulful Buenos Aires neighborhood of La Boca. Anchored by a lethal bass line, funky female choruses and the MC’s breathless flow, “Dance Crip” established the 22-year-old as one of the most creative voices in the burgeoning space of Latin hip-hop. The son of the Uruguayan-born MC Peligro, Trueno (real name Mateo Palacios Corazzina) won freestyle competitions as a teen, and gained momentum when his YouTube session with Argentine wunderkind producer Bizarrap went viral. He belongs to a triumphant new wave of Argentine rappers who have experienced global success during the past decade – from Cazzu and Nicki Nicole to Duki and Tiago PZK – and whose sound betrays the inescapable influences of trap and reggaetón. Related Stories Trueno’s second album, 2022’s “Bien O Mal” (“Good or Evil”) was an operatic masterpiece boasting live instrumentation and guest stars from disparate genres. In contrast, this year’s “El Último Baile” (“The Last Dance”) — Trueno’s debut under new label Sony Music Latin — is a brisk love letter to the roots and splendor of hip-hop culture. Key album cuts like “Tranky Funky”...