Santa Fe Klan Breaks Down 5 Essential Tracks From ‘Baile Cholo,’ His New Cumbia Vallenata Album

Mexican rapper Santa Fe Klan takes a turn in his career with the release of Baile Cholo, a cumbia vallenata album featuring 26 songs that speak about love, heartbreak, loneliness, sadness, and pain.

“Since I was a child, before I started rapping, cumbia ran through my veins, so I always wanted to do something like this,” the artist tells Billboard Español. “It was a difficult mission and a lot of work on my part and the team’s, but today I can say we’re going to make everyone dance.”

Released on Thursday (Nov. 20) as his second album under Prajin Records, Baile Cholo was recorded in Monterrey, Mexico, a place that for many years has had a large Colombian and Mexican community dedicated to cumbia and vallenato.

The LP features multiple collaborations: Anaidita y Su Sonora on “No Hace Falta,” Alberto y Roberto on “Perro Lobo,” APV Passion Vallenata on “Nomás Lokeez,” Javier López y Los Reyes Vallenatos on “Bájate La Falda,” Los Kombolokos on “Tú Perfume,” and Toy Selectah, the renowned DJ from Control Machete, on “Y Si Nos Vamos.”

“This project comes from the heart. The collaborations aren’t for personal gain; rather, I’m supporting the people I’m collaborating with on the album,” Santa Fe Klan, whose real name is Ángel Quezada, says. “I’m opening the door for them to be known by my fans, just as they’re lending me their musical style and movement.”

Soon to turn 26 this month, the artist co-produced the set with Julián Villareal, blending raw lyrics — very much in Santa Fe Klan’s style — with the celebratory vibe inspired by the genre. “It’s a heartfelt gift for my fans,” he adds. “The songs are full of emotion, the kind of emotion that comes from the people in the neighborhood. Unity is strength to take this movement to the top.”

Below, Santa Fe Klan breaks down five essential tracks from Baile Cholo. To listen to the full album, click here.