The Legacy of a Freestyler: Trueno’s Roots in Argentine Rap

Mate in hand, Trueno embodies a calm focus, even amidst the whirlwind of a burgeoning international career. The recent Grammy nomination, he explains, feels akin to a soccer player being considered for the Ballon d’Or – a recognition of sustained effort and dedication. This perspective underscores a core tenet of Trueno’s approach: music is a constant, a 24/7 pursuit, and accolades are validations of that commitment.

Born Mateo Palacios Corazzina, Trueno’s connection to hip-hop is deeply familial. His father, MC Peligro, was a pioneering figure in Argentina’s rap scene, laying the groundwork for a movement that Trueno now leads. Growing up in the 2000s, the young artist absorbed influences from American icons like Eminem, 50 Cent, and Dr. Dre, alongside Latin American trailblazers such as Kase.O, Nach, Canserbero, Vico C, and Tego Calderón. Yet, it was his father’s freestyling prowess that left the most indelible mark, even inspiring Trueno’s stage name, derived from his father’s song “Trueno En La Madrugada.”

“I continue to share this experience with Peligro because it’s a bit of his fault that I’m doing what I’m doing,” Trueno laughs. “He was rapping before I was even born. I was born in the middle of his plan to push this rap movement from Argentina further. All my family members are musicians, but thanks to him, I found my passion and my path in life. He’s instilled the values in me that hip-hop also means family.”

From La Boca Battles to Global Stages: Forging a Path

Despite his lineage, Trueno’s rise wasn’t preordained. He honed his skills through intense freestyle battles in the streets of La Boca, Buenos Aires, quickly gaining recognition within the local competitive circuit. His breakthrough came in 2019, when he triumphed at both Red Bull’s Batalla de los Gallos and FMS Argentina, solidifying his position as a force to be reckoned with. This momentum propelled the release of his debut album, El Atrevido, in 2020.

“Freestyle battling was the strongest type of training that I could have as a rapper in general,” Trueno reflects. “To be rapping against a person that’s trying to humiliate you and thinking of the right rhymes for the moment, that helps you develop a quick wit and method of improvisation. Improvisation like that is key to this career, so when I sat down to write for my first album, it was so easy for me to write about what I felt in that moment.”

A Voice for a Generation: Politics, Protest, and Artistic Evolution

El Atrevido established Trueno as a household name in Argentina. His subsequent album, 2022’s Bien o Mal, expanded his reach across Latin America, tackling themes of corruption, social injustice, and economic inequality. The protest anthem “Fuck El Police” even garnered a remix featuring Cypress Hill, demonstrating the song’s resonance and Trueno’s growing influence. The album also showcased a collaborative spirit, featuring his father, Víctor Heredia, Nathy Peluso, and Bizarrap.

“I don’t hold anything back,” Trueno asserts. “Music is my main medium of expression. It’s where I unleash my thoughts without fear. I’m always going to say what’s on my mind. Injustice, and the other topics I discussed on Bien o Mal, are realities that have historically been experienced by Latinos. I wanted to speak up about it because Latin America is where I was born. Traveling to other countries with that album made me understand where I come from and what I want to express with my music.”

Celebrating Hip-Hop’s Past, Embracing the Future

With El Último Baile, released in 2023 coinciding with hip-hop’s 50th anniversary, Trueno paid homage to the genre’s history while simultaneously pushing its boundaries. The ’90s-inspired “Tranky Funky” earned him his first Latin Grammy Award, while the Afrobeats-infused “Real Gangsta Love” went viral on TikTok, amassing over 487 million Spotify streams and catapulting him to global recognition.

“At a moment where I was working very hard and going through a tough time, the success of ‘Real Gangsta Love’ was a complete shock to me,” he recalls. “That meant a lot to me. That showed me what’s most important is to keep putting out music. The reaction to the song helped me realize that whatever problem I might be going through, my fans will always be there for me.”

This year’s EUB DELUXE further solidified Trueno’s artistic vision, blending drill music with samples from Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five’s “The Message” in “Grandmaster.” Collaborations with DJ Premier, Feid, and Young Miko underscored his growing stature within the hip-hop community. The track “Fresh” secured him a second Latin Grammy for Best Rap/Hip Hop Song, and EUB DELUXE is now nominated for Best Música Urbana Album at the upcoming Grammy Awards.

“Obviously, for Latin music, it’s more difficult to break through at the American Grammys,” Trueno acknowledges. “With EUB DELUXE, which is a shorter project, to be nominated with artists like Bad Bunny, Feid, and J Balvin, it’s so crazy! To be able to represent Argentina’s rap scene at the American Grammys is already like winning for me. If I do win, I’ll be filled with pride for my country and happiness, but I feel great to represent Argentine rap at the Latin Grammys, American Grammys, and everywhere else.”

Trueno’s momentum extends beyond music. He became the first Latin artist to headline his own Red Bull Symphonic concert, a performance released to streaming platforms on November 18th. He also collaborated with Gorillaz on “The Manifesto,” featuring the late D12 rapper Proof, and has been invited to open for Gorillaz’ upcoming UK arena and stadium tour. He is currently finalizing his fourth album, a project he describes as deeply personal and reflective of his artistic evolution.

“It’s been a little over two years that I’ve spent working on my fourth album,” he reveals. “It’s the most important for me because the number four means a lot to me. I’m working with the producer El Guincho, who is showing me so much during this process and helping me broaden my horizons. This album will be more about me and reflect my tastes and what I personally want to say with my music.”

What does Trueno’s success signify for the future of Latin hip-hop on the global stage? And how will his evolving sound continue to challenge and inspire the genre?

Frequently Asked Questions About Trueno