As one of the founders of Spanish-language hip-hop, Vico C proved that it was possible to rap fully and convincingly in Spanish, using only occasional phrases in English.
Born in New York but raised in Puerto Rico, Vico C, the Philosopher of Rap, who describes reggaeton as “essentially hip-hop, but with a more Caribbean flavor,” has confirmed a single date in Cali, Colombia, on February 27th at the extraordinary CIDS, a new 10,000-capacity venue nestled amidst mountains and nature in the north of the city.
Winner of a Latin Grammy, a Billboard Latin Music Award, and an American Society of Composers Award, Vico C suffered a near-fatal motorcycle accident in 1990. His injuries led him to abuse heroin, cocaine, and alcohol, but shortly afterward, he converted to evangelical Christianity and voluntarily retired from music. In 1998, he resurfaced with the Christian rap album “Aquel que había muerto” (He Who Had Died), which went gold, and in 1999 he returned to touring with his concert “Antes y después” (Before and After).
Vico C is recognized as the most influential artist in the history of Spanish-language hip-hop and reggaeton. His thoughtful, insightful, and socially conscious lyrics have been key to his impact.
Five emerging artists will be chosen to open for Vico C in Cali through an explosive reality show produced by the Nucleo Urbano Awards.
The winners will be announced on January 30.
About CIDS
The International Center for Social Development (CIDS), belonging to the Misión Paz Organization, is one of the largest multipurpose event complexes in Latin America. With over 130,000 m2 of space, it is strategically located in the business district of the Cali-Yumbo highway, in northern Cali, the most important city on Colombia’s west coast.
This impressive space is an ideal venue for large-scale events, with a capacity for 10,000 people and approximately 2,500 parking spaces. It also includes commercial walkways with spaces for shops and food courts.
Carlos Passage