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Malverde - Mi Palabra
The legend of Jesus Malverde takes place during the tyrannical reign of
Mexican Dictator Porfirio Diaz (1877-1911). Porfirio Diaz saw himself as the
rest of the world saw him: as Mexico’s modernizer. Yet progress eluded millions
of Mexicans, who remained as impoverished as ever. Jesus Malverde would become
one of the most infamous mythical folk heroes of Mexico’s rural poor from
Sinaloa, Mexico. Stories of how Malverde robbed the rich and gave to the poor
made Malverde a Mexican version of Robin Hood.
“Mi Palabra” marks a historic moment based on its impressive musical quality, prolific lyrics and the alma behind its interpreter. "The story of the Legend of Malverde is one that is dear to my heart because although I was born in the United States, I was raised in a Mexican household where my grandfather would tell me these stories of famous legends like Heraclio Bernal and others. My name being Jesus, I used to love to hear about the Legend of Jesus Malverde," explains the artist, "There isn't any real proof that he existed but for me it's a testament of faith. My artistic inspiration comes from and is in honor of that legend that for me represents those magical things our generation has lost such as the old tales, the expressions and sayings my grandfather used to live by. He also represents, in a heartfelt way, my grandfather and the morals he instilled in me, respect, honor, tradition and culture."
The Mexican hip-hop artist, Malverde with his rich lyrics and sound loaded with long forgotten expressions of another time. It gives to a culturally needy audience a most precious gift. This production recorded entirely in Spanish has been appropriately titled “Mi Palabra”, which loosely translates to “My Word,” takes us back to a time when a man’s word was represented by a handshake, and a firm handshake was as good as his signature.
Jesus Malverde, the artist, was born and raised in the Coachella Valley in Califaztlan. He always had a gift to express himself and evolve. Growing up in a town mostly consisting of Mexican farm laborers, opportunities weren't the best. His salvation was his education and his poetry. "As I started to develop my style," adds Malverde, "my initial themes were about street life. Now my lyrical focus is more universal, about life, action and consequence."
The “Mi Palabra” album includes 13 hip-hop tracks in Spanish. "The title track, Mi Palabra has a lot to do with the importance of the values my grandfather taught me," adds Malverde, the artist, "the importance of keeping your word, and the consequences if you do otherwise. Another track entitled "Mi Corrido" (My Story or Legendary Tale) covers the ups and downs of life and its experiences. The track finds a closing on what could be my Corrido." On the cut "Trafico," Malverde is joined by the Oxnard-based Locura Terminal on a hip-hop corrido that captures the essence of the narco-culture of drug smuggling from Mexico to Califas.
Even in death Jesus Malverde continues to inspire and motivate through the life he led. With his history of goodwill and positive struggles, his Corrido (Legendary Tale) lives on. It feeds the masses with food for the soul, and the knowledge that induces thought and ignites the fire within each of us.
The Legend continues…
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