Mexican hip-hop is on the rise — and if the Santa Fe Klan's Coachella run is any indication, it's time to pay attention.
Those in attendance at Peso Pluma's Friday night set were introduced to the Santa Fe Klan when the two MCs teamed up for a fiery duet of their 2024 track with Argentinian MC Duki, titled “No Son Klle.” Sporting baggy Louis Vuitton streetwear and his signature bandana across his forehead, Santa Fe Klan paid homage to West Coast hip-hop by walking across the Coachella stage as he and Peso traded verses.
The Santa Fe Klan returned to the main stage Saturday afternoon for their own history-making show. The sun beat down on him and his band as they effortlessly weaved between hip-hop and cumbia, a fusion that sets the 24-year-old rapper apart from the pack. Santa Fe introduced himself to the crowd with an accordion in hand, deftly playing a solo as he opened the set with “Cuidando el Territorio,” his track with Caliber 50 and Beto Sierra. In a conversation with Rolling rock, said flying the Mexican flag high was what excited him the most. this, and to be able to greet his family from center stage.
“I want to leave the crowd with a Mexican party so they leave my set wanting more Mexico,” Santa shared the day before his set. “There will be lots of green, white and red confetti flying.”
Backed by a talented crew of breakdancers, he dropped bars around his barrio in a performance of his early hit, “Silencio en el Callejón”, and performed tracks such as “Todo Va Estar Bien” and “Luna y Mar”. He also brought out Colombian star Nanpa Básico to perform their hit “Te Iré a Buscar” and then welcomed fellow Mexican MC Tornillo for their joint track, “Un Día Todo Se Termina.” He closed his 45-minute set with 'Grandes Ligas' and 'Por Mi México' as confetti in the colors of the Mexican flag rained down on the crowd.
With performances from Carin León, Kevin Kaarl, Son Rompe Pera and Girl Ultra, Mexico's vast musical range is well represented at this year's edition of Coachella. The Santa Fe Clan caught up Rolling rock before his appearance to discuss his upcoming music — as well as his 35-stop Todo y Nada US tour, which kicks off in June and features rappers Tornillo and Snow Tha Product as headliners.
How do you feel?
Chido, carnal. Emotion [like] one million [bucks]. It's great to have my brother Tornillo here to represent the crew. El Nanpa Básico too. I am happy to have all my family with me. And I'm so happy to represent Mexico here in the US that I don't have any worries, I don't even think about things that distract me. I am calm, comfortable and very happy that this is happening.
Representing Mexico has been such a big part of your journey.
I want la raza to feel visible and Mexican flags to be seen. We will always represent Mexico for our whole life.
How was the conversation with Tornillo and Nanpa about having them here. What was the plan?
Tornillo [came] because they are part of the 473 crew, so we see each other very often. I messaged Nanpa on Instagram like, “Hey bro, I'm inviting you to Coachella! Fuck [are you in]?” I've always loved Nanpa's songs, so it's great to have him here with me.
Someone told me you're also going to put out a song with Rich the Kid soon.
Yes brother. We wanted to sing this song here at Coachella but he was busy. The song is on my new album. We're dropping it in three months and it's going to bring a lot of features and some solo songs, but we're also working on a different project where I want to add instruments to my rap songs and play them myself. We're finishing it now.
Wow, what kinds of instruments?
Saxophone, clarinet, accordion, piano, harmonica, trumpet. Here's the idea: rap [verses], then in the chorus I play the instrument. I played the piano since I was a child. If I hear a song, I can play it on an instrument. I'm learning to play sax and clarinet, but we're recording the song while I'm practicing the solos. That's the idea. I'm not too sure I'll play this new album live, but maybe in a few months I'll be ready.
What was it like playing with Peso Pluma?
I really like the song “No Son Klle”. I also really like Peso after we showed him the song. He liked it! The [was] it's the first time we sing it, so I'm very happy that people see us together on stage.
Who are you most excited to see?
We want to see Lil Uzi. I am also learning English. [I] I want to record some English songs, do my job and be friends with rappers echarnos un gallo. (Translation: Smoke a blunt.) We came to see them all, brother. There are a lot of people I don't know but I know they are chingones because they succeeded there. I always like to see how different people work and I like to learn.
What other news would you like to share?
We have a US tour, I'm going to put out an album. I have a cumbia album coming and then another one with local Mexican [music]: mariachi, banda and norteñas. We have a little bit of everything. I also want my own TV show, so everyone can see what my life really is — and what my life used to be like.
What would you say have been the biggest things you've learned?
Many things: respect, humility, loyalty, betrayals. [How] to track down the people who will betray you. Lots of things about this business. I've matured a lot and I'm smarter.
from our partners at https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-latin/santa-fe-klan-interview-mexican-rap-coachella-2024-1235004176/