AceShowbiz - Trueno shares insights from New York City ahead of his performance on The Tonight Show, revealing the creative process behind his latest album TURR4ZO. The Argentine rapper, connecting via Zoom from the show's dressing room, expresses a calm confidence despite the high-profile setting, emphasizing his focus on treating these moments as normal to avoid nerves.

At 24 years old, Trueno has evolved from his freestyle roots in Buenos Aires to international acclaim, marked by the 2021 hit “Dance Crip” and a recent collaboration with Gorillaz. His newest album, released just last month, represents his most adventurous work yet, co-produced with Spanish visionary El Guincho, known for his work with Rosalía and FKA Twigs. TURR4ZO is characterized by its dark, cinematic tone and rich tapestry of samples that honor Argentina’s diverse musical heritage.

Discussing the album, Trueno highlights his deliberate choice to experiment with merging hip-hop and Latin music, aiming to create an immersive listening experience. The inclusion of El Guincho was pivotal in pushing the album’s sound forward, combining the production skills of Tatool, who has consistently worked on his previous projects, with new influences and approaches. The songwriting process involved exploring different techniques and establishing a thematic thread focused on integrating samples to showcase cultural depth.

One track, “X UNAS LLANTAS,” stands out for its unique fusion of genres, blending a tango sample from Astor Piazzolla with chacarera rhythms by Chaqueño Palavecino, layered over a Caribbean groove reminiscent of mambo, merengue, and dembow. This combination signifies a bold cultural crossover, reflecting Trueno’s interest in pushing boundaries and connecting diverse musical traditions.

The cinematic quality of TURR4ZO is a conscious artistic choice. Trueno explains that each album he has made focuses on a different aspect of his craft. While his first record centered on songwriting and the second on vocal performance, and the third on hip-hop culture itself, this latest effort is about hands-on involvement in production and beat-making. The goal was to create a record that feels like a film, with textures and moods that transport the listener.

Collaborating with El Guincho brought a new dynamic to the project. Not merely a producer but an artist in his own right, El Guincho challenged Trueno to refine his lyrics and delivery, encouraging directness and engaging in a creative ping-pong that resulted in the album’s distinctive and sometimes unpredictable energy.

The album’s tension between street-level rawness and sophisticated orchestration embodies a core concept: merging elegance with grit. For example, the opening track “CON EL COMBO” features a sample of Sandro’s “Fácil de Olvidar,” a classic regarded as a masterpiece akin to a Michelangelo painting. Into this refined musical backdrop, Trueno injects aggressive, unfiltered rap verses, creating a dialogue between reverence for tradition and contemporary urban expression.

Samples throughout the album span genres from rock and folk to classical music, often layered with nostalgic piano melodies. This approach elevates the street sensibility of hip-hop, connecting it to a broader cultural prestige while simultaneously grounding it in the lived realities of the streets.

A notable collaboration on TURR4ZO is the track “PUMAS,” a duet with emerging rapper Milo J. Despite their close age difference—Milo is 19 and Trueno 24—the two share similar ideals and complement each other artistically. While Milo J leans more towards singing with a solemn tone, Trueno maintains a combative rap style, making their partnership dynamic and layered. They have recorded two songs together within a year, indicating a strong creative synergy.

Trueno believes that their generation’s early exposure to music shapes their precociousness and ambition. In Argentina, music is as omnipresent as fútbol, circulating in the air from a young age. This contrasts with previous generations who faced censorship and limited acceptance of rap as a legitimate art form. He foresees a flourishing of new talent in Argentina’s urbano scene, describing the future artists as “real beasts blessed with amazing powers,” ready to make an impact.

In addition to working with young talents, Trueno embraces collaboration with established figures from diverse musical backgrounds. His album features contributions from icons like Andrés Calamaro and Rubén Rada, demonstrating his commitment to bridging genres and generations. Having shared stages with legendary acts such as Fabulosos Cadillacs and Serú Girán, he values the opportunity to break down barriers between rock, cumbia, and hip-hop, creating a fertile space for innovation.

This openness to cross-genre collaboration reflects a broader shift in the music industry, where rigid niches are dissolving. Trueno sees this as beneficial for hip-hop’s growth, incorporating elements from trap, candombe, folk, and rock’n’roll into his work. His vision is one of unity and creative exchange, enhancing the genre’s richness and cultural relevance.

As TURR4ZO continues to capture attention for its experimental sound and bold fusions, Trueno remains focused on evolving as an artist and producer. His hands-on role in the album’s creation marks a new chapter in his career, where he not only raps but shapes the entire sonic landscape. This approach promises more innovative projects ahead, reflecting his dedication to pushing the boundaries of Latin hip-hop and beyond.