Album Review: Asuntos Turbios by FJ Ramos – A Raw Slice of Spanish Hip Hop History
Released in 2000 under the Avoid Records label, Asuntos Turbios by FJ Ramos remains a gritty cornerstone of Spain’s hip-hop scene. This album doesn’t try to sugarcoat anything; it’s raw, unfiltered, and refreshingly authentic—a snapshot of underground energy from two decades ago. With its mix of lyrical intensity and stripped-down beats, it’s no wonder that tracks like “Palante” and “Degenerao” have stuck with listeners over the years.
Let’s dive into what makes this record tick. First up is “Palante.” The track hits hard right outta the gate with its relentless flow and pulsating beat. It’s one of those songs where you can almost feel the urgency in FJ Ramos’ delivery, as if he’s spitting rhymes straight from the heart of Madrid’s urban sprawl. What really stands out here is how the instrumental version later on the album strips everything back, letting the production shine through without losing any edge. You realize just how much thought went into crafting these beats—they’re not flashy but they’re damn effective. If you’re someone who digs layers in music, comparing the vocal and instrumental versions will give you plenty to unpack.
Then there’s “Degenerao,” which feels like a punch to the gut—and I mean that in the best way possible. Between the acapella version showing off Ramos’ lyrical dexterity and the full track’s hypnotic rhythm, this song sticks to your brain like gum on hot pavement. There’s something about the wordplay and attitude here that screams rebellion. Whether you understand every line in Spanish or not, the vibe is undeniable—it pulls you in and doesn’t let go. Plus, having an instrumental version gives DJs and producers some serious material to work with, making it a gift that keeps on giving.
The rest of the album follows suit, offering more instrumentals and alternate takes that showcase the craftsmanship behind each track. Sure, some might call it repetitive, but repetition has its place when done well—it hammers home the themes and reinforces the mood. And honestly? That’s exactly what hip hop should do sometimes: keep it real and keep it tight.
Reflecting on Asuntos Turbios, it’s kinda wild to think about how this album came out at the turn of the millennium. Back then, the world was all caught up in Y2K hype while artists like FJ Ramos were quietly laying down tracks that would still resonate today. It’s proof that good music doesn’t need bells and whistles to make an impact—it just needs honesty and soul.
So yeah, if you’re looking for polished pop hooks or radio-friendly bangers, this ain’t your jam. But if you want something real, something that feels like a late-night conversation in a smoky club, give Asuntos Turbios a spin. Oh, and hey—don’t sleep on those instrumentals. They’re secretly the MVPs of the whole project.
