Hailing from Mexico city, Bocafloja strives in search of alternative forms … Read Full Bio ↴Hailing from Mexico city, Bocafloja strives in search of alternative forms of classic hip hop structure in the form of MC. Bocafloja uses Hip Hop as an educational model and free style poetry as a resource. Lyrics that critically judge social, political, everyday life and even the artist's own contradictions, without dogmatizing yet with strict firmness. Without limiting art to four elements or pigeonholing the struggle in a pamphlet. Art in resistance. With an international vision from the most populated city in the world Bocafloja maintains a comprehensive position that would never forget that which differentiates us. With four solo albums, the production of two compilations albums, and presence on stages that extend from Rikers Island Penitentiary Center in New York, Barrio 23 de Enero in Venezuela, to the Cultural Center Bank of Brazil in Rio de Janeiro—without omitting the innumerable appearances throughout México, during 10 years of constant activity in the Hip Hop scene—Bocafloja was presented with the DJ & Clubbing Awards’ Hip Hop Artist of the Year Award 2006 in Mexico. Bocafloja has shared the stage with such artists as Dead Prez, Afu-Ra, J-live, Freestyle Fellowship, Immortal Technique, K`naan, Rascalz, Intifada, Actitud Maria Marta, and SieteNueve, among others. Founder of QUILOMBOARTE, an organization that seeks to produce cultural events in which HIP HOP functions as an educational tool and an essential collaborative adhesive to social and political leftist movements in the processes of transformation throughout Mexico and Latin America.

La Fortaleza
Bocafloja Lyrics

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Ya no le pongas etiquetas mas que no hace falta
Que en el micrófono soy yo, no es Malcolm o Zapata
Cometo errores
También hipocondríaco y tengo miedo a los doctores
Mi rap es serio, más no aburrido
Jamás podrás decir que lo que digo no he vivido
Algunos dicen basta Bocafloja es el más falso
Se dice progresista y nunca tú lo ves descalzo;

Primero consulta el diccionario
Mi lucha es con un grano de arena que siembro a diario
Lo sé desde chico pues soy de origen proletario
Porque hoy el pan está en la mesa y no hace falta más
Si tengo veinte pesos tú dirás que son millones y exageraras
Y algunos underground con el cerebro chico por hacerle al chemo
Quieren respeto y no han sacado al mercado más que un mediocre demo
Y no es defensa. Trabajo como chino con paciencia
Y no es ofensa. Tengo lo que tengo pues la vida me entregó mi recompensa
Y a fin de cuentas mueres o te reinventas
Jamás nunca jamás a tus ovejas mirarás contentas

Con cada piedra que tiras voy construyendo
La fortaleza en que vivo y voy defendiendo
Son mis vasallos que pagan el dividendo

Son mis vasallos que pagan el dividendo
Con cada piedra que tiras voy construyendo
La fortaleza en que vivo y voy defendiendo

A otro pinche perro con ese hueso cabrón, a mí me vale madres.

Overall Meaning

Bocafloja's song La Fortaleza is a rap that emphasizes his individuality, criticizing those who try to label or stereotype him. He states that he is not Malcolm or Zapata, and though he commits mistakes and has fears, his rap is serious and is not to be confused with dullness. He stresses that his lyrics reflect his life experiences, and while some may criticize him, his fight is a daily one that he takes seriously, starting with his humble origins. He notes that some artists who try to gain respect in the underground scene by mocking traditional mainstream culture release lesser demos, demonstrating that true progressiveness and respect comes through hard work, patience, and skill.

Bocafloja's song speaks of fortitude and resilience, stating that every time someone throws a stone at him, he uses it to build a fortress that he will defend with unwavering strength. The people around him, his "vasallos," pay dividends and are equally important in contributing to his strength. He challenges critics to try to insult him but states that their words have little effect on him. The overarching message of the song is about the importance of self-reliance, hard work, and resilience in the face of criticism and adversity.

Contributed by Emma P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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