C. Tangana
Biography
Antón Álvarez Alfaro, known professionally as C. Tangana, is a Spanish rapper, singer, and songwriter born in Madrid on July 16, 1990. He embarked on his musical journey during his high school years, initially performing under the pseudonym Crema and releasing his first demo, "Él Es Crema," in 2005. His early work was influenced by 90s boom-bap and he became a recognized figure in Madrid's underground rap scene.
Career Beginnings and Agorazein
In 2011, he formed the rap collective Agorazein with a group of friends, marking a shift in his artistic direction. During this period, he adopted the stage name C. Tangana. The group blended trap beats with urban production, aiming to provoke and make a significant impact on the Spanish music scene. While with Agorazein, he also self-released solo projects, including "C. Tangana" (2011) and "LOVE'S" (2012), and worked jobs at a call center and a fast-food chain before dedicating himself to music full-time in 2015.
Solo Breakthrough and "Ídolo"
In 2016, C. Tangana began to focus on his solo career, signing a record deal with Sony Music. A pivotal moment came with the release of "Antes de morirme," a collaboration with his then-girlfriend Rosalía, which gained viral fame and catapulted him into the spotlight. His mainstream success was solidified with the 2017 hit single "Mala Mujer," which was included on his debut studio album, "Ídolo." This album achieved the number one spot in Spain. He followed this with the mixtape "Avida Dollars" in 2018, which featured the successful single "Llorando en la Limo."
The "El Madrileño" Era
A New Musical Direction
In 2021, C. Tangana released his second studio album, "El Madrileño," which represented a significant artistic evolution. He moved away from his established trap and urban sound to explore a fusion of traditional Spanish and Latin American music genres like flamenco, rumba, and son, blended with contemporary pop and rap. The album is a collaborative project, featuring a diverse range of acclaimed artists such as the Gipsy Kings, Jorge Drexler, Andrés Calamaro, and Eliades Ochoa.
Critical and Commercial Success
"El Madrileño" was a massive success, debuting at the top of the Spanish charts and becoming the best-selling album in Spain in 2021. The single "Tú Me Dejaste de Querer" broke the record for the most streams in Spain in a single day. The album received widespread critical acclaim and earned several Latin Grammy nominations, including Album of the Year, and won for Best Engineered Album. The success of this album and its accompanying 'Sin Cantar ni Afinar' tour solidified his status as a major international artist.
Artistry and Impact
C. Tangana is known for his artistic vision and his ability to anticipate musical trends. His musical style has evolved significantly, from the sad and rebellious tones of his early work to the luxurious themes of "Avida Dollars" and the rich, organic sound of "El Madrileño." He is recognized for having transformed the music industry in Spain and for bringing a new level of global attention to the country's music scene. Throughout his career, he has won nine Latin Grammy Awards as both a performer and a songwriter.