This came out in 2000 – or at least that’s when I got it. Here’s what I said about it back then (with some minor editing):
Orishas are the gods of the voodoo-based Caribbean religion of Santeria. Like their namesakes, this four-man outfit know how to weave a pretty intoxicating spell with their world-beat / hip-hop hybrid.
The formula: A foundation of equal parts Afro-Cuban rhythms and North American grooves; plenty of textural Latin percussion, Gipsy Kings-style guitars and toreador horns, balanced by Jeep-rocking bass lines and beatboxes; contemporary scratch-and-sample-reliant production; and flowing rap vocals. The effect is not unlike a quieter version of Molotov’s Mexicali rap-metal, or perhaps Cypress Hill jamming with the Buena Vista Social Club. Sure, it’s voodoo — but they do it so well.
