Molotov

Mexican rap rock act Molotov became incredibly popular in the late 90s thanks to their politically charged lyrics mixed with a playful and often crude sense of humor. Formed in 1995 in Mexico City by friends Tito Fuentes and Mickey “Chicho” Huidobro, the band’s lineup was completed with the addition of drummer Randy Ebright and Paco Ayala in 1996. Molotov cut their teeth on the underground rock circuit and soon enough, they found themselves opening for Héroes del Silencio, La Lupita, and Illya Kuryaki and the Valderramas. After being scouted by an agent from Universal Music Latin Entertainment, Molotov signed a record deal with the label and made their official debut with 1997’s ¿Dónde Jugarán las Niñas? The album became an instant success in Latin America in spite of its controversial cover and explicit lyrics, earning the group a Grammy nomination for Best Latin Rock Alternative Performance. Produced by Mario Caldato Jr., known for his work with the Beastie Boys, a second album titled Apocalypshit saw the light in 1999. Following a lengthy European tour, Molotov contributed to the Grammy-nominated soundtrack of the Mexican feature film Y Tu Mamá También (2001) and released Dance and Dense Denso (2003), which contained their biggest hit, the slur-laden “Frijolero.” Addressing the ever-rising tensions in the Mexico-US border, “Frijolero” featured lyrics in both English and Spanish and won a Latin Grammy for Best Music Video. Amidst breakup rumors, Molotov returned in 2007 with the full-length Eternamiente, followed by Agua Maldita in 2014. Though they released a live album titled MTV Unplugged: El Desconecte in 2018, it wasn't until 2023 that the band finally unveiled their next studio album, Sólo D'Lira. Featuring a guest spot by Argentine rapper WOS on the single "Money in the Bank," Sólo D'Lira won Best Rock Album at the Latin Grammy Awards later that year.