July 27, 2006—In Havana, Cuba, a city already famous for its classic salsa, son, and rumba rhythms, a new sound is filling the air. The trade embargo has done little to dampen the people's enthusiasm for rap, a genre born in New York City. (Sample and download Cuban music at National Geographic's World Music site.)

Watch as Cuban musicians put their own, unique take on hip-hop as the music energizes the country's bars and back rooms.