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Cuban Link
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Key Information
Felix Delgado (born December 18, 1974), better known by his stage name Cuban Link, is a Cuban-American rapper. Emerging from the underground hip hop scene in The Bronx, he came to prominence upon discovery by fellow Bronx rapper Fat Joe and mentorship from his close friend Big Pun, and thereafter guest appeared on Pun's 1998 album Capital Punishment. He is also known for being a member of the Bronx-based rap group Terror Squad.
In 1997, Cuban Link made his first on-record performance on the single "Off the Books" by The Beatnuts.
Early life
[edit]Delgado was born in Havana, Cuba, on December 18, 1974. He and his family emigrated to the United States in 1980 during the Mariel boatlift, settling in the South Bronx in New York City in 1984 when he was nine years old. At the end of the Boatlift, he originally arrived in Miami, Florida and also settled in Puerto Rico for a unspecified amount of time, until he permanently settled in The Bronx.[2]
While on the Mariel Boatlift, Cuban and his family sailed from Cuba to Miami, Florida for six months from April 15 to October 31, 1980. When Cuban arrived, he was in a concentration camp on 95 North where they had all the other Cubans. Cuban lived in Miami for six months before settling in Puerto Rico for three years and then moving to the South Bronx, settling in the Morrisania neighborhood.
Career
[edit]When Delgado was growing up, he lived around primarily Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, and African Americans. At the same time, hip hop music was rising in popularity in his neighborhood.
In 1986, at age 12, Cuban started writing rhymes after being drawn into hip-hop culture and is influenced by Juice Crew, Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap, KRS-One, Nas, and later on in life, Big Pun.[3]
At age 15, in 1989, Delgado started rapping under the moniker Lyrical Assassin, which led him to meet his future partners-in-rhyme Christopher Rios and Samuel Garcia, who at the time were known as Big Moon Dawg and Joker Jamz. This led them to form the underground rap group Full-A-Clips. Throughout the early 90s, Full-A-Clips became a well-known group throughout the Bronx, earning them radio freestyles and live performances. Their fourth member, Toom, joined the group in 1994.
In 1995, Delgado and his partners Rios and Garcia were freestyling at a bodega in The Bronx, when Fat Joe stops by the bodega to buy some groceries. Pun spots Joe and recognizes him and goes up to him to spit a verse for him. When Pun spit his verse, he left Joe so impressed that he offered Pun a ride in his limousine. After hearing Pun, he recruited Delgado and Garcia as well. [4]
The Terror Squad formation
[edit]After Fat Joe discovered Full-A-Clips, signed to Atlantic Records and launched Terror Squad Productions in 1997, he signed Big Pun, which led to the formation of the Bronx-based rap group Terror Squad, which consisted of Fat Joe, Big Pun, Cuban Link, Triple Seis, Prospect and Armageddon. Following this, Cuban Link was signed to Atlantic and Terror Squad and contributed guest appearance vocals to Fat Joe's September 1998 album Don Cartagena on the songs "Bet Ya Man Can't (Triz)", "The Hidden Hand", and "Terror Squadians".
The Terror Squad collaboration album
[edit]On September 21, 1999, Link and the Terror Squad released their self-titled debut album which reached number 20 on the Billboard 200. Cuban contributed vocals on seven tracks, some of them being "In For Life", "Pass the Glock", "As the World Turns", and "Tell Me What U Want". After signing to Atlantic and Terror Squad, Cuban Link continued recording for his debut LP 24K which he originally started working on in 1997.
1997–2001: Signing with Atlantic, 24K album, feud with Fat Joe, cancelled Scarface sequel
[edit]In 1997, Cuban began recording songs for his debut album 24K. One of the first songs he recorded was "Toe to Toe" with Big Pun. He recorded songs with Pun, Angie Martinez, SunKiss, Ja Rule, Triple Seis, Kool G Rap, and many other artists. During the process, Big Pun died on February 7, 2000, due to a heart attack caused by weight issues. This led to Cuban writing and releasing "Flowers For The Dead" in Pun's honor. Three singles were released from the album: "Flowers For The Dead", "Still Telling Lies", and "Why Me?". The songs "Play How You Want" and "Toe to Toe" were released as promotional singles by Atlantic Records. In addition, "Why Me?" was featured in the 2000 action-comedy film Bait and another song from the album, "Project Party" was featured in the 2000 sports drama film Girlfight. The album was scheduled to be released in the summer of 2000 but changed to January of 2001. However, without Pun's mediation, personal tension between Fat Joe and Cuban Link, problems with Atlantic and bootlegging prevented the release of 24K. 24K is now available for digital download on Amazon Music, but has not been released physically. Cuban Link's feud with Fat Joe led to him being blacklisted from the music industry and forced to go underground.
In 2001, plans were made for Cuban Link to star in the sequel to the legendary crime film Scarface, titled Scarface 2: Son of Tony. The plane drew both praise and criticism. The sequel was unfortunately cancelled due to film rights issues and creative control.[5]
2001–2004: Released Broken Chains series with his DJ Dren Starr & Roy P. Perez
[edit]After being sliced in the face three times at an Angie Martinez release party and performance for a song called: "Live At Jimmy's" featuring Cuban Link on Angie Martinez's album, Cuban alongside his DJ Dren Starr and executive Roy P. Perez this led Cuban Link to sign with Universal/MOB for $2 Million for one album making it the largest independent deal at the time.[6]
2004–2005: Signing with M.O.B. Records, Chain Reaction
[edit]After his career derailed, Link was still recording music despite the 24K album being shelved by Joe and Atlantic Records. In addition, Cuban guest appeared on Triple Seis' debut studio album Only Time'll Tell, which was released on July 20, 2004 through Madd Records. Cuban featured on the tracks "Drinks Up", "Hustler" and "Be About It".
In 2004, a few years after leaving Terror Squad, Cuban joined independent label Men of Business and released Chain Reaction on August 16, 2005. It included singles "Sugar Daddy" (featuring Mýa) and "Scandalous" (featuring Don Omar) with influence from reggaeton. It was the largest independent deal ($2MM) for a single album and an unsigned act at the time and a joint venture with Universal. Cuban linked up with several producers and artists such as Eliel, Swizz Beatz, Mr. Porter and Syleena Johnson. In addition, Cuban released two promotional singles: "Shakedown" and "Talk About It" featuring Jadakiss. [7]
2007-2011: Spanish album, Bang Bang Boogie formation
[edit]In 2007, Cuban started working on his first spanish album, Hijo De La Calle, starting off by releasing the song "Nos Tienen Miedo" which is a diss song towards rapper Pitbull and Cuban's former protege Don Dinero. The song featured several other rappers of Latin descent. During the process, Cuban recorded songs with Poe Rilla, Zaturno, Melymel, Temperamento, MC Ceja and many other artists. He released various Spanish singles such as "Nos Tienen Miedo", "Nos Tienen Miedo 2", "Libertad" and "Loco Callejero".
In late 2007 or early '08, Cuban joined the underground hip hop group Bang Bang Boogie, which consisted of him, Mysonne, Lord Tariq, Hocus 45th and S-One. The group was created mainly to bring The Bronx back to the forefront, bringing awareness to the Bronx neighborhoods. The group released two mixtapes in 2008 but disbanded in 2010 due to Hocus and S-One being falsely incarcerated and also due to the group and a lack of mainstream support without major label backing, which made it hard to gain national recognition. The remaining members went on to focus on their solo careers. Cuban eventually released his mixtape Chain Gang Bully in 2011 but never released his Spanish LP.[8]
Discography
[edit]- Studio albums
- 24K (2000) (unreleased)
- Chain Reaction (2005)
- Collaboration albums
- Terror Squad: The Album with Terror Squad (1999)
Filmography
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 106 & Park | Himself | Episode 52 |
| 2001 | Blazin' | Pete | |
| 2002 | Big Pun: Still Not a Player | Himself | |
| 2004 | 106 & Park | Himself | |
| The Drop | Himself | 3 episodes | |
| 2005 | Showtime at the Apollo | Himself | Episode: "Cuban Link with Mya/Lady Saw" |
| Soul Train | Himself | Episode: "Vivian Green/Cuban Link Featuring Mya/Pretty Ricky" | |
| Law and Order: Criminal Intent | Enrique | Episode: "Acts of Contrition" | |
| 2008 | Big Pun: The Legacy | Himself | Video |
References
[edit]- ^ "Cuban Link - ABOUT". cubanlinkclk.com. Archived from the original on October 20, 2020. Retrieved October 9, 2020.
- ^ Azpiri, Jon. "Cuban Link > Biography". allmusic. Retrieved June 23, 2009.
- ^ "Cuban Link". AngelFire. January 16, 2001. Retrieved December 13, 2024.
- ^ "Cuban Link - Full Biography". MTV. Archived from the original on February 18, 2006. Retrieved June 23, 2009.
- ^ "Son of Tony". Ozone Magazine. Archived from the original on September 27, 2011. Retrieved January 2, 2007.
- ^ Isanul, EAhmed (July 2002). "Broken Chains > Overview". complex. Retrieved July 26, 2010.
- ^ Gutierrez, Evan C. (August 16, 2005). "Chain Reaction > Overview". allmusic. Retrieved June 24, 2009.
- ^ Concepcion, Mariel (September 30, 2008). "Billboard Underground: Bang Bang Boogie". Billboard. Retrieved July 17, 2025.
External links
[edit]Cuban Link
View on GrokipediaEarly life
Birth and immigration to the United States
Felix Delgado, professionally known as Cuban Link, was born on December 18, 1974, in Havana, Cuba.[2] In 1980, at the age of five, Delgado and his family left Cuba during the Mariel boatlift, a mass exodus prompted by Fidel Castro's government allowing citizens to depart from the port of Mariel.[11] They sailed from Cuba to Miami on a vessel named the Orca, enduring inspections by Cuban soldiers who confiscated personal items and branded the emigrants as traitors.[11] Delgado's father, who had previously been imprisoned in Cuba for offenses including killing a cow—a felony under the regime—and selling pants, was released specifically for the boatlift to reunite with the family.[11] Upon reaching Miami, the family was held in a detention camp beneath Interstate 95 for one month before an aunt sponsored their release.[11] They resided in Miami for six months, then relocated to Puerto Rico for four years.[11] By age nine, in 1984, the Delgados settled in the South Bronx neighborhood of New York City, where Delgado grew up immersed in the local urban environment.[11][12]Entry into hip-hop and early influences
Felix Delgado, known professionally as Cuban Link, began engaging with hip-hop culture shortly after his family's arrival in the Bronx in 1984, where he was immersed in the vibrant local scene as a young child learning English. By age 12 in 1986, he started writing rhymes during school as a hobby, often scribbling lyrics instead of notes, marking the beginning of his passion for rapping despite his limited language skills at the time.[13] This early experimentation evolved from casual interest into a serious pursuit, influenced by the golden era of hip-hop that dominated the Bronx streets. Delgado drew significant inspiration from pioneering artists of the late 1980s and early 1990s, including the Juice Crew collective, Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap, KRS-One, and Nas, whose intricate lyricism and storytelling resonated with his developing style.[13] He cited these figures for shaping his approach to rhyme structure and cultural expression, blending street narratives with technical prowess. Later, his friendship with fellow Bronx rapper Big Pun—initially known as Big Moon Dawg—provided a pivotal influence, as Pun's dedication encouraged Delgado to elevate his craft from hobby to professional ambition.[13] His formal entry into the hip-hop scene came in the late 1980s when, under the alias Lyrical Assassin, he co-founded the underground group Full-A-Clips alongside Big Pun and Triple Seis (also known as Tomb the Sick One).[5] This crew allowed Delgado to hone his skills through local performances and recordings in the Bronx, building a foundation in Latino-infused hip-hop before transitioning to broader collaborations. Full-A-Clips represented an early platform for Delgado to experiment with bilingual flows and gritty, neighborhood-themed content, setting the stage for his later prominence in groups like Terror Squad.[5]Career
Terror Squad formation and early collaborations (1995–2000)
Cuban Link, born Felix Delgado, emerged in the Bronx hip-hop scene during the mid-1990s, where he connected with fellow artists through local freestyle sessions and underground performances. He was recruited into Fat Joe's burgeoning Terror Squad collective around 1997, joining core members including Big Pun, Prospect, Triple Seis, and Armageddon, as the group solidified its lineup to represent Latino representation in East Coast rap. The collective drew from the Bronx's diverse cultural influences, blending hardcore street narratives with bilingual flows, and Cuban Link's gritty delivery quickly positioned him as a key contributor.[2] His earliest notable collaboration came in 1997 with The Beatnuts' single "Off the Books," featuring Big Pun, which became a crossover hit peaking at number 86 on the Billboard Hot 100 and marked Cuban Link's debut recorded verse, showcasing his rapid-fire style over a sample-heavy beat. That same year, he made his first official appearance with the full Terror Squad on the track "Tell Me What You Want" from the Money Talks soundtrack, highlighting the crew's chemistry and aggressive energy. These early features helped build buzz, with Cuban Link often freestyling alongside Pun and Joe at radio stations like Hot 97, establishing the group's raw, unpolished vibe.[14][2] In 1998, Cuban Link contributed to Big Pun's landmark debut album Capital Punishment, delivering verses on tracks like "Wrong Ones" and "Glamour Life," which amplified his profile amid Pun's platinum success and the duo's longstanding friendship dating back over a decade.[15] The following year, 1999, saw intensified group activity: Cuban Link appeared on Fat Joe's Don Cartagena album on songs such as "Bet Ya Man Can't (Triz)" and "The Wild Life," reinforcing Terror Squad's internal collaborations. The collective's self-titled debut Terror Squad, released on September 21, 1999, via Atlantic Records, featured Cuban Link on standout cuts like "The Yappie" and "As the World Turns," with the project debuting at number 22 on the Billboard 200 and number 4 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, solidifying their impact despite internal tensions.[2][16]Solo debut, label signing, and feud with Fat Joe (2001–2005)
Following the death of Big Pun in February 2000, Cuban Link, whose real name is Felix Delgado, faced significant challenges in launching his solo career after years of building momentum within Terror Squad. He had signed with Atlantic Records in 1997 to record his debut album, 24K, which featured collaborations with producers like the Neptunes and guest appearances including P!nk; the project was initially slated for a summer 2000 release but was ultimately shelved amid escalating tensions with Fat Joe.[17][18] Without Big Pun's influence to mediate group dynamics, personal and business disputes within Terror Squad boiled over, derailing Link's major-label prospects and forcing him to pivot to independent efforts. The feud between Cuban Link and Fat Joe intensified in 2001, rooted in accusations of greed, unfair profit-sharing, and sabotage following Terror Squad's dissolution. Link publicly dissed Joe on his mixtape Broken Chains, claiming Joe's industry connections led to him being blackballed, with labels rejecting him due to Joe's interventions.[19] The conflict turned physical in December 2003 during Link's performance at a Miami nightclub, where he and Fat Joe engaged in an altercation involving punches and ejections by security, further solidifying their rift and impacting Link's visibility in the industry.[20] Joe later denied direct involvement in any violence against Link, attributing the fallout to creative differences and Link's decision to leave the group.[18] By 2004, after years of underground mixtapes like Broken Chains 2: Chainsaw Massacre, Cuban Link secured a new deal with M.O.B. Records in a joint venture with Universal Music Group, allowing him to release his official debut album, Chain Reaction, on August 16, 2005. The album featured production from Big Pun's brother Bigz and guests like Jadakiss and M.O.P., peaking at No. 188 on the Billboard 200 and marking Link's return despite the ongoing blacklist effects from the feud.[21] This period solidified Link's resilience, as he focused on lyrical content addressing street life and personal betrayals while navigating limited promotion.Independent releases and group projects (2006–2011)
Following his departure from major label affiliations, Cuban Link focused on independent endeavors, beginning with preparations for his first all-Spanish language project in 2007. Titled Hijo de la Calle, the album aimed to explore his Cuban heritage through bilingual rap, but it remained unreleased during this period; however, he previewed the title track as a single that year, produced with reggaeton influences and featuring guest artist Chikitin, marking an early step toward reclaiming his cultural roots independently.[22] In parallel, Cuban Link co-founded the Bronx-based collective Bang Bang Boogie around 2007, alongside rappers Mysonne, Lord Tariq, S-One, and Hocus, forming a posse-cut style group emphasizing gritty street narratives and unity among unsigned artists. The group debuted with the mixtape The Machine, Vol. 1 (The Forgotten Boro) in 2008, distributed independently via platforms like OnSMASH, featuring tracks such as "Bang Bang Boogie Anthem" and collaborations highlighting their shared Bronx origins.[23][24] Later that year, they followed with Bang Bang Boogie: X Files "No Mercy for the Weak", another mixtape that expanded on themes of resilience and regional pride, solidifying the crew's underground presence without major label support.[25] By 2011, Cuban Link returned to solo independent work with the mixtape Chain Gang Bully, released on October 10 through his own CLK Entertainment imprint, mixed by DJ Munari. The project, comprising freestyles and original tracks like "Once Upon a Time" featuring archival Big Pun vocals, addressed personal struggles and industry betrayals, achieving circulation via street promotion and online downloads.[26][27] This release underscored his persistence as an independent artist, bridging his Terror Squad past with self-produced output amid limited commercial traction.Later independent career and recent activities (2012–present)
Following his earlier independent projects, Cuban Link released the mixtape Chain Gang Bully 2 in 2012, marking a continuation of his solo output outside major label support. The nine-track project, distributed through independent channels, featured production from Acestar and included standout cuts like "Quiet Storm" and "Warriors," showcasing his signature multi-syllabic rhyme schemes and street-oriented lyricism rooted in Bronx hip-hop traditions.[28][29] Throughout the mid-2010s, Cuban Link maintained a steady but selective pace of releases, focusing on singles that blended hip-hop with reggaeton influences. In 2015, he dropped "Nobody Gotta Know" featuring Julio Mena, a track emphasizing personal resilience and urban narratives. By 2017, he followed with "Abusadora," a reggaeton-infused single highlighting his versatility in Latino music genres. These efforts were self-produced and distributed digitally, allowing greater creative control post his Terror Squad tenure.[30] In 2022, Cuban Link formalized his independent operations under CLK Entertainment, his own label imprint, releasing the single "Live At Jimmy's" and a digital edition of his classic album 24K with expanded tracks featuring collaborators like Ja Rule and Remy Ma. The label enabled collaborations with artists such as Figgaraw on "Welcome to CLK," reinforcing his role as an entrepreneur in the underground scene. By 2023, CLK Entertainment issued additional singles including "Jewelry" with Tragedy Khadafi and Sha, and "Miami," which explored themes of success and street life.[31][32][33] Into 2025, Cuban Link sustained his momentum with frequent digital singles and music videos, such as "Back 2 Da Wall" featuring Indyo Chromatic and Truent, produced with a gritty New York sound and released via JBoss Entertainment in collaboration with CLK. Other 2025 outputs included "Hit Da Road Crack" with T.A. Da Legend and features like "The One for Me." Paralleling his music, he made guest appearances on shows like The Art of Dialogue to address longstanding feuds and collaborations, while engaging in live discussions on hip-hop history and industry blacklisting.[34][35][36]Acting career
Film roles
Cuban Link, born Felix Delgado, has appeared in a limited number of films, primarily in supporting roles that draw on his background as a rapper from the Bronx. His acting debut came in the early 2000s, transitioning from music to on-screen performances in urban-themed action and drama genres.[37] In 2001, Cuban Link made his film debut as Pete in Blazin', a low-budget action-crime drama directed by Menno Versteeg. The film follows a modern Romeo and Juliet-style romance between Samantha, daughter of a drug lord, and Alex, son of the police chief, amid tensions in an underground drug scene. Cuban Link's character, Pete, contributes to the story's depiction of street life and conflict, though specific details on his scenes are sparse in available credits. The movie received mixed reviews, holding a 4.3/10 rating on IMDb based on over 1,000 user votes.[38][37] He next appeared in 2015's The Southside, a drama based on the true story of the unsolved 2010 murder of 19-year-old Robert Areizaga Jr. in White Plains, New York. Directed by Gregori J. Martin, the film explores the events leading to the killing at a house party, focusing on the victim's family dynamics and community impact. Cuban Link portrayed Robert Areizaga Sr., the father of the deceased, delivering a performance noted for its blend of affection and raw emotion alongside co-star Dalia Davi as the mother. The role highlighted his ability to convey parental grief in a narrative rooted in real-life tragedy, with the film earning an 8.3/10 IMDb rating from a smaller audience.[39][37] More recently, in 2024, Cuban Link took on the role of Cubano in The Omicron Killer, a horror-thriller directed by Jeff Knite. The plot centers on a copycat serial killer who, after surviving an attack and hospitalization, resumes a campaign of terror to affirm his lethality. Cuban Link's character appears in this gore-infused slasher with comedic elements, featuring a cast including Bai Ling and Felissa Rose. The film has been critiqued for its uneven execution, scoring 2.9/10 on IMDb from over 600 reviews, but marks Cuban Link's continued foray into genre cinema.[40][37]Television and other media appearances
Cuban Link, whose real name is Felix Delgado, has made several appearances on television, primarily as a guest performer and actor in scripted roles, alongside contributions to hip-hop documentaries that highlight his career and the genre's cultural context. His television work often intersects with his music background, featuring performances and interviews that showcase his role in the late 1990s and early 2000s Bronx hip-hop scene.[37] In 2005, Cuban Link appeared as himself on the long-running music variety show Soul Train, performing his single "Sugar Daddy" featuring Mya during the episode titled "Vivian Green/Cuban Link Featuring Mya/Pretty Ricky." This appearance marked one of his early high-profile television performances, aligning with the promotion of his music amid his time with Terror Squad.[41] That same year, he took on a dramatic acting role in the NBC series Law & Order: Criminal Intent, portraying Enrique in the episode "Acts of Contrition" (Season 5, Episode 5). In the storyline, his character is involved in a plot concerning religious themes and criminal investigation, demonstrating Cuban Link's venture into scripted television beyond music-related content.[42] Expanding into documentary formats, Cuban Link featured as himself in Black and Blue: Legends of the Hip-Hop Cop (2006), a video documentary directed by Peter Spirer that examines allegations of police targeting hip-hop artists in New York City. He contributed interviews alongside figures like 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg, and Nas, providing insights into the tensions between law enforcement and the rap community during the early 2000s.[43] In 2008, he appeared in the documentary Big Pun: The Legacy, directed by Vlad Yudin, where he reflected on his close collaboration with the late rapper Big Pun as a fellow Terror Squad member. The film chronicles Big Pun's rise and influence, with Cuban Link offering personal anecdotes about their shared performances and the group's dynamics.[44] Cuban Link returned to television in 2016 for the reality series Inside the Label on BET, appearing as himself in the episode "Terror Squad Entertainment" (Season 1, Episode 8). The segment explores the history and operations of Fat Joe's Terror Squad label, featuring Cuban Link discussing his foundational role in the collective alongside archival footage and interviews.[45] These appearances underscore Cuban Link's transition from underground rap to broader media visibility, often tying back to his Terror Squad affiliations and the socio-cultural narratives of hip-hop. While his television roles remain selective, they have contributed to documenting the era's key artists and issues.[37]Personal life
Family background and health incidents
Delgado's family settled in the South Bronx neighborhood of New York City after immigrating from Cuba, where they faced significant economic hardship, growing up in poverty and relying on welfare assistance.[13] Delgado has a son, for whom he has expressed a strong commitment to building financial stability, reflecting on his own challenging upbringing as motivation to break the cycle of struggle.[13] During the early 2000s, he was married, though he has largely kept details of his personal relationships out of the public eye as of 2025.[13] In terms of health incidents, Delgado experienced a violent attack in which he was cut in the face during an altercation at an Angie Martinez album release party in April 2001, an event that inspired his song "Excuse Me Father" and highlighted the dangers of street life in his youth.[13][46] No other major health issues have been publicly reported.Major feuds and controversies
Cuban Link's most prominent feud has been with fellow rapper and former Terror Squad label head Fat Joe, originating in the aftermath of Big Pun's death on February 7, 2000. The conflict arose from business disputes within the group, with Cuban Link accusing Fat Joe of prioritizing personal gain over the crew's collective interests, leading to the group's disintegration and Cuban Link's departure from Terror Squad.[19] In 2001, Cuban Link publicly dissed Fat Joe on his debut project Broken Chains, claiming that Fat Joe had blacklisted him from the music industry by pressuring labels and promoters to avoid working with him, with executives reportedly stating, "We have a good relationship with Joe, so it’s not in our best interest."[19] The feud escalated into physical altercations, including an incident at an Angie Martinez album release party in the Bronx where Cuban Link alleged Fat Joe set him up, resulting in a facial injury.[46] This tension culminated in a brawl on December 13, 2003, at a Miami nightclub during Cuban Link's performance, where Fat Joe confronted him amid ongoing criticisms of his music career; the fight involved broken furniture, and Miami police investigated potential charges against Fat Joe as the instigator.[20] Cuban Link has maintained that the conflict stems from Fat Joe's "greedy moves" post-Big Pun, including an alleged knife attack he associates with Joe's influence, though not directly perpetrated by him.[19] In a 2014 interview, Cuban Link stated the rift would never resolve, declaring, "I can’t do business with a man like that," while expressing openness to reuniting with other Terror Squad members under fair terms.[19] The animosity persisted into the 2020s, with Cuban Link reigniting it in late 2024 by accusing Fat Joe of having a "racist history," citing personal experiences, specific behaviors, and testimonies from industry figures like engineer Smooth to question his racial views.[47] He further alleged career sabotage tied to their early 2000s fallout, including ousting from Terror Squad over creative and personal disputes, and mutual disses in interviews and tracks.[47] Beyond the Fat Joe beef, Cuban Link has been involved in other notable disputes. In June 2011, he criticized Joell Ortiz's freestyle track "Big Pun's Back" as disrespectful to the late rapper's legacy and family, echoing concerns from Big Pun's widow Liza Ríos; Cuban Link outlined three reasons for his objection, including unauthorized use of Pun's style without clearance.[48] Ortiz responded by blasting Cuban Link, defending the tribute as homage and questioning his authority to speak on Pun's behalf.[49] In February 2025, Cuban Link alleged that Cam'ron and Ma$e stole the chorus for their 1998 hit "Horse & Carriage" from a hook he had written and shared during a past collaboration, claiming he received no credit or compensation.[50] Cam'ron denied the accusation, asserting the song's creation was independent and unrelated to Cuban Link's input.[50] On a personal front, in May 2021, Cuban Link engaged in an online feud with actress Vivica A. Fox, the ex-girlfriend of his then-partner 50 Cent's former flame; after Fox posted nostalgic photos with 50 Cent, Cuban Link shaded her on social media, escalating into public jabs amid their shared romantic connections to the rapper.[51]Discography
Studio albums
Cuban Link has released two solo studio albums over his career, with his debut project facing significant delays due to label disputes before seeing an official release years later. These works reflect his evolution from underground hip-hop roots with Terror Squad to independent artistry, blending hardcore rap with Latin influences and personal storytelling.[52][2] His first studio album, 24K, was recorded between 1997 and 1999 under Atlantic Records and Terror Squad Entertainment, intended as a concept album covering themes from his early life struggles to club anthems and tributes to fallen peers like Big Pun. Originally scheduled for release in early 2001, it was shelved amid a high-profile feud with former Terror Squad affiliate Fat Joe and contractual issues following Big Pun's death, leading to bootlegs circulating in the underground scene. Producers included DJ Shok, Curt Gowdy, The Neptunes, and JayO, with guest features from artists such as Ja Rule, Fat Joe, and SunKiss. A deluxe edition was finally issued digitally on September 27, 2016, via Wile Era Music, containing 27 tracks including skits and singles like "Still Telling Lies" and "Why Me?," the latter of which appeared in the 2000 film Bait.[52][53][54] Chain Reaction, Cuban Link's second and most commercially positioned studio album, was released on August 16, 2005, through M.O.B. Records in partnership with Universal Music Group. Clocking in at over 68 minutes across 18 tracks, it marked his official solo debut after years of mixtapes and group projects, showcasing a mix of East Coast hardcore rap, reggaeton elements, and introspective tracks addressing his career trajectory and street experiences. Key singles included "Sugar Daddy" featuring Mýa, which gained radio play, and "Chain Reaction" produced by Scott Storch. The album received mixed reviews for its production but praised Cuban Link's lyrical delivery and features from artists like Lil Wayne, Joell Ortiz, and Nicky Jam, though it did not achieve major chart success independently.[55][56][57]| Title | Release Date | Label | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24K (Deluxe) | September 27, 2016 | Wile Era Music | Originally recorded 1997–1999; shelved 2001 release; 27 tracks |
| Chain Reaction | August 16, 2005 | M.O.B. Records / Universal | 18 tracks; debut official solo LP |
Mixtapes and EPs
Cuban Link began releasing mixtapes in the early 2000s as part of his independent career following his departure from Terror Squad, using them to maintain visibility and experiment with street-oriented hardcore hip-hop themes. These projects often highlighted his lyrical prowess and collaborations with Bronx-based artists, distributed through underground channels like CDs and early digital platforms.[58] His mixtape output peaked between 2002 and 2011, with later releases becoming sporadic amid his focus on acting and occasional singles. Notable mixtapes include the Broken Chains series, which emphasized personal struggles and gang affiliations, drawing from his Cuban-American roots in the Bronx, as well as collaborative projects with the Bang Bang Boogie collective and others.[59]| Title | Year | Label/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Broken Chains | 2002 | Independent mixtape hosted by DJ Dren Starr and Roy P. Perez; focused on post-Terror Squad independence.[60][61] |
| Broken Chains 2: Chainsaw Massacre | 2004 | Sequel mixtape on M.O.B. Records; featured aggressive tracks addressing street life and rivalries.[62][63] |
| Man on Fire | 2005 | Underground mixtape showcasing raw energy; later re-released digitally in 2022 with 20 tracks.[64] |
| Bang Bang Boogie: The Machine Vol. 1 | 2007 | Collaborative mixtape with the Bronx collective Bang Bang Boogie, including Hocus, S-One, and Mysonne; distributed via OnSMASH.[23] |
| Bang Bang Boogie: X Files "No Mercy for the Weak" | 2008 | Collaborative mixtape with Bang Bang Boogie collective. |
| CLK ENT. Presents: BX We Go Hard Mixtape | 2009 | Independent mixtape highlighting Bronx artists. |
| Chain Gang Bully | 2011 | Independent release addressing ongoing industry challenges; part of his "Chain Gang" thematic series. |
