It is just past midnight at Comun20, the headquarters of the RapSolo project and shop that Violadores del Verso established at 20, Pamplona Escudero Street. “A small temple for our fans, a pilgrimage place. Most fans come from Zaragoza; they don’t go to Pilar, they come here,” he says with a cheerful shrug. After posing for photos in this interview, a Basque admirer steps up, hoping for a snapshot. “People are kind, respectful, and incredibly loyal to the music we make. Today they love us as much as they respect us, and that feels wonderful.”
Six months have passed since Sho-Hai (Sergio Rodríguez) released his third solo album, Polvo, and after a lengthy Spanish tour promoting the record, he returned to Zaragoza’s Oasis Hall to cap the run with two weekend shows. Tickets for the first night were gone for months, and the second is expected to sell out soon. “The tour has been exceptionally positive. We’ve drawn more people, they’re more devoted to the new material, and they leave happy and satisfied,” he notes about the trajectory of his solo career since joining Violadores del Verso. He adds: “I can sense that fans are coming to see Sho-Hai now. I’m proud of where I’m from, and with this third album you can tell I’m here to stay. It’s amazing that people actually pay to see you.” The Las Delicias-born rapper speaks with his trademark spontaneity, quietly carving out a larger space in the hip-hop scene.
25 years ago…
The remarkable milestone of 25 years stands, with the anniversary later this year, when a young Violadores del Verso released their bearded-album behemoth. “Before we even considered the album, we listened to it with friends in an apartment while vacationing in Peñíscola, at least a hundred times a day,” he recalls with a smile. “We played it five tracks at a time; we didn’t grow tired.” What those early days looked like? “We hadn’t recorded anything yet. Here we are, years later. It’s unbelievable to keep creating music with the same energy,” he says, the pride clear in his voice.
The retirement plan, the tour, the fans, and the ongoing chemistry are all part of a larger story. Sho-Hai’s recent triumphs are framed by a sense of continuity and community that he values deeply. The artist remains focused on delivering performances that feel intimate yet expansive, a balance that has helped sustain a devoted following across generations. The journey from a small crew in Zaragoza to a national stage has required discipline, regular rehearsals, and a willingness to improvise when the moment demands it. In Zaragoza this weekend, he aims to deliver shows that resonate with longtime supporters and new listeners alike, a testament to the enduring appeal of his collaboration with Momo, Xhellaz, and Kase.O, who join him on stage. Ossian provides the choir backup, and W. Cheff handles the disc jockey duties, ensuring the sonic texture stays rich and cohesive. The plan is to rehearse thoroughly at Comun20 in the days leading up to the performances, with every detail dialed in to maximize the audience experience. (Source: artist interview and live-performance notes.)
From the artist’s perspective, the weekend performances will highlight not only his most recent material but also the shared history that links him to his bandmates. When asked about the dynamic on stage, he stresses the value of collaboration and the joy of inviting friends to perform alongside him. “I feature inexpensive guests,” he quips in a lighthearted moment. The core crew remains dependable and enthusiastic, ready to deliver a show that feels both fresh and familiar. The squad he trusts—Ossian in the backing vocals and W. Cheff on the decks—reflects a team effort that defines the live experience as much as the music itself. (Attribution: tour diary and backstage notes.)
As the tour concludes in Zaragoza, the plan is simple: two power-packed concerts, an energized crowd, and a night that makes the long hours backstage feel worth it. The rhythm of ongoing rehearsals at Comun20 marks a continuous preparation for future weekends and ongoing performances. The team is focused on precision, but they also understand that a few imperfect notes can become part of the magic of a live hip-hop night. The goal is not perfection, but connection—between artist and audience, between the present moment and the 25-year arc that brought them here. (Source: stage diary and artist reflections.)