Enfermo
Canserbero
The Lyrical Illness of a Passionate MC
The song "Enfermo" by Canserbero, a Venezuelan hip hop artist known for his profound lyrics and social commentary, delves into the metaphorical portrayal of an artist who is 'sick' with hip hop. The lyrics paint a picture of a man brought into a hospital, whose only known identity is 'Canserbero,' and who exhibits unusual symptoms that all revolve around his obsession with hip hop culture and lyricism. The song uses medical imagery to describe his condition, suggesting that his dedication to his craft is so intense that it has become a physical and mental ailment.
The narrative unfolds with hospital staff observing Canserbero's behavior, which includes rhyming compulsively and showing disdain for commercial music and political speeches. His passion for hip hop is described as a disease, with references to his blood being cold and his obsession being termed 'liricalogía,' a play on words combining 'lyrics' and 'psychology.' The song suggests that his condition is rare among modern rappers, implying a critique of the current state of the genre where such dedication is scarce.
Through the metaphor of illness, Canserbero criticizes the superficiality in the music industry and politics, while also celebrating the power of authentic, meaningful hip hop. The song ends on a somber note, acknowledging that despite the artist's talent and insights, he may be forgotten after his death, just like many before him. This reflects on the transient nature of fame and the often-overlooked impact of true artists.