Cuban Link
Cuban Link, born Felix Delgado on December 18, 1974, in Havana, Cuba, is a Cuban-American rapper and actor best known as an original member of the Bronx-based hip hop collective Terror Squad, alongside artists such as Big Pun, Fat Joe, Prospect, Armageddon, and Triple Seis.[1][2][3] Delgado's family emigrated from Cuba to the United States in 1980 during the Mariel boatlift, settling in the Bronx neighborhood of New York City, where he was immersed in the burgeoning hip hop scene of the 1980s and 1990s.[1][4] Emerging from the underground rap circuit, he initially performed under aliases like Lyrical Assassin as part of the group Full-A-Clips before joining Terror Squad in the mid-1990s.[5] His breakthrough came in 1997 with a featured verse on The Beatnuts' single "Off the Books," which peaked at number 86 on the Billboard Hot 100 and showcased his rapid-fire delivery and bilingual lyricism.[6] Following the formation of Terror Squad Entertainment under Fat Joe's leadership, Cuban Link contributed to the group's 1999 self-titled debut album, which included hits like "Whatcha Gon' Do" and solidified the crew's status in Latino hip hop.[2] Signed to Atlantic Records, he prepared his solo debut 24 Karat in the late 1990s, but the project was shelved after Big Pun's death in 2000, leading to his departure from the label and the group amid reported tensions.[7] He independently released his first official album, Chain Reaction, in 2005 via M.O.B. Records, featuring tracks like "The Bottom" and collaborations with artists such as M.O.P. and Kool G Rap.[7][8] Throughout his career, Cuban Link has maintained an independent trajectory, dropping mixtapes such as Man on Fire: The Mixtape (2005) and albums including Broken Chains (2002) and Chain Gang Bully (2011), often addressing themes of street life, loyalty, and his Cuban heritage.[8] His work has influenced the Latino rap movement, blending hardcore East Coast styles with Spanglish flows, and he continues to perform, act, and release music, including the single "Back 2 Da Wall" in October 2025.[4][9][10]Early 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. |