Canserbero was a Venezuelan rapper, composer and activist, who rose to fame in the Latin American rap scene with his critically acclaimed albums Vida and Muerte. He was considered one of the most influential and talented exponents of independent rap in his country and in the rest of Latin America. However, his life and career were cut short on January 20, 2015, when he died in an apparent murder-suicide case that shocked the rap community and his fans. What really happened to Canserbero? How did he die? And why did he allegedly kill his friend and colleague Carlos Molnar before jumping from the tenth floor of a building in Maracay?
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Canserbero’s Early Life and Career
Canserbero was born as Tirone José González Orama on March 11, 1988, in Caracas, Venezuela. He was the son of José Rafael González Ollarves and Leticia Coromoto Orama. He moved with his family to a neighborhood called Las Ánimas de La Pica in Palo Negro, Aragua state, when he was four years old. He showed interest in music from a young age, influenced by reggae and reggaeton. However, his musical preferences changed to hip-hop and hard rock after his half-brother was murdered in 2000.
He began performing rap shows under the name Canserbero, inspired by the term “perro cerbero” (Latin for Cerberus, the guardian from Greek mythology). He joined several rap groups, such as Códigos de Barrio and Basyco, and collaborated with other artists from the Latin American rap scene. He also studied law and political science at the University Bicentennial Aragua but dropped out to focus on music and social activism.
He released his debut solo album, Vida, in 2010, which received widespread acclaim for its lyrical depth and social commentary. The album’s success led him to receive the best hip-hop artist award at the Dixtorxión Awards in 2011. His second album, Muerte, released in 2012, further cemented his position as one of the most significant rap artists in Spanish. The album dealt with sensitive topics such as depression, suicide, and social inequalities, and showcased his raw and honest portrayal of human emotions.
He also participated as a vocalist in several songs of artists from Latin America and Spain, such as Mala Rodríguez, with whom he recorded a song entitled “Ella” in 2013. He was known for his activism and social awareness, supporting causes such as animal rights, environmentalism, anti-imperialism, and anti-capitalism.
Canserbero’s Death: What Happened on January 20, 2015?
On January 20, 2015, Canserbero was found dead in front of his apartment in Maracay. He had fallen from the tenth floor of the Camino Real building in the Andrés Bello urbanization. The police reported that he had killed his friend and colleague Carlos Molnar, a bassist who had worked with him on several projects, by stabbing him multiple times before jumping to his death.
However, there are several hypotheses and contradictions about what really happened that night. Some of his close friends maintained that Canserbero was staying in Molnar’s apartment because he had schizophrenia and needed psychiatric help. They claimed that he had a psychotic episode and attacked Molnar before committing suicide.
However, other sources suggested that Canserbero was not mentally ill and that he was actually a victim of a conspiracy. They argued that he was murdered by someone who wanted to silence him for his political views and social activism. They pointed out some suspicious details, such as the fact that the kitchen window from which he allegedly jumped was made of bars and all the glasses were previously removed. They also questioned the lack of security cameras or witnesses that could corroborate the official version.
The case was reopened by the Ombudsman of Venezuela, Tarek William Saab, in March 2015, after receiving new evidence that contradicted some of the testimonies of the witnesses. However, no conclusive results have been announced so far.
Canserbero’s Legacy: A Rap Icon Remembered
Canserbero’s death left a huge void in the Latin American rap scene and among his fans. His music and lyrics touched millions of people who identified with his message and vision. He is widely regarded as one of the best rap artists of all time in Spanish and one of the most influential figures in independent rap.
His albums Vida and Muerte are considered classics of the genre and have been praised by critics and fans alike. His songs have been covered by many artists who pay tribute to his legacy. His fans have also created numerous murals, graffiti, tattoos, and memorials in his honor.
Canserbero’s cause of death remains a mystery that has sparked many theories and debates. However, his life and work are a testament to his talent, passion, and commitment to rap and social justice. He will always be remembered as Canserbero, the guardian of rap.
