Who is Trueno, the Argentine hip-hop star performing at Jimmy Fallon’s

Rapper Trueno, one of the most compelling voices in Argentine hip-hop music, will add a new milestone to his rising career this Wednesday by performing on one of the most influential stages in global entertainment: The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Blending sharp lyrics with a deep sense of identity rooted in Buenos Aires Trueno (24) represents a new generation redefining Latin urban music. His journey — from local freestyle competitions to collaborating with global icons and performing on international television — highlights both his talent and the worldwide rise of Argentina’s music scene. Flow and charisma Born Mateo Palacios Corazzina in 2002, he grew up in the La Boca neighborhood, where hip-hop culture and social realities of 20th-century immigrants shaped his artistic perspective. He first rose to prominence in freestyle rap battles, where he won the Red Bull Batalla de los Gallos Argentina in 2019, showcasing his quick thinking, flow, and charisma.  That victory opened the door to a successful recording career. His debut album Atrevido (2020) introduced him to a wider audience, but it was Bien o Mal (2022) that confirmed his international impact, blending hip-hop, trap, and Latin influences while addressing themes such as inequality, national pride, and youth identity.  Tracks like Dance Crip, Solo por vos, and Tierra Zanta became major hits across Spanish-speaking countries. Notable feats in Bien o Mal include J Balvin, Bizarrap, Duki, Nathy Peluso, and legendary protest singer Víctor Heredia.  Trueno has also expanded his reach through high-profile international collaborations. Notably, he performed live with British musician Damon Albarn and his band Gorillaz in 2022 Quilmes Rock festival.  He was recently featured on Gorillaz’s track The Manifesto, further showcasing his versatility and global appeal. The collaboration helped introduce him to new audiences beyond Latin urban music and paved the way to the popular NBC late-night talk show.