Telmary Diaz has emerged as a leader and trendsetter on the cutting edge of Cuban hip-hop and urban music. Shaped in part by her study of English, theater, and writing informed her artistry as an up-and-comer in the Havana music scene during the late '90s. Her first band, Free Hole Negros (a take of frijoles negros, meaning black beans), earned her opportunities to collaborate with Cuban music greats such as Isaac Delgado, Giraldo Piloto, Los Van Van, and Descemer Bueno. Her next group, Interactive Project, initiated in 2002, incorporated elements of jazz, classical music, and...