One of the most exciting new voices to emerge in hip-hop is not from New York, Los Angeles or Houston, she’s from Spain and is currently taking the world by storm. SXSW is proud to announce her inclusion in this year’s festival.

Mala Rodriguez has been a stalwart on the Spanish hip-hop scene for some time now. Her early work from the late 90’s was known for it’s grimy, true school hip-hop feel, but her latest release Malamarismo (Universal Spain) is an experimental journey through a wealth of sounds, many of which are rooted in flamenco, but go off in every direction she can take it.

Her music has appeared in such blockbuster films as Sex y Lucia and Y Tu Mama Tambien, and her three solo releases are widely regarded as some of the most groundbreaking rap albums to be released outside the United States. Her lyrics often deal with the ills of society and issues she faces as a woman. She’s a hard-hitting, conscious rapper with a very playful edge and will surely be one of the many international acts to make a huge state side splash at SXSW 2008.