Lie-tino / Lietino
Definition:
A coined neologistic adjective blending the words lie and Latino, used to describe the behavior of a small subset of individuals of Latino descent—particularly those of Puerto Rican heritage—who became widely known within Foundational Black American (FBA) grassroots circles for exaggerating or distorting historical facts regarding the origins and history of Hip Hop culture during online debates. Though sometimes provocative, the term is intended as a satirical descriptor rather than a pejorative noun or ethnic slur.
Background:
The term originated in the early 2020s during online debates marking Hip Hop’s 50th anniversary. Some Nuyoricans (Puerto Ricans from the Bronx) asserted cultural centrality in Hip Hop’s history. These discussions, which took place during the COVID-19 lockdowns and afterward, prompted backlash from grassroots FBA communities, emphasizing that Hip Hop’s core elements were created nationwide and exclusively by FBA artists, particularly drawing from Southern Black musical traditions. As claims from the Nuyorican side grew more combative and exaggerated, FBA commentators coined Lietino/Lie-tino as a satirical nickname. YouTube content creator Great Black Shark is credited with originating the term.
Definition:
A coined neologistic adjective blending the words lie and Latino, used to describe the behavior of a small subset of individuals of Latino descent—particularly those of Puerto Rican heritage—who became widely known within Foundational Black American (FBA) grassroots circles for exaggerating or distorting historical facts regarding the origins and history of Hip Hop culture during online debates. Though sometimes provocative, the term is intended as a satirical descriptor rather than a pejorative noun or ethnic slur.
Background:
The term originated in the early 2020s during online debates marking Hip Hop’s 50th anniversary. Some Nuyoricans (Puerto Ricans from the Bronx) asserted cultural centrality in Hip Hop’s history. These discussions, which took place during the COVID-19 lockdowns and afterward, prompted backlash from grassroots FBA communities, emphasizing that Hip Hop’s core elements were created nationwide and exclusively by FBA artists, particularly drawing from Southern Black musical traditions. As claims from the Nuyorican side grew more combative and exaggerated, FBA commentators coined Lietino/Lie-tino as a satirical nickname. YouTube content creator Great Black Shark is credited with originating the term.
I heard about a new Lietino term called "The Latin Breakdown," which exaggerates a FUNK record’s description as Latin-inspired simply because a percussionist is playing timbales and a cowbell.
by DK GuyII June 18, 2025