Cuban Link on Escaping Castro, Building Brotherhood with Pun, and Life Before Terror Squad

Cuban Link is more than just a name in hip hop—he’s a storyteller, a survivor, and an artist with a legacy rooted in both pain and perseverance. In this raw, unfiltered episode of I'm an Artist, Not a Salesman, host Luis Guzman sits down with Cuban Link to trace the incredible journey from escaping Cuba as a child during the Mariel boatlift to becoming a lyrical force in the Bronx during the golden era of hip hop.At just five years old, Felix Delgado—known to the world as Cuban Link—boarded a crowded boat from Havana to the U.S., escaping political oppression alongside his family. That harrowing journey, filled with danger, violence, and even sharks in the open sea, became the foundation of a life built on survival. From a chaotic refugee camp in Key West to the gritty streets of the South Bronx, Cuban Link's story unfolds like a movie—but it's all real.This episode dives deep into the moments that shaped him—as a man, an artist, and a loyal brother to the late, great Big Pun. Listeners will hear how a chance meeting on a Bronx basketball court sparked one of hip hop’s most iconic friendships. Their bond went beyond music—it was a brotherhood forged in shared dreams, competitive spirit, and lyrical respect.From their days freestyling in the streets to forming the Full Eclipse Crew, Cuban Link and Big Pun sharpened each other's skills long before the world knew their names. Eventually, their talent caught the attention of Fat Joe, leading to Cuban’s involvement with Terror Squad. But as fame rose, so did tensions. Cuban Link doesn’t shy away from discussing the public fallout with Fat Joe, the internal politics of the industry, and the personal heartbreak that came after Pun’s death.You’ll also hear about:Cuban Link’s early rap name (Phil Ski) and his musical evolutionWhy his dad’s criminal past actually saved their family during the Mariel exodusHow growing up in Puerto Rico and then the Bronx influenced his voice as an MCHis academic life—graduating with an 85 GPA and even going to college—while living a double life in the streetsThe real story behind the verse he gave to Big Pun for “Still Not a Player”How he went from working overnight shifts to quitting on the spot to appear in his first major music videoThis episode is a time capsule of 90s hip hop, Latino culture in America, and the tension between art and industry. Cuban Link opens up about the joy of early success, the bitterness of betrayal, and the pride of knowing he never compromised his pen. From cracking jokes with Pun at funerals to being name-dropped in some of the era’s most iconic verses, his stories are vivid, emotional, and unforgettable.Whether you grew up blasting Capital Punishment on your Walkman or are just discovering the depth of East Coast hip hop history, this episode is required listening. It’s more than nostalgia—it’s a meditation on what it means to stay true to your art, your story, and your roots.Want to support the show or get involved?Follow I'm an Artist, Not a Salesman wherever you get your podcasts.Leave a rating or review to help others discover the show.Connect with host Luis Guzman and stay updated on future episodes by visiting our official site or subscribing to our newsletter.For behind-the-scenes stories, guest updates, and episode extras, join our mailing list and follow us on all major platforms.This is not just another hip hop podcast. It’s a space where stories matter—and this one hits deep.