The news of the death of renowned Cuban reggaeton artist José Manuel Carbajal, known as El Taiger, has sparked a variety of reactions and tributes. Among them is fellow musician Lenier Mesa, who chose to permanently mark his neck with the initials LBMA in honor of his late friend. "We will always remember you, wherever you are brother. I carry your legacy in my neck forever. I love you @el_taiger, may God watch over you wherever you are," Lenier Mesa expressed on Instagram.
The singer of "Cómo te pago" also shared a video showcasing the tattooing process, from its digital design to its final placement on his neck. Mesa wasn't alone in this tribute; he was joined by two others who also chose to commemorate El Taiger in this way.
Unveiling the Meaning Behind LBMA
For a long time, the significance of the initials LBMA remained a mystery. Proudly displayed on El Taiger's chest, these letters stand for "La Bestia, la Machinee, el Animal"—a self-description he used in the Cuban urban music scene. These initials were often accompanied by the phrase, "The best in the world."
Another urban music artist, Dany Ome, who had shown support for El Taiger during his critical condition after being shot in the head, was one of the first to tattoo the phrase LBMA after the death of his colleague.
Tragic End of a Reggaeton Star
El Taiger was pronounced dead this Thursday at noon at Miami's Jackson Memorial Hospital, where he had been hospitalized for a week following a gunshot wound to the head. An official statement on the artist's Instagram page confirmed the tragic news about the 37-year-old musician: "Regrettably, this afternoon, El Taiger was declared dead and has now reunited with his beloved mother in heaven."
Outside the Jackson Memorial Hospital, numerous fans gathered to mourn his passing, paying their respects to an artist whose influence reached far beyond the music scene.