Aterciopelados are internationally recognized for their socially conscious message, and regularly discuss issues including political injustice, women's rights, and environmental destruction.

[3] Buitrago came from a hardcore punk background, leading a group called La Pestilencia, while Echeverri had been drawn into the nascent scene through art school friends.

Buitrago had been a fan of boogaloo by Richie Ray in his childhood, and later bands including Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, and Yes, and taught himself bass guitar by ear.

Their first album, Con El Corazón en la Mano ("With my Heart in my Hand"), features heavy distorted guitars and a loud punk drumbeat.

The following year the band released Caribe Atómico ("Atomic Caribbean"), recorded in Manhattan with guest appearances by guitarists Arto Lindsay and Marc Ribot, which broadened their sound with electronic influences.

[4] Guests on the album include rapper Gloria "Goyo" Martínez of Colombian hip hop act Choc Quib Town on "28", Andean group Kapary Walka on "Madre" ("Mother") and "Aguita" ("Little Water"), and Echeverri's daughter on "Ataque de Risa" ("Laughing Fit").

The album was received positively by Rolling Stone,[5] The Washington Post,[6] Billboard,[citation needed] NPR's All Things Considered,[7] and Vibe magazine.

[10] ConEctor, which translates as "with Héctor" or "connector", explores themes of contemporary spirituality, and features several guest artists including Echeverri, Alex Ubago and Julieta Venegas.

Other artists involved included Stephen Marley (Jamaica), Gilberto Gil (Brazil), Angélique Kidjo (Benin), Yerba Buena (PanLatin), Julieta Venegas (Mexico), Emmanuel Jal (Sudan), Hugh Masekela (South Africa) and Rachid Taha (France/Algeria).

[14] Promoted by the Museum of Antioquia, the project aims to raise popular awareness of the dimensions and implications of forced displacement, as a phenomenon weakening social stability.

[15] Additionally, the project aims to identify possible methods and forms of reparation that would ensure the application of fundamental rights and protect the culture of the affected communities.

[16] In 2006, the magazine wrote that "Aterciopelados's true skill lies in its ability to take north-of-the-border musical styles ... and breathe new life into them, all while giving them a distinctly Colombian sheen.

In 2010 at "Premios Shock" event, they received a tribute produced by Cesar Lopez and Julio Monroy, with artists including Juan Galeano and EsteMan playing their songs.