The music of Puerto Rican outfit Calle 13 simmers like so much sweat on the backs of b-boys and fly girls, twisting and turning its way through the cracks and crevices of modern urban music. Calle 13's dynamic duo--half-br... more »others Rene Perez and Eduardo Cabra--are smart, shocking, and silly. It's a thrilling combination that makes for some hip-swiveling, head-turning sounds. Standout tracks "La Hormiga Brava," "Vamo Animal," and the rocket-fueled single "Atrévete-te-te" careen between street sounds and lush Latin rhythms, anchored by the group's mischievous sense of humor. Reggaeton is the label that's been slapped on this inspired hybrid, but Calle 13 is light years beyond that often stifling genre (which explains recent collaborations with Nelly Furtado and Alejandro Sanz). Latin rap riffs, new-wave keyboards, and a sprinkling of pop smarts chart a musical path (and crash together during "Sin Coro") that Calle 13 will likely lead--and veer from--in the near future. --Joey Guerra« less
The music of Puerto Rican outfit Calle 13 simmers like so much sweat on the backs of b-boys and fly girls, twisting and turning its way through the cracks and crevices of modern urban music. Calle 13's dynamic duo--half-brothers Rene Perez and Eduardo Cabra--are smart, shocking, and silly. It's a thrilling combination that makes for some hip-swiveling, head-turning sounds. Standout tracks "La Hormiga Brava," "Vamo Animal," and the rocket-fueled single "Atrévete-te-te" careen between street sounds and lush Latin rhythms, anchored by the group's mischievous sense of humor. Reggaeton is the label that's been slapped on this inspired hybrid, but Calle 13 is light years beyond that often stifling genre (which explains recent collaborations with Nelly Furtado and Alejandro Sanz). Latin rap riffs, new-wave keyboards, and a sprinkling of pop smarts chart a musical path (and crash together during "Sin Coro") that Calle 13 will likely lead--and veer from--in the near future. --Joey Guerra
"Calle 13 caught my attention after listening to "Se Vale to' to" on the radio, and later to "Chulin Culin Chunfly" on Voltio's Album; from then on they had my full attention.
Since I only listen to music that stands out, especially in the now popular, sea of repetitive Reggaeton. The duo, Residente(singer/song writer) and Visitante (producer/musical arrangements) seems have it all when it comes to originality, fresh beats, socially conscious and up to date lyrics, not to mention the comedy in their songs and interludes.
I consider this a Latin Rap album and not a Reggaeton album. Some songs do have a Reggaeton beat, but the rest, have slower rap beats, and Eminem style comedy in their lyrics laced with the reality of a tough life.
Like I said before, this is socially conscious rap in the vein of P.E., Mos Def, and early Nas. Rejecting commercialism, in songs like "Pi Di Di Di", which speak out against Sean Combs for trying to cash in on rapidly growing reggaeton artist. Also criticizing rappers with empty lyrics, and stereotypical looks, and swarthy record labels in, "Tengo Hambre."
This showed me that there's an underground movement in Puerto Rico, for the socially and politically conscious audience, and Calle 13 reminds me of those rappers in my island of Cuba like `Hermanos de Causa', `Anonimo Consejo', and `Alto y Bajo' amongst the many; who are trying to awaken the minds of their people.
I think this release by Calle 13 will the best, unrecognized album this year, in the Urban Latin genre. I highly recommend it for those wanting to listen to something real, and not just a clone album or a re-release with live versions and remixes (i.e. Daddy Yankee).
"
WAY TO GO, RENE PEREZ HOGLAR !!!!!! TE QUEDO BRUTAL
Roxanne | around and about | 08/30/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It's been over nine months now that this cd was released and i'm still listening to it like if it were brand new.
These songs are just so diferent and off the wall from everything else it's incredible. I love this guy for his gutsy ways and for taking a chance not many would with this kind of music were everyone kinda sticks to the norm in the genre; (not that that's bad either cuz there's a lot of great reggaeton out there).
Calle 13's songs crack me up cuz of the way he rhymes and puts things together. Even the names are funny, "El Residente y El Visitante", I mean why stop there? How about El Vendedor y El Comprador??? Hee Hee. I have a million of these. This stuff is great.
I will say that he does get carried away with the bad words a little. But his songs are funny, and his videos are hilarious!
On the same note i have to say that the guy is also very political at times in some songs. I like, i like.
Very refreshing. Great job! La pegastes Residente!
Thanx for reading.
P.S. I wonder who Ruben Aguirre is?
P.P.S. There's a lot of great new Reggaeton artists out there that are also on the map like Arcangel y De La Ghetto, L.G., Nejo, Audi and K.O."
Un pedazo de genio puertorriqueño
ALBETHOS | Brooklyn, NY, but wishing I would be in Mayaguez, | 01/13/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Que puedo decir sobre este CD. Como dicen en mi pueblo: Que cosa más bestial y salvaje!!!!!!!!!!!!! René Pérez es un genio!!! La lírica, la rima, la composición y combinación de la jerga callejera "puertorra" con el idioma Español para crear analogías y metáforas sobre distintos temas es impresionante. De los temas que Pérez habla en este disco real y explícitamente: La atracción, deseo y seducción de un hombre (puertorriqueño) hacia esta mujer y situaciones personales y actuales, culturales, sociales y, en algunos casos, políticas del país (PR obviamente). La música: Una combinación de "hip-hop", "reggaeton", "rap", "funk", ciertos ritmos caribeños (como el guaguancó y un poco de salsa), y hasta inclusive (créelo o no) rastros de música arábiga, para crear el trasfondo emocional querido o el perfecto marco del cuadro a la composición verbal. Simplemente y en mi conclusión, esta composición musical es un arte pionero, una vanguardia de la música puertorriqueña, un simple pedazo de inteligencia y genio callejero, que debe merecer el respeto y admiración de todos los puertorriqueños. Disfrútenlo!"
Magnifico/Excelente convinacion
Jose Garcia | Rio Piedras, P.R. via FT Hood TX | 01/18/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Compre este CD hace unos dos dias y desde que lo puso en mi carro no e dejado de escucharlo, supe de Calle13 el Residente hace como 3 meses atras por que no sabia quien era Soy de la isla pero supe de el hace un tiempo y le dejo saber que este Hombre en Lirica y Flow no hay Dios quien lo detenga a pesar que no tiene Productores de mucho nombre se botaron en los Beat y su estilo de la calle es peculiar y comico a la vez por que habla de la vida real y el estilo de habla de los Puertoriquenos en General escuchen la 11 y la 14 y veran por que hasta le tira a PDiddy y con esa se boto si quieren escuchar un Rap/Hip Hop y un poco de Regeatton callejero les recomiendo al Residente por que no se van a desepcionar"
Nostalgic for me!!!
Shekinah Aquino | Buffalo, New York | 05/20/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I know these two may seem like something new to alot of people, but having lived in Puerto Rico for more than half my life, calle 13 brought back the fondest memories.
Wit, humor, patriotism and provocative lyrics have made them my favorites and brought me back to the genre.