Paramount+ to Premiere Nick Barili’s New Docuseries “De La Calle” in November

Posted on October 7, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Nick Barili is hittin’ the calle next month…

Paramount+ will premiere the 44-year-old Argentinian-American award-winning journalist, executive producer, director and writer’s new docuseries De La Calle in the U.S. and Canada on Tuesday, November 7.

Across 8 episodes, Barili explores Latino urban music from the U.S. to Panama, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Spain and beyond.

The series takes a journey into the Latine diaspora to map the evolution of Urbano music and cultures that ignited the musical revolution of Rap, Reggaeton, Bachata, Latin trap, Cumbia and other sounds that influence music and culture worldwide.

Interviewees include Fat Joe, NORE, Residente, Mala Rodriguez, Nicky Jam, Nicki Nicole, Villano Antillano, Sech, Goyo, Nathy Peluso, Santa Fe Klan, Jessie Reyes, Feid, Aleman and Gente De Zona, among others.

“As a first-generation immigrant who learned how to speak English through Hip Hop at Malcolm X Elementary, I grew up straddling two worlds, speaking English at school and Spanish at home,” Barili, the project’s co-creator, executive producer and host, shared in a statement.

He continued, “I was influenced by El General and Calle 13 as much as E-40 and Outkast. De La Calle was created to explore how the seeds from the street that inspired Hip Hop are also present throughout Latin America and Spain. Going to the neighborhoods where El Movimiento was created, talking to the pioneers who were actually there and sharing the origin stories of superstars of today and tomorrow. I’m thrilled to have MTV Studios and Paramount+ as partners to bring De La Calle to the world.”

Residente Releases New Diss Track “Bajo y Bateria”

Posted on July 15, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Residente is back with explosive new music…

The 45-year-old Puerto Rican rapper, singer, songwriter and filmmaker, whose real name is René Pérez Joglar, has released the new diss single “Bajo y Bateria” via 5020 Records.

As Latin urban continues to significantly increase in popularity and consumption within the mainstream, Residente continues to stand at the pinnacle as one of the best lyricists in the rap game, with hardly any competition.

With a snarling, sardonic delivery that is as playful as it is vicious, Residente testifies to his unmatched lyrical mastery.

He knows this well, spitting verses like,

“Ya nadie en el género urbano sonríe conmigo que sus dientes me los puse de collar,” this time challenging fellow Puerto Rican rapper Cosculluela.

In March, Cosculluela pleaded guilty for domestic violence against his ex Jennifer Fungenzi. “Por más que reces, los puercos como tú no van al cielo,” Residente snarls.

In a wildly potent nine-minute diss track, the ex-Calle 13 frontman challenges the confines of substantial Latin pop with stunning and riveting wordplay that’ll make jaws drop.

Guaynaa Teams Up with Los Angeles Azules to Release “Cumbia A La Gente”

Posted on April 25, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Guaynaa is lighting the fuse(ion)…

The 28-year-old Puerto Rican rapper has teamed up with Los Angeles Azules have joined voices for “Cumbia A La Gente.”

The single is a good example of what happens when old-school artists team up with the newer generation… with greatness band to happen.

The song fuses the best of both worlds: Guaynaa’s modern perreo and Los Angeles signature cumbia sonidera.

Clarinets, trumpets, güiras, and other instruments shine in the hip-shaking bop.

As ever, Guaynaa is witty and charming with his lyrics, even giving off Calle 13 “Atrevete” vibes at one point.

The music video is just as playful, featuring both artists crashing a supermarket.

Residente Signs Multi-Year Venture with Sony Music Entertainment to Launch 1868 Studios and Create Authentic Latinx Content

Posted on October 15, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Residente is expanding his empire…

The 42-year-old Puerto Rican rapper, singer, writer, filmmaker, and member of Calle 13, whose real name is René Pérez Joglar, has signed a multi-year venture with Sony Music Entertainment to launch 1868 Studios.

Under the new deal, Residente and Sony Music Latin/Iberia will create, produce and globally distribute original content that focuses on bringing the authentic representation of cultural narratives including Latinx stories in front of and behind the camera.

Residente will lead the charge when it comes to creative aspects of the partnership. He’ll write and direct inclusive television shows, films and other on-screen content that will be distributed across multiple platforms.

1868 Studios commits that Residente will collaborate with an international creative consortium of writers, directors, on-screen talent, musical artists, and visual artists to provide creative services for a robust slate of new projects.

Sony Music Entertainment will provide its expertise in content creation, marketing and monetization to enhance the scale and scope of the studio’s work.

“There are much more important things than talking about million-dollar businesses in the midst of a pandemic, where unemployment is becoming a larger issue daily,” said Residente. “But, together, we are announcing that under this venture there will be employment opportunities for Latinos around the world.”

He added, “Throughout my career, I always knew that rap would be the vehicle that would lead me to fulfill my true passion, cinema. We are going to make films, TV series, documentaries and all kinds of visual content, where the main priority will be creativity. I am proud to have friends like Rob Stringer, Afo Verde, and Tom Mackay, who understand the great power of the intangible values of art.”

“Residente is a creative genius whose work has inspired the global music industry for many years and whose vision has inspired LatinX creators and communities all over the world.” said Afo Verde, Chairman and CEO, Sony Music Latin, “This partnership enables us to channel his vast expertise and develop engaging and diverse content for audiences everywhere.”

Residente made history as one of the most Latin Grammy-winning artists as a member of the group Calle 13 and as a solo artist. He attended the Savannah College of Art and Design, which helped fuel his passion for cinematography, which he has incorporated into his music career.

His work has garnered the respect of his industry colleagues through his approach on award-winning music videos and feature-length films, including his own documentary called Residente which chronicles his journey to make his first solo album.

He has been acknowledged for his contributions to many philanthropic causes and organizations and serves as an ambassador of Amnesty International and was the recipient of the Recognition Award at the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates in 2015.

Rita Indiana Releases New LGBTT Anthem “Miedo”

Posted on June 29, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Rita Indiana isn’t scared…

The 43-year-old queer Dominican singer-songwriter is celebrating Pride Month with a new reggaeton track “Miedo,” which pays homage to the LGBTT community.

“For the LGBTT community, fear (miedo) is something to be conquered every day, fear of violence, rejection and injustice,” she says. “This song is for my community, for whom love has always been a heroic trait.“

Known for poignant lyrics that often tackle topics like queerness, non-conforming sexuality and class, the singer and author of the Spanish novels Papi and Tentacle, was recently signed by Warner Chappell Music.

“Rita is an artist that fearlessly speaks her mind and tackles critical issues impacting society head on through her writing,” says Lazaro Hernandez, Warner Chappell Music‘s vp, a&r, U.S. & Latin America. “All of us at Warner Chappell are not only fans of her music, but are also fierce supporters of what she stands for. We look forward to helping amplify Rita’s voice and message through her music.”

Rita Indiana is set to release her forthcoming album later this year, her first solo set in a decade. Titled Mandinga Times, the album was produced by fellow Warner Chappell Music writer Eduardo Cabra, a.k.a. Visitante of Calle 13.

Residente Lands First Solo Single on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs Chart with Bad Bunny-Collab “Bellacoso”

Posted on August 12, 2019 by Tom Castaneda

He’s been around for 15 years, but Residentehas earned a new first…

The 41-year-old Puerto Rican rapper has made his first appearance on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart as his collaboration with Bad Bunnyon “Bellacoso” bows at No. 24.

Their first collaboration, which also includes background vocals by iLe, was released on July 26 as part of Residente’s celebrations after Puerto Rican governor Ricardo Rosselló announced his resignation on July 24 following days of protests (in which Residente and Bad Bunny took part).

Though this is Residente’s first solo hit on the Hot Latin Songs chart, he is also one-half of Calle 13, which placed six entries on the list.

In the week ending Aug. 1, “Bellacoso” sold 1,000 downloads (enabling the song’s debut at No. 7 on Latin Digital Song Sales — Residente’s first chart appearance in over a year) and registered 3.4 million streams.

Eduardo Cabra Partners with Vicente Garcia on New Multimedia & Music Fusion Project Called Trending Topics

Posted on September 5, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

Eduardo Cabra is trending…

The 39-year-old Puerto Rican artist and producer,known as Visitante, has teamed with Puerto Rican singer Vicente Garcia for his first post Calle 13 solo project, called Trending Topics.

A single is due Sept. 14, with an album to follow later this fall.

The album will be a joint release between Sony Music Colombia and Sony Music Spain, according to Billboard, through a new deal Cabra and Garcia made with the global company that partners the two regional offices for the project.

Cabra, who has produced 13 albums for other artists, in addition to his groundbreaking work with Calle 13, previously told Billboardthat Trending Topics is a collaborative recording whose “common denominator is the production.”

In addition to Garcia, who won the Latin Grammy for Best New Artist in 2017, the album will feature Ana Tijoux, Jorge Drexler, Li Suamet of Bomba Estereo fame, Amayo from Antibalas, Pucho and Guille from Spanish rock band Vetusta Morla, and musician and producer Carlos Alomar, best known as David Bowie’s guitarist.

Sony calls Trending Topics, “an innovative multimedia, music fusion project” with music “born from the traditions of Afro-Caribbean and Caribbean cultures and rhythms – intertwined with the sounds of boundary pushing contemporary/ experimental recording techniques and timely lyrical subject matter.”

Cabra previously told Billboardthat reggaeton, approached “in a different way” will be part of the mix.

In an announcement from Sony, Cabra called Trending Topics, “a project that was made with much love and with a brutal sense of art.”

Bruno Mars Wins Six Grammys, Including Album, Record & Song of the Year

Posted on January 29, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

It’s a (24K) magical time for Bruno Mars…

The 32-year-old part-Puerto Rican singer-songwriter was the big winner at Sunday night’s Grammy Awards, picking up six gramophones.

It was a clean sweep for Mars, who’d previously won five Grammys since 2011, including wins in the three major categories.

Mars took home his first Album of the Year award for his own work, his hit album 24K Magic, thereby denying rappers Kendrick Lamar and Jay-Z the honor of becoming the first hip-hop artist in 14 years to win the coveted album of the year.

Additionally, he took home the award for song of the year for his hit single “That’s What I Like,” and record of the year for “24K Magic.”

“Don’t cut me off Grammys, please,” said Mars from the stage while accepting the last award of the night. Recounting his early days as a young performer entertaining tourists in his native Hawaii, Mars name-checked writer-producers Babyface, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and Teddy Riley as key influences.

Shakira picked up the third Grammy of her career…

The 40-year-old Colombian superstar took home the award for Best Latin Pop Album for his critically acclaimed album El Dorado.

Residente picked up the first Grammy of his career as a solo artist.

The 39-year-old Puerto Rican rapper, who’d previously won two Grammys and a slew of Latin Grammys as a member of Calle 13, took home the award for Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album for his self-titled album.

Lin-Manuel Miranda picked up his third Grammy.

The 38-year-old composer, lyricist, playwright, and actor won the award for Best Song Written for Visual Media for his single from Disney’s Moana soundtrack, “How Far I’ll Go.”

Other Latino winners include Aida Cuevas for Best Regional Mexican Music Album (Including Tejano) and Rubén Blades con Roberto Delgado y Orquesta for Best Tropical Latin Album.

Here’s the complete list of winners:

Album of the Year: “24K Magic” — Bruno Mars

Record of the Year: “24K Magic” — Bruno Mars

Song of the Year: “That’s What I Like” — Christopher Brody Brown, James Fauntleroy, Philip Lawrence, Bruno Mars, Ray Charles McCullough II, Jeremy Reeves, Ray Romulus and Jonathan Yip, songwriters (Bruno Mars)

Best New Artist: Alessia Cara

Best Pop Solo Performance: “Shape of You” — Ed Sheeran

Best Pop Duo/Group Performance: “Feel It Still” — Portugal. The Man

Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album: “Tony Bennett Celebrates 90” — Various Artists; Dae Bennett, producer

Best Pop Vocal Album: “÷” — Ed Sheeran

Best Dance Recording: “Tonite” — LCD Soundsystem

Best Dance/Electronic Album: “3-D The Catalogue” — Kraftwerk

Best Contemporary Instrumental Album: “Prototype” — Jeff Lorber Fusion

Best Rock Performance: “You Want It Darker” — Leonard Cohen

Best Metal Performance: “Sultan’s Curse” — Mastodon

Best Rock Song: “Run” — Foo Fighters, songwriters

Best Rock Album: “A Deeper Understanding” — The War on Drugs

Best Alternative Music Album: “Sleep Well Beast” — The National

Best R&B Performance: “That’s What I Like” — Bruno Mars

Best Traditional R&B Performance: “Redbone” — Childish Gambino

Best R&B Song: “That’s What I Like” — Christopher Brody Brown, James Fauntleroy, Philip Lawrence, Bruno Mars, Ray Charles McCullough II, Jeremy Reeves, Ray Romulus and Jonathan Yip, songwriters (Bruno Mars)

Best Urban Contemporary Album: “Starboy” — The Weeknd

Best R&B Album: “24K Magic” — Bruno Mars

Best Rap Performance: “HUMBLE.” — Kendrick Lamar

Best Rap/Sung Performance: “LOYALTY.” — Kendrick Lamar featuring Rihanna

Best Rap Song: “HUMBLE.” — K. Duckworth, Asheton Hogan and M. Williams II, songwriters (Kendrick Lamar)

Best Rap Album: “DAMN.” — Kendrick Lamar

Best Country Solo Performance: “Either Way” — Chris Stapleton

Best Country Duo/Group Performance: “Better Man” — Little Big Town

Best Country Song: “Broken Halos” — Mike Henderson and Chris Stapleton, songwriters (Chris Stapleton)

Best Country Album: “From a Room: Volume 1” — Chris Stapleton

Best New Age Album: “Dancing on Water” — Peter Kater

Best Improvised Jazz Solo: “Miles Beyond” — John McLaughlin, soloist

Best Jazz Vocal Album: “Dreams and Daggers” — Cécile McLorin Salvant

Best Jazz Instrumental Album: “Rebirth” — Billy Childs

Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album: “Bringin’ It” — Christian McBride Big Band

Best Latin Jazz Album: “Jazz Tango” — Pablo Ziegler Trio

Best Gospel Performance/Song: “Never Have to Be Alone” — CeCe Winans; Dwan Hill & Alvin Love III, songwriters

Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song: “What a Beautiful Name” — Hillsong Worship; Ben Fielding & Brooke Ligertwood, songwriters

Best Gospel Album: “Let Them Fall in Love” — CeCe Winans

Best Contemporary Christian Music Album: “Chain Breaker” — Zach Williams

Best Roots Gospel Album: “Sing It Now: Songs of Faith & Hope” — Reba McEntire

Best Latin Pop Album: “El Dorado” — Shakira

Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album: “Residente” — Residente

Best Regional Mexican Music Album (Including Tejano): “Arriero Somos Versiones Acústicas” — Aida Cuevas

Best Tropical Latin Album: “Salsa Big Band” — Rubén Blades con Roberto Delgado y Orquesta

Best American Roots Performance: “Killer Diller Blues” — Alabama Shakes

Best American Roots Song: “If We Were Vampires” — Jason Isbell, songwriter (Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit)

Best Americana Album: “The Nashville Sound” — Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit

Best Bluegrass Album: tie, “Laws of Gravity” — The Infamous Stringdusters and “All the Rage — In Concert Volume One” — Rhonda Vincent and the Rage

Best Traditional Blues Album: “Blue & Lonesome” — The Rolling Stones

Best Contemporary Blues Album: “TajMo” — Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’

Best Folk Album: “Mental Illness” — Aimee Mann

Best Regional Roots Music Album: “Kalenda” — Lost Bayou Ramblers

Best Reggae Album: “Stony Hill” — Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley

Best World Music Album: “Shaka Zulu Revisited: 30th Anniversary Celebration” — Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Best Children’s Album: “Feel What U Feel” — Lisa Loeb

Best Spoken Word Album (Includes Poetry, Audio Books and Storytelling): “The Princess Diarist” — Carrie Fisher

Best Comedy Album: “The Age of Spin/Deep in the Heart of Texas” — Dave Chappelle

Best Musical Theater Album: “Dear Evan Hansen” — Ben Platt, principal soloist; Alex Lacamoire, Stacey Mindich, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, producers; Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, composers/lyricists (original Broadway cast recording)

Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media: “La La Land” — Various Artists

Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media: “La La Land” — Justin Hurwitz, composer

Best Song Written for Visual Media: “How Far I’ll Go” — Lin-Manuel Miranda, songwriter (Auli’i Cravalho)

Best Instrumental Composition: “Three Revolutions” — Arturo O’Farrill, composer (Arturo O’Farrill and Chucho Valdés)

Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella: “Escapades for Alto Saxophone and Orchestra From ‘Catch Me If You Can’” — John Williams, arranger (John Williams)

Best Arrangement, Instruments and Vocals: “Putin” — Randy Newman, arranger (Randy Newman)

Best Recording Package: tie, “Pure Comedy (Deluxe Edition)” — Sasha Barr, Ed Steed and Josh Tillman, art directors (Father John Misty) and “El Orisha de la Rosa” — Claudio Roncoli and Cactus Taller, art directors (Magín Díaz)

Best Boxed or Special Limited-Edition Package: “The Voyager Golden Record: 40th Anniversary Edition” — Lawrence Azerrad, Timothy Daly and David Pescovitz, art directors (Various Artists)

Best Album Notes: “Live at the Whisky A Go Go: The Complete Recordings” — Lynell George, writer (Otis Redding)

Best Historical Album: “Leonard Bernstein — The Composer” — Robert Russ, compilation producer; Martin Kistner and Andreas K. Meyer, mastering engineers (Leonard Bernstein)

Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical: “24K Magic” — Serban Ghenea, John Hanes and Charles Moniz, engineers; Tom Coyne, mastering engineer (Bruno Mars)

Producer of the Year, Non-Classical: Greg Kurstin

Best Remixed Recording: “You Move (Latroit Remix)” — Dennis White, remixer (Depeche Mode)

Best Surround Sound Album: “Early Americans” — Jim Anderson, surround mix engineer; Darcy Proper, surround mastering engineer; Jim Anderson and Jane Ira Bloom, surround producers (Jane Ira Bloom)

Best Engineered Album, Classical: “Shostakovich: Symphony No. 5; Barber: Adagio” — Mark Donahue, engineer (Manfred Honeck and Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra)

Producer of the Year, Classical: David Frost

Best Orchestral Performance: “Shostakovich: Symphony No. 5; Barber: Adagio” — Manfred Honeck, conductor (Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra)

Best Opera Recording: “Berg: Wozzeck” — Hans Graf, conductor; Anne Schwanewilms and Roman Trekel; Hans Graf and Brad Sayles, producers (Houston Symphony; Chorus of Students and Alumni, Shepherd School of Music, Rice University and Houston Grand Opera Children’s Chorus)

Best Choral Performance: “Bryars: The Fifth Century” — Donald Nally, conductor (PRISM Quartet and The Crossing)

Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance: “Death & the Maiden” — Patricia Kopatchinskaja and the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra

Best Classical Instrumental Solo: “Transcendental” — Daniil Trifonov

Best Classical Solo Vocal Album: “Crazy Girl Crazy” — Barbara Hannigan (Ludwig Orchestra)

Best Classical Compendium: “Higdon: All Things Majestic, Viola Concerto & Oboe Concerto” — Giancarlo Guerrero, conductor; Tim Handley, producer

Best Contemporary Classical Composition: “Viola Concerto” — Jennifer Higdon, composer (Roberto Díaz, Giancarlo Guerrero and Nashville Symphony)

Best Music Video: “HUMBLE.” — Kendrick Lamar

Best Music Film: “The Defiant Ones” — Various Artists

Residente Releases Self-Directed Music Video for “Guerra”

Posted on August 18, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

Residente is shining a spotlight on the war in the Middle East…

The 39-year-old Puerto Rican rapper and co-founder of Calle 13, whose real name is René Pérez Joglar, has unveiled his new audiovisual “Guerra,” which touches on the humanity issues with the war in the Middle East.

The video clip, Residente’s third self-directed video, was filmed in Spain and on-site at the Zahle refugee camp — an informal camp on the Syrian/Lebanese border — home to over 250 refugees fleeing the war in Syria.

“People suffer first hand from the attacks and the abuse, there are those who fight and resist the attack and those refugees who escape from war,” Residente said in a press release. “Meanwhile, we sit by comfortably in our homes, totally unaware of the true harshness of war.”

“Guerra” is part of his solo album debut Residente, released earlier this year.

The Grammy-winning singer/songwriter is now touring in the U.S., performing in Washington, DC on Aug. 19 and will continue in Santa Ana, CA (Aug. 22), San Francisco (Aug. 24), San Diego (Aug. 27), Tucson (Aug. 28, Dallas, (Aug. 30) and Miami (Aug. 31).

Gilberto Santa Rosa to Serve as NYC Puerto Rican Day Parade Grand Marshall

Posted on May 11, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

Gilberto Santa Rosa is set to have a grand old time at this year’s NYC Puerto Rican Day Parade.

The 54-year-old Puerto Rican singer and bandleader, known as “El Caballero de la Salsa,” will serve as the grand marshall of the annual parade on June 11.

Santa Rosa is a Grammy and Latin Grammy winner, who has been active in the music industry for approximately forty years.

But Santa Rosa isn’t the only superstar participating in this year’s parade.

Iris Chacón, the 67-year-old showgirl who came to fame in the 1970s as “the Puerto Rican bombshell” has been named godmother of the parade.

Ozuna will appear as the parade’s Rising Star, salsa singer Ismael Rivera has been named a Puerto Rican Day ambassador, and Latin alternative duo BuscaBulla will also join the parade.

This year’s Puerto Rican Day Parade marks the 60th time that “la parada” fills Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue with tropical music and Puerto Rican pride. Previous grand marshalls include Marc Anthony and Ricky Martin; Calle 13’s Rene Perez was crowned king of the parade in 2014.

Olympic gold medal gymnast Laurie Hernández, actress Lana Parrilla (Once Upon a Time) and 14-time MLB All-Star Iván Rodríguez will also participate in this year’s parade.

The event will also reference recent politics: it will honor former political prisoner Oscar López Rivera, who was pardoned by President Barack Obama in January after 35 years in federal prison, as National Freedom Hero. And this year’s parade coincides with 100 years since all Puerto Ricans were granted U.S. citizenship by a law enacted by President Woodrow Wilson.

“In this monumental year, we are showcasing our collective achievement and the legacy we have built by working in solidarity,” Puerto Rican Day Parade Board Chair Board Chair Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez said at a press conference. “And we will discuss key challenges that Puerto Rico is facing to help inform and engage our community. We also honor legendary figures and the next generation of stars that are already accomplished in their own right.”

Two music festivals preceding the parade will turn June 9-11 into a full throttle Puerto Rican party weekend.

The 2017 Soulfrito festival will feature a line-up of “club bangers and Latin trap” that includes urban stars Farruko, Zion y Lennox , Bad Bunny, Cosculluela and Ivy Queen starts the party in Brooklyn on Friday, June 9, at the Barclays Center.

Willie Colon, Eddie Palmieri and Tito Nieves lead the incredible line-up of the 33rd New York Salsa Festival, which takes place Saturday, June 10, also at the Barclay Center. Jerry Rivera, Grupo Niche, Fruko y Sus Tesos, Tito Rojas and DLG are also among the artists scheduled to perform.

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