(Pic: Leo Pareja)
I have to admit that Reggaeton has always been a guilty pleasure of mine (much to the dismay of certain other members of the Heads High crew LOL). But I’m continually exasperated at the unimaginative production and mindless posturing of most mainstream artists so it’s always refreshing to hear the output of people like Tego Calderon and Calle 13.
Calle 13 are one group from the Latin urban / Reggaeton world that should crossover more, eschewing the traits of most mainstream Latin urban artists, their enlightened take on the genre goes well beyond straight Reggaeton and Hip Hop, taking in elements of Samba, Cumbia, Tango and much more. Led by brothers rapper Residente and production man Visitante ,the combination of inventive music and knowing clever lyrics have contributed to their success worldwide. They have tapped into a kind of Pan-Latin American consciousness, making them accessible to both the discerning music listener and the Mamis and Papis, they even recently experienced a spiritual re-awakening in the high plains of Peru, the focus of a new documentary about them “A La Venta Ya”
Calle 13 held nothing back for their startlingly brilliant live show that debuted in London the other night (August 12th) with an eleven-piece band that included a horn section, drummer and two percussionists, a welcome surprise I’m sure for many accustomed to the usual Reggaeton and Hip Hop PAs. A welcome addition to the show is the brother’s sister – PG13 – who punctuates some of the songs with her fantastic vocals and kooky stage presence, as illustrated on this MTV live clip one of their earlier tracks Hormiga Brava which demonstrates their live show whilst retaining the sound quality lost on most YouTube clips.
For some, Calle 13 mash up action courtesy of my main man in Buenos Aires, Argentina check Diamante’s website
or attached here for your convenience
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