Calle 13 Album: “Calle 13 (Explicit)”

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).

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!

I like the way Calle 13 mixes up sounds and words to express their songs-especially when they are repetitive on such tracks as Atrevete-te-te. I like the way they jumble sounds. I like the way the instrumentation is done with different sounds going in and out such as the brass.

It's a great improvement for reggeaton it's like urban poetry,it can be runchy,decadent, naughty I just loved it.Specially ..... can't pick one ,all of them.

I first heard Calle 13 when I went to Puerto Rico and I immediately fell in love with their unique sound. I bought the album as soon as I got back and I cannot stop listening to it! My friends now all love Calle 13, even the ones who don't speak Spanish.

Calle 13 is extremely witty and intelligent in his use of double entendres and metaphores. Residente's lyrics are unlike anything I've ever heard. They might be offensive sometimes, but they are very entertaining. And Residente does not just talk about 'perreo.' He tells stories and anecdotes ("La Aguacatona"), he bashes on hip-hop wannabe's ("Tengo Hambre"), he makes you laugh ("Sin Coro") and of course, he makes you dance ("Atrevete-te" and "Se Vale To-to").

I have a hard time categorizing them as Reggaeton because they are so different from the rest of the artists in the genre. Calle 13 does not stick to the same Dem Bow beat, they explore other beats and sounds like samba, hip-hop, pop and salsa.

I deffinitely recommend buying this CD. Every song is so unique! Calle 13 is a fresh voice that I think has great potential.

ps. check out Calle 13's music videos, they are as incredible as their music