Calle 13, Entren los que quieran
Two Grammys, two MTV Awards, unlikely duos (with Shakira or Nelly Furtado for example)… One could fear that success would have slept Calle 13. And many dangers surround engaged artists. They can fall into caricature, lose their “flayed alive” way of life, serve political interests… But the Puerto Rican band has fairly succeeded not to fall into these tricks in their new album “Entren los que quieran” (everyone is invited to enter).
OK, some of the lyrics sound familiar and reveal a manichean perception of the world. But the spirit remains interesting. Even when the songs seem to be mainstream, copying the topics of reggaeton and commercial hip hop. It is the case in “Baile de los pobres”, where the band includes a social dimension in the way people dance. Shake your booty, but shake it claiming ! The same in “Vamo’ portarnos mal”.
Other songs are deeper like “Latinoamerica” featuring the amazing voice of the Peruan singer Susana Baca or “La vuelta al mundo”. The result is quite an impressive album, full of reflexion and where every word and every sample has been chosen carefully. No surprise regarding the past of René Perez (Residente) and Eduardo Cabra (Visitante). The duo has been strongly criticized because of their political positions – they ask for the independence of Puerto Rico, call the governor of Puerto Rico a son of a whore…
This new album did not break with controversy. The video of the first song “Calma pueblo” has been censored on most TV channels which finally broadcast a light version. Like or dislike it, you can enjoy the fresh purpose of a band that brings reflexion and tolerance in a stereotyped rap community. Like the title of the album which is a call to the fight against clichés.
Calle 13, Entren los que quieran
Sony Music Latin
Uncensored version of “Calma pueblo” :
Barrio latino 