Alternative-reggaeton
Encyclopedia
Alternative reggaeton is a sub-genre of hip hop
music that emerged from the reggaeton
movement as a reaction to its repetitive monotones of dem-bow rhythm, and the predominant stereotypical gansta content that most times became predictable. The result was a complex sound derived from worldly sounds, mainly rooted in Latin-American folk music such as Puerto Rican
bomba
y plena
, vallenato
, cumbia
and tango
and also other foreign influenced music such as rock en español
. Mixed with thoughtful (and sometimes crude) lyricism guided by an anti-colonialism discourse, Latin-American sociopolitical content and racial pride it gave listeners a smooth blend of danceable rhythms and intellectual dialogue.
, whose albums relied heavily on hip-hop acoustics, keyboards and reggae roots. Xplosion (1993), Aquel Que Habia Muerto
(1998) and Desahogo (2005) are good examples.
, the 2002 debut of Tego Calderón
. The blend of Puerto Rican folk music, known as Bomba y Plena
(derived from its African ancestry of Loiza), and a steady beats of hip hop and classical reggaetón served as a base for the new variant. The album became a major success, launching the underground status of Calderon to the pinnacle of the Spanish-speaking MC’s.
of Puerto Rican
duo Calle 13
. The song "Atrévete-te-te
" from the album became a big success on the Billboard
Hot Latin Songs
chart, peaking at #15. This helped the genre gain more media exposure. The background of the Puerto Rican duo provided a fresh source for the subgenre. Producer and multi-instrumentalist Visitante was formerly educated in music, and eventually formed part of a rock en español
and Brazilian batucada
band called Bayanga, which provided a diametrical point of view from the traditional caserio
-inspired dancehall
synthesizer sound from most albums. Lyricist Residente was highly educated, having earned a Masters of Fine Arts in the Savannah College of Art and Design
, which contributed to his crafted lyricism and purposeful sarcasm. The main asset of the album was that it provided more than just danceable tracks, and it began to question the inner perception of Puerto Rican identity and the acceptance of foreign models as a pertinent solution to Latin-American issues. This is evident in the Diddy
mocking song Pi-di-di-di
. Some criticism has been raised of Residente by its close similarity to Eminem
’s songs and whole ‘enfant terrible’ ethos
.
The sophomore and junior album of the band have further expanded this realm creating a mature product that provides sexual discussions and ethical questioning. For this reason the band has achieve critical success winning multiple accolades including five Grammys. They have also purposely distanced themselves from other reggaetoneros in their appearance by using simple tropical clothes with bright colors, and pucas (a good-luck charm necklace made by local craftsman) instead of the bling-bling
persona derived from American rappers and completely decontextualized from the warm climate of the Caribbean
.
and Talib Kweli
), both Tego Calderon and Calle 13 have found a solid fan-base and success in the indie scene and mainstream scenarios. But other artists such as 7-9 (sometimes referred to as SieteNueve) and Intifada still remain relatively unknown. Although their content in deliberately Nationalistic and completely in Spanish, much like the other alternative artists, they do not consider themselves reggaetoneros, but hip-hoppers. The only track to receive some airplay in major stations was 7-9’s Educate o Quedate Calla’o , a dissed track against Daddy Yankee
arguing that his support to Sen. John McCain
in the USA primaries was inappropriate and was setting a bad example for the youth. Others artist somewhat associated to the sub-genre is producer Danny Fornaris, due to his protest track Querido FBI
, whom Calle 13 wrote in honor of Machetero
leader Filiberto Ojeda Ríos
after he was allegedly assassinated by the FBI. However, Fornaris' constant collaborations with mainstream reggaetoneros, such as Don Omar
and Tito El Bambino
, has devaluated him in the indie scene, contributing to a sellout stigma. The Chile
an rapper Bito Skelter is perhaps the one who defines this genre called Alternative reggaeton, it does not use blin blin or Low Fade hairstyle and sing about sex or drugs. His lyrics are metaphorical and sings without Auto-Tune
arrangements.
Hip hop
Hip hop is a form of musical expression and artistic culture that originated in African-American and Latino communities during the 1970s in New York City, specifically the Bronx. DJ Afrika Bambaataa outlined the four pillars of hip hop culture: MCing, DJing, breaking and graffiti writing...
music that emerged from the reggaeton
Reggaeton
Reggaeton is a form of Puerto Rican and Latin American urban and Caribbean music. After its mainstream exposure in 2004, it spread to North American, European and Asian audiences. Reggaeton originated in Puerto Rico but is also has roots from Reggae en Español from Panama and Puerto Rico and...
movement as a reaction to its repetitive monotones of dem-bow rhythm, and the predominant stereotypical gansta content that most times became predictable. The result was a complex sound derived from worldly sounds, mainly rooted in Latin-American folk music such as Puerto Rican
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico , officially the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico , is an unincorporated territory of the United States, located in the northeastern Caribbean, east of the Dominican Republic and west of both the United States Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands.Puerto Rico comprises an...
bomba
Bomba
Bomba is one of the traditional musical styles of Puerto Rico. it is a largely African-derived music. The rhythm and beat are played by a set of floor drums, cuá and a maraca. Dance is an integral part of the music: the dancers move their bodies to every beat of the drum, making bomba a very...
y plena
Plena
Plena is a folkloric genre native to Puerto Rico. Its creation was influenced by African and Spanish music.-History:The music is generally folkloric. The music's beat and rhythm are usually played using hand drums called panderetas, but also known as panderos or pleneras. The music is accompanied...
, vallenato
Vallenato
Vallenato, along with cumbia, is currently a popular folk music of Colombia. It primarily comes from the Colombia's Caribbean region. Vallenato literally means "born in the valley". The valley influencing this name is located between the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and the Serranía de Perijá in...
, cumbia
Cumbia
Cumbia is a music genre popular across Latin America. The cumbia originated in the Caribbean coast of Colombia, where it is associated with an eponymous dance and has since spread as far as Mexico and Argentina...
and tango
Tango music
Tango is a style of ballroom dance music in 2/4 or 4/4 time that originated among European immigrant populations of Argentina and Uruguay . It is traditionally played by a sextet, known as the orquesta típica, which includes two violins, piano, double bass, and two bandoneons...
and also other foreign influenced music such as rock en español
Rock en Español
Rock en español is the Spanish-language rock music. While the term is used widely in English, it is used in Spanish mainly to distinguish such music from "Anglo rock." It is a style of rock music that developed in Latin American countries and Latino communities, along with other genres like...
. Mixed with thoughtful (and sometimes crude) lyricism guided by an anti-colonialism discourse, Latin-American sociopolitical content and racial pride it gave listeners a smooth blend of danceable rhythms and intellectual dialogue.
History
The precursor is arguably one of the founding fathers of reggaeton: Vico-CVico C
Vico C is an Puerto Rican rapper and rap artist. He is considered one of the founding fathers of rap and has played an influential role in the development of Latin American hip hop....
, whose albums relied heavily on hip-hop acoustics, keyboards and reggae roots. Xplosion (1993), Aquel Que Habia Muerto
Aquel Que Había Muerto
Aquel Que Había Muerto is a rap album released by Puerto Rican singer Vico C.The album includes new versions of some of Vico C's greatest hits.-Track listing:# "Aquel Que Había Muerto"# "Calla"# "Quieren"# "Donde Comienzan Las Guerras"# "Careta"...
(1998) and Desahogo (2005) are good examples.
Rise of a New Sound
The starting point of alternative-reggaeton per se is considered by many to be the album El AbayardeEl Abayarde
El Abayarde is the debut album by the Puerto Rican rapper Tego Calderón. It was one of the first commercially successful albums in the genre of Reggaeton. It included the singles "Pa' Que Retozen", "Guasa Guasa" and "Al Natural"...
, the 2002 debut of Tego Calderón
Tego Calderón
Tegui Calderón Rosario is a Puerto Rican rapper and actor.-Early life:Calderón was born in Santurce, Puerto Rico, the son of Pilar Rosario Parrilla, a schoolteacher, and Esteban Calderón Ilarraza, a government worker for Puerto Rico's Department of Health. Moving at a young age from his native...
. The blend of Puerto Rican folk music, known as Bomba y Plena
Rafael Cepeda
Rafael Cepeda Atiles a.k.a. "The Patriarch of the Bomba and Plena" was the patriarch of the Cepeda family, known internationally as the exponents of Afro-Puerto Rican folk music.-Early years:...
(derived from its African ancestry of Loiza), and a steady beats of hip hop and classical reggaetón served as a base for the new variant. The album became a major success, launching the underground status of Calderon to the pinnacle of the Spanish-speaking MC’s.
Breakthrough
The breakthrough album of what is considered alternative reggaetón came in 2005 with the self-titled debut albumCalle 13 (album)
Calle 13 is the eponymous debut studio album of Puerto Rican Urban/hip hop duo Calle 13, released on November 29, 2005, by White Lion Records.-Album details:...
of Puerto Rican
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico , officially the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico , is an unincorporated territory of the United States, located in the northeastern Caribbean, east of the Dominican Republic and west of both the United States Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands.Puerto Rico comprises an...
duo Calle 13
Calle 13 (band)
Calle 13 is a band formed by stepbrothers René Pérez Joglar , who calls himself Residente and Eduardo José Cabra Martínez , who calls himself Visitante Calle 13 is a band formed by stepbrothers René Pérez Joglar (born February 23, 1978 in Hato Rey, a subsection of San Juan, Puerto Rico), who calls...
. The song "Atrévete-te-te
Atrévete-te-te
"Atrévete-te-te" is a Grammy-Nominated reggaeton song by Puerto Rican urban duo Calle 13 from their eponymous debut album Calle 13, released in February 2006, by White Lion Records. It is one of the duo's well-known songs. It was a hit single in many Spanish American countries...
" from the album became a big success on the Billboard
Billboard charts
The Billboard charts tabulate the relative weekly popularity of songs or albums in the United States. The results are published in Billboard magazine...
Hot Latin Songs
Hot Latin Songs
Hot Latin Songs is a record chart published by Billboard magazine. It is often recognized as the most important music chart for Spanish language Latin music in the American music market. It was established by the magazine on September 6, 1986 with La Guirnalda by Rocío Dúrcal being the first song...
chart, peaking at #15. This helped the genre gain more media exposure. The background of the Puerto Rican duo provided a fresh source for the subgenre. Producer and multi-instrumentalist Visitante was formerly educated in music, and eventually formed part of a rock en español
Rock en Español
Rock en español is the Spanish-language rock music. While the term is used widely in English, it is used in Spanish mainly to distinguish such music from "Anglo rock." It is a style of rock music that developed in Latin American countries and Latino communities, along with other genres like...
and Brazilian batucada
Batucada
Batucada is a substyle of samba and refers to an African influenced Brazilian percussive style, usually performed by an ensemble, known as a Bateria...
band called Bayanga, which provided a diametrical point of view from the traditional caserio
Caserio
Caserio or caserío may refer to:* Hamlet , in Spanish-speaking countries* Caserío vasco or Baserri, a typical Basque farm building* Mathias Caserio , Argentine football player* Nick Caserio , American football executive...
-inspired dancehall
Dancehall
Dancehall is a genre of Jamaican popular music that originated in the late 1970s. Initially dancehall was a more sparse version of reggae than the roots style, which had dominated much of the 1970s. In the mid-1980s, digital instrumentation became more prevalent, changing the sound considerably,...
synthesizer sound from most albums. Lyricist Residente was highly educated, having earned a Masters of Fine Arts in the Savannah College of Art and Design
Savannah College of Art and Design
SCAD, the Savannah College of Art and Design, is a private, accredited and degree-granting university with locations in Savannah and Atlanta, Georgia, Hong Kong, and Lacoste, France.-History:...
, which contributed to his crafted lyricism and purposeful sarcasm. The main asset of the album was that it provided more than just danceable tracks, and it began to question the inner perception of Puerto Rican identity and the acceptance of foreign models as a pertinent solution to Latin-American issues. This is evident in the Diddy
Sean Combs
Sean John Combs , also known by his stage names Diddy and P. Diddy, is an American rapper, singer, record producer, actor, and entrepreneur. He has won three Grammy Awards and two MTV Video Music Awards, and his clothing line earned a Council of Fashion Designers of America award. He was originally...
mocking song Pi-di-di-di
Calle 13 (album)
Calle 13 is the eponymous debut studio album of Puerto Rican Urban/hip hop duo Calle 13, released on November 29, 2005, by White Lion Records.-Album details:...
. Some criticism has been raised of Residente by its close similarity to Eminem
Eminem
Marshall Bruce Mathers III , better known by his stage name Eminem or his alter ego Slim Shady, is an American rapper, record producer, songwriter and actor. Eminem's popularity brought his group project, D12, to mainstream recognition...
’s songs and whole ‘enfant terrible’ ethos
Ethos
Ethos is a Greek word meaning "character" that is used to describe the guiding beliefs or ideals that characterize a community, nation, or ideology. The Greeks also used this word to refer to the power of music to influence its hearer's emotions, behaviors, and even morals. Early Greek stories of...
.
The sophomore and junior album of the band have further expanded this realm creating a mature product that provides sexual discussions and ethical questioning. For this reason the band has achieve critical success winning multiple accolades including five Grammys. They have also purposely distanced themselves from other reggaetoneros in their appearance by using simple tropical clothes with bright colors, and pucas (a good-luck charm necklace made by local craftsman) instead of the bling-bling
Bling-bling
Bling is a slang term popularized in hip hop culture, referring to flashy, ostentatious or elaborate jewelry and ornamented accessories that are carried, worn or installed, such as cell phones or tooth caps....
persona derived from American rappers and completely decontextualized from the warm climate of the Caribbean
Caribbean
The Caribbean is a crescent-shaped group of islands more than 2,000 miles long separating the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, to the west and south, from the Atlantic Ocean, to the east and north...
.
Other Exponents
Much like the alternative wing of hip hop (with artists such as Mos DefMos Def
Dante Terrell Smith is an American actor and Emcee known by the stage names Mos Def and Yasiin Bey. He started his hip hop career in a group called Urban Thermo Dynamics, after which he appeared on albums by Da Bush Babees and De La Soul. With Talib Kweli, he formed the duo Black Star, which...
and Talib Kweli
Talib Kweli
Talib Kweli Greene , better known as Talib Kweli, is an American hip-hop artist and poet from Brooklyn, New York. His first name in Arabic means "student" or "seeker" ; his in Swahili means "true"...
), both Tego Calderon and Calle 13 have found a solid fan-base and success in the indie scene and mainstream scenarios. But other artists such as 7-9 (sometimes referred to as SieteNueve) and Intifada still remain relatively unknown. Although their content in deliberately Nationalistic and completely in Spanish, much like the other alternative artists, they do not consider themselves reggaetoneros, but hip-hoppers. The only track to receive some airplay in major stations was 7-9’s Educate o Quedate Calla’o , a dissed track against Daddy Yankee
Daddy Yankee
Ramón Luis Ayala Rodríguez , known artistically as Daddy Yankee, is a Latin Grammy Award winning Puerto Rican Reggaeton recording artist. Ayala was born in Río Piedras, the largest district of San Juan, where he became interested in music at a young age. In his youth he was interested in baseball,...
arguing that his support to Sen. John McCain
John McCain
John Sidney McCain III is the senior United States Senator from Arizona. He was the Republican nominee for president in the 2008 United States election....
in the USA primaries was inappropriate and was setting a bad example for the youth. Others artist somewhat associated to the sub-genre is producer Danny Fornaris, due to his protest track Querido FBI
Querido FBI
"Querido F.B.I." is a song from Puerto Rican urban group Calle 13. The song was recorded in September, 2005 and released through the Internet about 30 hours after the death of Puerto Rican Revolutionary leader Filiberto Ojeda Ríos in what appeared to be a botched raid at his...
, whom Calle 13 wrote in honor of Machetero
Boricua Popular Army
The Boricua Popular/People's Army — or Ejército Popular Boricua in Spanish — is a clandestine organization based on the island of Puerto Rico, with cells in the United States. They campaign for and support the independence of Puerto Rico from what they characterize as United States colonial rule...
leader Filiberto Ojeda Ríos
Filiberto Ojeda Ríos
Filiberto Ojeda Ríos was the commander-in-chief of the Boricua Popular Army , a clandestine paramilitary organization that considers United States rule over Puerto Rico to be oppressive colonization and advocates the latter's independence.Ojeda Ríos was a...
after he was allegedly assassinated by the FBI. However, Fornaris' constant collaborations with mainstream reggaetoneros, such as Don Omar
Don Omar
Don Omar, also known as El Rey Don Omar, also known as El Rey Don Omar, also known as El Rey (born William Omar Landrón Rivera; February 10, 1978, is a Puerto Rican Reggaetón singer and actor.-Early life:...
and Tito El Bambino
Tito El Bambino
Efraín David Fines Nevares age 30 known professionally as Tito "El Bambino" is recording artist from Puerto Rico. He rose to fame as Tito of the duo Héctor & Tito....
, has devaluated him in the indie scene, contributing to a sellout stigma. The Chile
Chile
Chile ,officially the Republic of Chile , is a country in South America occupying a long, narrow coastal strip between the Andes mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. It borders Peru to the north, Bolivia to the northeast, Argentina to the east, and the Drake Passage in the far...
an rapper Bito Skelter is perhaps the one who defines this genre called Alternative reggaeton, it does not use blin blin or Low Fade hairstyle and sing about sex or drugs. His lyrics are metaphorical and sings without Auto-Tune
Auto-Tune
Auto-Tune is a proprietary audio processor created by Antares Audio Technologies. Auto-Tune uses a phase vocoder to correct pitch in vocal and instrumental performances. It is used to disguise off-key inaccuracies and mistakes, and has allowed singers to perform apparently perfectly tuned vocal...
arrangements.