Voltio
Encyclopedia
Julio Voltio is one of the reggaetón
genre's best-known artists.
His nickname came to be as the result of an accident. Before joining Karel, he worked as an electrician
. One day, he stuck his hand in the wrong place and got shock
ed. Everyone then called him "Bombillo" (Light Bulb) and "Corto Circuito" (Short Circuit), until eventually giving him a nickname that stuck: "Voltio" (Spanish word for volt
).
, Voltio entered the music business as a teenager. Together with Rey 29 and Héctor Delgado (AKA Hector "El Father"), he formed The Masters of Funk. Although the trio released no listed albums, they were influential in starting the reggaeton movement.
Shortly after separating from The Masters of Funk, Voltio partnered with Karel, a neighborhood friend, to form Karel y Voltio. They released their debut album Los Dueños del Estilo
in 2003. The album languished, however, and the duo's enthusiasm dwindled. Karel was last featured in La Mision 4. With few options, Voltio was preparing to exit the music business when Tego Calderón
, a leading artist with White Lion Records, convinced him to sign with the label. Having taken Tego's advice, Voltio released the album Voltage AC
, with the hits "Bumper", "No Amarres Fuego" (featuring Zion & Lennox) and "Julito Maraña".
Voltio also featured on a remix of the song "Locked Up
" by Akon
, which was released in the UK as part of Locked Up-Global Remixes
Having experienced relative success, Voltio returned with his a self-titled release in 2005, which included his biggest hit to date "Chulín Culín Chunflai", which features Residente Calle 13 and a remix version with Three 6 Mafia
.
Voltio recently teamed up with Calle 13
to speak out against police brutality in Puerto Rico. On August 11, 2008, announced the publication of a docummentary titled "En vivo desde Oso Blanco". The production covers the time that Voltio spent in prison.
Voltio is also included on the Grand Theft Auto IV soundtrack with his song Pónmela from the 2007 release of En lo Claro.
En lo Claro has experienced mild success in contrast to Voltio's first two releases, garnering #36 on the U.S.
Billboard
Top Latin Albums chart. The album also peaked at #24 on the Billboard Top Heatseekers
chart.
Other albums
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...
genre's best-known artists.
His nickname came to be as the result of an accident. Before joining Karel, he worked as an electrician
Electrician
An electrician is a tradesman specializing in electrical wiring of buildings, stationary machines and related equipment. Electricians may be employed in the installation of new electrical components or the maintenance and repair of existing electrical infrastructure. Electricians may also...
. One day, he stuck his hand in the wrong place and got shock
Electric shock
Electric Shock of a body with any source of electricity that causes a sufficient current through the skin, muscles or hair. Typically, the expression is used to denote an unwanted exposure to electricity, hence the effects are considered undesirable....
ed. Everyone then called him "Bombillo" (Light Bulb) and "Corto Circuito" (Short Circuit), until eventually giving him a nickname that stuck: "Voltio" (Spanish word for volt
Volt
The volt is the SI derived unit for electric potential, electric potential difference, and electromotive force. The volt is named in honor of the Italian physicist Alessandro Volta , who invented the voltaic pile, possibly the first chemical battery.- Definition :A single volt is defined as the...
).
Music career
Growing up in the Parque Ecuestre section of CarolinaCarolina, Puerto Rico
Carolina is a city located in the northern part of Puerto Rico, bordering the Atlantic Ocean; it lies north of Gurabo and Juncos; east of Trujillo Alto and San Juan; and west of Canóvanas and Loíza. Carolina is spread over 12 wards plus Carolina Pueblo...
, Voltio entered the music business as a teenager. Together with Rey 29 and Héctor Delgado (AKA Hector "El Father"), he formed The Masters of Funk. Although the trio released no listed albums, they were influential in starting the reggaeton movement.
Shortly after separating from The Masters of Funk, Voltio partnered with Karel, a neighborhood friend, to form Karel y Voltio. They released their debut album Los Dueños del Estilo
Los Dueños del Estilo
-Track listing:# Dale Con La Lenta# Yal# Siempre Hay Algo # Julio Voltio# Vas A Sentir# Socio Dale Casco# Mete y Saca # Perrear Contigo# Me Pones Mal# Socio Dale Casco # Mis Ojos# ¿Dónde Están?# The Score...
in 2003. The album languished, however, and the duo's enthusiasm dwindled. Karel was last featured in La Mision 4. With few options, Voltio was preparing to exit the music business when 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...
, a leading artist with White Lion Records, convinced him to sign with the label. Having taken Tego's advice, Voltio released the album Voltage AC
Voltage AC
Voltage AC is the debut album by Reggaeton artist Voltio. It was released in 2004 through record label Sony BMG.-Track listing:# Intro# Julito Maraña # Maleante de Cartón# Cocorota# Pa' Guayarte Ese Mini # Voltio...
, with the hits "Bumper", "No Amarres Fuego" (featuring Zion & Lennox) and "Julito Maraña".
Voltio also featured on a remix of the song "Locked Up
Locked Up
"Locked Up" is the debut single by American singer Akon, taken as the lead single from his debut studio album, Trouble. The single was released in 2004, reaching #4 on the UK Singles Chart and #8 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming his first Top 10 hit in both countries.-Background:Although it was...
" by Akon
Akon
Aliaune Damala Badara Thiam, better known as simply Akon , is a Senegalese American R&B recording artist and songwriter.According to Forbes, Akon grossed $21 million in 2010, $20 million in 2009 and $12 million in 2008. He rose to prominence in 2004 following the release of "Locked Up", the first...
, which was released in the UK as part of Locked Up-Global Remixes
Having experienced relative success, Voltio returned with his a self-titled release in 2005, which included his biggest hit to date "Chulín Culín Chunflai", which features Residente Calle 13 and a remix version with Three 6 Mafia
Three 6 Mafia
Three 6 Mafia are an Academy Award-winning, American rap group originating from Memphis, Tennessee. Formed in 1991 as Triple 6 Mafia, by DJ Paul, Juicy J, & Lord Infamous, the group at its most featured six members including; Crunchy Black, Gangsta Boo and Koopsta Knicca...
.
Voltio recently teamed up with Calle 13
Calle 13
Calle 13 is a Spanish cable/satellite television channel. Owned by Universal Studios Networks Spain, Calle 13 promotes itself as a channel of suspense and action and its available on Digital+ satellite TV platform and on all Spanish cable TV platforms....
to speak out against police brutality in Puerto Rico. On August 11, 2008, announced the publication of a docummentary titled "En vivo desde Oso Blanco". The production covers the time that Voltio spent in prison.
Voltio is also included on the Grand Theft Auto IV soundtrack with his song Pónmela from the 2007 release of En lo Claro.
En lo Claro has experienced mild success in contrast to Voltio's first two releases, garnering #36 on the U.S.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
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...
Top Latin Albums chart. The album also peaked at #24 on the Billboard Top Heatseekers
Top Heatseekers
Top Heatseekers refers to either of two separate "Breaking and Entering" music charts issued weekly by Billboard Magazine: the Heatseekers Albums chart or the Heatseekers Songs chart. They were introduced by Billboard in 1993 with the purpose of highlighting the sales by new and developing musical...
chart.
Albums
Solo albums- 2004: Voltage ACVoltage ACVoltage AC is the debut album by Reggaeton artist Voltio. It was released in 2004 through record label Sony BMG.-Track listing:# Intro# Julito Maraña # Maleante de Cartón# Cocorota# Pa' Guayarte Ese Mini # Voltio...
- 2005: VoltioVoltio (album)Voltio is the eponymous second studio album by Puerto Rican reggaeton performer Voltio, released on December 27, 2005, by Sony BMG and White Lion.-Release and success:...
- 2007: En lo ClaroEn Lo ClaroEn lo Claro is the third studio album by Puerto Rican reggaeton performer Voltio, released on November 20, 2007 by Sony BMG. It received a nomination for Best Latin Urban Album at the Grammy Awards of 2009.-Track listing:...
- 2012: El Chamaco (Coming Soon)
Other albums
- 2003: Los Dueños del EstiloLos Dueños del Estilo-Track listing:# Dale Con La Lenta# Yal# Siempre Hay Algo # Julio Voltio# Vas A Sentir# Socio Dale Casco# Mete y Saca # Perrear Contigo# Me Pones Mal# Socio Dale Casco # Mis Ojos# ¿Dónde Están?# The Score...
Singles
- 2004: "Julito Maraña" (feat. Tego CalderónTego CalderónTegui 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...
) - 2004: "Bumper"
- 2004: "Lock Up" (Akon feat Voltio)
- 2005: "Mambo"
- 2005: "Bumper (Official Remix)" (feat. PitbullPitbull (rapper)Armando Christian Pérez , better known by his stage name Pitbull, is an American rapper, singer-songwriter and record producer. His first recorded performance was from the Lil Jon album Kings of Crunk in 2002, after which he released his debut album in 2004 titled M.I.A.M.I. under TVT Records...
& Lil RobLil RobRoberto Flores , best known by his stage name Lil Rob, is a Mexican American rapper, producer, and actor-Biography:...
) - 2005: "Chulín Culín Cunflai" (feat. Residente Calle 13)
- 2005: "Chulín Culín Cunflai (Remix)" (feat. Residente Calle 13 & Three 6 MafiaThree 6 MafiaThree 6 Mafia are an Academy Award-winning, American rap group originating from Memphis, Tennessee. Formed in 1991 as Triple 6 Mafia, by DJ Paul, Juicy J, & Lord Infamous, the group at its most featured six members including; Crunchy Black, Gangsta Boo and Koopsta Knicca...
) - 2005: "Se Van, Se Van" (feat. Tego CalderónTego CalderónTegui 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...
) - 2005: "Matando La Liga"
- 2005: "Culebra"
- 2005: "Chévere" (feat. NotchNotch (artist)Norman Howell , better known as Notch is a R&B, reggae, dancehall and reggaeton artist. He was the former lead vocalist and one of the creative force behind the hip hop-reggae act, Born Jamericans....
) - 2006: "Claro de Luna"
- 2006: "Let's Go To My Crib" (feat. Jowell & RandyJowell & RandyJowell & Randy are a Puerto Rican reggaeton duo composed of Joel Alexis Muñoz Martínez and Randy Ariel Ortiz Acevedo. The duo have been active since the mid-2000s and have become one of the most popular acts in reggaeton.-Early years:...
) - 2007: "Los Capo" (feat. Ñejo & Dalmata, Guelo StarGuelo StarMiguel Ángel de Jesús, also known as Guelo Star, is a Puerto Rican reggaeton song-writer, composer, producer and occasional singer.-Professional career:...
, Zion, De La GhettoDe La GhettoRafael Castillo , better known by his stage name De La Ghetto, is an American reggaeton singer/rapper originally of the duo Arcángel & De La Ghetto.-Biography:...
, Syko, Hector "El Father" & Jowell & RandyJowell & RandyJowell & Randy are a Puerto Rican reggaeton duo composed of Joel Alexis Muñoz Martínez and Randy Ariel Ortiz Acevedo. The duo have been active since the mid-2000s and have become one of the most popular acts in reggaeton.-Early years:...
) - 2007: "El MellaoEl Mellao"El Mellao" is the first single by Puerto Rican reggaeton performer Voltio, released in September 2007 by Sony BMG. The female voice has not been revealed on the album printing. The remix features reggaeton artists Ñejo & Dalmata.- Music video :...
" - 2008: "PónmelaPónmela"Pónmela" is the second single by Puerto Rican reggaetonero Voltio, released in January 2008, by Sony BMG. It features reggaeton duo Jowell & Randy. The song is also featured in the game GTA IV.-Chart positions:...
" (feat. Jowell & RandyJowell & RandyJowell & Randy are a Puerto Rican reggaeton duo composed of Joel Alexis Muñoz Martínez and Randy Ariel Ortiz Acevedo. The duo have been active since the mid-2000s and have become one of the most popular acts in reggaeton.-Early years:...
) - 2008: "Un Amor Como Tú" (feat. ArcangelArcangel (singer)Austin Santos , better known by his stage name Arcángel, is a singer-songwriter, rapper and actor. He was born in New York City, and eventually moved to Puerto Rico in 2002, interested in becoming a performer of reggaeton, a contemporary Latin American urban music genre...
) - 2009: "Esto Es A Palo"
- 2009: "Dimelo Mami"
- 2009: "Dimelo Mami (Remix)" (feat.Daddy YankeeDaddy YankeeRamón 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,...
) - 2009: "Tumba El Piquete" (feat.J-Alvarez)
Guest appearances
- 1998: "Muévela" DJ Dicky (feat. Voltio)
- 2003: "No Te Canses, El Funeral" Daddy YankeeDaddy YankeeRamón 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,...
(feat. Voltio) - 2003: "Mi Libertad" (feat. Jerry RiveraJerry Rivera-Albums:* Empezando a Vivir Sony Music* Abriendo Puertas * Cuenta Conmigo * Cara de Niño...
) - 2005: "En Este Infierno" K-NariasK-NariasK-Narias is a music group reggaeton formed by Gara and Loida, twin sisters born on the 12th of January 1985 and raised in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain.K-Narias identify themselves with the urban genre, music that comes from the “street”...
(feat. Voltio) - 2005: "Amor de Una Noche" (feat. N'KlabeN'KlabeN'Klabe is a Puerto Rican Salsa group formed in 2003.-History:N'Klabe was formed in 2003 by Félix Javier "Felo" Torres, Ricky Luis Porrata, and Héctor Torres Donato...
) - 2006: "Lo Que Son Las Cosas (Reggaeton Version)" AnaísAnaís-Notable TV Guest Appearances:*Premios Juventud*Latin Grammys*Latin Grammy Celebra Marco Antonio Solís*Al Despertar 41*El Show de Cristina*Escándalo TV*Anda Pa'l Cará*El Gordo y la Flaca*Despierta América*Premios Casandras 2007...
(feat. Voltio) - 2006: "En Mi Puertorro" Andy Montañez (feat. Voltio)
- 2006: "Abusando Del Genero" DJ Joe (feat. YomoYomoYomo is a Puerto Rican reggaeton recording artist. He was raised in the barrio of Tres Puntos, Humacao, Puerto Rico...
, Voltio, Trebol ClanTrebol ClanTrebol Clan was a Reggaeton group from Puerto Rico, introduced in the genre by Hector "El Father". Trebol Clan is well known in the genre of Reggaeton. Formed by Berto & Periquito, Trebol Clan has been featured in Don Omar's The Last Don and Los Bandoleros, Luny Tunes's Mas Flow 2 and have released...
, Zion & Lennox, Tempo) - 2006: "So Amazing" Jagged Edge (feat. Voltio)
- 2006: "Mil Caminos" Leonor (feat. Voltio)
- 2006: "Payaso" Tego CalderónTego CalderónTegui 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...
(feat. Voltio & Eddie Dee) - 2006: "Gansta" Baby Ranks (feat. Voltio)
- 2006: "Llegaron Los Rebuleros" Maestro (feat. Voltio)
- 2007: "Ella Volvió" (feat. N'Klabe)
- 2007: "Dale Mami Damelo" DJ Nelson (feat. Voltio)
- 2007: "Lo Hecho Hecho Esta" Tego CalderónTego CalderónTegui 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...
(feat. Pirulo, Voltio, ÑejoNejoNejo is a town in western Ethiopia. Located in the Mirab Welega Zone of the Oromia Region, this town has a latitude and longitude of with an elevation of 1821 meters above sea level. It is the administrative center of Nejo woreda...
, Chyno Nyno) - 2007: "Get Me BodiedGet Me Bodied"Get Me Bodied" is a song recorded by American R&B singer Beyoncé Knowles. The song was written by Beyoncé Knowles, Sean Garrett, Solange Knowles, Angela Beyince, Makeba Riddick, and Kasseem "Swizz Beatz" Dean, and produced by Swizz Beatz, Beyoncé and Sean Garrett, for Knowles' second solo studio...
" Beyoncé (feat. Voltio) - 2007: "Si Me Matan" Alexis & Fido (feat. Lápiz Conciente, Luis Vargas, Voltio, De La GhettoDe La GhettoRafael Castillo , better known by his stage name De La Ghetto, is an American reggaeton singer/rapper originally of the duo Arcángel & De La Ghetto.-Biography:...
, Jadiel, Primer Mandatario & Sofla) - 2007: "Easy" Don OmarDon OmarDon 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:...
(feat. Zion, Voltio, Eddie Dee, Tego CalderónTego CalderónTegui 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...
& Cosculluela) - 2008: "Don't Stay Away from the Sunlight" Turbulence (feat. Voltio)
- 2008: "Levántate" J-King & MaximanCasa de LeonesCasa de Leones , also known as Los Leones, were a Puerto Rican reggaeton group.-Professional career:The members of the group are Miguel A. De Jesús , Jaime Borges and Héctor Padilla , Randy Ortiz and Joel Muñoz...
(feat. Voltio, Guelo StarGuelo StarMiguel Ángel de Jesús, also known as Guelo Star, is a Puerto Rican reggaeton song-writer, composer, producer and occasional singer.-Professional career:...
) - 2008: "Na De Na (Remix)" Angel & KhrizAngel & KhrizAngel & Khriz is a well known Puerto Rican reggaeton duo, consisting of Angel Rivera Guzmán,31 and Christian Colón,30.Also known as "The Mvps of Reggaeton" "Los Jugadores Estrella" and now "Los Internacionales" They worked largely with Luny Tunes,and were introduced in 2002 in the CD MVP, by Hector...
(feat. John Eric, Gocho, Alexis, Voltio, ArcangelArcangel (singer)Austin Santos , better known by his stage name Arcángel, is a singer-songwriter, rapper and actor. He was born in New York City, and eventually moved to Puerto Rico in 2002, interested in becoming a performer of reggaeton, a contemporary Latin American urban music genre...
, & Franco "El Gorila") - 2008: "Ella Menea (Remix)" NG2NG2NG2 is a Puerto Rican Salsa duo formed by Norberto Vélez and Gerardo Rivas. Rivas is the son of Jerry Rivas, one of the singers of El Gran Combo. Rivas also enjoyed early fame during his childhood as the lead singer of "Gerardito y los Rockolos"....
- 2010: "HipnótikaHipnótika"Hipnótika" is a song by A.B. Quintanilla Y Los Kumbia All Starz. It is the first single from the album La Vida De Un Genio. It features Voltio and Marciano Cantero from Los Enanitos Verdes.-Track listing:*Digital download...
" A.B. QuintanillaA.B. QuintanillaAbraham Isaac Quintanilla III better known as A.B. Quintanilla III or simply A.B. Quintanilla, is an American songwriter, record producer and musician. He is the older brother of "The Queen of Tejano music" Selena...
Y Los Kumbia All StarzKumbia All StarzKumbia All Starz are a Mexican cumbia music group from Corpus Christi, Texas, created by A.B. Quintanilla. Kumbia All Starz are not to be confused with Los Kumbia Kings although some members are originally from Los Kumbia Kings...
(feat. Voltio and Marciano CanteroMarciano CanteroMarciano Cantero is an Argentine singer and musician. He is the lead singer and bassist of Los Enanitos Verdes, an Argentinean pop/rock band....
from Los Enanitos VerdesLos Enanitos VerdesEnanitos Verdes is a successful rock trio from Argentina, formed in 1979 in the city of Mendoza...
)
Filmography
- 2008: Feel The Noise as himself
- 2009: Talento de BarrioTalento de BarrioTalento de barrio is a film released on October 10, 2008 by Maya Entertainment, starring Daddy Yankee. The film was directed by José Iván Santiago, and written by George Rivera and Ángel M. Sanjurjo, with additional material by Edgar Soberón Torchia. It was rated R by the MPAA, for violence,...
as himself - TBA Julito Maraña