Calle 13 Supports The Student Stikers at UPR

In these videos Calle 13 (and a number of prominent Puerto Rican and Latin American artists through video message) support the struggles of of Puerto Rican students fighting against the privatization of the University of  Puerto Rico and state divestment from education.  This video was super powerful for me and really impressive.

Many scholars of neoliberalism are pointing to the ways in which Latin America is at the vanguard of anti-neoliberal struggles.  This video reminds us that Puerto Rico IS also part of Latin America and is also at the forefront of crucial struggles for social justice.

Education is a right and the students at the University of Puerto Ricans are reminding the world of that.

Que Vivan Los Estudiantes!!!

Mayor of San Juan calls Residente Calle 13 a "Tecato"

The government is responding to Residente’s comments about the governor during the MTV Premios Latino by cracking down on his chances to address the public.  The Mayor of San Juan, Jorge Santini, recently canceled the Coors Light Circotic show that Calle 13 was supposed to appear at on October 31st at the Coliseo Roberto Clemente.  Santini said he was compelled to do this as  punishment for Residente's comments.  What did "Ley 7" affect free speech too?

In response to Residente’s insult Fortuno responded not by addressing the lay-offs and "Ley 7” but by speaking about how Residente, and musica urbana more generally, disrespect the women of Puerto Rico. Santini went so far as to call Residente a “tecato” [junkie].  In this way the conservative forces of Puerto Rico have attempted to use a discourse of concern for women and feminist agendas, in addition to attempts to marry musicia urbana to drugs and drug use, in order to avoid actually having to answer for the effects of neoliberalism on Puerto Ricans and the growing discontent among many sectors of the population.

Pathetic.

Calle 13 on the Oct. 15 General Strike in Puerto Rico

“América Latina no está completa sin Puerto Rico y Puerto Rico no es libre. Hoy 15 de octubre los puertorriqueños marcharon contra el desempleo, porque el gobernador de Puerto Rico los dejo sin trabajo y el gobernador de Puerto Rico es un hijo de la gran p…. Yo lo puedo decir porque sé y porque tengo influencia. Hoy los puertorriqueños estamos de pie”.

Now in English... "Latin American is not complete with out Puerto Rico and Puerto Rico isn't free. Today, October 15th, Puerto Ricans took to the streets to march against lay-offs because the Governor of Puerto Rico has left us without work, and the governor is a son of a bitch ...I can say this because I know, and I have influence. Today the Puerto Ricans take a stand.

Calle 13, who co-hosted the Premios MTV Latino last night, wore a shirt that read: “Viva Puerto Rico Libre” as he delivered his insult to Governor Luis Fortuño. Previously he had had on shirts that read: “Chávez nominado mejor artista pop” (seen above) and “Mercedes Sosa sonara x100pre”.

Source: Wikiton

Sin Mapa

I went to Calle 13's Sin Mapa premier presented by the New York Latino International Film Festival yesterday. Residente and Visitante made a surprise appearance to pose with fans and introduce the film and their intentions behind it. The film was really interesting and I highly recommend it for anyone interested in the group, in reggaeton, or even in the effects of globalization in Latin America.

I liked Residentes' explanation behind the film, "As Puerto Ricans we are always looking to the North, to the States [in order to understand our culture]. We need to start looking to the South."

It is by no means a perfect film, and I do have some issues with it, but its still worth checking out.

It is available on iTunes and DVD for everyone who couldn't catch it in theaters.

Calle 13, Bomba Estereo, & Eric Bobo @ Summerstage

The Latin Alternative Music Conference (LAMC) as always brought together some of the best alternative bands for a week of madness. I went to the closing event yesterday at Central Park Summerstage with Eric Bobo (of Cypress Hill) Bomba Estereo, and Calle 13. Here are some clips from the event. I'm already looking forward to next year!

Eric Bobo in addition to being part of Cypress Hill is the son of the legendary musician Willie Bobo. Here he is performing one of his father's best known songs"Fried Neck Bones."

Eric Bobo performing an interpretation of Michael Jackson's "Wanna Be Starting Something"

Bomba Estereo performing "Cosita Rica"

Bomba Estereo performing "La Nina Rica"

Calle 13 performing "La Fokin Moda"

Calle 13 performing "Se Vale To-To"

Calle 13 performing "Beso de Desayuno"

PG-13 of Calle 13 performing the intro to "Pal Norte"

Calle 13 Sin Mapa

Calle 13's new documentary Sin Mapa will be premiering during the New York International Latino Film Festival 2009 on July 29th @ 6:30pm.

From the NYILFF website:

Calle 13’s innovative fusion of urban music with pan-regional sounds from across Latin America has garnered a Grammy, Five Latin Grammy awards, and worldwide critical acclaim. In Sin Mapa, we join the socially outspoken duo on their journey “Without a Map” across South America for an exploration of indigenous music and culture.

Calle 13 Tr3sPass

Enjoy these clips from Calle 13's amazing show last night...

Calle 13's Tr3sPass Tour

Get your tickets for the MTV Tr3s “Tr3sPass” Tour with Calle 13 f/Kinky.

The concert will be promoting the boricua duos latest cd “Los De Atras Vienen Conmigo,” which is set to drop on Oct. 7th.

The tour kicks off in NYC, but is hitting a few other major cities as well. Check out the dates and locations...

Oct. 9- Nokia Theatre New York, NY
Oct. 11 - La Covacha Miami, FL
Oct. 30 - Volcan Chicago, IL
Oct. 31- Warehouse Houston, TX
Nov. 14 - Regency Ballroom San Franscisco, CA
Nov. 15 - Club Nokia Los Angeles, CA

Tickets are available through ticketmaster and selling out quick. I have my tickets, do you?

Calle 13’s New Album

Los bros Calle 13 have announced that their new album, set to drop in October 2008, will be called “Los de atrás vienen conmigo”. The title is said to refer to those whom society has left behind and marginalized. Expect more songs addressing im/migration like last years “Pal Norte.” Los de atrás vienen conmigo is also a reference to the musicians that play with Calle 13.

Some of the rumored guest collaborations on the album so far include Rubén Blades, Café Tacvba, Fito Páez, Gustavo Cerati and Andrés Calamaro.

Calle 13 always produces thought provoking tracks so I’m marking the days until the October 7th release date on my calender.

Source: Wikiton