Reggaeton: Akro, Don Omar, Wisin y Yandel

Big news from the Belgian hip hop front: Akro, one of the main MCs of the very talented Starflam crew, released his solo album last week. L'Encre, le Sueur et le Sang (Ink, sweat and blood) is a variating album, including the dark oldschool Liegeois hiphop we're used to, but also sophisticated, socially engaged ballads. Why I mention this on a latin music site? His DJ (Mig One) is from Colombia, and he convinced Akro do to a reggaeton track on his album. Roldan, of Cuban hiphop formation Orishas (very popular in Europe and beyond), joins him on the track. "Elle Veut" is exactly how I like reggaeton: a strong beat, exotic and sweaty mood, forcing you to dance. If you don't understand French nor Spanish: the lyrics are (of course) about girls.

Don Omar will release his eagerly anticipated new album King of Kings next Tuesday. Our collegues at Reggaeton.be have compiled an album preview. It sounds very promising! More about this very soon...
In other news, El Don will also write some tracks for the religiously inspired disc Linaje Escondido, a new reggaeton concept that wants to bring a positive christian message. Those who wonder why a rapper like Don Omar, who mostly sings about guns, women and partying, makes christian songs: in a previous life, he was an evangelical priest.

Puerto Rican reggaeton stars Wisin y Yandel will make their first crossing to Europe next month. Probably thanks to the success of their collaboration with R Kelly (Burn It Up), which made the reggaeton duo famous around the world.
Ze zullen op vrijdag 23 juni optreden in Powerzone Amsterdam ter gelegenheid van de Puerto Rican Reggaeton Party. Tickets aan 22,5€ in voorverkoop.

Akro ft. Roldan - Elle Veut mp3 buy@iTunes (only in Belgium)