Calle 13 Front Man, "Residente" Rene Perez, at Work on English-Language Album
May 27th, 2011 - Fox News
Calle 13 lead singer Rene Perez, a.k.a. "Residente," is working on an English-language album that will either be launched as a solo project or a new release by the Puerto Rico-based band that has brought him fame.The singer made the announcement in an interview with Efe hours before Calle 13 began a concert tour of several U.S. cities. Perez, whose first language is Spanish, began writing lyrics in English because he wants his message to reach a U.S. audience. "I want them to hear our message and I'm making a big effort because I don't have full command of English," the vocalist said.
Residente said he still has not decided whether to release the new album under his name or that of Calle 13, a hip-hop, Latin and reggaeton band that has won 10 Latin Grammys. "If I launch it as a solo record, it will be a personal project but it won't mean I'm leaving the band. Calle 13 is a brand and an idea that's very established in Latin America and we can't play around with that," the singer said.
The U.S. tour, which kicked off Thursday night in the nation's capital, will take Calle 13 to New York, Chicago and Edinburg, Texas, this weekend and conclude on May 29 in Las Vegas. Perez, known for his outspokenness on socio-political issues, said he has received threats on more than one occasion but that they will not stop him from "fearlessly" conveying his message
Asked about the future political status of his native Puerto Rico, Perez said he favors full independence from the United States, a minority position on the Caribbean island.