Ep 10. Residente
- January 12, 2019
Residente takes the stage on Austin City Limits season 44 episode 10, bringing his unique blend of Latin American and hip-hop music to audiences around the world. The Puerto Rican rapper rose to fame as a member of the iconic group Calle 13, and has since established himself as one of the most innovative and socially conscious artists of his generation.
The episode begins with a dynamic performance of "Somos Anormales," the lead single off Residente's self-titled debut album. The song is a high-energy blend of reggaeton, rock, and electronic music, with Residente's rapid-fire lyrics addressing issues of social justice and inequality. The crowd is immediately swept up in the infectious beat, jumping and dancing along with the music.
Next up is "Dagombas en Tamale," a collaboration with the Ghanaian group Worlasi that fuses Afrobeat rhythms with Residente's signature flow. The song showcases his global perspective and willingness to explore new sounds and cultures, as he raps about his travels and experiences around the world.
Throughout the episode, Residente performs tracks from his 2017 album, which draws inspiration from his DNA test results and explores his ancestral roots. From the plaintive ballad "Desencuentro" to the upbeat funk of "Guerra," each song is a masterful blend of styles and influences.
In between songs, Residente shares his thoughts on music, politics, and culture with ACL host Terry Lickona. He discusses the importance of using his platform to speak out on social issues, and the challenges of balancing creativity and activism in his work.
The episode also includes a special guest appearance by Puerto Rican singer iLe, who joins Residente on stage for a moving performance of "La Sombra," a song about the loss and sacrifice of Puerto Rican freedom fighter Filiberto Ojeda Rios. The two artists share an emotional duet, with iLe's soulful voice complementing Residente's passionate delivery.
As the show comes to a close, Residente delivers a powerful rendition of "Latinoamérica," a song that has become an anthem for the Latin American diaspora. The song celebrates the resilience and strength of the continent's people, and Residente's delivery is filled with pride and defiance.
Austin City Limits season 44 episode 10 showcases Residente's incredible talent and vision, as well as his commitment to using his music to effect positive change in the world. Whether he's performing in Spanish or English, his passion and energy are infectious, and his message is one of hope and unity.
