Tag: Sonic

A little bit of context

Rauw Alejandro: The King of Modern Reggaeton ¹

Rauw Alejandro has quickly become one of the biggest names in Latin music today. His unique blend of reggaeton, R&B, and pop, coupled with his captivating stage presence, has garnered him international recognition and a devoted fan base. This blog post delves into the life and career of this multifaceted artist, exploring his musical journey, influences, and achievements.

Rauw Alejandro’s History

Born Raúl Alejandro Ocasio Ruiz on January 10, 1993, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Rauw Alejandro was raised in a musical household². His father, Raúl Ocasio, is a guitarist, and his mother, María Nelly Ruiz, is a backing vocalist². They introduced him to diverse musical genres, from the iconic sounds of Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson to the rhythmic beats of his native Puerto Rico².

Alejandro’s early passion for dance led him to compete in school talent shows². He further honed his performance skills while attending the University of Puerto Rico². Although he initially pursued soccer, playing for many years and even moving to Orlando, Florida, with hopes of joining the Premier Development League, an injury ultimately sidelined his athletic aspirations². This setback proved to be a turning point, leading him to fully embrace his musical talents².

In 2014, Alejandro began releasing music on SoundCloud, showcasing his early musical explorations². He further solidified his commitment to music with the release of his debut mixtape, “Punto de Equilibrio,” in 2016². A significant breakthrough came in 2017 when he signed with Duars Entertainment and subsequently with Sony Music Latin as part of their “Los Próximos” project². This initiative, aimed at spotlighting emerging artists, provided Alejandro with valuable exposure and helped him gain recognition within the industry².

In a 2024 interview on the Spanish television show “El Hormiguero,” Alejandro reflected on his journey to stardom³. He emphasized the importance of hard work and resilience, sharing that “nobody has gifted me anything.” ³ Before his music career took off, he held numerous jobs to make ends meet, including working as a waiter, bartender, landscaper, and retail assistant³. These experiences instilled in him a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for his success.

Musical Influences and Notable Collaborations

Rauw Alejandro’s music is a melting pot of influences, dRauwing inspiration from a diverse range of artists. He cites legends like Michael Jackson, Chris Brown, and Daddy Yankee as major influences, alongside contemporary artists like Bruno Mars and Ciara². This eclectic mix has allowed him to carve a unique space for himself in the Latin music scene, blending classic sounds with modern sensibilities².

Collaboration has been a key element in Alejandro’s career, allowing him to connect with diverse artists and reach a wider audience. Some of his most notable collaborations include:

• “Fantasías” with Farruko: This track, with its remix featuring Anuel AA, Lunay, and Natti Natasha, became one of his first major hits². The original song peaked at number 12 on the US Hot Latin Songs chart, and the remix, with its accompanying music video, further amplified its popularity². The remix video has garnered over 425 million views on YouTube, showcasing the power of collaborative efforts in expanding his reach².
• “Tattoo” Remix with Camilo: This collaboration earned him a Latin Grammy Award for Best Urban Fusion/Performance in 2021².
• “Todo de Ti”: Released in 2021, this song soared to number 2 on Spotify’s Top Songs Global chart, marking a significant milestone in his career². It became an international sensation, solidifying his status as a global artist and showcasing his ability to create music that transcends borders³.
• “Cambia el paso” with Jennifer Lopez: This 2021 collaboration further expanded his reach and showcased his versatility². The music video, shot in Miami, featured both artists and further promoted the song’s popularity².
• “Te Felicito” with Shakira: This 2022 hit topped several Billboard Latin charts, including Latin Airplay, Latin Pop Airplay, and Latin Rhythm Airplay².
• “En Tu Cuerpo” Remix with Lyanno, Lenny Tavárez, and María Becerra: This 2020 collaboration brought together a mix of established and emerging artists, showcasing Alejandro’s ability to connect with different generations of musicians². The music video for this remix has amassed over 386 million views on YouTube, further highlighting its popularity².
• “Cosa Nuestra” with Bad Bunny: This track from his 2024 album “Cosa Nuestra” has been praised for its unique blend of old-school reggaeton and modern sounds⁵.
• “Khé?” with Romeo Santos: This collaboration on “Cosa Nuestra” blends reggaeton with bachata influences, showcasing Alejandro’s ability to seamlessly fuse genres⁵.
• Relationship with Rosalía: Beyond collaborations, Alejandro’s personal life has also intertwined with his music career. He has been in a relationship with Spanish singer Rosalía since 2019². The two artists have collaborated on several tracks, including songs on Alejandro’s debut album Afrodisíaco². In 2023, they released a joint EP titled RR, further solidifying their personal and professional connection².

These collaborations highlight not only his musical talent but also his ability to connect with diverse artists and create music that resonates with a wide audience.

Discography

Rauw Alejandro has released a series of successful albums and singles, consistently pushing the boundaries of Latin music and experimenting with different sounds and styles. His discography is a testament to his versatility and artistic vision.

Studio Albums:

• Afrodisíaco (2020): This debut album marked a significant step in Alejandro’s career, showcasing his versatility and establishing him as a rising star in the Latin music scene². The album features a blend of reggaeton, Latin trap, R&B, and electronic elements, with lyrics that explore themes of love, desire, and heartbreak⁷. Afrodisíaco received generally favorable reviews from music critics, who praised its production and Alejandro’s ability to seamlessly transition between different styles⁶. It was nominated for Best Música Urbana Album at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards, further solidifying its impact².
• Vice Versa (2021): This sophomore album saw Alejandro further experimenting with his sound, incorporating elements of synth-pop, drum and bass, and even hints of bolero¹⁸. Vice Versa topped the Billboard Top Latin Albums chart and was ranked as one of the best albums of 2021 by Rolling Stone². The album’s critical and commercial success solidified Alejandro’s position as a global music icon¹⁹.
• Saturno (2022): With Saturno, Alejandro continued to push boundaries, blending old-school reggaeton with futuristic sounds and 80s influences¹¹. The album received a mixed reception, with some critics praising its originality while others found it lacking in cohesion¹⁰. Despite the mixed reviews, Saturno demonstrated Alejandro’s willingness to take risks and explore new sonic territories.
• Playa Saturno (2023): This album served as a continuation of the Saturno era, with a focus on summery vibes and a return to Alejandro’s reggaeton roots¹³. Playa Saturno received generally positive reviews, with critics praising its energy and dancefloor-ready tracks¹². However, some found it to be somewhat repetitive compared to his previous work¹⁴.
• Cosa Nuestra (2024): This album marked a new chapter in Alejandro’s career, with a deeper exploration of his Puerto Rican heritage and a return to the sounds of salsa and classic reggaeton¹⁶. Cosa Nuestra received positive reviews, with critics praising its diverse genres, Alejandro’s versatility, and the album’s overall concept¹⁵.

EPs:

• Trap Cake, Vol. 1 (2019): This EP showcased Alejandro’s versatility, with a focus on trap and urban sounds².
• Trap Cake, Vol. 2 (2022): This follow-up EP continued his exploration of trap and urban music, further solidifying his position within the genre².
• RR (with Rosalía) (2023): This collaborative EP with Rosalía blended their unique styles, creating a captivating mix of flamenco, pop, and urban influences².

Popular Tracks:

In addition to the key tracks mentioned in the table above, some of Alejandro’s most popular songs include:

• Spotify’s Most Streamed: “Todo De Ti,” “Desesperados,” “LOKERA,” “Party,” “Tiroteo – Remix” ²²
• Top 10 Tracks of All Time: “Qué Pasaría…” (with Bad Bunny), “Khé?” (with Romeo Santos), “Santa” (with Ayra Starr), “Tú Con Él,” “Todo De Ti,” “Desesperados,” “LOKERA,” “DILUVIO,” “Se Fue,” “Tiroteo – Remix” ⁵

Concert Tours and Performances

Rauw Alejandro is renowned for his electrifying live performances, which seamlessly blend his musical talent with intricate choreography and captivating visuals¹⁹. He has embarked on several successful tours, captivating audiences across the globe and solidifying his status as a global music icon¹⁹.

• Fantasías Tour (2020) ²
• Rauw Alejandro World Tour (2021) ²
• Vice Versa Tour (2022) ²
• Saturno World Tour (2023) ²
• Cosa Nuestra World Tour (2025) ²

His tours have been characterized by sold-out shows and enthusiastic crowds, dRauwn to his energetic stage presence and dynamic performances¹⁹. Alejandro’s “Cosa Nuestra World Tour” offers a range of VIP packages for fans, including perks like meet-and-greets, early entry, and exclusive merchandise²³.

While Alejandro’s tours have primarily focused on traditional concert venues, it’s worth noting the growing trend of online performances and their potential to reach a wider audience. For instance, the Venezuelan band Rauwayana gained significant international popularity through their “El Tiny” takeover performance on NPR, which garnered over 7.2 million views²⁴. This example highlights the increasing importance of digital platforms in expanding an artist’s reach and connecting with fans globally.

Merchandise

Rauw Alejandro’s merchandise extends beyond the typical t-shirts and posters, reflecting his unique style and brand. He has collaborated with Crocs to create limited-edition clogs featuring wraparound laces and vibrant colors²⁵. The collection includes both black and bone colorways, offering fans a choice between a classic look and a more neutral option²⁶. These collaborations have been highly sought after by fans, further demonstrating his influence in the fashion world.

In addition to his Crocs collaboration, Alejandro has a variety of merchandise available on platforms like eBay, Etsy, and his official website²⁷. Fans can find items such as:

• Clothing: T-shirts featuring album art and tour dates, hoodies with his logo, and pajamas with unique designs ²⁷
• Accessories: Earrings with his signature “El Zorro” fox logo, air fresheners with album cover art, and phone cases with vintage-inspired designs ²⁸
• Home Goods: Shot glasses with his logo, tumblers with album-themed designs, and blankets featuring imagery from his “Playa Saturno” album ²⁸
• Collectibles: A Raúl Alejandro collectible toy figure, posters with album art and tour dates, and albums in various formats, including CDs and vinyl ²⁹

Future Projects

Rauw Alejandro continues to evolve as an artist, with several exciting projects on the horizon. He is currently on his “Cosa Nuestra World Tour,” which will continue through 2025². The tour promises to be a spectacular showcase of his music and performance skills, with dates scheduled across the United States and Puerto Rico.

Alejandro has also hinted at a possible new album in the works, potentially featuring more collaborations with Shakira and Rosalía³⁰. In an interview with Billboard, he revealed that he is taking on the persona of “Raúl Alejandro y Su Orquesta” for his upcoming projects, marking a return to his Puerto Rican roots and the era of salsa bandleaders³¹. This new direction suggests an exploration of his musical heritage and a further expansion of his artistic vision.

The “Pasaporte” music video, released in September 2024, provided a glimpse into the concept and aesthetic of his upcoming album, “Cosa Nuestra.” ³¹ The video featured imagery of travel and global destinations, hinting at the album’s theme of cultural exploration and connection.

Conclusion

Rauw Alejandro’s journey from aspiring soccer player to global music sensation is a testament to his talent, dedication, and artistic vision. He has consistently pushed the boundaries of Latin music, captivating audiences with his unique sound and electrifying performances. His willingness to experiment with different genres, collaborate with diverse artists, and incorporate visuals and performance into his artistry has set him apart in the music industry.

Alejandro’s impact extends beyond his music. He has become a fashion icon, with his Crocs collaboration and unique merchandise line reflecting his influence in the fashion world. His deep connection to his Puerto Rican heritage shines through in his music, and he continues to explore his cultural roots in his latest projects.

With a promising future ahead, Rauw Alejandro is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. His dedication to his craft, his constant evolution as an artist, and his ability to connect with a global audience suggest a long and successful career ahead.

…

Song and Lyrics