September 30, 2006 @ 5:32 pm

La Kalle Block Party 2006

Richard Cruz

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If the creation of the new spinoff channel MTV Trés and reggaetóneros flourishing on major labels isn’t enough, then you can look to the 20,000 plus fans who packed Madison Square Garden on Saturday, September 23 for [New York-based reggaetón station] "La Kalle’s annual Block Party" as living proof that the genre is as strong as ever. La Kalle resident DJ Spin One said it best: “The genre is changing and so are its main players”. right In true superstar fashion, eclectic reggaetón duo Calle 13 opened the show with their signature percussion-heavy band. At first glance, they might appear more rock en español than reggaetón, but the Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico-based group embodies hip hop sensibilities to the tee. Calle 13 tore through their set like seasoned vets, and even brought up Voltio to perform their hit collaboration “Chulin Culin Chunfly”. The rest of the night showcased both reggaetón’s biggest names from recent years as well as some new faces: “Los Pitbulls” Alexis Y Fido, breezed through their hugely popular “Eso Eh” and “El Tiburon” and Roc La Familia marquee artist Hector “El Father” kept the crowd ablaze with his hits; newcomers (and freshly suited-up) Rakim y Ken-Y crooned the women in the crowd with their breakout single “Down” and their latest, “Dame Lo Que Quiero”. Performing live for the first time solo were two of reggaeton’s best vocalists, both detached from the duos that brought them to fame: Tito “El Bambino” brought the crowd to a minute-long standing ovation (in what most consider to be the best performance of the night), while a reinvented, more mogul-esque Zion “Baby” seized the opportunity to give his protégés, De La Ghetto and Arcangel, some shine. (Apparently, even in reggaetón, there’s no such thing as a “bad” plug.) Finally, it was the headliners’ time: Don Omar cruised almost effortlessly through songs off his successful King of Kings album, sporting enough jewelry to set off every metal detector in the greater New York area. But it wasn’t “Angelito Vuela” or his latest single “Salio El Sol” that had the people talking; it was a vicious (and as-yet-untitled) tiraera (diss) aiming at reggaetón’s poster child Daddy Yankee. The crowd, shocked in semi-silence, regained consciousness when Don brought up Tego Calderón to perform “Los Bandoleros” and their collaboration on Tego’s The Underdog, “Chillin”. Tego, the genres most profound lyricist who’s been on hiatus the last few years, made a triumphant return. Accompanied by a gang of beautiful dancers (a first for Tego), el subestimado rocked out with “Los Mate”, “Mardi Gras” and his popular collaboration with new artist Ñejo, “No Quiere Novio”. Despite fighting a bad mic throughout his set, Tego won over the crowd from the beginning with his swagger alone. Closing the show was the pride of Cayey, Puerto Rico and international superstars, Wisin y Yandel. Boasting a plethora of hits (probably the most in the genre), el duo de historia ended the star-studded show with a pyrotechnic-filled set as the audience lived up to the show’s namesake: it might’ve been a chilly September night, but for one evening, the Garden was transformed into a party in the barrio. Read more vibe.com reviews.

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