A couple of years ago, Residente engaged in a war of words with J Balvin. It wasn’t a fair fight, with one of Spanish-language hip-hop’s most accomplished artists putting the popwise Colombian reggaetonero on the defensive. The dispute highlighted a criticism of the industry in which both artists operate, revealing legitimate animosity over representation at the Latin Grammys. Residente’s perceived victory in certain authenticity-obsessed Latin music circles signifies the triumph of substance over content.
Residente’s album Las Letras Ya No Importan (The Lyrics Don’t Matter) reflects his concerns about music industry cynicism and AI laziness. Despite the exhaustive nature of the 23-track, 90-plus minute effort, Residente upholds his reputation as a decorated veteran in the hip-hop world. The album showcases his artistry and passion, offering a feast to those seeking substance in music.
Residente’s album opens with intros featuring the voices of his departed friend Valentina Gasparini and actress Penelope Cruz. Once the music starts with “313,” he showcases romantic poetry and powerful sentiments. Tracks like “El Malestar En La Cultura” and “Desde la Servilleta” delve into his profound views on rap and culture, defending the ethos of his work with passionate verses.
Residente’s album Las Letras… lacks cohesion due to its unintentional mixture of disparate material. Some instrumental selections feel regressive, undermining the otherwise solid lyricism. While the album has its drawbacks, tracks like “En Talla” and “This Is Not America” showcase Residente’s sociopolitical analysis and emcee skills effectively.
Standout tracks like “Que Fluya” and “Estilo Libre” feature genre greats and reinforce Residente’s greatness as an artist. However, the album would have benefited from a more focused approach and clearer point of view. Despite its flaws, Las Letras… still showcases Residente’s talent and passion for his craft.