Tego Calderón
was born in Loiza, Puerto Rico in 1972 but raised in nearby
Carolina
and Miami, Florida. Raised in an environment that revered
music and Ismael Rivera, Calderón claims that "Maelo"
was a great influence on his reggaeton music.
His mother was a school teacher who instilled in him a
great respect for his language, while his father, who
worked in government taught him to appreciate salsa and
jazz. With their instruction and support, Calderón
was able to sustain his struggle for success in the music
business, often working at menial jobs until he was duly
recognized for his talent.
Pursuing
his musical interests, Calderón developed a unique
style among rappers; mixing the rhythms of his native
Puerto Rico and its bomba and plena genres, together with
salsa and reggae dance hall styles. He also used 1960's
slang intertwined with its most modern counterpart and
together with his unique voice used these elements to
maximum advantage.
Calderón released his debut album: El Abayarde
in 2002 on the White Lion label. The album, with songs
like the title track: El Abayarde was immediately successful
in Puerto Rico with young and old alike, selling almost
a quarter million copies and receiving wide radio air
play. The album was scheduled for distribution in the
United States by RCA in 2003.
Returning
to his one-time home in Miami, Calderón was a big
hit at the 2003
Billboard Latin Music Conference with an energetic performance
that showcased his rhythm and native influences. Calderón
was also a surprise hit at the 2003 celebration of the
"Día Nacional de la Salsa" concert, when
noted salsa artist Tommy Olivencia, brought him on stage.
Calderón sang to a standing ovation of the appreciative
audience.
Calderon's
latest album, El Enemy De Los Güasíbiri was
released in January, 2004 on the BMG label. The album's
17 tracks included several songs written by Luny Tunes
and one, "No Sufras Por Ella", featuring Toño
Rosario.
Calderón claims that salsa is slipping due to emphasis
on the business side of music
production and being out of touch with the reality of
its intended audience. His own music frequently delves
into issues such as racism which he says is as pervasive
in Puerto Rico as it is in the United States although
not as obvious or overt. Proud of his african heritage,
Calderón speaks from personal experience and with
great assertiveness and integrity on the subject.
Some
would say that his music has given great energy to
reggaeton and simultaneously given fresh energy to a stagnant
salsa genre. Given his success at reaching older audiences
as well as the youth typically associated with rap, hip-hop
and reggaeton, those claims should not be dismissed.
Last
updated September 24, 2005 - More coming soon...
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