Following years of laborious self-introspection, Puerto Rican rapper Residente has finally released his second solo album, “Las Letras Ya No Importan,” or “The Lyrics Don’t Matter Anymore.” The frontman of the influential hip-hop group Calle 13 dropped the 20-song set on Thursday night via Sony Music and 5020 Records.
Comprised of music Residente has collected over the last seven years, “Las Letras Ya No Importan” features hip-hop pioneers Busta Rhymes and Big Daddy Kane, along with reggaeton titan Vico C and singers Rauw Alejandro, Christian Nodal and Jessie Reyez, among many others.
Much of the album consists of previously released material like the politically-charged “This is Not America,” 2020’s “René,” “Quiero Ser Baladista” with Ricky Martin, and “Ron En El Piso” and “Problema Cabron” featuring WOS.
Notably, the set includes Palestinian melodies on the song “Bajo Los Escombros” provided by Palestinian singer Amal Murkus.
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In December, the rapper addressed the ongoing conflict in Gaza in a video uploaded to Instagram and told fans he did not feel comfortable releasing music at the time. He also expressed his disappointment in the Latin Grammys, stating that the Latin Recording Academy failed to make use of the platform to address and educate audiences on the issue.
Ahead of the album’s release, Residente also shared the single “313,” with a self-directed and cinematic music video starring Oscar winner Penélope Cruz. The song is dedicated to the memory of Residente’s deceased friend and Cruz’s voice rings through as a recurring narrator, touching on emotive themes of life and time.
Watch the video below.
