BeChicMag.com

FRANKIE NEGRON GOES FROM SALSERO TO ROCKERO

Contributing writer Arleny Genao on Frankie Negron’s new rock album

To his fans, Frankie Negron is known as one of the best salseros of his time. After a three-year hiatus, he is back with a new album and a whole new sound.  Pop rock! The Frankie Negron that some of us have grown to love has made a crossover, and I must say he pulls it off really well. The album is titled “Independence Day,” and I had the privilege of attending his release party at the Canal Room in New York City. There I asked the New Jersey native a few questions on the red carpet:

BeChicMag: Independence Day. Is there a meaning behind the title?
Frankie Negron: Independence Day is a play on words. It’s pretty much meaning independent on the label, being independent with every decision that I have to make where I am a partner versus employee.

This album is obviously different from what your fans are used to. Were you nervous about making a crossover or did this feel right to you?
The majority of the album is in English. Very pop rock. I was a little nervous except I put out little teasers already and everyone has been receptive.

After the red carpet Frankie performed a few tracks from his new album. While on stage, you could see how passionate he is about his music. Although this is unlike anything we would have expected from the artist, the energy and vibe from the audience present were Frankie’s seal of approval on this bold move.

Independence Day is now in stores and I definitely recommend you go out and get a copy. I already have a favorite track (Torn)! We wish Frankie much success on his new venture and hope to hear more of this genre of music by him in the near future! -Arleny Genao

“SHE WOLF” SINGLE REVIEW

She’s back, and on October 5th you’ll have access to Shakira‘s new album “She Wolf”. But don’t expect to see the Colombian star you met in the release of her first English record “Laundry Service”. If you’re a true fan, this is definitely not the same Shakira from the 1995 “Pies Descalzos”. The Barranquilla native has evolved throughout the years changing her looks, sultry dance moves and now her lyrics. The once poetic, socially conscious Shakira seems to have crossed over to a style that appeals to an audience who might be more interested in what bizarre, yet sexy positions she can do rather than what she has to say. Of course, it could all be intentional.

“It’s a very electronic album,” the singer told MTV News. “Dance-oriented. Club-oriented. I want people to have fun with it. Forget about the troubles. Forget about the crisis. Forget everything for a minute — at least while they listen to the music.”

And forget about their problems they will. Take a look at the “She Wolf” video below and let me know what you think! I had to listen to the song about three times to fully understand what she was saying- the electronic beat washes her voice out. But in this “dance” record, I doubt anyone cares what Shakira has to say. They’ll be too busy looking at her butt. I know I was. - Mercedes Sanchez

BROS HIT THE SCREEN WITH THEIR FIRST DOCUMENTARY

Grammy award-winning duo Calle 13 gave one heck of a performance at SummerStage in Central Park on Saturday. We got a chance to sit down with the Puerto Rican natives Residente (Rene Perez) and Visitante (Eduardo Cabra) at the Renaissance Hotel to talk about their upcoming documentary “Sin Mapa” (Without a Map). The film captures the socially and politically conscious brothers’ journey across South America as they explore indigenous music and culture.

“Latinos need to be more united and more informed to what’s going on throughout Latin America,” says Residente. “We want to make more documentaries on different countries because in this one we were only able to cover a few.  Mexico needs its own documentary. So does Brazil.”

Although they’re known to have fun with their explicit lyrics, Calle 13 also raps on race, social class, pop culture and politics in a genius and satirical manner. In their current album, the group has a single with Panamanian salsero Ruben Blades called “La Perla”.

See the premiere of “Sin Mapa” at the New York International Film Festival on July 29th. - Mercedes Sanchez

See the video of “La Perla” below.
If you understand Spanish, please tell us what you think about the lyrics.

THE BRITISH ARE COMING, THE BRITISH ARE COMING!
By SHELIKA BAEZ

2006 ushered in the new generation of British musical revolutionaries with James Blunt. His song, You’re beautiful, captured the #1 spot on the billboard charts following the footsteps of Sir Elton John’s earlier accomplishment.

Younger act, Corinne Bailey Rae has since joined in with her self-titled album debuting at #17 on the Billboard chart, making it the highest any British artist has accomplished. Her song, “Put your records on” captures the soulful and optimistic sound that is Corinne Bailey Rae. Continue reading “THE NEW BRITISH INVASION” »

ONLY IN NEW YORK

At a blink of an eye cab drivers can become anything you need them to be: A psychiatrist; a friend; heck, even a midwife! But all Ellsworth Forrester wants to be is a rising star.

The Upper West Side has its own creative cabbie who has personalized the interior of his yellow automobile with inspiring buttons inscribed with civil rights quotes and get this- copies of cd’s he sells and promotes right from the cab! Forrester reminds me of David Chappelle’s character in the 1999 flick “200 Cigarettes” who drove the disco cab on New Year’s Eve in Alphabet City- except for the whole pimp thing. Continue reading “CAB A STAR” »