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By Michael Lopez

Despite winning multiple Latin Grammys and having millions of adoring fans, René “Residente” Perez is still plagued with nightmares. And apparently one recurring dream that the Calle 13 frontman is dealing with involves his own death!

Residente recently told Primera Hora that he doesn't expect to live past 40. The reason, he claims, is because of the visions he constantly has that show him perishing at a young age.

"It's not that I'm a negative person," he explained in the interview. "But I don’t think I’m going to get to 40. I dream a lot about that, and they say dreams come true."

Now 33, that means we'd only have Residente around for another seven years! Clearly we hope that isn't the case and neither does Perez. He went on to say how much he values his life and how he wants to be around to someday meet his own grandkids.

What's the worst nightmare you've ever had? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Calle 13, Chisme, Nightmares, popnews, Residente, RIP

By Eddie Gutierrez

There is no better way to be stylish and help out a cause than by taking part in MTV ACT’s latest charity auction featuring autographed Calle 13 paraphernalia.

This recently launched live auction is supporting the FWD campaign, a relief effort for the Horn of Africa created by USAID and the Ad Council. All proceeds go directly to a group of humanitarian organizations working to provide relief to the more than 13 million people in need of emergency assistance.

Auctioned items are packaged and include an autographed copy of Calle 13's 2011 Latin Grammy winning album of the year, 'Entren los Que Quieran,' 2 autographed t-shirts and the stylish Tr3s Bling.

Be trendy and giving, place your bid today!

Click here to place your bid of Relief.

Visit usaid.gov/FWD to learn more about the crisis.

Tags Calle 13, Calle 13 auction, Tr3s

Nobody chooses to be a slave. People are forced into slavery, sometimes by those they love most. Imagine your boyfriend slowly persuading you into becoming a prostitute, promising that it'll only be for a little while. Imagine your mother beating you because you didn't make enough money.

It's hard to believe, right? Yet this is a reality for hundreds of thousands of people in Latin America. It's easy to fall into slavery and go unnoticed. Slave masters promise their workers things like: money, homes and even freedom to keep them working. These promises almost always turn out to be lies.

In MTV and UNICEF's documentary, "Esclavos Invisibles", Calle 13 introduces four former victims of slavery: María, Laura, Marcela, and José.

María lived in a house where she was forced to do everything from cooking to laundry. Her living conditions were so bad, she was forced to sleep on the floor without even a blanket to keep her warm.

Forced into prostitution by their boyfriends,  Laura and Marcela were fooled by love and betrayed by the one person they thought they could trust. Their boyfriends would collect all their money and would leave the girls empty-handed.

José ran away from home in El Salvador when he was eight because of his abusive mother. He lived as a drug mule until he ran away from home, hoping to escape the violence he had witnessed so many times.

To view the documentary, please visit adc.tr3s.com.

Tags Agentes De Cambio, Calle 13, Esclavos invisibles, MTV Exit, slavery, UNICEF

By Michael Lopez

Was it a friendly gesture or a vicious attack? That was the question on many Calle 13 fans' minds over the holiday after news broke that Residente was hit in the face by a flying cell phone.

It all went down at a Calle show in Bolivia last week. Apparently during the middle of their set, Residente had a Smartphone chucked right at his face! The fast-paced gadget left the Resi a little bruised and got the amateur pitcher ejected from the concert.

When the dust settled, it appeared the incident was just an unplanned accident. Residente spoke up about it on his Twitter account, explaining that the fan had wanted him to autograph the phone and meant no harm when he tossed it on stage.

"A person threw me his cell phone to autograph it. The damn cell phone hit me in the face because I didn't manage to catch it. The poor guy was dragged out of the stadium. For the future, if you want me to sign something, wait until I'm looking and expecting it before throwing it.”

Seems like good advice to us. Perhaps it’d be safer to have your musical heroes autograph flying pillows instead.

How far would you go for a Calle 13 autograph? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Bolivia, Calle 13, Chisme, Música, popnews, Residente

By Eddie Gutierrez

It wasn't your typical morning at the United Nations in New York City this past Monday. Calle 13 along side UNICEF, MTV Latin America and Tr3s hosted a conference announcing the official launch of the MTV Exit campaign. "The campaign is about freedom and human rights," stated Bernt Aasen from UNICEF. The goal of this movement is to shed light on the issue of human trafficking and exploitation in Latin America, as well as provide outreach to the victims of this modern day slavery.

Every year at least 550,000 children and adolescents become victims of trafficking and exploitation in Latin America and the Caribbean; stealing away their youth, hopes, dreams and lives. They are forced into exploitative labor, engage in drug use and unsafe sexual practices; amplifying the spread of HIV within the Latin America population.

The nineteen-time Latin Grammy winning duo hosts the documentary, "Esclavos Invisibles/Invisible Slaves," detailing the realities of this issue. Calle 13 has also donated their song "Prepárame la Cena/Prepare my Dinner," off of their 2011 Latin Grammy winning album of the year, 'Entren los Que Quieran'.

"This song is about hope, prepare my dinner, I will be home soon," stated Residente.

The documentary will be extended to 58 million households throughout Latin America and the U.S. as well as an infinite amount through online websites and social media. No corner will be left unturned as the documentary will also be distributed amongst churches, shelters and community centers throughout Latin America and the U.S. to help relay this message to those who do not have access to television or internet.

In the United States alone 17,000 people are trafficked and exploited every year. If this is happening in our own backyard imagine when magnified on a global level.

"To be an activist you don't need money, all you need is will. You too can get involved and spread the message," said Residente.

Join in the efforts and help spread awareness on this issue in hopes of one day finally ending, once and for all, this modern day slavery. Visit www.mtvexit.org/la for more information.

Watch the exclusive trailer for "Esclavos Invisibles":

MTV Exit, Calle 13 and Unicef "Invisible Slaves" Documentary Get new music videos and MTV show videos on Tr3s.com. www.tr3s.com More from Watch MTV Shows Watch New Music Videos | Music News
Embed

Also be sure to tune in to Tr3s on November 29th for the premiere of the powerful music video, "Prepárame la Cena."

How will you help Calle 13 with their efforts? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3

Tags Calle 13, Preparame la cena, Residente, slavery, United Nations

By Michael Lopez

These days, it feels like we need to take Hugo Chavez statements with a grain of salt. The Venezuelan President has boasted about his celebrity pals quite a bit in the past, with stories that don't always hold true (remember Shakira's autographed guitar?) And this time, he's claiming that Calle 13 asked him to record a song on their new album.

According to Chavez, both Residente and Visitante approached him about a musical collaboration. He jokingly addressed it as a "surprise" when speaking on Venezuelan TV.

"I have a surprise for you," Hugo told viewers, when referring to Calle 13. "Now I not only dance Joropo, but also Rap and Hip-Hop."

Now, for the record, Chavez does have a fondness for a good melody. He's initiated some highly regarded music programs in his country (which helped launch the career of Gustavo Dudamel) and can supposedly play guitar rather well.

But will he really be putting his rap skills to the test on the next Calle 13 album? It sounds pretty doubtful to us.

Would you want to hear Hugo Chavez on a Calle 13 album? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Calle 13, Hugo Chavez, Música, Politics, Venezuela

By Michael Lopez

You'd think after winning a slew of Latin Grammys, you could start charging outrageous ticket prices for shows. Not Calle 13. The Puerto Rican band is proving once again that they're all about the fans, by offering to perform a concert in El Salvador for the cost of rice and beans.

Yup, you heard right. Residente and Visitante will be putting on a show in the country that will basically be free to the public. All attendees will need to bring are cans of beans and packets of rice which will be donated to needy families.

This is actually the second time in a month that Calle has taken a stand against high ticket prices. They recently cancelled an Argentina show because they felt vendors were overcharging their fans.

And don't worry about the guys going broke because of all the freebies they're handing out. The next Calle album is expected to pull huge sales numbers, which the generous band more than deserve!

Have you ever seen Calle 13 perform live? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Agentes De Cambio, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Calle 13, El Salvador, Música

By Astrid Rivera

Go anywhere on a weekend in Miami and chances are you're likely to hear DJ Mr. Pauer aka Toto Gonzalez. A founding father of Miami's alternative Latin music scene, Gonzalez is no stranger to risk. Ten years ago Latin rock group Soniko found themselves not being able to afford their rehearsal space in Wynwood and Toto decided that hosting weekly parties could provide them with some much needed cash.

The problem was they couldn't find a DJ who could supply the perfect mix of alternative and Latin music that Miami's young Hispanic crowd craved. Fast Forward a decade later and Mr. Pauer's risk paid off, his first debut album Soundtrack, has been nominated for a Latin Grammy for Best Alternative Album.

Gonzalez, 36, raved to the Miami Herald,

"I'm already celebrating, since the day I got nominated. That's a big, big deal for me. Do I want to win? Hell yeah. But I think it's a celebration for all the nominees."

Mr. Pauer set himself apart from the very beginning, mixing the tropical sounds of Miami with electronica beats. Even his name, Mr. Pauer, which is a play on words for the Spanish pronunciation of "power", placed him apart from the types of DJ's Miami was accustomed to having. The truth is that Mr. Pauer has worked non-stop to create the musician that he is today and he proved that to the Las Vegas crowd Wednesday night before the 2011 Latin Grammys. Unlike many other artists in this industry, Gonzalez is his own promoter, distributor, producer and the list goes on.

A Venezuelan native, he was always involved in the alternative music scene while studying graphic design in Miami. This gave him the ability to begin branding himself and even start a company called Fabrika, which promotes Latin and U.S. alternative music in Miami for Latinos who have a dual sense of culture. It is his ability to create truly unique sounds that has landed him gigs with Calle 13 and Manu Chao.

Besides promoting his music, website and company, Mr. Pauer has one thing very close to his heart and that's sharing Miami's music scene with the world. He says,

"I really want to take music from Miami and promote it outside."

Although Mr. Pauer didn't take home the gold on Thursday night, this is just one of many recognitions that are sure to come. It is great to know that the Latin Recording Academy is recognizing one of our own, let's all keep up the support and check out Mr. Pauer's Grammy nominated album Soundtrack.

Tags Astrid Rivera, Calle 13, Fabrika, Latin Grammys, Manu Chao, Música, Miami Herald, Mr. Pauer, Toto Gonzalez

By Ikam Acosta

Award shows are the time to let your original style shine through. La Santa Cecilia was beat out by Calle 13 in their category for Best Tropical Song, but were still looking fun and festive on the green carpet. They always look lively and radiant.

Shows like the Grammys are also a time for looking your best. Erik Estrada made an appearance on the green carpet, looking quite sharp in his black tuxedo, reminiscing about his Poncharello days.

If you're anything like me, you love tuning in to award shows to see what outrageous outfits artists wore on the red carpet. The more ridiculous, the better. Much to my surprise, the crazy costume-like clothing started pouring in early during the 12th annual Latin Grammys, and a few couldn't help but catch my eye.

Venezuela's La Vida Bohème could probably win a prize for the most bizarrely dressed band, when they came strolling onto the green carpet splattered in paint.

Los Huracanes Del Norte came in wearing matching bedazzled black suits with white rhinestones. They glittered on the green carpet as they talked about their nominations. Meanwhile, Aaron Nicholas entered wearing a black and white custom-made "hand embroidered suit" with his name on the back, looking like a mariachi. That was original.

Marco Antonio Solís had a beautiful performance. His voice was phenomenal, and the peacock-like-stage performers added an ethereal quality to the show. I was, however, distracted by his red and black lion-tamer-style outfit. He looked like a circus performer, or, at the very best, someone welcoming me to the big top.

The award for worst dressed female presenter goes to Sandra Echeverría. She was wearing a shimmery pink cocktail dress, which I personally thought looked awful and was way too puffy. She strolled in looking like something from an 80's prom. Too much shine and way too short. It looked comical, not sexy. Like a little girl playing dress-up with her big sister's clothes. No me gustó.

Who do you think wore the most outrageous outfits at he Latin Grammys this year?

Tags Aaron Nicholas, Award Shows, Blogger: Ikam Acosta, Calle 13, Celebrities, Chisme, Eric Estrada, Fashion, La Santa Cecilia, La Vida Bohème, Latin Grammys, Los Huracanes del Norte, Marco Antonio Solis, Sandra Echeverria, Style, Television

By Michael Lopez

Just remember, we warned you about following our Latin Grammy predictions. Yes, most of our picks didn't come true. But that doesn't mean that every winner of the night didn't deserve their statuettes. Far to the contrary, particularly in the case of Calle 13. The Puerto Rican duo put out an incredible album last year and it's clear the Latin Grammy voters were listening.

Believe it or not, Calle 13 took home nine awards at the Mandalay Bay Events Center Thursday night, including Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Best Tropical Song, and Best Urban Album. And though the guys had previously won big in 2008, they seemed quite humbled when taking the stage.

Residente, in particular, made a point to thank the group's devoted fans and promised that Calle would never stray from their Latin hip hop roots.

"It's very difficult for us navigating against the current," he stated. "I know that we're those who are heard not on the radio, but in the heart of the people."

And in between all of the Calle acceptance speeches, there were still plenty of dominant forces on the Latin Grammy stage. Shakira performed three songs during the night (including "Loca") and got huge cheers when she accepted her Person of the Year award. She also happened to take home Best Female Pop Album for Sale El Sol.

As you may have remembered, we were rooting hard for Alex, Jorge y Lena in the Best Album category. Though they didn't win, the talented trio still nabbed the Best Pop Album by a Group award. And, for the record, our Best New Artist prediction did come true! Tr3s fave Sie7e happily accepted the award and definitely proved himself to be an artist to watch in 2012.

In regards to the live performances, the Latin Grammys did not disappoint! Usher had great onstage chemistry with Romeo as they belted out the popular "Promise" track from Formula Vol. 1. And Pitbull brought out a pretty famous duet partner too. Newly-single Marc Anthony poured his heart out with a live rendition of their new single "Rain Over Me." Even Demi Lovato flexed her Spanish tongue with a riveting performance of "Solamente Tú."

But we're sure the live song that will be getting the most buzz was Calle 13's show opener, "Latinoamérica." The newly-crowned Song of the Year was performed alongside the Venezuelan Symphony Orchestra. Not only that, guest conductor Gustavo Dudamel used his baton to give it an even more bombastic touch.

Of course, the show was just half of the fun. Seeing how the event took place in Vegas, you can bet that many of the stars are probably still celebrating at this very moment!

What did you think of this year's Latin Grammys? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Alex Jorge Y Lena, Award Shows, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Calle 13, Celebrities, Demi Lovato, Gustavo Dudamel, Hot Stuff, Latin Grammys, Marc Anthony, Música, Paulina Rubio, Pitbull, popnews, Promise, Romeo, Shakira, Sie7e, sofia vergara, Usher