Blogamole › Franco "el Gorila"

By: Sugey Palomares

What is a party without a little perreo? Puerto Rican duo Alexis y Fido officially dropped their fifth album Perreologia this week, which offers up fourteen new tracks to shake inappropriately to at the club or in the privacy of your own home. The duo, who have been involved in Puerto Rico's reggaeton movement since childhood, are known for their raw approach to the classic reggaeton beat. Alexis y Fido's new album offers many infectious tracks including one of our favorites titled, "Energía." The song has hooks full of energy and gallant-like lyrics honoring the special ladies in their lives. Unlike their last hit studio album Down to Earth, Perreologia includes a slew of collaborations with top-grade artists like Daddy Yankee, Franco el Gorila, Tony Dize, and so many more. Overall, the album is pouring with creative energy that's aimed to please.

Tr3s was granted exclusive access to the album release party at the Katra Lounge on Wednesday night. We got to hang out with the fellas and find out what the socially conscious group thinks about the university protests in Puerto Rico, what fans can expect from their new album Perreologia, and even got a special message for fans!

What can your fans expect from your new album Perreologia?

Alexis: Bueno, this album was made with lots of love for the fans. It’s dedicated to everyone that enjoys our music and el perreo that makes you want to have a good time on the dance floor. We were so lucky to collaborate with so many people like Tony Dize, Daddy Yankee, Flex, Eddie Avila, Franco el Gorila, Nova y Yori and so many more. We really produced this album with so much love for the fans. If they end up grabbing it, I know they won’t regret it.

You guys are known for being masters of wordplay. What inspired the lyrics in this album?

Alexis: Fido is the one that comes up with all of it. He is the mastermind.
Fido: Bueno, the fans are who really inspire us. We started to build on the songs based on what we thought our fans would really enjoy. I am very observant and like to stay on top of current events and what is going on in this world. All those things inspire us.

Speaking of current events, what are your thoughts on the university protests going on in Puerto Rico right now?

Fido: I support the students completely because I was a student at the University of Puerto Rico. There were always problems when it came to access to grants and scholarships. It’s true that financial aid is there to help us, but it wasn’t enough to cover the cost of books. This happens to so many students and they need more support to build a future for themselves.

What message do you give to those students in Puerto Rico that are struggling with this situation right now?

Fido: To keep going with their message. I know that a lot of artists from our industry are supporting them and they have our support too.

What can fans look forward to next from you guys?

Alexis: We are working really hard to promote the album. Right now we are planning on touring the States and getting the word out on this album. So far the response has been crazy. We really want to thank our fans for all the love.

Fido: We are also hitting up Panama City and Ontario in April. So you know, just traveling and trying to get the message out. Like Alexis said, this wouldn’t be possible without the fans.

Tags Alexis y Fido, Daddy Yankee, Eddie Avila, Flex, Franco "el Gorila", Latinos, Nova y Yori, perreo, Perreologia, Puerto Rico, Reggaeton, Tony Dize

Wisin y Yandel's latest music video, "Gracias A Ti," premiered on MTV Tr3s today!  The video is dedicated to their beloved fans and features tons of LIVE concert footage!

Speaking of concerts, if you haven't been able to catch Wisin y Yandel on tour so far, you are seriously missing out! But, luckily, we got the chance to catch them in New York City at Madison Square Garden, and we've got the scoop for you, so here it is…

El Duo Dinámico set it off with classics like "Pam Pam" and "Rakata"and of course the newbies, "Abusadora" and "Ahora Es."  But what really made este concierto especial were the surprise guest appearances by el pionero himself, Tego Calderon, y Franco El Gorila who performed his hit "He Querido Querete."  If you think that was surprise enough, an even bigger surprise came when rapper 50 Cent and his G-Unit entourage showed up to rock "Mujeres In the Club," along with 50's latest hit, "Baby By Me."  You know the crowd was going crazy with their left hand in the air bouncing up and down!  Oh yeah, it was gangster! Oops… we mean gangsta for the cool kids.  Hmm, we can't WAIT to see if 50 joins Wisin y Yandel again onstage at Los Premios MTV 2009!  You never know, it could happen!

Overall, the concert was awesome and really brought it back to old school reggaeton. And let’s not forget what may just have been the biggest highlight for all the ladies in the crowd... wait for it... okay... Yandel took his shirt off! ::mucho screaming and lip biting:: Las mujeres went locas, of course, and maybe even a few guys!

Ah yes, pyrotechnics + Wisin y Yandel + 50 Cent + Tego Calderon + Yandel's sweaty washboard abs = GREAT CONCERT! Love to see Latinos supporting each other and filling up every seat in Madison Square Garden! Que viva La Revolución!

Watch the new video by Wisin y Yandel below, and check out more live pics from Wisin y Yandel live at MSG behind the cut!

Read more...

Tags 50 Cent, Abusadora, Concert, Franco "el Gorila", g-unit, Gracias A Ti, La Revolucion, los premios mtv 2009, Madison Square Garden, Mujeres In the Club, Photos, Tego Calderon, Video, Wisin y Yandel

Nelly Furtado is waving a white flag of surrender en su nuevo video en español, "Manos Al Aire."

El nuevo video, which was filmed in Toronto, Canada, last month, features a militaristic Nelly who starts out in a packed army jeep, but gradually lets down her guard and defenses (losing articles of clothing as she goes) and ultimately surrenders to el amor verdadero.   La bella cantante se quita casi toda la ropa, throws her arms up in peace, and ends up entirely vulnerable en los brasos de su enamorado.

"Manos Al Aire" es el primer video from Nelly's upcoming all-spanish album, Mi Plan, but it does features English subtitles to keep her anglo fanbase contentos.  Smart move, Nelly! And how will Nelly try to reach a wider Latin audience?  How about by releasing a reggaeton remix featuring Wisin y Yandel protege, Franco El Gorila!  Escucha el remix aquí! [Real Talk Reggaeton]

Cuéntanos, what do you think of Nelly Furtado's nueva canción en español? Watch the video below, catch it all day on Tr3s, and drop your comments here!

Tags Franco "el Gorila", Latin Music, Manos Al Aire, Mi Plan, Music Video, Musica Latina, Nelly Furtado, Video, Video Premiere

If you have big dreams then you need a big name to match.

Franco 'El Gorila' realized that that's like rocking a fly outfit without any fresh ice. The Los Vaqueros member makes sure to stand out of the crowd with his bigger than life personality and super-sized raw talent. It also doesn't hurt that the self-proclaimed King of the Jungle has the biggest name in reggaeton by his side - none other than Wisin y Yandel. Check out our FREE DOWNLOAD featuring Franco's latest single, "He Querido Quererte" featuring Tico "El Imigrante" and watch our exclusive interview with the Boricua.

Find out how he came up with the infamous stage name and keep it locked for more exclusives to come.

Tags Chisme, Franco "el Gorila", Latin Music, Musica Latina

Ready for something new?

Well get ready, it's a new day in reggaeton. Descubre & Download is presenting you with a new FREE download from Los Vaqueros frontman Franco "El Gorila". A native of Puerto Rico, Franco caught the eye of none other than Wisin y Yandel just being around the neighborhood. The dynamic duo saw 'un ídolo" del vecindario in Franco, someone that would never let his fans down. Ever since, Franco has been flying high under Wisin y Yandel's wings. You might remember him being featured on Wisin y Yandel's album: La Mente Maestra. The rest as they say, is historia.

Download Franco's latest single FOR FREE and see what all the fuss is about on Franco "El Gorila's" MTV Tr3s Artist Page. Then check back in with Blogamole all week for more exclusives including an interview with the man himself AND behind-the-scenes fotos from his D&D shoot.

Tags Descubre & Download, Franco “el Gorila”, Free Latin Music, free mp3, La Mente Maestra, Musica Latina, musica latina gratis, Reggaeton, Wisin y Yandel