By José Gandue @Gandour
How to define René Pérez, the very same ResidentHow can we avoid using obvious words in this process, such as genius, master, star, giant, and other terms that fall short when repeated to praise this universal Puerto Rican? What can a columnist from an alternative website, far removed from the mainstream media, say that hasn't already been said in recent times by the most well-known journalists, television and radio presenters, and the most famous YouTubers on the planet? How can we not redundantly state that this character, born in Hato Rey, San Juan, having just turned forty-two, Is he the biggest Latin artist of the moment, a title he earned thousands and thousands of days ago? Well, I'll tell you something that has already been stated in other places, but which is perhaps not emphasized as often: This man is as honest as almost everything else in the music scene is a lie.
Yes, René is the greatest, and that can be measured because, with everything he says and does, he risks every ounce of appreciation he has received from his fans., In times when anyone with an internet connection can defame and hurl insults at any victim they choose, and to accuse without proof anyone who crosses their path, using insults like "sellout," "traitor," "criminal," "leftist," "subversive," "irresponsible instigator," "liar." I believe that René Pérez is honest and takes risks that many will consider exaggerated and unnecessary. He has received all kinds of insults for his pronouncements against power, that omnipresent ogre that marks the destiny of all with its finger and casts a shadow from his native Puerto Rico to the last corner of the planet. Residente knows that everyone listens to him and what he says sets fires, but he doesn't go around with his speech seeking meetings with celebrity presidents, hugging fashionable philanthropists, or seducing the most statuesque models. The real Residente, the only one we know, is the one we now see sobbing in front of the camera, singing his latest song, an autobiographical track simply titled René, recounting his story, his misfortunes, his moments of glory, his longing for childhood hours, his tribute to his fallen friends, his alcoholism, his recognition of Rubén Blades, Another great Latin American, all so that, after seven minutes of narration, I ended up exclaiming «"I want to feel again (sic"When I didn't have to pretend, I want to be myself again."». In short, the artist provides us all with a timely and honorable lesson in integrity.
Dear reader, watch this video (I'm sure almost all of you have already seen it, it doesn't matter), and cry freely. Rarely in this life will you have the opportunity to hear and witness a more evident and exciting act of consciousness.