Residente Talks ‘In the Summers,’ Directing a Puerto Rican Western and the Importance of Sharing ‘Stories You Don’t Usually Tell’

As an ardent admirer of the arts, I find myself deeply captivated by the remarkable journey and versatility of Residente, the Puerto Rican rapper, actor, and visionary. His life is a testament to the power of storytelling and the boundless potential that lies within each of us when we dare to step out of our comfort zones.

It’s no stereotype to say Latinos have a long history of storytelling. Even a dinner table can be a stage for stand-up comedy or dramatic retellings of family folklore. And for Puerto Rican rapper and actor Residente, who has been inspired by music and the visual arts his entire life, his affinity for writing poetry and rap songs has made him a globe-trotting superstar.

With a record-breaking 27 Latin Grammys, he stands alone as the artist with the most victories, both as a solo artist and as the leader of alternative hip-hop group Calle 13. His politically charged second solo album, titled “Las Letras Ya No Importan” (“The Lyrics Don’t Matter Anymore”), which delves into the ongoing conflict in Gaza, will compete for Album of the Year against works from Karol G, Bad Bunny, Mon Laferte, Shakira, and others at the 25th Latin Grammy Awards.

Through his latest album, Residente demonstrates that his message is consistently changing. “I dislike repeating the same thing,” he explains to EbMaster. “Rap music can easily become a rut where you’re always telling the same tale. As each day goes by, I find myself distancing myself from what’s happening in rap music. It’s not out of contempt; it’s simply that I don’t want to be confined within a box. I don’t wish to feel restricted by the expectations placed upon rappers or Latinos in the entertainment industry.

While immersed in the creation of “Las Letras,” he managed to squeeze in a tour and his acting debut as well, starring in the drama “In the Summers.” In this film, Residente (whose birth name is René Pérez Joglar) portrays Vicente, a divorced father of two. The plot revolves around a pair of siblings who visit Las Cruces, N.M., every summer to spend time with their father. As they mature, their lives and relationships with each other become increasingly intricate.

He expressed hesitation regarding the movie, mentioning that Director Alessandra Lacorazza approached him for the role. Despite having directed music videos and documentaries like Calle 13’s “Sin Mapa” (2009), Residente had never acted as someone other than himself. He admits to being uncertain about how his first acting job should appear, acknowledging the respect he holds for actors, and harboring a desire to try acting but viewing it as a significant step. Yet, with doubt lingering in his mind, he agreed, finding it hard to believe that the opportunity would actually materialize.

During the Summers” was honored with both the Grand Jury Prize and Directing Award in the U.S. dramatic competition at Sundance. Notably, this movie uses dialogue in Spanish without providing subtitles for the scenes. Residente remarks, “There’s something incredibly authentic about that decision. I didn’t truly appreciate how seamlessly everything came together until I saw it at Sundance – it carries a powerful message and the film itself is stunningly beautiful.

Previously known as René the actor, the 46-year-old artist stepped into the director’s chair for films produced under his own label, 1868 Studios, which he established in partnership with Sony Music Entertainment. Currently, he’s immersed in a project yet to be titled, set in Puerto Rico during the latter part of the 1800s. This story chronicles the evolution of a criminal gang and its members. As he explained, “This isn’t your typical Western about Puerto Rico, but it’s not overtly so. I found ‘In the Summers’ intriguing because it wasn’t just a Latino or queer project due to characters from those communities; instead, it was its subtle themes that made it special.

At present, Residente initiates each performance by playing “René”, a song penned during a period when he grappled with suicidal thoughts. This number, filled with intricate confessions of his depressive state, serves as a powerful opening for him. He explains, “Kicking off with something so profound or convoluted makes me feel like I still have a purpose to fulfill.” Similarly, in his acting endeavors, he has adopted a similar strategy, channeling the nervousness that arises when he first steps onto the stage. He invests all his energy into portraying authenticity, even though it’s terrifying – in this instance, by embodying another character.

Residente’s performances, ranging from his initial acting role to his most recent album, have received widespread acclaim for their continuous evolution and captivating themes. However, he emphasizes that he is not particularly concerned with the accolades. Instead, what truly matters to him is creating a platform to share ideas that are deeply soulful and spirited, narratives that aren’t often told.

2024-11-07 20:52

Residente Talks ‘In the Summers,’ Directing a Puerto Rican Western and the Importance of Sharing ‘Stories You Don’t Usually Tell’

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