It's almost impossible to find fault with anything Daddy Yankee does these days. He's made all the right career moves and "El Cartel: The Big Boss" represents a near perfect step in a superstar evolution.
The man born Raymond Ayala ushered reggaeton into the mainstream with 2004's "Barrio Fino" and breakout single "Gasolina," positioning the genre to rival its parent hip-hop in industry clout. His latest effort has international smash written all over it: an expertly crafted reggaeton opus blending the most exciting elements of reggaeton with some of the most commercially viable elements in hip-hop and pop.
It's immediately clear who's in charge as "Jefe," the album's first track, announces Yankee's arrival with a chant style delivery over a slowed down beat that belies the chaos to come. Ramping up the flow, he enters hardcore reggaeton territory with the explosive "Mensaje de Estado" ("Message of the State").
Rhyming with a ferociousness that recalls DMX in his prime, Yankee blends hardcore lyricism with a distinctively masculine musicality impossible to resist. His strict cadence and forceful delivery convey a message that crosses all language barriers: Daddy Yankee is the king to reggaeton.
Although he's in top form on every track of "El Cartel," Yankee's superhuman charisma is never more evident than on the "Impacto" remix featuring Fergie. Normally the focal point of any track, the Black Eyed Peas' solo sensation pales next to Yankee's multilingual machine gun delivery.
The only flaw of "El Cartel: The Big Boss" is its narrow focus. Collaborations with notables like Scott Storch, will.i.am, Akon and the Pussycat Dolls show an attempt to diversify, but there's little room for breaking new ground and the overall message remains firmly rooted in self-aggrandizement.
With the whole world listening to him, it's time for Daddy Yankee to find something a little more enlightened to say.
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