Following his hit collaboration with Peso Pluma, Ryan Castro finally dropped his debut album. On May 9, the Colombian artist released his newest project El Cantante Del Ghetto, which not only explores his signature reggaeton but gives listeners a taste of his diverse salsa abilities. With the album release, he also unveiled his newest music video “PUEBLO DE MEDALLO” with Arcángel.
“AWOO AWOO! My album is already out, thank you for your support and thanks for waiting. We worked it with a lot of love for you and I know you will like it very much,” he wrote in an Instagram post.
Though the LP is full of classic-sounding reggaeton bangers, the previously released single “EL CANTANTE DEL GHETTO” separates Castro’s work from the rest of his work. With the help of collaborators COQE and LA ETERNA, he gives tribute to the salsa legend Héctor Lavoe. Though the Medellín native is known for sparsely dabbling with traditional sounds, his take on timeless salsa is exciting in a saturated reggaeton and música mexicana era.
Other standouts in his primarily classic reggaeton and dancehall album include the hard-hitting “PUEBLO DE MEDALLO” with Arcángel, the synth-heavy banger “MODELITO” with Onyl, the perreo-ready “FENDI” with hitmakers Jowell & Randy, and “XL,” which reminds us of Bad Bunny’s “Dákiti.”
Moreover, songs that show a more personal side of the singer include the slowed-down ballad “BIG DREAMS” which reflects on his struggles and his hope for personal freedom. With verses like, “Criado en el ojo de la tormenta / En un ghetto donde hasta tu cuerpo está en venta / La gente normalmente no es lo que aparenta / Lujo y brillo pero sin dinero pa’ la renta,” he takes a step back from flaunting his successes and baddies and reminds himself where he’s from. Another song that follows this same vein is “NADA CAMBIO,” which echoes how sometimes things aren’t always as they appear.
Check out his newest music video for “PUEBLO DE MEDALLO” with Arcángel below.