In time for his birthday last Saturday (Jan. 14), Yandel released his new album Resistencia. The surprise LP features Yandel teaming up with reggaeton’s pioneers like Baby Rasta y Gringo. He also reunites with his “Los Vaqueros” collaborators Wisin and Franco “El Gorila.” Moreover, Yandel highlights the rising talent in reggaeton as well, with features like Young Miko and Catalyna.
Last year, Yandel released several singles off Resistencia. Colombian superstar Maluma and future Coachella performer Eladio Carrión featured on “Nunca Y Pico.” Last month, Yandel closed out the year with two collaborations: “Delincuente” with Argentine singer Tiago PZK and “Yandel 150” alongside Colombian artist Feid. It wasn’t known until last week that Yandel would compile the songs on a new album. The record’s title reflects his staying power over the 20-plus years in the duo Wisin y Yandel and as a solo artist.
“‘Resistencia’ is a project that defines what I am living at this very moment, because no matter the hustle, the pressure, the time, years, or transitions; I’m still here… stronger than ever, flowing with the movement without altering my essence, and revealing all the elements that are in every single part of me,” Yandel said in a statement.
The Puerto Rican singer revisits his “Los Vaqueros” days with Franco “El Gorila” featuring on “Cowboys” with Gadiel and Ery. He teams up with Wisin for their song “Te Gusta,” and reggaeton pioneers Baby Rasta y Gringo reunite as a duo on “Anda Decidida.”
On the OGs that appear on Yandel’s album, a fan on Twitter wrote, “Yandel in this new album has bet on reggaeton with the real ones from before, key [artists] like Baby Rasta y Gringo, Franco ‘El Gorila,’ and his brother, Gadiel.”
He also features the next generation of reggaeton artists on his album. Puerto Rican rapper Young Miko drops in on the song “Cuando Te Toca.” Another fan on Twitter wrote, “Young Miko dropped this heat verse like no big deal she never misses.” Catalyna, who is signed to Yandel’s Y Entertainment label, joins him for “Palabras.” There’s more girl power on Yandel’s LP with Colombian rapper Farina featuring on the track “Adicto.”
Yandel also goes back to his debut solo album, 2003’s Quien Contra Mí. He recorded a 2023 version of his classic “Te Suelto El Pelo” for his latest LP.
Check out the music video for “Te Gusta” with Wisin below.