At the beginning of 2018, Peruvian-born, Queens-raised producer and singer A.CHAL signaled that his next evolution was imminent. Tapping 2 Chainz and Nicky Jam for a resurrection of cognac-inspired anthem “Love N Hennessy,” the big-name remix was just a sign of the industry connections that would continue to catapult Alejandro Chal’s career throughout the year. Chal just unleashed his EXOTIGAZ EP, calling on industry titans like Tainy and Rvssian to craft the soundtrack to his trademark hazy vocals and lyrics about doomed romances and relationships.
Today, Remezcla premieres Chal’s video for “EXOTICA,” a track produced by Jamaican dancehall behemoth Rvssian, who’s worked with everyone from Sean Paul to Konshens to Gyptian. True to form, the visuals for “EXOTICA” incorporate A.CHAL’s taste for afterhours adventures, depicting the exploits of a playboy guitarist who finds himself causing trouble at the strip club. The clip was helmed by Fernando Lugo, the mastermind behind Bad Bunny’s “Krippy Kush” and Drake and El Conejo Malo’s “Mia” visuals, as well as Latin trap’s go-to music video director. “EXOTICA” blends Chal’s trademark GAZI green aesthetics with Lugo’s penchant for bad boy antics.
For those who are feeling this year-end nugget from A.CHAL, consider it just an appetizer of what’s to come for the artist in 2019. Chal told Remezcla that he was inspired by the late-night music he heard in clubs in Miami and Uptown New York while making this EP, but it’s just a teaser for his next project. “I wanted to treat you with something before the year wrapped up; that’s where it comes from.”
Watch our premiere of “EXOTICA” below: