Rompe Discotekas
The star-studdedRompe Diskotekascollection serves several purposes. It's the first release from Roc La Familia, the world-music branch of hip-hop mogul Jay-Z's Roc-A-Fella Records and is as a major springboard for its central character and host, Hector Bambino "El Father," who pops up on four tracks. The disc also aims to bridge the seemingly similar worlds of hip-hop and reggaeton via a few creative collaborations. Skip past the overlong, overblown intro--a phone message and blessing from Hector Bambino's mother that also finds him calling out haters, corrupt government, former friends, and the press. (Aren't these guys ever in a good mood?) Zion & De La Ghetto create some street sparks with Memphis Bleek during "Sigue Ahi," and the Polaco/Freeway duet Sonando rides a slick, head-bobbing groove. Not everything works, and several tracks ("La Cama," "Dejale Llevar," "Tiburon") buckle under reggaeton's inherently repetitive rhythms and phrasings. Even Hector Bambino's money moment with head honcho Jay-Z, "Here We Go Yo," isn't particularly memorable. Still, it's an interesting sonic experiment that will likely refine--and hopefully diversify--with time.--Joey Guerra