Merengue de Calle (Mambo)

[bilijou]

hehe

In Trujillo's time, a merengue band was the size of an orchestra, very hard to put together. The second the regime was over, the number of band members was cut (similar to the 3-man rock bands). But as technology provides access to lower resource musicians, we start seeing artists that just need "a beat" inevitably focus is more on the lyrics and the artist's persona (like we see in hip hop). Merengue de Calle is born… and I think it’s great!

For the first time, “love” isn’t the topic of a merengue song, you’re actually hearing the street phrases you grew up saying, the tigueraje style you only find in Dominicans…

I see how this shift is disturbing for the upper classes since when they look at Omega they see what they consider the scum of the earth, a “Dominican york” with "bling", talking like un tiguere with tigueraje. Meanwhile they reminisce about the “golden age” of Merengue, the 80’s, when Merengue was composed by students of classical music and they ask themselves what has happened to our Merengue?!

I have a suggestion that would be of benefit to all… let’s not call it Merengue.

If this would've been the US, it would be 15 different genres. Merengue in Trujillo’s time is completely different from Merengue in the 70’s which was totally different from Merengue in the 80’s which sounded nothing like Merengue in the 90’s that is completely alien to the Merengue in the 2000s. They should all be in different genre, I bet then it wouldn’t be such an issue.

 

[M.A.R.]

OK...with regards to "Mambo" they are NOT referring to the old mambo style music originating from Cuba, I believe. It's just an expression they use to mean they got rhythm, charisma, appeal, they are the shizznit, etc...Hard to explain to a Non-Dominican who's got no mambo.

I believe Merengue De Calle and Dominican rap definitely should have had their own category. It is the most popular genre right now by far. If nothing else regular old merengue should have their category dropped, because of how unpopular it has become. Problem is these nominations are not put out there by the people, but by a few elitist people who like to nominate crap regular Dominicans don't care about. These people have no clue or are discriminating on purpose.

If Spanish rock, pop rock, classic dance and junk like that which are not Dominican and most people could care less about are included then these two other genres have to be included too, because guess what? This is what most of the population listens to, this is what they like. Example is nobody is more popular than Omega right now.

Pretty much all kinds of music have been considered junk when it first comes out, just because people are not accustomed to it. Music which nowadays is considered "good" or great (i.e. Jazz, Rock n' roll, tango, bachata) was considered crap at one time.

Mr. Lu: I think you're opening up the debate in the wrong forum. This is another one of those things most people here just don't get. Most people here are foreigners. To them this music is trash...reason is "THEY HAVE NO MAMBO".

Hehehe that was funny but you make many good points. I am no one to say anything about merengue de calle, I don't like it that much either, I wanted to pull my hair out when the other day i was in a club and it was merengue de calle night, arghghgh. I dont like it maybe because is for a younger generation, like teenagers, but i agree tht it should have a category since its been around for a little while now.

 

[Mr. Lu]

Do you have any more links for Merengue de Calle, Mr. Lu?
And I'd like to know what you mean by "real Dominican" society. What's the "unreal" that you're referring to? Don't you think it's part of young culture in one social class? But since you're obviously not from the barrio and it appeals to you, probabbly it will catch on with others and be part of youth culture in the DR and perhaps in the Latin music scene elsewhere.

Sorry Margret,
I have to make a correction. What I meant wasn't "real" instead I intended to use the word "popular." I was in a hurry. So in clarifying my comment I think these musics represent/reflect developments in popular culture in the DR. Want to know what's happening in the barrio? Or why things in the barrio are what they are? Or what are the latest fashions and slangs and cultural significantly developments take a minute and listen to the musics and you'll find out. That's what makes these sounds significant. What's even more significant is the fact the upper echelon parts of society don't want to recognize these developments and in a sense, at least to me, don't want to validate the significance of this section of our, the Dominican, society. That's the argument I've been making since the beginning. So even if you don't like the sounds you have to recognize the assertions that I'm making.

As for it being "youth culture in one social class," yes, I agree, but here's the catch. Since there are more lower class youth, that listen to these sounds, doesn't that make it a genre of music worth recognizing, just because of the affect that it has on the mass of people it is "advertising" to? Anyways, the sounds you here from Omega, Amalfis, Krisspy, Moreno Negro, Julian etc are youth sounds because the guys who create the sounds are young and because those who listen to the sounds are young. Its a new dynamic that incorporates new aspects in music and life. Plus, anything described as "young" usually bothers old people so that's a pretty good gage as to what's "young."

And Margret, though I would guess you didn't mean to do it, please don't make any assumptions about me, or anyone else for that matter. Squat did that earlier in the discussion and we'll you can read what he said. Still, you assume that I am not from the barrio, but I ask you what about me and the few posts I have made would lead you to believe I am or am not from a barrio? It's not an argumentative suggestion, just a point of discussion.

Cheers

 

[margaret]

Let's just say that I think you are very articulate in the English language, Mr_Lu although you make some mistakes and we all do with the Internet. You use idiomatic expressions like a native speaker; in fact, you express yourself better than many native speakers of English from the US and Canada. The questions you ask, speak volumes about you. You have a good mind and you're well educated. Although there are some individuals who may come out of the lower class, get an education because their parents sacrificed for them, and pushed them to succeed, they usually use those skills to get ahead. That's typical of immigrant parents by the way, but I didn't assume that about you. They don't have the luxury of asking probing questions about class, culture and social exclusion and the validation of one genre with roots in the barrio. You aren't from the barrio, but you are with the barrio. Turn it up! I'm listening to what you have to say!

 

[Lambada]

Showing my age here a bit & probably needing to get with the programme, but..........if you were brought up on the Big Band Sounds of the 40's & 50's and learned your 'Latin American' dancing in the UK in the 50's then the clips posted by Margaret & El Sabeloto ARE Mambo. Definitely the same beat, definitely the same 'make you want to get up and dance' & definitely be exhausted after you have.

Mr. Lu are you saying this is the DR equivalent to gangsta rap? I find that hard to believe - this has melody, rhythm and...........no crotch scratching! Altogether a kinder, gentler, yet more invigorating type of music. I like it, and remember to me mambo is (or perhaps was)

YouTube - Perez Prado piano solo

plus the stuff Bushbaby & I used to dance when we were a bit younger of which, thank goodness, there are no videos out there!

 

[El sabelot?]

Showing my age here a bit & probably needing to get with the programme, but..........if you were brought up on the Big Band Sounds of the 40's & 50's and learned your 'Latin American' dancing in the UK in the 50's then the clips posted by Margaret & El Sabeloto ARE Mambo. Definitely the same beat, definitely the same 'make you want to get up and dance' & definitely be exhausted after you have.

Mr. Lu are you saying this is the DR equivalent to gangsta rap? I find that hard to believe - this has melody, rhythm and...........no crotch scratching! Altogether a kinder, gentler, yet more invigorating type of music. I like it, and remember to me mambo is (or perhaps was)

YouTube - Perez Prado piano solo

plus the stuff Bushbaby & I used to dance when we were a bit younger of which, thank goodness, there are no videos out there!

And while I heard P?rez Prado's mambo growing up, I must embarrassedly admit that it took American Radio, Casey Kasem to be exact, to tell me about Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White, not a mambo, but a cha-cha, and his biggest hit in the US.

Did you know that Los Hermanos Rosario were thinking about imitating that sound during their early years before they had a contract?

 

[PICHARDO]

Just as Elvis got the thumbs down from most families in the USA for his mid body gyrations and sex charged movements, so it's just normal that Mambo de Calle will have the same reception by the established long timers in the DR. I would be more amazed if it didn't!!!!

Like or not, it's the sound that our young use to rebel against our set of rules and accepted behavior in society. Kids always look to find that which makes our eyes cringe and ears bleed in disapproval, the more we cringe and plug our ears, the more they love that new "rebel" sound!

It's the younger generations who accomplish the set periods in arts and music throughout history. Just like Amadeus was the "rotten" note to the long line of composers so today are these "Mamberos" the new crop in line to establish their claim in the timeline.

The funny part is that just like a good wine that's aged well, we revert to enjoying the "Old" arts and music in our mature years and will not dare spin a song or two from our youth, other than to have memories come back for a reason and occasional moment...

AHHH!! Mozart, Bach, Beethoven, Prado, Morel, Tatico, Beatles, Elvis, Sinatra, so many of you skipped by me in my youth!!!

 

[PICHARDO]

plus the stuff Bushbaby & I used to dance when we were a bit younger of which, thank goodness, there are no videos out there!

AHHHH!!!! A "twister".... LOL!!!!!

 

[suarezn]

No. There two emerging genres in The DR right now. One is The Merengue de Calle which is a faster, rawer merengue with lyrics which are kind of like gansta rap. Known artists of this genre are Omega, Tulile, Julian Oro Duro, etc.

In addition there's Dominican rap which is actual rap with a Dominican twist. This is The Dominican version of Gangsta Rap. It is very raw with bad words and all that goes with being "Gangsta"...The better known artists of this genre are El Lapiz, Toxic Crow, Jo-a, Vakero, etc...

By the way these guys are really, really good at freestyling.

See Below

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[Lambada]

Thanks suarezn for bringing an oldie up to speed. I'll go back and listen to Omega - my problem is I tend to feel music rather than to hear it, so I'll have to make a conscious effort. Not sure how much I'll get - my understanding of barrio Spanish is limited (I did ok with the film Sanky Panky but that was 'sanitised' raw.......).

Pichardo, I started dancing waaay before the twist - think rock 'n roll, Harlem Shuffle, jitterbug..........and various other museum pieces :laugh:

 

[Mr. Lu]

Let's just say that I think you are very articulate in the English language, Mr_Lu although you make some mistakes and we all do with the Internet. You use idiomatic expressions like a native speaker; in fact, you express yourself better than many native speakers of English from the US and Canada. The questions you ask, speak volumes about you. You have a good mind and you're well educated. Although there are some individuals who may come out of the lower class, get an education because their parents sacrificed for them, and pushed them to succeed, they usually use those skills to get ahead. That's typical of immigrant parents by the way, but I didn't assume that about you. They don't have the luxury of asking probing questions about class, culture and social exclusion and the validation of one genre with roots in the barrio. You aren't from the barrio, but you are with the barrio. Turn it up! I'm listening to what you have to say!

Well put Margret. Much respect for not shying away. But just a bit of insight, I grew up in a rough neighborhood. A barrio. I got an education, but never forgot my roots. Never will. So you are right, I am with the barrio.

And getting back to the argument at hand. I think genres like Mambo and Dominican rap are important because it allows us a deeper look at sections of society we wouldn't have otherwise been able to see. It gives these "lower class" people a voice.

I mean we have to look at the societal impulses that have created these sounds. What is going on in Capotillo and Villa Con and Los Alcarizos that make singers and rappers rap about what they do and why they do it? That's the overall importance of it. We look back at the developments of the grunge scene in the US in the early to mid 90's. Look at why was Curt Cobain so important in those years. And look at the importance of NWA in the 1980's. They were talking about guns, drugs, and police brutality on a national level and had we paid attention, tensions in L.A. wouldn't have been what they were during the days of the L.A. riots. Catch my drift.

 

[suarezn]

Well the good thing is that even though these guys are not being recognized by the organizers of The Casandra they are making a ton of money as they are the busiest groups right now. In addition people like Leonel recognize the appeal of these guys so they are paying them big money to "work" for them. I just read the El Lapiz is getting paid 1/2 million pesos to appear in the official launch of Leonel's Campaign (January 27th). I believe that makes him one of the highest paid Dominican artists. I think this is very smart move from Leonel to capture the young vote.

Lapiz Cobra Medio Millon De Pesos Por Fiesta

 

[Mr. Lu]

RD$500,000???? I'm going to start rapping! Jesus...my next thread will about the exorbitant amount of money that some artists get paid!!!

 

[El Tigre]

I'm not a big fan of this type of merengue (won't listen to it for joy). However, it makes for really good dancing.

 

[El_Uruguayo]

I can see Leonel dishing out that kind of money for El Lapiz, but nobody else. I don't mind his stuff, but there's no way in hell that anyone other than a politician campaigning would throw away that much money on an artist that couldn't bring that much revenue for an event, it's simple math. El lapiz can't draw 1000 people to pay U$ 16 a pop, that's the truth. As for mambo, it's alright, it can get a little annoying, but it's what a huge chunk of people like, it should get some sort of recognition. There are also a couple funny mambos, i.e omega - motoconcho.

 

[suarezn]

I won't dispute that, but they are definitely asking for a lot more money nowadays. I know for a fact that about a year ago they used to charge 30,000 pesos for an appearance and I bet you can't get them for anything close to that now. EL Lapiz can definitely pull 1000 people, but probably not at the price you mentioned (not in The DR anyway) because that's quite a bit of money to pay for a cover charge for most Dominicans. I know when El Lapiz was presented in Cotui ALLLL my nephews and every young person I know wanted to go but didn't have the money to spend on cover charge plus drinks.

Now I was in The DR a few weeks back and there was a party with Omega and a local band. Cover charge was 500 pesos per person. I didn't go but I know a lot of people who did. The place is huge and from what they tell me it was packed so I know they made at least 400k (I'm sure a lot more).

 

[Mr. Lu]

Here's the simple math. El Lapiz on a regular basis charges RD$80,000 - RD$100,000 per performance. And in the US when he was just recently there was charging between US$15 and US$30 per tickets. There is the math. Now you figure that at least in the US, 1000 people at a club is a large amount but El Lapiz, and a host of artist could do it. Now that Leonel spent that much is crazy. And crazier since we (and our tax money) paid for it. Still...Mambo rules.

 

[margaret]

Well the good thing is that even though these guys are not being recognized by the organizers of The Casandra they are making a ton of money as they are the busiest groups right now. In addition people like Leonel recognize the appeal of these guys so they are paying them big money to "work" for them. I just read the El Lapiz is getting paid 1/2 million pesos to appear in the official launch of Leonel's Campaign (January 27th). I believe that makes him one of the highest paid Dominican artists. I think this is very smart move from Leonel to capture the young vote.

Lapiz Cobra Medio Millon De Pesos Por Fiesta

I guess this will be a free concert for people and attract many fans, will ANYONE be allowed to attend the concert or supporters only. Will Lapiz be viewed as a Leonel supporter now? Or is it just a big paying gig for the band and nothing more?

Do any of the musicians do fundraisers for charity? Like "Live Aid" concerts for storm relief?

 

[suarezn]

I guess this will be a free concert for people and attract many fans, will ANYONE be allowed to attend the concert or supporters only. Will Lapiz be viewed as a Leonel supporter now? Or is it just a big paying gig for the band and nothing more?

Do any of the musicians do fundraisers for charity? Like "Live Aid" concerts for storm relief?

I think anyone can attend, but it will be mostly for PLD supporters.

What I read was that El Lapiz didn't want to do the concert as he didn't want to get involved in politics and even less be viewed as a PLD supporter, so when they said they wanted him he put out there an outrageous amount thinking they wouldn't pay it and they came back and said "OK" and wrote him a check. To him is just a big paying gig, but it remains to be seen whether after this he will be associated with The PLD party. If he has any balls he will use this to denounce (with lyrics of course) a lot of the stuff he doesn't like about the government (which he talks about in a lot of his songs).

They have become popular by being irreverent so it wouldn't be a huge surprise if he came out and talked all kind of smack about The PLD in their own party...that would definitely get him points with his fans, even though will probably get him booed or kicked off the stage by The PLD supporters.

 

[margaret]

I think anyone can attend, but it will be mostly for PLD supporters.

What I read was that El Lapiz didn't want to do the concert as he didn't want to get involved in politics and even less be viewed as a PLD supporter, so when they said they wanted him he put out there an outrageous amount thinking they wouldn't pay it and they came back and said "OK" and wrote him a check. To him is just a big paying gig, but it remains to be seen whether after this he will be associated with The PLD party. If he has any balls he will use this to denounce (with lyrics of course) a lot of the stuff he doesn't like about the government (which he talks about in a lot of his songs).

They have become popular by being irreverent so it wouldn't be a huge surprise if he came out and talked all kind of smack about The PLD in their own party...that would definitely get him points with his fans, even though will probably get him booed or kicked off the stage by The PLD supporters.

Well maybe the PLD will distribute the tickets to young people who can't afford to go to a concert.Like handing out chickens and hairdoos, but for a different constituency. MAYBE. But it's risky as you say. And then they might announce some program or make some election promise that will tie in with problems of young people and it will "demonstrate" that they're listening to youth. I'm sure their media relations people and campaign strategists must be thinking about how to get the best return on their investment. Although I have seen similar events here in Canada where the supporters aren't even fans and there was no synergy. It'll be interesting if the other party or parties will use merengue de calle as well. Do young people vote? Or are they apathetic?