Review of the Cuervoton Competition in New York

6/25/06 - words by Sokesleezy, photos by Charlie "Ski" Mena exclusively for LatinRapper.com

 

On May 18, 2006, the Nokia Theatre located in Times Square New York was the stage for the final competition of the Cuervoton talent search hosted by WKTU's Jewelz Lopez and reggaeton visionary Boywonder, and LatinRapper.com was on the scene to cover this major event. This event showcased performances by up and comers Rameses of Wu-Tang Latino, Malverde of the West Coast, and superstars Tony Touch, Pitbull, Chingo Bling and Noreaga along with several surprise guests that would be announced throughout the night.  As the crowd grew more and more excited by the early performances, reggaeton superstar Notch came out to perform an acapella version of his hit "Ay Que Bueno" while the crowd sung along.  Chingo Bling followed soon after with his own rendition of the Big Tymers "Still Fly" single.  Fully representing his Puerto Rican heritage, congas were set up on the stage as Tony Touch set out to perform.

Even as an altercation broke out in the back of the crowd, Tony Touch easily managed to keep the eyes of the crowd as he brought out reggaeton pioneer Don Chezina to perform their duo "Como Suena".  Don Chezi then went on to perform his verse from an old classic collabo with the Guanabanas "Brugotos", and continued to keep the crowd on their feet with "Tra". Tony Touch hadn't finished introducing surprise guests, as he delivered Hurricane G to perform "Asi" and continued the excitement by introducing The Beatnuts and Magic Juan to perform "Sofrito Mama" and other songs.

 

Up next was "that lil chico" Pitbull who started it off with his verses off "Holla At Me" and "Born And Raised", both from Terror Squad's own Dj Khaled album. Pitbull continued to please the crowd with verses from all of his popular collaborations including Lil Jon's "I dont give a f**k", Daddy Yankee's "Gasolina remix", and the Ying Yang Twin's "Shake remix", along with several of his own songs including "Oye Loca", "Dammit Man", and the ever so popular, "Culo".  To top it off, he debuted a new single entitled "Bojangles" from his upcoming album el Mariel.  Last but certainly not least was New York's own Nore, who started off by going straight into his classic "Banned From TV" verse followed by a speech about how he helped start the reggaeton movement in the United States.

 

He then proceeded to spit verses over Hector El Bambino's "Tu Quieres Duro" and Wisin Y Yandel's "Rakata" followed by his own hit "Grimey" and a tribute to Big Pun over "Its So Hard".  Nore wasn't done yet as he called out salsa legend Frankie Negron onto the stage to perform their new duet titled "Hablar De Amor", later bringing out mixtape rapper Tru Life to perform his single "New New York" while accompanied on stage by fellow Rocafella artist Memphis Bleek.

Not to be outdone by his surprise guest, Nore went straight into "Superthug" to the crowd's satisfaction, following the track with his verse to the remix of Daddy Yankee's "Gasolina Remix", Don Omar's "Reggaeton Latino", and his own single "Nothing".  Accompanied by Big Mato and Chingo Bling, the trio went on to perform their reggaeton single "Mas Maiz" to end the show.  Nore wrapped up as he left the stage with one final statement,  "I Just Did A SummerJam Show!"