News: Tego Calderon Gears Up For Atlantic Records Debut

Calderon, who is responsible for helping to break reggaeton in the US, will release his new album under his own Atlantic-distributed Jiggiri Records. When he inked the deal last year, he became the first artist in the Latin hip-hop field to ink a global pact with a major label.

"With the continuing creative and commercial explosion of new Latin music in the U.S., I am thrilled that one of its signature artists -- the brilliant Tego Calderón -- has joined the Atlantic family," said Atlantic Chairman/CEO Craig Kallman in April of 2005. "The reggaetón and Latin hip-hop movements are rapidly merging into the mainstream of American music and media, and Tego's innovative style, street credibility, and charismatic presence have already made him a cultural icon, placing him at the leading edge of the vibrant new urban-driven Latin scene. The signing of Tego is a proud moment in Atlantic history, signaling our enthusiasm and our long-term belief in this boundary-crossing music."

The artist himself has broken the US barrier, but will continue to represent his culture. Calderón describes his Atlantic debut as "a musical journey through the Afro-Caribbean culture." It will also showcase a unique fusion of elements taken from traditional bomba puertorriqueña, Jamaican reggae, blues, Cuban rumba, and New York salsa, according to the rapper.

The album will feature 22 tracks and one bonus, with collaborations with artists like Buju Banton, Eddie Dee & Voltio, Yandel, Chyno Nyno, Don Omar, and legendary salsa singer Oscar D'León, among others.

Some of the producers he worked with were DJ Nelson, Danny Fornaris, Major League, Salaam Remi, Erick Figueroa, Daniel Cruz & Eduardo Lobo, and Troyton Rami.

The first single for the Latin market will be "Los Maté," produced by DJ Nesty & Naldo. The Underdog/El Subestimado is slated to drop in the US August 29.

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