Argentine Urban Legend Callejero Fino Talks About Peso Pluma, Emilia & More
The artist presents 'HAGAN CA$O', his new RKT album, which he discusses with us on LOS40 Urban
Callejero Fino (born Samuel Nattanael Alvarenga in Buenos Aires, 1995) is a key figure in Argentina’s urban music scene, overall in the RKT genre (pronounced as «rakatá» in Spanish), created in the early 2000s, and popularized by other artists like L-Gante and Noba. It was born in the slums of Buenos Aires, originating from reggaeton and typically incorporating elements of cumbia villera and powerful basslines. Moreover, he’s also a big name in the freestyle scene, as well in reggaeton and rap.
Callejero started his journey in music at the age of 13, and since then, he has earned the affection of fans who have supported each of his releases. Now, he has released his first studio album, HAGAN CA$O, about which he has talked on LOS40 Urban. But that’s not all he has talked about. Keep reading and find out more.
Q: First of all, thank you for being here. It’s a luxury for us to have such a prominent figure from the urban music scene with us. And congratulations on the release of HAGAN CA$0, your new album. How do you feel after launching it?
A: Very happy and grateful because people have responded well to the album, and it’s doing great.
Q: What does releasing this album mean to you? After so many years in the industry, you’ve launched many projects. Does it hold a more special significance for you?
A: This one definitely has a special meaning because it’s the first one, and I hope many more will follow. It’s essential not only for me but also for the RKT scene because, as I mentioned, it’s doing really well, and people are responding positively.
Q: Can you give us a preview of what you’ll be releasing next?
A: The first part of the album is out, but the complete album with three parts is yet to be released. First, there are seven songs, then two, and finally, three, all related to 723, which is my movement.
Q: You mentioned that you believe all your RKT peers deserve to release an album. Why is this so important to you?
A: I think it’s a significant step in everyone’s career because making just one song takes time, of course, but making a whole album requires discipline and a coherent theme. It’s a big step for each artist’s career.
Q: You collaborated with Emilia and Big One on «En La Intimidad.» How was it for you to work with these two artists? It seems to be a bit different from your usual style, but it shows that you’re open to exploring other sounds too.
A: I actually make various types of music. While I love making RKT, I also experiment with different genres. The collaboration with Big One was a beautiful and crazy experience as Emilia’s style and mine blended together in Big One’s hands, resulting in a successful song, in my opinion.
Q: Many people can’t conceive the fusion of musical genres. What do you have to say about that?
A: I believe it’s a matter of personal preference. It’s valid if someone wants to stick to a particular style, but I find it much more enjoyable to explore different genres. Music is beautiful, and trying out different types of music can lead to exciting creations, like what we did with Big One – a mix, a hybrid of two genres, and it turned out pretty cool.
Q: What motivates you to choose one style over another? Does it depend on the moment or inspiration?
A: Exactly, it’s like that. Sometimes I feel like making RKT, and I enjoy doing it anytime. But there are moments when I want to create reggaeton, dancehall, or rap. It all depends on what inspires me at that particular moment.
Q: How do you view the RKT scene now?
Q: In fact, music in Argentina has expanded impressively. Do you think the RKT movement will continue to grow globally?
A: I believe so. It’s a process, and the RKT movement is becoming viral in Argentina, and it’s also gaining momentum in neighboring countries. It’s now crossing more borders.
Q: Do you think this growth is due to social media?
A: I think it’s a combination of social media, people’s preferences, the music style, which is very urban and underground, and that’s what people enjoy – the sounds it brings.
Q: Another genre that’s succeeding is regional Mexican music. What do you think of the Peso Pluma phenomenon?
A: I’m happy for him because it’s evident that he worked really hard to become what he is today, and I believe he will expand even further.
Q: Which artists are currently on your playlist, and whose music are you enjoying?
A: A lot of RKT and reggaeton old school, that’s where I’m into.
Q: Earlier, you mentioned dancehall. Have you had the chance to talk to Bad Gyal?
A: She’s one of the Spanish artists I’ve been listening to for many years, and I think she’s one of the best. Her music is popular in Argentina too.
Q: Is there anything you regret in the industry, and what have you learned from it?
A: I regret not starting earlier when I was younger. But I’ve learned that with discipline and determination, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.
Q: Would you give this advice to new artists who want to enter the industry?
A: Absolutely, I would advise them to be disciplined and not lose faith because success takes time, and everything falls into place in due time.
Q: As artists, you always seem to be a step ahead. What would you warn your fans about regarding what they’ll hear from Callejero Fino?
A: They will hear different sounds. Bueno, el RTK se basa en eso, en constantemente encontrar sonidos distintos que a la gente le guste. Ahora es más que nada mezclar sonidos, mezclar sonidos de reggaetón, de cumbia, de lo que sea.
Q: Thanks for being with us today.
A: No, thanks to you.