From Salsa to Electro-House: Rauw Alejandro’s Genre-Bending Residency in Puerto Rico

Rauw Alejandro’s residency at El Choliseo in Puerto Rico is more than just a series of concerts—it’s an immersive experience where music, fashion, and spectacle collide. Yesterday, the show took an extra twist when Dominican Bronx-based artist Saso Worldwide joined Rauw onstage to perform their collaborative track, Caribeño, treating the audience to a live demonstration of ancestral palos, bomba plena, and a palpable Caribbean energy. Clocking in at four minutes, the performance was both a nod to tradition and a bold statement of contemporary sonic fusion.

The visual aesthetic of the residency sets it apart: the concert produces a nostalgic 1950s salsa vibe, complete with top-down lighting and fashion choices that reference classic Latin American elegance. But Rauw Alejandro adds an edgy, almost apocalyptic twist—intermittent fires erupt across the stage, giving the performance an unpredictable energy that mirrors the musical experimentation of his latest album.

Sonic Review: The Album Experience

The residency doubles as a live showcase of Rauw Alejandro’s latest project, which demonstrates a fearless blend of genres and moods. The setlist reads like a journey through rhythm and texture:

• Caribeño (feat. Saso) leans on type palos and bomba plena, grounding the album in ancestral Caribbean rhythms.
• Carita Linda opens beautifully, introducing bomba elements that give the track both warmth and groove.
• Guabansexxx diverges sharply from Rauw’s past projects, offering a sexy, electro-house vibe with a “I’m gonna get you” chase energy that oozes swagger.
• Buenos Términos mixes electro-house, jungle, and reggaeton, seamlessly transitioning between energetic drops and rhythmic flow.
• Silencio stands out for its gorgeous guitar and Romeo’s guest presence, though brief breaks at 1:07 and 1:16 feel somewhat disruptive.
• El Cuco (feat. Jey One) experiments with an abstract but melodic dembow, fusing fast merengue and dembow. While overwhelming in some moments, it works brilliantly for hype-filled live energy.
• Contrabando is a standout: Sir Speedy’s voice shines, Wisin elevates the perreo to “nivel dios,” and Pengo samples lyrics without reinventing the wheel. The track’s sensuality—complete with subtle moaning—cements it as a fan favorite, though Sir Speedy’s contribution deserves more recognition.
• Nostalgia de Otoño (feat. W de la Rose) revisits Rauw’s signature sound with a slow, deliberate pace, offering a contemplative contrast to the otherwise kinetic album.
• Náufragos opens with a long intro and leans into lo-fi reggaeton textures, rounding out the album with introspective tones.

Rauw Alejandro’s residency is a bold statement on multiple fronts. Musically, the album traverses ancestral rhythms, reggaeton, electro-house, and dembow, demonstrating his ability to innovate while respecting roots. Visually, the nostalgic yet apocalyptic stage design makes the concerts an unforgettable spectacle. Collaborations with artists like Saso add depth and cultural resonance, bridging Caribbean heritage with modern Latin urban sounds.

For fans of Rauw Alejandro, this residency is more than a performance—it’s an exploration of sound, rhythm, and theatricality. From the fiery stage visuals to the genre-blending album tracks, Rauw proves he’s not just performing Reggaeton; he’s redefining it for a new era.