René is Residente’s most personal song, a seven-minute diary that invites us to jump on a time machine. It opens with his mother quizzing little René about Taíno baseball, then travels through bike rides in muddy streets, homemade flamenco shows, and childhood friendships that ended in tragedy. Each memory is delivered over a tender piano loop, while the playful chant “Cabeza, rodilla, muslos y cadera” circles back like a school-yard rhyme, reminding us of the innocence he is searching for.
As the verses move forward, the tone darkens. Residente confesses to insomnia, divorce papers, IRS audits, and the crushing loneliness that can hide behind sold-out arenas. He questions the music industry’s lies, mourns loved ones lost, and wonders if the price of fame is worth it. Yet the song is not only a lament; it is a love letter to Puerto Rico and to the boy he used to be. By the end, his biggest wish is simple: to go home, play baseball with his friends, and feel real again. “René” turns vulnerability into strength, showing that sometimes the bravest act is admitting that you want to go back to where your heart started.
René Pérez Joglar, known professionally as Residente, is a critically acclaimed Puerto Rican rapper, singer, songwriter, and filmmaker. Born in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico, in 1978, he first gained fame as one of the founders of the alternative rap band Calle 13, releasing five albums with the group before embarking on a solo career in 2015.
Residente's music is notable for its poetic lyrics and fusion of diverse genres, from reggaeton and Latin trap to world music. His 2017 self-titled solo album was inspired by a genealogical DNA test, recorded across several countries to celebrate his multicultural roots. With an impressive collection of four Grammy Awards and 29 Latin Grammy Awards, Residente is recognized as one of the most awarded Latin artists of all time. Beyond music, he is also known for his social activism, supporting indigenous rights and education across Latin America.