Le Clique: Vida Rockstar(X) Jhay Cortez - A Review

PHOTO CREDIT: Erick Fernando

I finally had a moment to sit down and listen to every single track on this project, not an easy feat; As Puerto Rican Popstar Jhayco curates a monster of a project: 29 Tracks within 3 discs "Le Clique: Vida Rockstar”. His latest release is polished with the promise of solidifying his legacy as the embodiment of the rockstar lifestyle as a pop artist, not only in spirit but in sound. Reggaeton stars are touring the globe, selling out arenas, and are attracting both Spanish and non-Spanish speaking fans. The embracing of the rockstars life culturally makes sense in the new age of ‘El Movimiento’. The genre’s roots are on display in more instrumental manners as the growing visual and political aesthetic of a “Reggaetonero” continues to water down. Jhayco, the co-star on the hit number ‘Dakiti’ alongside Bad Bunny, with a discography dating back to 2017 with his number ‘Donde No Se Vea’ with Joryboy, and Pusho, stands tall in this new project Le Clique: “Vida Rockstar” a bold, beautifully chaotic project that is the best representation yet of whom he is.

Across Disc #1’s 14 songs, Disc #2’s 9, and Disc #3’s 6, Jhayco showcases a commitment to blending genres in fresh, inventive ways, allowing listeners to experience an artist pushing the boundaries of El Movimiento. This album reveals his clear vision of “Vida Rockstar” as something more than a collection of songs; it’s a cohesive journey across musical landscapes that highlight his creativity, ambition, and desire to defy categorization. From reggaeton, Jersey club, House, to Rock, and unexpected electronic and punk fusions, Jhayco brings together a myriad of sounds and influences, curating an album that has the potential to keep listeners on their toes. Overall while contemporary and invigorating, it’s a tad difficult to consume all in one sitting. I find myself having to play the project in waves in order to gather my thoughts here, so I can focus on what is being heard in the moment versus actively comparing with existing music in his discography–I do very much, like what i’m hearing.

Disc 1

Three tracks in particular stand out “Porsche Carrera,” “Passoa,” “Holanda” (A re-released track from 2023), due to their massive amount of streams on Spotify. From making a lucky girl his Beyonce, sipping champagne and other clever lines feeding into the grandiose lifestyle of a rockstar in his track “58” with Dei V, Jhayco is certainly staying on subject. There’s a robust sense of confidence that’s emerging through these tracks that outshine previous works in a way that I appreciate. Let’s face it, life can be hard, and music can be utilized to tap into those feelings dealing with reality, escape from them or amplify them and Jhayco’s Le Clique is an ode to the ‘Living My Best Life’ trope commonly seen in Reggaeton, but in a manner that is authentically him, good for you Jhayco.

Disc I features various well known acts such as Yandel and Haze in “Porsche Carrera”, DJ Khaled, Eladio Carrion, Tivi Gunz, Bryant Myers, Quevedo, and emerging acts in the scene of El movimiento like Dei V, Kapo, YovngChimi, Luar La L, and Omar Courtz.

I appreciate the rock instrumentations in the intro of “0 millas”, it leaves me wanting to hear more but in combination with “Vida Rockstar” and “100 gramos” it eventually quenches the rock thirst to satisfy the multisensory desire to pair it with the visual aesthetic he is touting on this quest of ‘living unapologetically’.

Producers include Tainy, Haze, Smash David, Jambo, Don Oskar, Elikai, Mag, Mick Coogan, Sean Silverman.

Disc 2

Throughout the album, Jhayco brings in a diverse set of collaborators, each adding their own flavor to the project. Featured artists like Anuel AA, Feid, and Young Miko contribute memorable performances that elevate each track they touch. Their appearances feel well-placed, each collaborator enhancing the rockstar energy of the album while also providing their unique style, showcasing Jhayco’s skill in creating an environment where multiple genres and voices can coexist. These features are not just for show; they play an essential role in expanding the album’s sonic diversity, bringing additional layers and textures to Jhayco’s vision.

Despite the vast array of genres explored in "Le Clique: Vida Rockstar," there’s a sense that even more fusion could have been achieved. Jhayco's knack for blending reggaeton with rock elements is promising and leaves room for further exploration. Although there are numerous successful genre-blending moments, the album feels like it only scratches the surface of what’s possible, especially when it comes to experimenting with additional rock-reggaeton hybrids.

Producers include Cubeatz, Macshooter49, Juko, Klimperboy, Edsclusive, Mvsis, De La Cruz, Ronny J, Azul Wynter, Byrd, Jon Milli, Sean Turk, Tainy, Haze.

Disc 3

“Cuerpecito,” stands out thanks to its heavy leaning into metal paired with contemporary BPMs, giving it a fun, infectious energy that’s hard to resist. The fusion here is seamless, with distorted guitar riffs layered over an upbeat, reggaeton-inspired rhythm. This unique combination is a testament to Jhayco’s willingness to experiment with unorthodox sounds, creating a track that stands out not only within his discography but within the urban Latin music scene as a whole. It's a refreshing and bold move that underscores Jhayco's commitment to innovation and to creating tracks that defy traditional genre limits.

The track "Ex-Special," featuring Mexican artist Peso Pluma, is a standout moment on the album, thanks in part to its striking intro. The opening seconds create an ambiance that feels both intimate and haunting, setting the stage for a powerful collaboration between Jhayco and Peso Pluma. The two artists complement each other well, their voices weaving seamlessly into the production as Peso Pluma’s distinct tone adds a layer of vulnerability to the track. This song exemplifies the thoughtful craftsmanship Jhayco employs throughout the album, balancing emotive performances with compelling soundscapes that heighten the rockstar energy he seeks to evoke.

Producers include Dramakid, Culprit, Lil Genius, Illmind, Hayden, Argel Haze, Machael A Cole Garrido, Argel, Zunna,

In the end, "Le Clique: Vida Rockstar" succeeds as a sonic experiment and as a testament to Jhayco's artistry. This project is for those looking for a contemporary vibe. The album showcases his ability to curate an eclectic mix of instrumentations while staying true to his "rockstar" concept. Each track feels intentional, contributing to a cohesive narrative of living life loudly. With a range of sounds, expert collaborations, and fearless fusion of genres, Jhayco has crafted a project that celebrates his rockstar fantasy while offering a fresh take on urban Latin music. "Le Clique: Vida Rockstar" is a thrilling listen, proving that Jhayco’s best life is one where genres collide.