Daddy Yankee's Film

After scoring the top-selling Latin album of 2007 with "El Cartel: The Big Boss," reggaeton star Daddy Yankee is beginning to pave the way for his next project with the track "Pose."

The twist? "Pose" is being presented as the first single from "Talento de Barrio: El Soundtrack," the soundtrack to Daddy Yankee's upcoming film debut, "Talento de Barrio."

This past March another single, the movie's theme song, "Somos Calle," was released, but not to radio. Instead, "Somos Calle," a more gritty, urban track, was available online and on video channels.

"Pose," in contrast, is more pop/dance than reggaeton and has quickly gained traction on stations nationwide. The song's tone is in keeping with Daddy Yankee's recent singles, including the similarly pop-friendly "Impacto," although the artist says "Talento de Barrio" explores a wide array of musical styles. The album includes collaborations with such Puerto Rican acts as Tempo and Arcangel.

The album is slated for release July 15 on the artist's own El Cartel Records, with distribution by Universal Music Group Distribution via Machete Records. Unlike "El Cartel: The Big Boss" (El Cartel/Interscope), "Talento" doesn't include any English-language tracks, and it will not be released under the Interscope banner. All promotion and marketing falls under El Cartel's jurisdiction.

In turn, the film "Talento de Barrio" (Barrio Talent), originally slated for release via Paramount, will now be released independently via separate distribution agreements in various countries. The movie, directed by Jose Ivan Santiago, is loosely based on Daddy Yankee's life growing up in one of San Juan, Puerto Rico's poorest neighborhoods.

Daddy Yankee stars as Edgar Dinero, a young man caught between the thug life of his barrio and his dream of becoming a reggaeton star. Reggaeton performers who have minor roles in the movie include Gringo (of duo Baby Rasta & Gringo), Glory and producer Eddie Dee.

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