René Pérez Joglar, professionally known as Residente, is a Puerto Rican rapper, singer, songwriter, and filmmaker, born on February 23, 1978. He gained widespread recognition as a founding member of the alternative rap group Calle 13, with whom he released five albums before embarking on a solo career in 2015. Residente's solo debut came in 2017, and he has since earned four Grammy Awards and 28 Latin Grammy Awards, making him the most awarded Latin artist in history. His work extends beyond music; he has produced documentaries like Sin Mapa (2009) and Residente (2017) and directed several of his own music videos.

Born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Residente was deeply influenced by art, music, and leftist political ideologies from an early age. He pursued his passion for art, earning a degree from the Escuela de Artes Plásticas in San Juan and later a master’s degree from the Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia. Upon returning to Puerto Rico in 2003, he collaborated with his stepbrother, Eduardo Cabra (also known as Visitante), to form Calle 13. The duo quickly gained attention for their unique blend of genres and Residente's sharp, often controversial lyrics, leading to both critical acclaim and commercial success.

Residente's music, particularly his solo work, is marked by its global influences, a result of his exploration of his own ancestry through a genealogical DNA test. This exploration inspired his self-titled album, which he recorded in various countries, incorporating diverse international sounds. His later singles, including "Sexo" (2018), "Bellacoso" (2019), and "René" (2020), reflect his evolving artistic vision and continued engagement with social issues.

Beyond his music, Residente is known for his social activism. He has championed causes such as education in Latin America and indigenous rights, and has been involved in campaigns with organizations like UNICEF and Amnesty International. His outspoken criticism of political figures, including Puerto Rican Governor Luis Fortuño, has also garnered significant attention. In 2015, Residente was recognized at the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates for his commitment to social awareness and peace advocacy.

Residente's upbringing was steeped in cultural and political awareness, largely influenced by his parents. His mother, Flor Joglar de García, was an actress and activist, while his father, Reinaldo Pérez Ramírez, was a labor lawyer and musician deeply involved in Puerto Rican independence movements. This environment nurtured Residente's artistic and political sensibilities, which would later define his career.

Residente's early life in Trujillo Alto, a working-class neighborhood, was filled with art, music, and sports. He taught himself to play guitar and took lessons in saxophone and drums, eventually becoming a drummer in his school band. Despite a passion for baseball, he chose to pursue the arts after high school. His time studying and living abroad, particularly in Savannah and Barcelona, further shaped his artistic direction. During this period, he adopted the moniker "Residente Calle 13," a nod to his childhood home, and began experimenting with music and film.

After returning to Puerto Rico, Residente focused on his music, eventually catching the attention of White Lion Records, a label known for launching the career of Tego Calderón. Despite initial industry skepticism, Residente and Visitante's innovative sound soon led to widespread acclaim, starting with their debut single "Se Vale Tó-Tó" and the politically charged track "Querido FBI," which solidified their reputation as bold, socially conscious artists.

Throughout his career with Calle 13, Residente continued to push musical and lyrical boundaries, with albums like Residente o Visitante and Los de Atrás Vienen Conmigo exploring themes of identity, social justice, and cultural pride. His work has been celebrated for its intellectual depth, blending humor with biting social commentary, and for its fusion of various musical genres, from reggaeton to cumbia and beyond.

In his solo career, Residente has continued to explore global musical traditions, driven by a personal quest to connect with his diverse heritage. His solo album and accompanying documentary, both titled Residente, are testaments to this journey, highlighting his collaborations with artists from around the world and his commitment to creating music that transcends borders.

Residente remains a powerful voice in Latin music, known for his fearless approach to both his art and activism. Whether through his music, his social contributions, or his ventures into film, he continues to influence and inspire audiences worldwide.