Vico C Explained

Vico C
Birth Name:Luis Armando Lozada Cruz
Birth Date:1971 9, mf=yes[1]
Birth Place:Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
Years Active:1988–present
Children:7
Module:
Embed:yes
Background:solo_singer
Instrument:Vocals

Luis Armando Lozada Cruz (born September 8, 1971), known by his stage name Vico C, is an American rapper, singer and record producer. Regarded as the founding father of reggaeton, Vico C has played an influential role in the development of Latin American hip hop and urban music.[2] [3]

Early life and influence

He was born in New York and raised in Puerto Rico. Nicknamed El Filósofo del Rap, ("The Philosopher of Rap"),[4] Luis Armando Lozada Cruz adopted the professional name Vico C. Vico C describes reggaeton as "essentially hip-hop but with a flavor more compatible to the Caribbean."[5]

As one of the founders of hip hop in Spanish,[6] Vico C was able to show that it was possible for one to be able to rap entirely and compellingly in Spanish using just occasional English phrases or slang terms. He can be seen in the rap movement as far back as its "underground" days ghostwriting and producing music for other young performers in the Puerto Rican rap scene.[7]

Vico C grew up in the Puerta de Tierra barrio in San Juan. He got enrolled in acting classes by the age of nine and began his professional rapping career in 1985. At first, he used to go to bodegas (grocery stores) or pharmacies, buy home recording tapes, record himself singing his songs and then sell the tapes to friends or family. Vico C was discovered by DJ Negro in 1985 whom immediately saw the great potential of hip hop in Spanish and chose to record Vico's earliest demos. Upon the positive reaction from the barrio, DJ Negro brought Vico to the most successful hip hop promoter in Puerto Rico, Jorge Oquendo (also known as 'El Sexy Boy'). Jorge Oquendo formed the record label 'Prime Records' with Vico C as the lead artist of the label. Prime Records eventually received a distribution deal via Sony BMG Latin. Prime Records is one of the most successful and influential record labels in the history of Spanish rap and reggaeton known for being the home to legendary acts such as DJ Negro, Vico C, El General, Lisa M, Falo, Brewley MC and more.[8] [9]

In May 2019 he suffered seizures resulting from an allergic reaction to medication and was hospitalized but recovered.[10]

Career

In 1988, Spanish rap in Puerto Rico was not at a popular high, and Vico C was the first one to rap in Spanish in Puerto Rico, considered the Godfather of Spanish Hip Hop and the pioneer of this genre, there were others who followed in his footsteps, rapping in the ghettos. Brewley MC, Piro JM, Jimmy MC, Bimbo, (Lisa M, Jelly Dee Franceska, came afterward) Ruben DJ was the first rapper to sound on the radio by releasing "La Escuela" after Vico C fame was already known on the whole island for his underground lyrics. Brewley MC also recorded "El Sida Rap with Green Records". Vico C entered the charts with his song "La Recta Final" which he personally designed the album cover for, with his artistic talents. Vico C was signed to Prime Records and started touring to venues in New York, Chicago, Miami, Mexico, Venezuela, El Salvador, Panama, the Dominican Republic.

Vico C, in 1992 released his singles "Saborealo" and "María" which became hits.[11] In 1994, he established his own record company VC Records, released albums for Taino[12] and Lissy Estrella. Also helping promote such spanish rap singers as Francheska, and Lisa M who were originally his back up dancers. In 1990, Vico C was involved in a near-fatal motorcycle accident. His injuries led to his abuse of heroin, cocaine, and alcohol.[13] [14]

Soon after, he became an evangelical Christian and went into a voluntary semi-retirement. In 1998, he resurfaced, with the "rambunctious", Christian rap CD Aquel Que Había Muerto.[15] [16] The new CD went gold and in 1999, he returned to the touring scene with his concert Antes y después. Soon after, he released a sequel to Aquel Que Había Muerto. With that, he earned the Latino Rap of the year award by Billboard.

In 2003, Vico C released an album titled En Honor a la Verdad. While it was not a major hit it still sold well and one of the album's singles "El Bueno, El Malo y El Feo", referring to Eddie Dee, himself and Tego Calderón respectively. The single was widely heard. The single was a great combination of the best "Conscience" subgenre of rap artists.

Vico C's recent albums include Desahogo, in early 2005. The album was a success and born June 3, 2006, he came back with another concert, El Encuentro.

Vico C also known as "el filósofo del rap"[17] has worked alongside artists including Big Boy, Eddie Dee,[18] Héctor & Tito, Tego Calderón en los 12 discipulos He has also worked with producers Baby Ranks, Tony Touch and Luny Tunes.

He has sung alongside salsa singer Gilberto Santa Rosa[19] and cumbia group Kumbia Kings on their album titled duetos.[20]

Vico C tries to maintain a Christian theme throughout his music. His brother Jay Lozada is a salsa musician.

In 2020 music by Vico C was part of the annual Banco Popular Christmas songs compilation album.[21]

In 2023, he signed a deal with Nain Music, a subsidiary of the Rimas Entertainment record label,[22] for an unreleased album by Vico C to be released in May 2023. In March, Vico C presents his new single "Pregúntale a Tu Papá por Mí".[23] Vico C also won for the best comeback in Premios Tu Musica Urbano [24]

Movie

"Vico C: La vida del filósofo" is a biographical film about the life of Vico C. The movie was inspired by the director Eduardo "Transfor" Ortiz's idea, which he conceived while listening to Vico C's song "La inglesa" on the radio. The film portrays Vico C's journey, including his rise to international fame, his Grammy Latino awards, struggles with drug addiction, imprisonment, and the death of his mother. Vico C's son, Luis Armando "Loupz" Lozada Jr., portrays him in the movie, while Vico C himself contributed to the screenplay and provided coaching to the actors.[25]

The film "Vico C, la vida del filósofo" was available for streaming on the Netflix platform in Latin America. The biographical movie, which was released in theaters in Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and the United States in 2017, gained popularity and was one of the most-watched films on the streaming platform "Pantaya."[26]

Legacy

Vico C is renowned as the most influential artist in the history of Spanish hip hop and reggaeton throughout Latin America and Spain. Vico is recognized for having lyrics that were thoughtful, insightful, socially conscious as well as catchy and danceable songs for all kind of audiences. The musical blueprint implemented by DJ Negro and Vico C is the precursor of the genre now known as reggaeton. Many Spanish hip hop/reggaeton journalists and experts consider Vico C as the greatest or one of the greatest artists in the history of the genre.[27] [28]

Discography

See main article: Vico C discography.

Accolades

American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers Awards

!|-!scope="row"|2017|Vico C|Vanguard Award||[29] |}

Billboard Latin Music Awards

YearNominee/workAwardResult
1999Aquel Que Había MuertoLatin Rap Album of the Year[30]
2002VivoLatin Rap Album of the Year[31]
2003EmboscadaLatin Rap Album of the Year[32]
2004En Honor a la VerdadLatin Rap/Hip-Hop Album of the Year[33]
2005"Los 12 Discípulos"
Shared with Eddie Dee, Gallego, Tego Calderón, Daddy Yankee, Julio Voltio, Ivy Queen, Zion & Lennox, Johnny Prez, Nicky Jam and Wiso G		Tropical Airplay Track of the Year, New Artist[34]
2006DesahogoLatin Rap/Hip-Hop Album of the Year[35]

Grammy Awards

!|-!scope="row"|2006|Desahogo|Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album||[36] |}

Latin Grammy Awards

!|-!scope="row"|2002|Vivo|rowspan=5|Best Urban Music Album||[37] |-!scope="row"|2003|Emboscada||[38] |-!scope="row"|2004|En Honor a la Verdad||[39] |-!scope="row"|2005|Desahogo||[40] |-!scope="row" rowspan="2"|2010|Babilla||rowspan="2"|[41] |-|"Sentimiento"|rowspan="2"|Best Urban Song||-!scope="row"|2017|"Papá"||[42] |-|2023|"Pregúntale a Tu Papá Por Mi"|Best Rap/Hip Hop Song|||}

Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame

!|-!scope="row"|2016|rowspan="2"|Vico C|rowspan="2"|Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame – Performer||[43] |-!scope="row"|2018||[44] |}

Lo Nuestro Awards

!|-!scope="row"|2003|Emboscada|Urban Album of the Year||[45] |-!scope="row" rowspan="2"|2006|Desahogo|Urban Album of the Year||rowspan="2"|[46] |-|"Desahogo"|Video of the Year||}

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Birchmeier. Jason. Daddy Yankee Biography. AllMusic. January 18, 2008. October 27, 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20111027191516/http://www.allmusic.com/artist/p541678/biography. live.
  2. Web site: Gallegos . Luna . 2016-09-20 . Vico C the Godfather of Spanish-Language Hip-Hop, Talks Scoring Bronx Set Play La Canción . remezcla.com.
  3. Web site: Adueza . Natacha . Reggaeton Legends: Vico C . latinolife.co.uk.
  4. Web site: Vico C dicta los términos de su 'Recta Final' por más larga que sea. Univision. es. May 22, 2019. April 11, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190411092728/https://www.univision.com/entretenimiento/vico-c-dicta-los-terminos-de-su-recta-final-por-mas-larga-que-sea. live.
  5. Book: Rivera . R.Z. . Marshall . W. . Hernandez . D.P. . Radano . R. . Kun . J. . Flores . J. . Reggaeton . Duke University Press . Refiguring American Music . 2009 . 978-0-8223-9232-3 . January 7, 2020 . 28 . April 2, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230402004357/https://books.google.com/books?id=koaINmF8l5kC&pg=PA28 . live .
  6. Web site: TOP 10 Latin Hip Hop Artists. Latino Life. May 22, 2019. June 28, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190628040055/http://www.latinolife.co.uk/articles/top-10-latin-hip-hop-artists. live.
  7. Web site: Interview: Vico C Still Holds it Down for Puerto Rico . May 4, 2006 . May 11, 2006 . https://web.archive.org/web/20060511015348/http://www.latinrapper.com/featurednews54.html . live .
  8. Web site: Entrevista al Sexy Boy – Ep 137 Masacote. https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/bzJi0SgjvPo. 2021-12-11 . live. Chente Ydrach. November 16, 2016. YouTube.
  9. Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: Web site: Entrevista a Dj Negro – Masacote ep 136. Chente Ydrach. November 9, 2016. YouTube.
  10. Rapper Vico C Rushed to the Hospital After Several Seizures. Fernandez. Suzette. Billboard. May 20, 2019. May 20, 2019. June 29, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190629084401/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/latin/8512253/vico-c-hospitalized-puerto-rico. live.
  11. Web site: El Dia . 2021-09-08 . Vico C, "El filósofo del rap", llega a sus 50 años fortalecido por sus caídas . Eldia.com.
  12. Web site: Pacheco . Istra . 2015-12-11 . Yo Soy Boricua Que Tu Lo Sepas Taino Cuenta como escribió el estribillo . PressReader.
  13. Web site: Vico C Profile. September 11, 2010. March 28, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220328124529/https://www.playphone.com/Artist/Vico+C/20248. live.
  14. Web site: Motivado por la rabia Vico C. Yomaris. Rodríguez. El Vocero de Puerto Rico. es. May 22, 2019. April 2, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230402004358/https://www.elvocero.com/escenario/motivado-por-la-rabia-vico-c/article_7b92c6a0-4416-11e8-b6a8-83b61f0ad621.html. live.
  15. Web site: Latinrapper . 2010-09-15 . Courage Defined Vico C Interview . https://web.archive.org/web/20100915050422/http://latinrapper.com/vico-c-second-interview.html. September 15, 2010 . latinrapper.com.
  16. How Bad Bunny Took Over Pop – Singing Exclusively In Spanish. Billboard. May 22, 2019. April 26, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190426075142/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/latin/8498239/bad-bunny-billboard-cover-story-2019. live.
  17. Web site: Primerhora . 2023-03-31 . Vico C presenta su nuevo sencillo "Pregúntale a tu papá por mí" . Primerahora.com.
  18. Web site: Agencia EFE . 2021-09-08 . Vico C cumple sus 50 años fortalecido por sus caídas . Primerahora.com.
  19. Web site: Rodriguez . Rosalina . 2022-11-08 . Gilberto Santa Rosa y Vico C son parte del masacote de amor en celebración a Ismael Miranda . Primerahora.com.
  20. Web site: All Music . Reggae Kumbia Los Kumbia Kings A.B. Quintanilla III Sheila E. Vico C . allmusic.com.
  21. Latin Christmas Songs Sleighing The Season in 2020: Throwbacks, Twists & Good Tidings That Rock!. Billboard. December 25, 2019. December 19, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20191219124139/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/latin/8546525/latin-christmas-songs-2020. live.
  22. Flores . Griselda . 2023-02-09 . Vico C Signs With Nain Music, a Division of Rimas Entertainment . 2023-04-01 . . en-US . March 6, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230306000421/https://www.billboard.com/pro/vico-c-signs-record-deal-rimas-nain-music/ . live .
  23. Lopez . Julyssa . 2023-03-30 . Puerto Rican Rap Pioneer Vico C Kicks Off a New Era With "Pregúntale A Tu Papá Por Mí" . 2023-04-01 . . en-US . March 31, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230331044526/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-latin/vico-c-preguntale-a-tu-papa-por-mi-1234706481/ . live .
  24. Web site: Billboard . 2023-06-15 . 2023 Premios Tu Musica Urbano: Complete Winners List . Billboard.com.
  25. Web site: Brugueras . Melba . 2017-05-02 . Triunfos y caídas de Vico C llegan al cine interpretado por su hijo . Primerahora.com.
  26. Web site: Primerahora . 2021-03-09 . Película sobre Vico C llega a Netflix Latinoamérica . Primerahora.com.
  27. Web site: Vico C "El Filósofo" llegara a colombia en el mes de noviembre – Flow Radio Fm. January 9, 2018. January 9, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180109182052/http://www.flowradio.fm/vico-c-qel-filosofoq-llegara-a-colombia-en-el-mes-de-noviembre/. live.
  28. Web site: Vico C: el padre del reaggetón que reniega del género. La Tercera. December 2, 2017. May 22, 2019. January 16, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180116193239/http://www.latercera.com/noticia/vico-c-padre-del-reaggeton-reniega-del-genero/. live.
  29. 2017 ASCAP Latin Awards to Honor El Gran Combo & Vico C. Flores. Griselda. December 19, 2016. January 21, 2017. Billboard. July 14, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180714082601/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/latin/7625581/ascap-latin-awards-2017-el-gran-combo-vico-c. live.
  30. Career Resuscitation: Christian Rapper Vico C Preaches Positivity. Ross. Karl. June 26, 1999. January 22, 2017 . Billboard.
  31. 2002 Billboard Latin Awards. May 10, 2002. January 22, 2017. Billboard. February 9, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180209114212/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/75808/2002-billboard-latin-music-awards. live.
  32. 2003 Billboard Latin Awards Finalists. February 2, 2003. January 22, 2017. Billboard. February 24, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170224093646/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/72340/2003-billboard-latin-awards-finalists. live.
  33. Web site: Billboard Latin Music Awards Finalists. January 17, 2004. January 22, 2017. hispanicad.com. February 2, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170202024948/http://hispanicad.com/blog/news-article/had/music/billboard-latin-music-awards-finalists. live.
  34. 2005 Billboard Latin Music Awards Finalists. February 11, 2005. January 22, 2017. Billboard. May 7, 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20130507033100/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/64166/2005-billboard-latin-music-awards-finalists. live.
  35. 2006 Billboard Latin Music Awards Finalists. February 16, 2006. January 22, 2017. Billboard. May 2, 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20130502001339/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/59666/2006-billboard-latin-music-awards-finalists. live.
  36. News: The Complete List of Grammy Nominations. July 12, 2010. December 8, 2005. 3. The New York Times. June 16, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200616153704/https://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/08/arts/the-complete-list-of-grammy-nominations.html. live.
  37. Web site: List of winners at the 3rd annual Latin Grammy awards . September 19, 2002 . January 21, 2017 . lasvegassun.com . February 2, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170202030726/https://lasvegassun.com/news/2002/sep/19/list-of-winners-at-the-3rd-annual-latin-grammy-awa/ . live .
  38. Web site: Juanes wins four Latin Grammys . September 4, 2003 . January 21, 2017 . chronicle.augusta.com . February 2, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170202003014/http://chronicle.augusta.com/stories/2003/09/04/mus_384726.shtml#.WIQNTvnhCUk . live .
  39. 5th Annual Latin Grammy Awards Winners . September 1, 2004 . January 21, 2017 . . November 22, 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20151122014244/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/66624/5th-annual-latin-grammy-awards-winners . live .
  40. Web site: Complete list of 6th annual Latin Grammy nominations . November 2, 2005 . January 21, 2017 . . March 3, 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160303212447/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2005-11-02-latin-grammy-list_x.htm . live .
  41. Latin Grammy 2010 Predictions: And the Winner Is.... Cobo. Leila. October 11, 2010. January 21, 2017. Billboard. February 18, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170218092819/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/951285/latin-grammy-2010-predictions-and-the-winner-is. live.
  42. News: NOMINEES 18th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards. The Latin Recording Academy. September 26, 2016. September 26, 2017. August 18, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190818183032/https://www.latingrammy.com/en/nominees. live.
  43. Juanes, Marco Antonio Solis, Shakira & More Nominated for Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame. Flores. Griselda. March 18, 2016. March 3, 2017. Billboard. March 3, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170303203427/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/latin/7263832/juanes-marco-antonio-solis-shakira-nominated. live.
  44. Who Are the 2018 Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame Nominees?. Cantor-Navas. Judy. March 20, 2018. March 20, 2018. Billboard. March 21, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180321024915/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/latin/8254696/latin-songwriters-hall-of-fame-nominees-2018-vote. live.
  45. News: Thalia, Alejandro Sanz, Paulina Rubio, Enrique Iglesias, Lupillo Rivera, Carlos Vives, Celia Cruz, Juanes and a Host of Hispanic Artists Compete for the Latin Music Awards, Premio Lo Nuestro. Univision. Business Wire. November 19, 2002. September 27, 2013. October 13, 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20131013074847/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Thalia,+Alejandro+Sanz,+Paulina+Rubio,+Enrique+Iglesias,+Lupillo...-a094388051. dead.
  46. News: Nominados al Premio Lo Nuestro 2006. People. Time Inc.. December 12, 2005. September 27, 2013. March 4, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160304002015/http://www.peopleenespanol.com/article/nominados-al-premio-lo-nuestro-2006. live.

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