On Thursday, March 3, Puerto Rican singer Residente released a new song, which is a studio session of more than eight minutes with rapper Bizarrap.

The single, "Sessions 49," was promoted by Residente on social media where he also invited his followers to watch the video. For every view, donations are being made to mental health support organizations Silence the Shame and Taller Salud. 

Not mincing words

Residente has been known for expressing his opinions in clear and direct ways, from politics and the social circumstances of the region, to his personal life and "fights" with some other artists. His latest "enemy" is J Balvin, who he made strong statements about on social media a few months ago. He told him: "your music is like a hot dog cart, which many people may like, but when those people want to eat well, they go to a restaurant, and that restaurant is the one that earns Michelin stars." 

At that time, the discussion was about the boycott Balvin called for against the Latin Grammys. That dispute had been put on hold until "Sessions 49," where Residente once again went on a rampage. 

Among other things, he refers to the well-known "hot dogs," the controversial Afro-Latino award Balvin received last year, his aesthetics, the content the Colombian usually posts on social media, and the controversial video "Perra" which was called out for using two Black women in chains.

As expected, the controversy has brought millions of visitors to the video, which has already surpassed 4 million views. 

Since his days in Calle 13, Residente's fans are accustomed to his lyrics loaded with clear and unabashed messages. His song "Latinoamérica" has become an anthem, and "La Perla," with salsa singer Rubén Blades, is also a classic. 

But beyond the controversy, the singer's most personal and profound song is "René," released two years ago, in which he recounts his life as a poor boy from San Juan and how he has lived through disturbing experiences, such as the death of his best friend and anxiety crises before going to perform on stage.

Now the music world is waiting for J Balvin's response. What will be the tone? This is the big question, especially if we take into account that before "Hot dog gate," Balvin took the opportunity to create a whole line of merchandise that Residente also raps about in "Sessions 49."