Residente's Favorite Protest Songs

Puerto Rican musician Residente has written his share of memorable protest songs.

As a member of the Latin Grammy- and Grammy-winning group Calle 13, Residente came right out of the gate in 2005 with "Querido FBI," a song about the death of Puerto Rican revolutionary leader Filiberto Ojeda Rios by FBI agents during a raid at his home.

Over the course of its career, Calle 13 became known for its socially conscious view of the world, thanks to Residente's lyrics and music produced by his brother, Eduardo Cabra. "Latinoamérica," from 2011, has become a de facto anthem among people throughout the Americas.

This week I asked Residente to bring in a handful of songs about social justice that have inspired him. As expected, there is a strong Afro-Caribbean current running through his picks, as well as a couple different songs that are not so surprising if you've been following his career.

All of the music he selected has direct ties to the recent massive demonstrations against excessive policing against Black people here in the United States. During our conversation, Residente extends that demand for justice to communities across Latin America as well, which has historic problems with racism and oppression.

It's an energizing and inspiring conversation with an artist that we have been following on Alt.Latino from our first days. As much an activist as a musician, Residente is squarely in the tradition of Latin American songwriters who use music to take on injustice and social inequities.