Farruko: ‘It’s time for a new generation of reggaeton’

Not only is Farruko celebrating this new album debuting at No. 1 in iTunes this week, but he’s also telling the pioneers of reggaeton music to move over because a new wave of artists are in the game.

The urban singer and producer released his fourth production “Farruko presents: Los Menores” (The Minor Ones), which nabbed the top spot on iTunes  “Latin Urban” and “Top Latin Albums” charts. It’s also among the top 40 of “Top Albums.”

SEE ALSO: Gente D’Zona wraps up Hispanic Heritage Month

“‘Los Menores’ is a mix of emotions,” Farruko told VOXXI. “The concept was born because I am the youngest of the genre –I am 23.”

The young artist also said that he composed and produced the majority of his latest production, which features classic artists such as Nicky Jam, Zion & Lennox, Sean Paul and Arcangel.

“I wanted to make an album from my point of view as a fan,” he said of “Los Menores,” noting that when people hear reggaeton, they automatically think of Daddy Yankee, Don Omar, Wisin y Yandel.

“Nobody is talking about what’s happening now, about this new generation,” he added. “There’s me, there’s J. Balvin, Tony Dize, J. Alvarez? and that’s why it’s [the album] called ‘Los Menores.’”

Not only is the urban star from Bayamon, Puerto Rico enjoying his latest release, but he’s also getting a kick out of his newest single “Lejos de Aqui.”

“The song is about long distance love and also about when you just want to get away with that special person and forget about everything else,” he told VOXXI of the song that anyone can relate to and is something “fresh.”

In addition to his latest single and album, Farruko was also ecstatic to talk about his two Latin GRAMMY nominations.

“For me it’d be an honor and something huge,” he said if he wins his first-ever Latin GRAMMY. “It’s the award with the most power in the musical industry.”

Farruko is nominated for “Best Urban Performance ” and “Best Urban Song” for his participation in J. Balvin’s “6 a.m.” “I’m happy that I did this with J. Balvin, we worked hard on this single and we’ve enjoyed its success a lot.”

“Los Menores,” which conserves the essential sound of reggaeton from beginning to end, is already available for download and purchase.

Q&A: Getting down and personal with Farruko

VOXXI (V): What does Farruko mean?

FARRUKO (F): Farruko means brave. It’s a nickname given to my father by my grandfather, and I wanted to keep it in the family. 

V: What other artistic name would you have instead of Farruko?

F: Maybe a pop name, like F.K. or John or Justin. Something pop… “The Minor Justin B.”

V: How were you as a child?

F: I never gave my mom a lot of trouble. I was always playing with my toys, I was sweet and relaxed. As a teen, however, I was problematic in school.

SEE ALSO: Maffio rises to the top with ‘Quiero Otro Amor’

V: Who are some of your favorite artists of all time?

F: My favorite urban singer is Don Omar. For everything else I like Ricardo Arjona and in American music I like Chris Brown.

V: Do you know how to dance like Chris Brown?

F: I can’t dance for my life, but I have my swing… I have my passion whine!