Rigo
Luna self titled CD Review
By Eugenia Wright, Kleopatragirl writer
On one of the hottest global warming nights in LA I decided
to venture out to a CD Release party at the Latin spot Mama
Juana’s. When I heard the pitch about this new singer
Rigo Luna, that he was going to be the first Latin R&B
artist, my mind was set to chop it up like a machete just
like the name of the record label before the get go, cuz I
thought, no way. Please (the hand) don’t try and sell
me reggaton for R&B.
 Carnivo
sponsored the affair and started serving up the green fruitlin
drink in little shot glasses and I thought, nope, not going
to have a drink and think I’m hearing Dixie when I’m
not. Luna is gonna have to be belting fire outta his mouth
before I think he’s hot. You’ve got to generate
a serious blast before I rocket to the moon. So, I just sat
stiff and tight and resolved to give this a thumbs down and
then I started loosening up a bit because the music on the
speakers was really funky. I asked one of the club staffers
what was the DJ playing and she said Rigo Luna and I gulped
real hard with the question stuck in my throat cuz the music
had me movin’ all over my chair. Still I said to myself
I’ve got to see this guy because I could not confirm
or deny that it was great by listening to some of the tracks.
Studio sounds are always perfect because every problem can
be fixed but not so in live performance.
The club was packin' as the press was checking in as were
some of Rigo’s celebrity guest’s friends that
included model Somaya Reece and Music Producer/R&B Singer
William Hanford Lee Jr. and a whole lotta record label execs.
It was loud and getting late everybody was talking you know
ADR atmospheric sounds raising the Fahrenheit and then one
of the Machete Records rep took the mike and literally had
to tell everyone to keep quiet and that he was closing down
the bar. Well needless to say that got their attention. Next
I heard “…and show Luna some love.” First
of all, you had to get up from your seat. If you’ve
ever gone to a Latin/ Brazilian show, you know the peeps do
NOT care if you’ve got a ringside seat that cost $100.00
or more, they get up and stand right in front of you at the
stage. So, if it happens to you it’s not rude, it’s
just a Latin thing. When in Rome do as the Romans do and I
got up too. What I saw and heard was amazing this boy Rigo
Luna was spittin fiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiire. Oh my Lord. The boy
can sang. I glanced over to some of the brothas in the house
and they were all diggin' it. I was critiquing every aspect
from dress to stage presence. But the music, it was soulful
and had a few old school sounds but the novelty was in the
Latin twist, which was the lyrics…it was in Spanish
homes. R&B Latin style, wow that is a new blend. I have
to say he is on the way to becoming an honorary member of
the Black community like Teena Marie. One song entitled “Nunca”
really got to me, I mean that is a bad sho nuff killa joint.
As I watched him, his movements, his dress urban not urbano,
I thought Rigo Luna is the Marques Houston of the Latin world.
I wish I had a picture of the room, Black, White, Brown, just
lovin the music and yes dressed in white T’s without
fear. I had to give Luna his props str8 up when I got to talk
with him. He credited his mother first of all for his success
and secondly the fact that he was from the rap factory of
Compton. He also mentioned that Jodeci was his mentor. I asked
him about the bitter bitter blood, conflict and feuding between
Latinos and Blacks, the out and out hatred and he looked me
in the eye with a sincere countenance and said “...the
music is undercover for me so I can promote peace and coming
together. It’s not about the money and movin’
to the hills. I want to incorporate R&B and Spanish, the
way it should be.” I thought hey if the music can echo
creative compatibility why not in us. I was down with that
spirit too. Rigo Luna’s music is proof that it can work
and yes, he won a fan, a big fan…me!
Music Industry shout outs included:
Radio Personality Oscar Robbins aka Ofoesho - “ My boy
is doing it big. Mellow and melodic”
R&B Singer, William Hanford Lee Jr. – “I’m
very excited. I can’t wait for it to hit the streets
so people can start eatin' it up.”
Music Mogul, Duane Arock Ramos - “Luna is off the chain.
He’s a super star. The performance was great he was
catching a lot of vibe from the audience.”
Machete Records Pres., Gus Lopez – “Support the
music.”
Eugenia Wright is a former actress turned freelance
writer/publicist. You may write to her at kleopatragirl117@hotmail.com
Photo Credit: Vinni Ratcliffe
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