“Caminando”: A Progressive Album That Goes Against Complacency and The Status Quo
Biography
Juan Antonio Matos is almost an ordinary guy. By his very nature he cannot be classified as ‘just another rapper,’ or as an artist that seeks to be part of a music movement; not Juan, better known on stage as Enemigo (Enemy). Quite on the contrary, Enemigo prefers to go against the flow and opts to walk alone, without anyone hindering him or putting parameters on his style, his music and his creativity.

In search of a new episode in his life that doesn’t replicate a moment already lived or experienced, Enemigo launched his second album and his debut with Univision Records titled “Caminando” (Walking). The album took off in the U.S. and Puerto Rico on February 8, 2005. His first album “¿Quién es Enemigo?” (Who Is Enemigo?) was widely successful and managed to independently sell more than 30,000 units in Puerto Rico and the Northeastern part of the United Sates.

The album is fittingly titled “Caminando,” because it refers to the different paths people take in life, and the different musical walks that have been crossed to offer a complete, versatile and unique album. Comprised of 19 tracks, all penned by Enemigo, the album stands out for its musical versatility, which varies from “high energy” club cuts, social awareness guerrilla-like tracks to smooth and tender songs inspired by love in all its facets.

The first promotional single is titled “Estrella” (Star), a song dedicated to Enemigo’s and all Latin men’s ideal woman; a woman that has a little bit of some of the hottest and boldest Latinas in Latin entertainment. Among some of the statuesque beauties mentioned are: Shakira, Jennifer Peña, Amelia Vega, Selena, Lucero, Alicia Machado, Giselle and Lorena Herrera, among others. With a truly ingenious rhyme, Enemigo manages to capture the essence of Latinas in an idyllic woman that is truly out of this world.

Among some of the hottest and strongest tracks on the album is “Set It Off” featuring Petey Pablo, one of Hip-Hop’s most dynamic and well-known rappers in the general market. This is a 100% bilingual and club track made with all the energy and good vibe found in any dance club in the world. This song is also included in a Reggaeton Remix by Luny Tunes. Other up-tempo tracks worth mentioning include: “Todos En El Party” (Everyone In The Party), “Estilos Digitales” (Digital Styles), “We Don’t Stop,” featuring George Lamond, Everybody Get Up, as well as “Tu No Matas” produced by Reggaeton super-producer DJ Nelson.”

But not everything is about partying and good times for Enemigo. The album also explores heavy, intelligent and substance-filled subjects where Enemigo doesn’t think twice to talk about what his eyes have seen and what his heart has lived while growing up in the tough streets of his Bronx neighborhood. Among the songs that comprise the main course of the album are the title track “Caminando” (Walking), “Retratos” (Pictures), and “Enemigo Del Estado” (Enemy of the State), which talks about payola, favoritism and the divide that exists between Puerto Rican and New York rappers. Without a doubt, “Caminando” is intelligent music for open-minded and thinking individuals.

And just when one is about to stereotype and pigeonhole Enemigo in one particular music genre, this skilled rapper and lyrical poet does a complete ‘U’ turn and shows his tender and sensitive side when he raps about romance and his great respect for the unconditional love of a mother in “Mi Mejor Amiga” (My Best Friend). Among some of the romantic tracks on the album are: “No Me Digas Que No” (Don’t Tell Me No) featuring Adrienne Bailon of 3LW and “Tú Eres Mi Regalo” (You Are My Gift).