As reggaeton continues to reach new heights, Don Omar is reminding the world of his rightful place in the genre he helped to shape. His new album, Forever King, is out in February and features guests such as Maluma and Gente de Zona, as well as fellow stars who emerged in the early 2000s like Calle 13 rapper Residente and reggaeton mainstay Wisin. The record blends Don Omar’s signature old-school perreo with the Caribbean styles dominating música urbana today. The anticipated project, his first in three years, comes after Don retired (and unretired) from music and ended his previous label contract. Now, he’s back with the breezy energy of someone done with drama. “I feel fulfilled. I feel changed. I’m a new guy,” he says. “I’m not trying to push anything. I’m just here, living the moment.”
After announcing your retirement in 2017, you returned two years later but kept a low profile. Where has Don been all this time?
Don Omar in 2017 was exhausted. We were on tour for five years in a row, playing every single weekend. Unfortunately, I wasn’t there for most of the beautiful moments with my kids and my family. I needed to go back. My family needed me.
I heard you purchased a plot of land and started farming. What was that experience like for you?
Grounding. It was the most beautiful experience. I got this land in Puerto Rico, in the mountains. The peace was magic. I brought students from the University of Puerto Rico and learned from them, from seeding to growing crops. I spent two years doing that, and I ended up opening an organicproduce company.
This story is from the February 2023 edition of RollingStone India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 2023 edition of RollingStone India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
anumitanadesan
The singer-songwriter talks about her first Malayalam film song, her upcoming debut abum and working across genres and languages
amrit ramneath
Understanding the interplay between abiding by tradition and progress is no new feat for this 25-year-old composer
yashraj
With chart-topping collaborations with seasoned veterans, this rapper has consistently been in the conversations of industry observers
dǝbzee
The 'Malabari Banger' hitmaker shares exclusive insights on his upcoming projects, life, and his vision for the future of music in India
taba chake
The Arunachal Pradesh-based singer-song-writer discusses how his latest song \"Kahani\" reflects the power of love songs.
ranj x clifr
The Bengaluru singer-composer and producer duo may not be done with hip-hop, but they are venturing into pop, R&B and Tamil songs next
RESHAPING THE FUTURE OF MUSIC
How digital collectibles, especially for live events, have a tremendous potential
Evnne On 'Un: Seen,' Their 'Seen,' And 'Unseen' Sides
The Band Discusses How A Setback Early In Their Career Spurred Them On And How They Fused Those Experiences With Their Sound In Their Second Mini Album, ‘Un: Seen
kayan
Between fandoms and aesthetic-setting live shows, artist Ambika Nayak talks about wanting to put out an album
anoushka maskey
Taking her “self-organized” Sunny Side Tour across the country, the Sikkim-origin artist is prioritizing consistent releases and exploring bossa nova next
