René Pérez Joglar, born on February 23, 1978, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, is a towering figure in Latin music, known globally as Residente. As a rapper, songwriter, filmmaker, and activist, he has redefined the boundaries of Latin urban music. He first rose to international prominence as the co-founder and frontman of the alternative rap band Calle 13, a group celebrated for its genre-defying sound and politically charged lyrics. With a career spanning over two decades, Residente has amassed an unprecedented collection of awards, including four Grammy Awards and a record-setting 29 Latin Grammy Awards, making him the most awarded Latin artist in the history of the latter ceremony.

Growing up in San Juan, Residente was deeply influenced by art, music, and left-wing politics from a young age. He pursued his passion for visual arts at the Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia, where he honed a creative and often provocative perspective that would later define his music. After returning to Puerto Rico in 2003, he teamed up with his step-brother Visitante to form Calle 13. The duo quickly made a name for themselves with a sarcastic, self-deprecating, and unapologetically raw lyrical style that earned both critical acclaim and controversy. Over the course of five studio albums, Calle 13 became a global phenomenon, tackling issues of social inequality, colonialism, and political corruption while incorporating a vast array of musical influences from hip-hop and reggaeton to cumbia and rock.

In 2015, Residente announced his departure from Calle 13 to pursue a solo career. His self-titled debut album, released in 2017, was a deeply personal and ambitious project born from a genealogical DNA test. The album, which won a Grammy for Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album, was recorded in various countries across the globe, featuring collaborations with local musicians and reflecting a wide spectrum of international musical styles. Following the album's success, he continued to release impactful singles, including "Sexo" in 2018, "Bellacoso" with Bad Bunny in 2019, and the introspective and autobiographical "René" in 2020, which showcased a more vulnerable side of the artist.

Beyond his musical output, Residente has established himself as a prominent social activist and documentarian. He has produced and directed films such as Sin Mapa and the documentary Residente, which chronicled his musical journey around the world. His activism is a cornerstone of his public persona; he has served as a face for campaigns for UNICEF and Amnesty International, consistently advocating for education in Latin America and the rights of indigenous peoples. In 2009, he publicly criticized Puerto Rican Governor Luis Fortuño over the layoffs of more than 30,000 public employees. His commitment to social justice and peace was internationally recognized in November 2015, when he received an award at the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates forum in Barcelona. Today, Residente remains a vital and influential voice in global music, using his platform to challenge norms, provoke thought, and inspire change.