Originally published in the April 2015 issue of LatinTRENDS Magazine
By Eddie Olmo
Pioneers from the explosion of Reggaetón into the international scene, Zion y Lennox have been motivating the urban youth to dance to their music all over the world. They have released hits like “Hay Algo En Ti,” “Yo Voy” and “Doncella” that have had people dancing to this exotic music without degrading women. Zion Y Lennox have enjoyed a great deal of success, but at the same time they have had to deal with obstacles that have left these two artists to release their new album independently. “Motivando” is the latest sequel to their discography, adding the fusion of all the latest melodies and features to make this one of their most comprehensive albums yet.
Why did you decide to split up and then come back together as a duo?
We separated for a short time to work on individual projects. Zion came out with “Perfect Melody” and was working with Arcangel and De La Ghetto and I worked on an album titled “Los Mero Mero,” which never surfaced. I also started a clothing line, but everyone wanted us to get back together so we did it for our fans. After Zion and Lennox’ contract with Pina Record expired, there was a clause that gave Zion and Lennox the option to stay with Pina or to exit the label. Zion and Lennox hired auditors to check the books before they exited the company, and they concluded that Pina Records owed Zion and Lennox more money than they had been paid. Zion y Lennox sued Pina Record for $2.6 million. This aggravated producer Pina to the extent that in a presentation of Pina artists in Florida, Raphy punched Zion twice onstage, leaving him unconscious for a few minutes.
What is the end result in the dispute between Zion and Raphy Pina?
After that incident, Raphy asked Zion for forgiveness and Zion forgave him. We actually left Pina Records and we are working on our own independent label Baby Records.
How’s life after Pina? Is it a lot harder as independent artist?
There’s a lot more work. It’s a lot harder but it’s going good for us. We did our first concert as independent artists at the Puerto Rican Coliseum José Miguel Agrelot. We had two sold-out shows.
Tell us about your new project.
Yes, we are promoting our new album “Motivando,” which is like a sequel to “Motivando a la Yal,” which was our debut album.
Why has Zion y Lennox lasted so long in the industry?
Because we are consistent. We have changed with the times. We are always 100% with then ew styles. We are not jealous; we collaborate with everyone. We don’t let our ego get to us.
Facebook
Instagram
RSS