La Cruz’s New EP ‘El Nene, Vol. 2’ Combines LGBTQ+ Advocacy and Reggaeton Innovation
Venezuelan reggaeton artist La Cruz, born Alfonso La Cruz, released his EP “El Nene, Vol. 2” on June 11, 2023, marking a pivotal moment in his career as a openly gay artist challenging LGBTQ+ representation in the genre. The project includes collaborations with Brazilian drag pop star Gloria Groove and a tribute to the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting victims, underscoring his commitment to queer visibility amid global conservative shifts.
How La Cruz’s New EP Reflects His Identity and Advocacy
La Cruz’s latest work, “El Nene, Vol. 2,” features “Sírveme,” a collaboration with Gloria Groove, and “Te Perdí,” a song honoring the 49 victims of the 2016 Pulse shooting in Orlando, Florida. The EP’s release coincided with the 10th anniversary of the tragedy, a moment La Cruz emphasized as critical for remembering the attack. “We have to keep talking about things so that they don’t happen again,” he told *The New York Times* in a 2023 interview.
The artist, who came out publicly in 2022 with his debut album *Hawaira*, has faced industry challenges as an openly gay reggaetonero. “The industry is a bit uncomfortable with an artist that’s openly gay and wants to be a part of this,” he said. “It’s the gasoline in my motor.” His music, blending reggaeton with Brazilian funk and drag influences, has drawn support from figures like Colombian singer Karol G and Mexican-American R&B artist Omar Apollo.
Why the Pulse Shooting Tribute Matters in La Cruz’s Work
La Cruz’s song “Te Perdí” was inspired by the stories of survivors and victims of the Pulse shooting, which he described as a “tragedy that’s super important to remember.” The attack, one of the deadliest mass shootings in U.S. history, disproportionately impacted the LGBTQ+ community. La Cruz, who moved to Spain in 2015 and later to the U.S., said the tragedy resonated deeply after his family shared news of the incident. “I thought that could’ve happened to me,” he reflected.
The song’s release on the 10th anniversary of the shooting highlighted the ongoing need for awareness. “Each day people are talking less about it,” La Cruz noted. “It’s a tragedy that’s as important as 9/11 and the Las Vegas shooting.” His tribute aims to keep the conversation alive, blending personal reflection with broader social commentary.
How La Cruz’s Collaboration with Gloria Groove Came Together
The track “Sírveme” emerged from a spontaneous meeting between La Cruz and Gloria Groove, who was in Miami for a vacation. “She paused her vacation to go to the studio with me,” La Cruz said, expressing admiration for the Brazilian artist’s work. The collaboration expanded his sound, merging reggaeton with Brazilian funk and drag pop elements. “I love my Brazilian fans,” he added, noting the cultural exchange as a key influence on the EP.
Gloria Groove, known for her boundary-pushing performances, has been a prominent figure in Brazil’s LGBTQ+ music scene. Her partnership with La Cruz reflects a growing cross-border dialogue between Latin American and Brazilian artists, as seen in recent projects by Anitta and Karol G.
What’s Next for La Cruz in the Face of Global Conservatism?
As conservative movements gain traction worldwide, La Cruz remains focused on his art. “LGBTQ+ rights are becoming progressive, but they’re rolled back even faster than they advance,” he said. Despite industry resistance, he plans to continue using his platform to advocate for queer rights. “My fans are what’s building my career, and I won’t let them down.”
His upcoming projects, including potential collaborations with Karol G, signal a continued push for visibility. “I want to open for her concerts,” La Cruz said, citing her influence as a “sister” in the industry. With “El Nene, Vol. 2,” he reinforces his role as a trailblazer, blending personal expression with cultural critique in a rapidly evolving musical landscape.