Latin music superstars have consistently had a strong presence throughout the Fast and Furious franchise, whether musically or on the screen. Both Puerto Rican star Ozuna and Dominican-American rapper Cardi B are part of Fast & Furious 9 out in theatres already. Joining reggaeton veteran Don Omar, who’s also in the flick and has been part of the family for 10 years.
“As you know, we have often found great talent in the music industry to cross over into film,” Diesel previously announced on Instagram. “They are expected to leave all the accolades at the door to embrace the character with integrity… and that is exactly what Ozuna has done. Very proud of your work and role in Fast 9! Pa Mi Gente! All Love, Always.”
Billboard can confirm that United Talent Agency, who recently signed with Ozuna, brokered the deal on his behalf.
“I’m tired, but I can’t wait. I ain’t gonna front, I think this is going to be the best one,” Bardi declared on the final day shooting for Fast 9 in the United Kingdom.
The F9: The Fast Saga original motion picture soundtrack reeled in a wave of Latin acts, including Myke Towers, Farruko, Justin Quiles, and Anitta, to name a few.
“Furiosa,” in fact, was “specifically made for the film; I actually didn’t write it,” Anitta recently said to Billboard. “They told me the concept was that of a strong, powerful, feminine message that spoke about strength and aggression in a positive way, and very closely related to the movie. And I loved it because it’s very me. You can feel the vibes of the speed, the racing, the acceleration of the cars.”
But this isn’t the first time that Latin music acts join the action-packed film franchise.
Reggaetóneros like Don Omar and Tego Calderón were part of Fast & Furious in 2009 and Fast Five in 2011, where they played two prison bandits who join Dominic Toretto’s (Vin Diesel) squad. The pair even got their own short film titled Los Bandoleros, which served as a bridge between the fourth and fifth installations. Don Omar’s “Danza Kuduro” was also featured on the Fast Five soundtrack.
The bachata chart-topping singer Romeo Santos had a cameo as Armando in Furious 7 (2015). His character, who pretty much runs the Dominican Republic, is a good friend of Dom’s in the movie. “It’s ‘I got your back. Anything you need. I’m here for you,’ and vice versa. I can relate to that; that’s what I would do for friends on a personal level,” Santos told Billboard in a previous interview about his role.
In The Fate of the Furious (2017), Tego and Don reprise their roles from the previous films as Tego Leo and Rico Santos, former members of Dom’s team from the Dominican Republic and Rio de Janeiro, respectively.
Furthermore, the franchise continues to cater to its loyal Hispanic audience.
In 2009, Universal Pictures president of film music Kathy Nelson told Billboard’s Leila Cobo: “It’s not a Latin-themed movie. It’s car racing and drugs. That could be anything. But we wanted the soundtrack album to be Latin.” Adding that the focus on reggaeton is a reflection of the onscreen action. “There are no spots for ballads in the movie. We needed high-energy music.”
From the Fate of the Furious soundtrack, including J Balvin and Pitbull‘s “Hey Ma” featuring Camila Cabello to Prince Royce‘s “My Angel,” check out other Latin acts who have been part of the monster franchise.
F9: The Fast Saga (Soundtrack)
J Balvin & Pitbull, “Hey Ma” feat. Camila Cabello (The Fate of the Furious)
Prince Royce, “My Angel” (Furious 7)
Pitbull, “Blanco” feat. Pharrell (Fast and the Furious 4)
Tego Calderón & Don Omar, “Bandoleros” (Fast & Furious)
Don Omar, “Danza Kuduro” (Fast Five)
J Balvin, “Ay Vamos” (Furious 7)
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