Higher Level

After scrapping his way to the top of the Canadian urban music scene, Panamanian-born Fito Blanko (born Roberto E. Testa) has refined his unique voice, and staked a claim on the ever-growing reggaeton frontier. Blanko teamed up with producer Sensei for his 2004 solo debut release, Higher Level. The best argument for the Blanko and Sensei team is the music that they created together. There isn't a typical basements-of-Washington Heights story to win this artistic duo the credibility they deserve. However, from the downbeat of the first track, opened up with a burning piano montuno, followed by a fresh-from-the-street reggaeton sample and salsa horn section, all within hearing distance will know without a doubt that this is not reggaeton as usual. Blanko has a knack not only for blinding-quick flow, but also for crafting a truly memorable hook. The heavy salsa influence evident in the first few numbers is a breath of fresh air, and a much needed shot of life in a sometimes very plastic style. Perhaps their distance from reggaeton's crossroads, the intersection of P.R. and Brooklyn, has allowed for the development of a truly unique voice. Blanko and Sensei have some of the freshest material out there. ~ Evan C. Gutierrez, Rovi