2008 VMA Diaries: Calle 13, Colby O Rip It for MTV Tr3s

by Angela Bruno

Objective #1. See Calle 13. Status: Achieved. Objective #2: Sidle up next to Kim Kardashian. Status: Pending. Perhaps our paths will cross this weekend, but by the time I had arrived at Level 3 for the MTV Tr3s party, she and the rest of the VIPs that RSVP'ed had already departed (with the exception of possibly some dude from this season of Project Runway, Jade from ANTM, Judy Reyes of Scrubs fame and rapper Malverde -- all of which were on the dance floor).

Foolish, because they missed avant-garde emcees Calle 13. Oh, how I love thee. Let me count the ways: frontman Residente is fly (wife me!) and tatted up in a seemingly illogical way à la Marc Jacobs; their lyrics stand for something; they infuriate my mother with their X-rated euphemisms. And, oh yes, Colby O'Donis performed, too. (Check out his exclusive Rhapsody playlist here.) Semi-grown women stormed the stage. And quivered. The bumpin' and grindin' in my periphery made it impossible to get a good shot of him. A little, um, disturbing, but that is neither here nor there. Read on for few highlights and WTH (what the hell; trying to keep it clean) moments, both good and bad.

Highlight: Every version of "Calabria 2008" was spun, post Colby's set. Including Pitbull knockoff, "The Anthem." Party re-starter.

WTH+: Visitante's "World's #1 Dad" T-shirt. And sister PG-13, with her liberated bra-less-in-a-wifebeater steez, was in the house. So was her pink polka-dotted parasol prop. Interesting choice. Amazing voice. What a talented family.

Highlights: In addition to playing "Tango del Pecado," "Se Vale To-To," "La Hormiga Brava," Calle 13 put the crowd on to two new songs from their forthcoming album. "No Hay Nadie Como Tu" and a Balkan-flavored song that, judging from the hook, I'm guessing will be called "Fiesta de los Locos."

WTH+: Quotable quotes from Residente. "If you want to know what I'm saying, go find a Spanish dictionary -- nobody's going to stop me." Right on. Before getting on with first-hit "Atrévete-te-te," he solicited the crowd to, "Grab the ass of the person in front of you!" And before immigrant-song "Pal Norte," he waxed political/revolutionary: "I hope McCain and Obama have a very good plan for the immigrants. If not -- I'm going to make some songs for them."

WTH-: Vodka-Red Bulls were $17.
Highlight: I only overheard that. I didn't spend a dime. Thank you VIP wristband! [Evil laugh.]

WTH+: Girls dressed in rhinestone bustier dresses à la Selena. Love it. (You don't see that in New York.)

WTH+: Freestyle!

WTH-: The "Thong Song." Um, no. Um, never. Um, not after 2000.

Objective #3: Stay up close to 24 hours; show jetlag who's boss; party in the belly of the beast (volume one). Status: Achieved.