While fans anxiously await a studio follow-up to 1998’s phenomenally successful Aquel Que Había Muerto, Vico C delivers a live album, recorded during a 1999 concert in Puerto Rico’s Teatro Luis Muñoz Marín. Vivo captures Vico C’s knack for compelling storytelling (combined with ample preaching) and the mixing of musical styles. Unlike much of the rougher-edged rap found on the island, Vico C uses strong melodic lines and acoustic instruments as backdrop, borrowing freely from well-known grooves (Queen’s “Another One Bites the Dust” on “El Filósofo”) and songs (“I Like/Baby Quiero Hacerlo” translates the chorus of the S.O.S. Band’s R&B/pop/disco hit, “Take Your Time [Do It Right]”). Such details as the ceremonious instrumental intro indicate that Vico C takes himself perhaps too seriously, but the album still works, even if the musician has long gone beyond the music he includes here.—LC
