In the final episode of our Willie Colón journey, we explore his solo career and his legendary collaboration with Rubén Blades, a period that saw him at the top of his game. But as his music thrived, Willie began taking a sharp turn into politics, where he believed he could drive real change. Today, his political views have divided fans. Some of us might distance ourselves, while others still find solace in his music. Ultimately, Colón’s legacy remains in his hands, shaped by both his timeless records and his controversial views.

Lilliana Vazquez and Joseph Carrillo are the hosts of Becoming An Icon with production support by Nick Milanes, Santiago Sierra, Rodrigo Crespo, Evelyn Uribe and Edgar Esteban of Sonoro Media in partnership with iHeart Radio's My Cultura Podcast network.

If you want to support the podcast, please rate and review our show.

Follow Lilliana Vazquez on Instagram and Twitter @lillianavazquez

Follow Joseph Carrillo on Instagram @josephcarrillo

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Becoming an Icon, we dive into one of Latin music’s most legendary partnerships: it’s time for the Bad Boys. We’ll explore the unforgettable music shared between Willie Colón and Héctor Lavoe, only to confront the heartbreaking effects of their separation. But the fallout didn’t stop Colón’s rise—collaborations with Celia Cruz and Rubén Blades were just around the corner.

Lilliana Vazquez and Joseph Carrillo are the hosts of Becoming An Icon with production support by Nick Milanes, Santiago Sierra, Rodrigo Crespo, Evelyn Uribe and Edgar Esteban of Sonoro Media in partnership with iHeart Radio's My Cultura Podcast network.

If you want to support the podcast, please rate and review our show.

Follow Lilliana Vazquez on Instagram and Twitter @lillianavazquez

Follow Joseph Carrillo on Instagram @josephcarrillo

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Time to start a new iconic journey! This time, we dive into the story of Willie Colón, a towering figure in Latin music. From his humble beginnings in the South Bronx, where his abuela nurtured his love for music, to earning the nickname El Malo, Colón's journey was just beginning. Join us as we explore his rise to fame, his pivotal signing with Fania Records, and the lucky day he met La Voz, which helped him shape the future of Latin music.

Lilliana Vazquez and Joseph Carrillo are the hosts of Becoming An Icon with production support by Nick Milanes, Santiago Sierra, Rodrigo Crespo, Evelyn Uribe and Edgar Esteban of Sonoro Media in partnership with iHeart Radio's My Cultura Podcast network.

If you want to support the podcast, please rate and review our show.

Follow Lilliana Vazquez on Instagram and Twitter @lillianavazquez

Follow Joseph Carrillo on Instagram @josephcarrillo

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.