12 Discípulos

Prior to releasing 12 Discípulos, Eddie Dee had previously released four studio albums, Eddie Dee and the Ghetto Crew (1993), Tagwut (1997), El Terrorista De La Lírica (2000) and 2001's Biografía. Dee began making television appearances dancing and performing in 1993. Three years later, Dee released his debut studio album Eddie Dee and the Ghetto Crew. Following the album, he began gaining popularity within Puerto Rico by collaborating with other artists. 1997's Tagwut featured the hit single, "Senor Oficial".[1] The song detailed "the injustices that young Puerto Rican men suffered at the hands of the police." It was a commercial success, reaching number one in Puerto Rico.[2] The record won him the Puerto Rican Rap and Reggae Award for Best Lyrics of 1997. His two subsequent studio albums also enjoyed underground success. Dee then began recording material for his fifth studio album.[1]

Eddie Dee himself installed a recording studio inside his own home in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, where the album was recorded and produced.[3] Production of the album was handled by a variety of Puerto Rican musical producers. It included production from DJ Adam, DJ David, DJ Urba & Monserrate, Ecko, Gran Omar, Luny Tunes, Mr. G, The Majestic, Noriega, Rafi Mercenario and Santana.

Executive production for the track "Que Es La Que Hay" was handled by Ivy Queen and overall executive production was handled by Eddie Dee and Iván Joy for Diamond Music. The vocals of Glory and Valerie Morales were used in the recording and production of some of the songs off the album. Esteban Piñero served as the album's mastering engineer. The album's creative design was handled by Holly Chen and photography was taken by Gary Bonderenko.[4]

12 Discípulos was independently released physically on January 29, 2004, by Diamond Music in the United States and Puerto Rico.[5] It was released two days after the release of Ivy Queen's Diva Platinum Edition.[6] Due to the album's commercial success, the album was picked by Machete Music and re-released on December 13, 2005.[7] It was released digitally on July 25, 2009.[8]

The album's lead single was performed live at the Latin Grammy Awards of 2005.[9] The performance began with a video presentation of Héctor Lavoe's 1972 hit "Quitate Tu Pa' Ponerme Yo". It was then followed by Gallego introducing the song with "Those were the masters, we are the twelve disciples". Amid screams, Vico C followed delivering his verse. Eddie Dee followed who was succeeded by an unexpected Tego Calderón. One by one, Voltio and Zion sang the chorus. Ivy Queen then delivered her verse, which according to Univision, made her the queen of the night. She was followed by Johnny Prez, Tito "El Bambino" and Lennox. The performance ended with a standing ovation from the public.[10] During the performance, each performer wore a shirt with a picture of the salsa singer in which they most identified with.[11]

The album opens with "Intro – 12 Discípulos" ("Intro – 12 Disciples"), in which all twelve featured artists collaborated. They were united "as one on a reggaetón track and showed that unity is needed for this genre to evolve and survive".[2] The song's musical aesthetics lean heavily toward salsa. "Cuando Es" ("When Is It?"), performed by Eddie Dee, features sensual vocals by Glory.[4] Dee opened the door for Glory, as she later was featured on "collaborations with the genre's most important and influential recording artists."[12] "Donde Hubo Fuego" ("Where There Was Fire") is performed by Daddy Yankee. The song also features vocals by Glory, along with vocals by Valerie Morales.[4] Following Morales’ success with her debut single "Te Exitare", she was contacted by Dee who told her he wanted her to sing on a song from him. This was turned into "Donde Hubo Fuego".[13] Raymond Acosta also contributes his vocals to the chorus of "Donde Hubo Fuego".[4] The song is followed by Tego Calderón's "Punto y Aparte" ("Final and Apart"). Lyrically, Calderón explains that his style is from the street, but at the same time elegant.[14] The song speaks of violence in Puerto Rican projects.[15] The song has been covered by several artists including Abaya on his 2005 album Pura Cosa Buena,[16] Boricua Boys on their third studio album Urban vs Reggaetón (2005),[17] and Los Reggaetronics on their debut studio album 50 Best of Reggaetón (2009).[18]

"Se Te Apagó El Bling Bling" ("Your Bling-Bling Got Turned Off") is performed by Vico C. On the special edition release of the album, the track appears remixed by DJ Adam.[4] Zion & Lennox's "Tienes Que Hacerlo" (You Have To Do It) is featured as track six and appears remixed by Santana on the special edition release of the album. "Tu y Yo" ("You and I"), performed by Nicky Jam, follows with a running time of two minutes and forty-two seconds.[4] Eddie Dee's "Si No Cuidas Tu Mujer" ("If You Don’t Take Care of Your Woman") serves as the album's third single. The song's lyrics advise to take care of your woman, or another man will. Eddie Dee sings "The one who conquers the one you love, he'll keep your chair, your plate, your bathroom, your home, your woman, and you bed. It'll be too late when you realize, that what she told you was true. And that someone will be the one to see how your children grow up".[19] Raymond Acosta also contributed his vocals to "Si No Cuidas Tu Mujer".[4]

Voltio follows with "Atrevida Bandolera" ("Bold Outlaw"). The song also appears on the special edition release remixed by Santana.[4] The lone female performer on the album delivers "Que Es La Que Hay" (What's It Gonna Be?), produced by Noriega and Rafi Mercenario.[4] Lyrically, Ivy Queen reassures that she can handle her own in any situation that may arise.[20] In the lyrics, she tells someone to "Go tell your friend not to fuck with the bitch, she is mistaken, and is looking for a war, tell her we'll give it to her real hard, I walk with my combo, and are they are crazy to be loosed". Ivy Queen explained to the Dominican Times, that the song is proof of her inner strength as a person. She continued by saying that "this philosophy is the present reality that we live in the world and especially in Puerto Rico".[21] The song was later featured on Machete Music's Reggaetón Diamond Collection (2005),[22] which peaked at number fifty-seven on the Billboard Latin Albums chart and number twelve on the Billboard Latin Rhythm Albums chart.[23][24]

Johnny Prez is featured next with "Nebuleando Conmigo" ("Conspiring With Me").[4] Veteran reggaetón recording artist Wiso G appears with "Medley 2004".[4][25] Eddie Dee closes the album with "Sácame El Guante" ("Get The Glove Off Me"), in which Lennox contributes his vocals.[4] "Censuarme" performed by Eddie Dee speaks of violence and poverty as it relates to Dee's personal experiences. Lyrically, he also claims that society criticizes him for being a rapper. He later criticizes the Puerto Rican senate's attempts to ban reggaeton music.[26] Among other subjects, the song also addresses government corruption and media censorship. The song also identifies and explores racial differences as well as the criminalization of the African American community.[27][28] "Taladro", ("The Drill"), performed by Eddie Dee in collaboration with Daddy Yankee opens the special edition release of the 12 Discípulos. It was released as the fourth and final single off the album. La Secta's "La Locura Automatica" appears second featuring Eddie Dee. A salsa remix of the lead single appears as a bonus track on the special edition release, renamed "Quitate Tu Pa' Ponerme Yo" ("Get Out The Way, So I Can Take Your Place").[4]

Adapted from the album's liner notes.[4]

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