Nicky Jam: El Ganador

Can't believe that at the time of writing this, this TV series has only 2 reviews! That's ridiculous frankly. I know that the latin movies may be viewed as a subculture but it is still a subculture that is bigger then this right?

Anyway, to cut to the chase, I was actually not a huge fan of Nicky Jam's music before watching this. However, after, I appreciate his music much more, maybe because of the background information that this gave.

The casting is ok. Photo is likewise. It is a very interesting story I think of how this guys life kind of goes spiraling. Although his life was probably hard I guess others from his barrio probably had it even harder. I mean, he is an artist at least, although partially struggling...and again, maybe the latin culture and music really was even smaller back then.

Highly recommend watching this.

The series starts strong, with Darkiel playing a very convincing young Nicky Jam. The cast is made up of an assortment of characters from reggaeton: Miky Woodz, Jon Z, Juhn, De La Ghetto, Ñengo Flow, etc. All who were surprisingly good actors.

Camera work is solid and they jump to an assortment of interesting places like Santo Domingo, DR, Medellin, Colombia, NYC, New York, etc. Lot's of time is spent in Puerto Rico, where the bulk of the most interesting scenes were shot.

The first 3 episodes were the most exciting. Nicky Jam and Daddy Yankee are being harassed and basically hunted by this dangerous gangster named Cuti. Things get so bad Nicky and Daddy run to NYC just to get away from the stress.

I found the relationship between Nicky and Daddy to be the opposite that I expected, at least as portrayed in this series. It seemed like Nicky had the power, he would snatch the phone out of Daddy's hands, interrupt him during conversations and meetings. It just seemed like Daddy would be the Big Boss and that is not the impression I received.

I found the parts from Nicky's childhood in Massachusetts necessary, but super depressing. As the episodes continue, they focus more on a adult Nicky and his battle with drugs, love life and path to success and sobriety. They still show flash backs of his youth, but I found myself yearning for the earlier episodes with Darkiel running around Puerto Rico getting into a little of everything.

Conclusion: Pretty solid series, good acting, interesting locations, although I found myself getting a little bored in the later episodes. If you are a fan of the reggaeton genre, then this is a must see.

Started watching with some skepticism, once I got past the first episode it was up hill in a good sense, I just couldn't stop watching, Nicky Jam has a new fan in me , great actor and a profound story , evidence of the mercy of God , He looked at him and it shows , many blessings... highly recommended

Very intense show, independent of Nicky as an artist. Highly recommended.

This series provides a phenomenal recap of Nicky Jam's life story and the many challenges that he had to face before becoming a top Reggaeton artist.

I found it very insightful and particularly enjoyed the way in which the documentary is structured and the story is told. Although the story is narrated with actors, Nicky Jam plays himself in the present time. Additionally, each episode includes interview footage of Nicky's take on the specific part of his life that is reflected on the episode.

It is impressive how honest his interview seems to be. We are able to see a raw Nicky, disclosing painful moments of his life while being extremely vocally self critical.

I honestly stumbled upon this series on Netflix and did not have any expectations. However, upon seeing the beginning of the story, I could not stop. After a few episodes, I was completely absorbed by his life story and have now a lot of respect for him as an artist.

Would definitely recommend for anyone wanting to understand a bit more of the world of Reggaeton through the lens of one of its top artist.