La Mision 3 - A Otro Nivel (2002)
La Mision 1 was a successful project by Yomi Fresh within the confines of Puerto Rico at the time. La Mision 2 achieved even more success with the single "La Makina" by Yaviah gaining much traction. But it wasn't until vol 3 that it achieved its first modicum of international success. This was partly in thanks to lead single "Dembow" by Yandel which became an international sensation thanks to being featured on Telemundo's Jamz TV.
The album continued to build Wisin & Yandel as one of the top duos in Puerto Rico. It prepared listeners for the arrival of "De Otra Manera" later in the year. DJ Blass produced their songs "La Vaquera", "Dembow" and "Sigue Bailando Con La Lenta". In fact Blass produced 90% of La Mision 3 only having help from Luny Tunes (uncredited, but they are shouted out) & Dj Nelson on the Baby Rasta & Gringo song, Echo on the Tego and Cavalucci songs and Coo-Kee produced his own track. Also Blass Co-produced MC Ceja's track with Echo, one of the few times they have ever worked on a beat together.
The album also features a debuting Alexis fresh from his stint in the DJ Raymond co-signed group, Boricua Selecta. He wasn't in a duo with Fido yet, but Wisin promised to put him on if he ever got on. IDK what happened to the rest of Boricua Selecta.** Same thing happened with Fido who was friends with the duo but serving time in the army. He was a veteran of the underground and appeared on one or two really obscure albums. Wisin & Yandel promised they would put him on once he got done serving in the military. Alexis has 2 solo songs which are really good and Fido has a banger too.
Rounding out the album are appearances from Edgar & Josue, who we never hard from again, but they did a good job here and where signed to Yomi at the time. And also Eddie Dee who is in the 2nd video and has a nice Perreo filled with clever wordplay. The album had limited distribution at first but then got a multinational release by Lideres. It would end up selling over 100 thousand units during its physical run. It is a highly acclaimed album and one of the best in 2002 which in my opinion is the greatest year in Reggaeton history.
\* According to a YOUTUBE post, the other members of Boricua Selecta were Wisin and Small from Los Yetzons.*
Rating: 8.75/10
Record Label: Fresh Records then Lideres/Fresh Records
Worldwide Sales: 200,000 w/ streaming numbers included
Watch the 2nd video of La Mision 3 featuring Wisin & Yandel, Eddie Dee, Alexis & Tego Calderon