The warning “Danger! High Voltage!” is one that could definitely be applied to the work of Julio Ramos, better known as Voltio (Voltage).

Ever since this talented Puerto Rican singer/songwriter broke out in the urban Latin music scene more than a decade ago, his contributions have really energized the reggaetón genre.

His unparalleled wit has lit up many songs, such as ‘Chulin Culin Chunfly,’ ‘Julio Maraña,’ ‘Chévere’ and ‘Bumper,’ among others. And in November, Voltio will once more electrify urban dance music lovers when he releases “En Lo Claro,” his third solo album.

From this new musical production featuring 15 original compositions – and in which, Arcángel and Jowell & Randy appear as guest stars – the first single, ‘El Mellao,’ has already been heard. This irresistibly contagious composition, written by the musician born in the area of Santurce, Puerto Rico, will not only make you dance, but smile as well.

‘El Mellao’ is the perfect example of everything that a Julio Voltio tune encompasses: social satire with an infectious beat and strokes of folklore.

“It’s been too much. Everbody just loves the song [‘El Mellao’], because it has a cumbia-like rhythm that has attracted many other people that are not Puerto Ricans,” says Voltio while putting the finishing touches on the “En Lo Claro” album.

Throughout his career, Voltio has known how to balance his concern for social issues with a simple desire to have a good time musically. Thus, some of his songs are critiques, while others are just pure fun.

“I am a singer who likes social themes,” Voltio says. “I pay a lot of attention to words and what they mean, and I know people appreciate those songs of mine that appeal to their conscience. But, I also understand that, really, people want to have a good time and be shamelessly entertained. And some of the new songs in this album are just that, pure entertainment. The album is going to be a knockout.”

The first knockout already came with ‘El Mellao,’ where Voltio makes a picaresque comparison between the folksy way in which a person with no front teeth is referred to in his native Puerto Rico, and the super tight pants that a woman may wear.

The track, like all the others in “En Lo Claro” – recorded in Puerto Rico, New York and Miami – was written in its entirety by the artist.

“Everybody knows that I like to write my own songs. That the lyrics are mine,” says Voltio proudly. “I started to work on the album more or less around November 2006. I’m always writing and changing and that’s why, when I make a record, it’s always in tune with what’s going on.”

And for Voltio, what’s going on in the urban Latin music field is precisely the evolution of the genre that has made him a star.

“Reggaetón is changing. Now, it is more danceable,” he explains. “It’s had its stages. At first, it was thuggish street music. Then, it was still hardcore street sounds but with a more danceable rhythm. Now, it is all nightclub music, accessible to everyone.”

Which was not always the case.

While Julio Ramos grew up in the town of Carolina, reggaetón music was practically banned; it was unknown and feared by many, impossible to get on radio stations. As so, like many other colleagues in the field, Voltio, influenced by his life-on-the-street experiences, turned them into urban poetry, which he would share in the houses of his friends or at birthday parties. During his teen years, Voltio joined forces with Héctor “El Bambino” and Rey 29, and together they formed the group Masters of Funk.

The threesome never got to record an album, but they became known in Puerto Rico’s emerging urban music scene. Things were going well until 1996, when Voltio saw his life change dramatically. He was incarcerated for violating his country’s weapons laws. The experience marked him tremendously, and made him reconsider everything in life.

“I went to jail, and God gave me the opportunity to get out,” the artist reflects. So as to never forget that chapter of his life, earlier this year Voltio recorded a DVD in a now closed notorious jail in Puerto Rico.

“My dad [recently deceased] helped me with the bail; my friends disappeared, and I learned a lot,” says the 30-year-old singer. “I learned to value my freedom.”

Along with Karel, an old neighborhood friend, Voltio teamed up to form the Karel y Voltio duo, which soon began appearing in the reggaetón compilations made by the island’s DJs. Signed to an independent label for three years, but without much happening, Karel y Voltio switched to another company. Their debut album, “Los Dueños del Estilo,” won the critics over, but was not marketed appropriately.

Then, when it seemed as if all doors were closing on Voltio, he got another opportunity through producer Elías de León and his White Lion Records label, and its main artist, Tego Calderón, who urged Voltio to join the company.

In 2005, Voltio launched his debut solo album, “Voltage A/C,” which marked the beginning of a productive friendship and work relationship with De León that continues to this day León, as a matter of fact, is one of the producers of “En Lo Claro,” along with colleagues Nelly, DJ Nelson, WISE, DJ Jan and Luis Altamonte.

Today, the man who as a child received an electrical charge and hence his nickname, Voltio, knows exactly where he is headed and what he wants out of life.

“The album is titled ‘En Lo Claro’ because things are very clear to me now. Because I am aware of everything. This is a much more mature Voltio,” he states. “I am showing the world that, in spite of all the difficult times, we can go forward with our lives.”