The movie's primary "message" is all good (the coming together of hip-hop and reggaeton cultures). But kids struggle with ambition and frustration, and the protagonist steals, fights, smokes pot, becomes involved in a shady record deal, and resents his long-absent father (though eventually they forgive each other).

Thugs carry and fire guns in a club, inspiring Rob's mother's decision to send him to Puerto Rico. C.C.'s ex (who lurks and glowers in all his scenes) approaches Rob, who pushes him to the ground. The ex attacks Marivi in the store, punching and kicking her (after two hits, he's kicking at her fallen form behind the counter, off-screen); in the hospital, she's bruised and bandaged. The Mayor's guys beat up the ex, brutally (though again, mostly off-screen). Jeffrey pushes up against C.C., insisting she kiss him; she pushes him and runs away, avoiding what feels like a rape attempt. Rob, hoping to reconcile with the ex's buddies, agrees to fight one of them; the fight is brief and underlines that Rob is tough.

Several club scenes show dancers wearing short skirts/shorts and cleavage-revealing tops, dancing suggestively (thrusting, hip-pumping); C.C. is one such dancer, and Jeffrey comments on her "moves." Javi and Rob hope to "get some" one night. Rob and C.C. kiss passionately a couple of times; a sex scene shows their nude shoulders and backs and passionate faces. Tanya shows some cleavage. Background girls wear bikinis (on beach) or skimpy clothing (in clubs).

One use of "f--k," plus other mild, infrequent profanity, like "s--t," "hell," "damn," "ass," and "bitch." A couple of characters use the "N" word, and it's used in a soundtrack lyric.

Several shots of and a reference to Heineken beer; other products visible in a store (Coca-Cola); iPod, Vaio laptop.

Several characters smoke cigarettes and cigars; bar and club scenes show drinking (wine, liquor, champagne); Rob and Javi share a joint; C.C. is drunk when Jeffrey tries to have sex with her.