Everything's cyclical. It's the reason for a resurgence of skinny jeans and Keds -- the 1980s were due for a comeback that started early in the New Millennium and steadily gained steam. And that trend wasn't lost on Latin rock groups. Outfits like Belanova, The Pinker Tones, and Babasonicos began cranking out synth-laden tunes like it was the second coming of Axel Foley, though they never lost their rock edge. As time has passed, the Eighties mania has left more and more of us clamori
Somehow Afrobeta doesn't have a proper record out. Even though the dynamic pop duo slays the crowds, plays international gigs and gets featured on acts like Calle 13's tracks, they don't have a proper album. So they did what any self respecting street DJ would do -- they put out a mixtape. Since it's the '90s, you don't actually need to go somewhere and buy it; you can download via Sweat Records.For those who don't know, the act consists of Cuci Amador singing, dancing and gene
I know from experience that reggaeton is one of those genres that people either love or hate. I myself have mixed feeling about reggaeton, but I admit than I'm fascinated by its cultural impact and worldwide reach. Like salsa before it, reggaeton quickly became the music of choice for a new young generation of young Latinos. Over the past decade those hard-hitting syncopating beats have been steadily creeping up on us. From the streets to the radio and the night clubs, reggaeton is everywhere yo
Orishas is a Yoruban word referring to spirits or deities, which are essentially manifestations of the god Orun. It is also the name adopted by what is arguably one of the most significant and original offerings to the Latin genre in the past 10 years. Comprised of Roldan Gonzalez, Hiram "Ruzzo" Riveri and Yotuel Romero, three Havana-born Cubans who immigrated to Europe in flight from Castro's regime, the group made an impact from day one with the release of their 1999 debut A Lo Cubano. Three a
Pardon the cheesy pun, but Bomba Estereo is blowing shit up! The Colombian outfit has made quite a name for themselves internationally since forming in Bogota. After letting the creative juices simmer abroad, 2009 is the year they finally take over the States, winning over fans with their unique blend of electro, dub and hip hop with the distinctly Colombian flavors of cumbia and champeta. The five-piece group debuted at SXSW to a ravenous crowd and spent last week laying siege to New Y
