Being Latino on Google Plus

Celia Cruz: The Queen of Salsa

celia_cruz

Flashback Fridays What is there to say about Celia that hasn’t already been said? A legend by any standard. Known and respected world wide. A would be teacher who had a dream and fortunately for us, decided to pursue it. Those of us who have had the great pleasure and honor to see her perform Read More

The Sonero – A dying breed

La Fania

Flashback Fridays Freestyler (music): An artist who can improvise off the top of the head. I bet some of you automatically think of some rap artists going toe to toe in a freestyle battle. I like those too, but freestyling can be found in any other genre of music. In Salsa, the art of freestyling Read More

Why I hate bachata

Photo: Jessenia Martinez

Mi Vida Latina I first caught wind of the bachata craze in the two or three years before I graduated high school. Most of my friends were Mexican; the only people I knew who danced bachata were Mexican; so naturally I thought it was a Mexican dance. My initial acquaintance with it came from seeing Read More

Free music downloads and voter education

votolatino

Last week, our friends at the non-partisan organization, Voto Latino, launched a new campaign to get young people to vote. Teaming with iTunes,  they are offering more than 30 free music downloads to those who sign up to receive information on voter registration and other key issues throughout 2012. To receive the free downloads, users must open Read More

Johnny Ventura: El Caballo Mayor

johnny

Flashback Fridays Hoy si que nos ponemos a bailar! Give that chair a rest and hit the dance floor, whether it’s your bedroom, living room, office (make sure the boss isn’t watching), this is the type of song that you just can’t help but move to. That’s pretty common when it comes to Johnny Ventura. Read More

Listen: Selena featuring Camila’s Samo in new version of “Amor Prohibido”

selenasamo

  If you loved Selena’s “Amor Prohibido” you may enjoy this latest release featuring Camila’s Samo. The duet, a slower acoustic version will be a single from a new album“Enamorada De Ti” that will be available on April 3rd. Tell us what you think. Also featured on the album will be Don Omar and Cristian Castro. Related Read More

La Pistola y El Corazon – Los Lobos

los lobos

Flashback Fridays Going through my archives a few days ago, I noticed that I have covered a bunch of solo artists, but no bands. As I searched for something different I came across Los Angeles based Chicano-Rock band, Los Lobos. I took a listen and immediately took a liking to them. They are highly influenced Read More

El Raton – Cheo Feliciano

cheo

Flashback Friday This week, I thought we’d lighten things up a bit after last week’s edition in which we discussed Ruben Blades’ hit ‘Plastico’ and how it was a critique of today’s materialistic society and it’s effect on our culture. It’s almost depressing when you think about it, so let’s shake it off, and groove Read More

Plastico: The Plague of Superficiality

ruben

Flashback Friday Women sporting fake smiles who won’t talk to anyone unless it’s that doctor that will be able to fund her high maintenance lifestyle. Men who care only about their appearance and the latest cars. That couple neck deep in debt caused by trying to maintain a higher social status. We can probably say Read More

“El Cantante” – Anthem of the overwhelmed celebrity

hectorlavoe

Flashback Friday We’ve all heard his story many times over. Different versions, some so different you don’t know who or what to believe. His life was turned into an off-Broadway play and even a major production on the big screen, portrayed by an international superstar. Having said that, I think I’ll spare you the life Read More