Chavito cut his musical teeth playing local neighborhood parties in his borough, but it took a trip to his ancestral homeland, Puerto Rico, to ignite his musicality. While in San Juan, his brother introduced him to the potent musical stylings of raperos (rappers) Vico C, Ruben DJ, and Wiso G, influences he synthesized with the hard-hitting sounds of his North American favorites, Notorious B.I.G. and Big Pun, when he returned to New York to stake his musical claim.

From hip-hop to reggaeton to dancehall, Chavito’s songs — party tales, street-life dramas, and daily struggles — are hard hitting and provocative. As an opening act, he has been featured on bills with Daddy Yankee, Nicky Jam, Alexis Y Fido, Tego, Pitbull, Zion Y Lennox, and Akon and has rocked stages at venues like the Hammerstein Ballroom, Club Spirit and Club Exit, attracting the attention of media giants Telemundo and Sprint Radio, and enticing Red Bull to lend sponsorship support.

A series of mixtapes and regular plays by DJ Tony Touch introduced Chavito to radio audiences. Next, Chavito recorded a reggaeton remix of Latin pop sensation Thalia on her single “Un Alma Sentenciada.” Chavito has now teamed up with famed producers Cool & Dre, Young Lord and reggaeton heavyweight Nely to produce his debut album.

In Puerto Rican slang, the term “chavito” means “youngster.” For the New York-based artist, it translates into an someone emerging into major musical manhood.

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DJ Spin One is a full-time on-air DJ and personality for La Kalle 103.5 FM, New York City's premier reggaeton radio station. As a musician, his versatile resume spans the realms of hip-hop and Latin hip-hop.

KMW's rise to stardom exemplifies the unsigned artist's dream. After performing at their first BMI showcase in 2005, KMW hit the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart this year with their single "Diamond Girl."

Vane, Arsenal and Seis' background in music led them to form La Sinfonia in 2003. Before this powerful union of sounds, Seis and Arsenal had previously made their mark in the Latin urban underground with a group called Los Mafiosos.

The Lirico Bandido Chavito has teamed up with famed producers Cool & Dre, Young Lord and reggaeton producer Nely to produce his highly anticipated debut album slated to be released in 2007.

Hailing from the Chosen Few camp, artists/songwriters Rey Chesta & Fuego have proven that they are both forces to be reckoned with. Rey Chesta just finished recording with Alejandro Sanz, while Fuego is working on the remix for legendary reggae artist Sean Paul.

The hardcore yet melodic sounds of Los Yo Yais have made them a name in New York City's underground hip-hop scene. The oxymoronic combination of the hard-hitting lyrics of NP Killah and the unique, sultry, melodic voice of Shown Blak allows them to stand out in the underground scene.

With the release of her first single, "Make Your Move" featuring El General, Liza Quin has become an internationally recognized singer gaining fans throughout the U.S., Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe. Liza also hosts American Latino TV (My 9), a national 30-minute weekly program that focuses on Latino culture in the U.S.

The electrifying duo of Jzabehl led by Dominican divas Roxiny Rivas and Keiry Valdez, and accompanied by a six-piece band, breaks all traditional music label barriers. Their music has set them apart as talented wordsmiths and masters on rewriting the rules on courtship, romance, fun and love.

Sponsors of the event, which took place during Latin Grammy week, included nocheLatina.com, El Especial & El Especialito, Gibson, American Latino TV/LatiNation, LaMusica.com, Bridgez magazine and In The House magazine.]]> 2006-11-10T03:00:00-05:00