Latin Urban Showcase Explores the ‘Other Side of Hip-Hop’

Posted in News on November 10, 2006

The fusion of Latin and urban elements in hip-hop has led to the creation of a genre that continues to mark the Latino presence in the realm of music. In tribute to the growth of this genre, BMI presented "Al Otro Lado del Hip-Hop: A Celebration of Urban and Latin Music" on Oct. 30 at S.O.B.'s in New York City. Leading the explosion of Latin and urban sounds to center stage was La Kalle's 105.9 FM's DJ Spin One, artists KMW, La Sinofia, Chavito, Rey Chesta, Fuego, Los Yo Yais, Liza Quin and Jzabehl, along with many amazingly talented up-and-coming urban artists and songwriters.

View Al Otro Lado del Hip-Hop Photo Slideshow Photos by Soul Brother

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.

SOURCENews TAGS Latin R&B / Hip-Hop New York Chavito Rey Chesta Cool & Dre Fuego Jzabehl La Sinfonia Los Yo Yais Liza Quin