Hip-hop duo Los Rakas proud of their Latino roots

Source by John Benson

Doing whatever feels right in the moment is often easier said than done.
However, for the better part of the last decade, Oakland’s Los Rakas has been doing just that, turning heads with its unique mélange – hip-hop, plena, soul, reggae and dancehall – of music that bounces between Spanish and English lyricism.

Featuring cousins Raka Rich and Raka Dun, the bilingual rap and reggae duo was recently named as one of the first Latin artists – alongside 3BallMT­– to join the Honda Civic Tour, which will be on the road for the next month.

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Latin Grammy "Tangos" - Rubén Blades

[VIDEO] Pitbull's Latino-themed jokes at the American Music Awards not appreciated

Source by Fox News Latino

Pitbull brought some Latino flavor when he took the stage to host the American Music Awards for the second consecutive year. But for some viewers, the Miami rapper left a sour taste in their mouths.
The show started with a burst of energy thanks to Taylor Swift’s on fire, almost literally, performance of “Blank Space,” but when the Cuban-American rapper took the stage for his intro, it just fell flat “Mr. Worldwide” spent a good portion of his introductory monologue with Latino-themed jokes including poking fun at President Obama’s recent immigration action.

“Now, you all know I’m Cuban, but remember America, not all Latinos are Mexican,” Pitbull said. “We got everybody here tonight – black, white, pink, purple, orange, Asian, Latino – and guess what, President Obama said we can all stay. God Bless America.”

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Edward Furlong: The unknown Latino badboy of Hollywood

Source by Tony Castro

There was a time when teen actor Edward Furlong, who played the heroic young savior John Connor in “Terminator 2: Judgement Day,” was being called one of Hollywood’s future leading men, the likes of a Leonardo DiCaprio or Brad Pitt.

He was 15, a teen heartthrob, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s younger half in a billion-dollar action movie franchise of mankind’s war against machines, and celebrated with a slew of awards attesting to his precocious brilliance and tremendous promise.
Had it been common knowledge that the dreamy-eyed Furlong was Mexican on his mother’s side, Hispanics who helped make the “Terminator” franchise a worldwide blockbuster would have been hailing him as the American Latino major Hollywood star who might open the gates in Tinseltown. Read more.

Latin Grammys 2014: Rubén Blades wins Best Tango Album

Source by Martin Chilton

Rubén Blades's new album Tango wins a Latin Grammys award, and there are wins for Enrique Iglesias and Placido Domingo.

Rubén Blades won his fifth Latin Grammys awards last night for his new album Tango.

Enrique Iglesias, Calle 13, Placido Domingo, Niña Pastori and the late flamenco guitarist Paco de Lucia, were also winners

Blades spoke recently about the benefits of choosing tango over salsa.

Tango was also nominated for album of the year and the 66-year-old from Panama City said: "People probably have to rub their eyes and say, 'What, Ruben Blades in the tango category?' I was surprised because you never know about Grammy nominations. My album Siembra, arguably the biggest seller in the history of salsa, never got nominated for a Grammy. Read more.

Ruben Blades Tangos His Way to Latin Grammys

Source by CHARLES J. GANS

Ruben Blades says he never imagined his CD "Tangos" would be nominated for a Latin Grammy.

Instead, it's up for two ? album of the year and best tango album.

"People probably have to rub their eyes and say, 'What, Ruben Blades in the tango category?' I was surprised because you never know about Grammy nominations. My album 'Siembra,' arguably the biggest seller in the history of salsa, never got nominated for a Grammy," said the 66-year-old Blades, who has won four Latin Grammys and six Grammys.

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Univision searches for ultimate Latino boy band

Source by Juan Fernandez Gonzalez

Univision Communications has opened online auditions to select the first participants for La Banda, a reality TV show developed by the US Hispanic network, Fremantle Media Latin America and Syco Entertainment.

La Banda aims to create the world's ultimate Latino boy band via a massive search in the US. Contestants will compete for a place in a band called La Banda and for a coveted recording contract with the Sony Music Latin label (home to many Latin music artists) along with Simon Cowell's Syco Music, One Direction's record label.

"I'm very excited about this show. There is a huge amount of talent out there and La Banda is going to give five guys the opportunity of a lifetime," commented Simon Cowell.

"We are proud to start the search for the next great Latino boy band," added Alberto Ciurana, president for programming and content at Univision Communications. "There is vast talent in our community and with La Banda we will find and launch the next generation of musical superstars."

The first phase of the auditions will take place online, with interested parties submitting information to the site LaBandaoficial.com. The best contestants will receive a ticket to take part in a private audition in front of the production team. The online casting will be followed by casting events across the United States and Puerto Rico in the spring of 2015.

"The launch of Labandaoficial.com is the first step in what I know will be more than a television show but a life-changing experience for many young talents, and one that will change the Latin music industry," said Alejandra Espinoza, who will be the host of the Univision show.