Latino Hit Street

Wednesday, March 7

Cumbia-Ton Online Promo

Here’s a promo I did for the Cumbia-Ton Music Showcase. It includes songs from Toy Selectah!, Sonidero Nacional, ATM and Amiztad. Catch Latino Hit Street around Austin this weekend…me and the “LHS Hustla’s” will be out in full force, on the streets and in the clubs. If you know of any cool event going on, shoot me an email so I can give you some flyers. Saludos to Univision Canal 62 and Ahora Si! for supporting the artists performing at this event, as well as the music fans who’s lifestyle reflects this music genre. Pass the word on this…MC’s are encouraged to go on stage, grab the mic and bring the flow!

Saturday, March 3

Reventon Sin Limite, March 15

REVENTON SIN LIMITE TO SHOWCASE REGIONAL-MEXICAN, CUMBIA, REGGAETON, TEJANO AND TEX-MEX ARTISTS

Independent Showcases feature Artists from Latin music’s most-popular genre’s, Regional-Mexican, Tejano and Spanish-Urban

AUSTIN, Texas – (March 2, 2007) – Reventon Sin Limite is a set of Latin music showcases, an alternative to the Alternative showcases during SXSW. As we all know, for one entire week, Austin is the center of the music world, thanks to SXSW. This year, Latino Hit Street is producing two showcases in support of Texas Latin music. Reventon Sin Limite offers music fans and industry representatives alike the opportunity to check out the music and culture behind Latin music’s most popular styles…Tejano, Norteno, TexMex, Reggaeton, Sonidero, Cumbia Hip Hop.

PERFORMING:
Nor-Tex Music Showcase (at Tejano Ranch)
- Michael Salgado (http://michaelsalgado.com)
- Tex-Mex Kadillaks (http://texmexrecords.net)
- Grupo Masivo (http://myspace.com/grupomasivo)

Cumbia-Ton Music Showcase (at Club Rodeo)
- Toy Selectah (http://myspace.com/toyselectahdj)
- Sonidero Nacional (http://myspace.com/sonideronacional)
- ATM (http://myspace.com/kiddcumbia)
- Amiztad (http://myspace.com/amistad)
- Joseph Serrato Collective (x-members of Grupo Fantasma, Ilegal Alienz) (http://myspace.com/jojopt2)

WHEN: Thursday, March 15, 2007

WHERE: Tejano Ranch, 7601 North Lamar, Austin, TX 78752
Club Rodeo, 9515 North Lamar, Austin, TX 78753

Sponsored by Univision 62 (Cable 13). For detailed information on Reventon Sin Limite, featuring Michael Salgado on the Nor-Tex state, and Toy Selectah on the Cumbia-Ton state, stay connected to LatinoHitStreet. Subscribe to LatinoHitStreet (blog/podcast) to receive up-to-date information via RSS, or have it delivered directly to your email inbox, your portable MP3 player, laptop or PC.

Wednesday, February 7

Austin Music On The Move

Leave it up to Latinos to throw a party for any occasion. Trust me, there's been plenty of fiestas going on lately. Sometimes it's one after another. Example...last Thursday was the GRAND OPENING of Austin's newest nightclub, Rodeo, with over 1,500 Mexicanos en la casa. And who said Tuesday was not a day for late night celebration? Case in point, the party for DJ Rapid Ric at Lucky Lounge. Come on, Ric was on the cover of the Austin Chronicle so we gotta celebrate.

Be sure to stop by the all new Rodeo. It's were Desperados used to be...on the corner of North Lamar and Runberg in north Austin. Resident DJ, Mike Lozano is without a doubt one of Austin's finest. He'll mix anything from Regional Mexican, Cumbias, Reggaeton and International/Dance. Rodeo is now open Thursday through Sunday. Thursday nights has an international flavor with Salsa music, and the weekend is mostly a mix of Regional Mexican music. The place has been totally remodeled...light, sound, the works. Stop by and check it out. Tell them I sent you!

Want to remind you once again to PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE subscribe to the LHS blog. This time I mean it. I've got some killer stuff to bring to you. Element is about to reopen under a new name/theme. Plus, my event is coming up. I can't announce the date and lineup just yet. That breaking news is coming....very, very, very soon!

Saturday, January 27

Latino Hit Street podcast at Club Zocalo

As they say, it’s better late than never. It took a while to put this together, but here it is. Latino Hit Street podcast episode recapping the Thanksgiving Day Freestyle & Latin Hip Hop Reunion concert. You heard the artist interviews online and saw us promoting in the streets and in the clubs. In case you're wondering...this is how it all went d-d-d-d-down.

Friday, January 19

Rapid Ric el Mixtape Mechanic...Pullin' Up music video

Yeah, Blizzard 2007 kept me home for three whole days. Camping on the couch reminded me of those wasted days in college. On Wednesday, when the ice finally did break, I headed straight the house of a hometown friend DJ Rapid Ric, aka Rapid Ric, aka Rapid Ricardo, or simply the Mixtape Mechanic. Ric and I go back. Some of you may not know, but Ric and I used to DJ at the same club (Bocaccio's) in Acuna, Mexico. Not at the same time, though. Bocaccio's was the last club I DJ'd at before coming to Austin in 1995. I think that's when Ric took over as DJ before he too relocated to Austin. Bocaccio's, Amigo's, Up & Down and Pancho's, we played them all. Looking back, being 17-years old and walking down the main drag in Mex with a milk carton full of records was da' shit.

I've been talking to Ric about doing a show together here in Austin. He's on board!!! As he put it, "count me in!" But I gotta go right now before I'm late to the movies. I'll fill you in later on how my "visit" to the Whut It Dew family household went. Leaving you with this video for the song "Pullin' Up" which will be on Ric's forthcoming album. Buy the new mixtape Whut It Dew 4, the music video comes with it on DVD, along with a third disc of the entire album slowed & screwed.

Sunday, January 14

Don't call it a comeback

Don't call it a comeback
I been here for years
Rockin my peers and puttin suckas in fear
- - LL Cool J

Felt good to stay home Saturday night. Made chocolate de la Abuelita, watched Don Francisco, and posted this blog. Yeah, still defrosting and eating tamales left over from last year. About two more dozenas sitting in the freezer calling my name. Try putting ketchup, mustard, and/or tabasco sauce on tamales. That's some good stuff there. An active lifestyle takes it's toll on a body...luckily I follow a strict diet. Pero bueno, that verse from LL Cool J sums up my week. Lately, I've been working on something...another show, a concert, an event! It's still a bit early to announce the specifics. But I will say this, it will be in March. Already, word is getting back to me about people "asking" what I'm up to. To them I say "don't worry" an announcement will be made in February.

For now I want to talk to you about a band I recently met. Their name is Bletzung. It's funny how our meeting came about. Before I met the band, three different people had told me about them. They would say, "check out this band, here's their cd, they just moved here from Puerto Rico," or, "here's a CD from a band from Puerto Rico, they play rock." The first thing that popped in my mind was...cool, another Latin rock band. I must admit, though, it wasn't until Bletzung's cd was given to me for the third time that I decided to listen to it. Once I listened to it, I was like, "WOW," I need to meet these guys!!! I was totally surprised by what I heard. Something totally refreshing...it was definatly not Latin rock, much less Rock en Espanol.

Bletzung recently moved to Austin to launch their new ROCK album. Lead by Ignacio Pena on guitar and Bermudo on bass, the Bletzung sound is not what you'd expect from Puerto Rico. It was about time that something came my desk that was not reggaeton. I'm not here to paint a pretty picture of who they are or how the band got together. Much less attempt to critique their music. That's not what I do. I have a hard time as it is writing a blog with propa grammar --that's why I podcast. You can read all about them on their website. And here's a link to google with all the background you need.

That's it for tonight. Be sure to visit their myspace page and add them to your friend's list. Get to know this band cause you'll be hearing much more about them. I'll have Bletzung on as guests on LHS podcast, soon! Again, don't forget to subscribe to the LHS blog. Enter your email above. You will receive an email from me with every new post. It's so east, even a caveman can do it. I'm talking about subscribing, not posting! Subscribing is easy that even a caveman can do it. Until next time, enjoy this video for "Only End Up Lonely" by Bletzung. Comments always welcomed.

Wednesday, January 10

The band want their stuff back


It’s really disappointing that a crime like this would happen here in Austin where music is so valued. We’re hopeful that this appeal will pave the way for the recovery of our equipment and we assure all of our friends and fans that this setback is only temporary. -- Mark del Castillo

Friday, January 5

SPIGGA - "People of the Sun" Music Video

Dir: Giovanny Blanco

Hey como estan, what's up my raza? I know this is probably already old, pero, hope your new year is going good. As for me, all is good down here in the Lone Star State.

After a long day of working the streets, I'm chilling at home writing this new blog entry. Big "shout out" to Spigga, a crazy Latin band from L.A. They were on Sonido Boombox with my compadre, Paul Saucido. Check out their video, it's for the song "People of the Sun."

Por favor, subscribe to the LHS blog & podcast.

Tuesday, January 2

Last '06 podcast...put'm up

Stopping by to say farewell to '06. Hand's up for the last episode of '06!

This kick-off year was memorable. Posted over 30 episodes, ... all » interviewed artist of different genres, had guest drop by to b.s., was front-n-center at the May 1 immigration movement...and oh yeah, we also put on our own concert featuring urban cumbia artist DJ Kane, freestyle legend Johnny O, and Austin's own David "D" Elizondo who spiced things up with some cumbia mixed with hip-hop and R&B. Can't forget The Legendary DJ Doc on the wax.

If you have something going on next year, hit me up. Maybe me and the "LHS Hustla's" will role up deep. Pero bueno, cheers, salud, familia, dinero y amor, from your crew at Latino Hit Street. Happy New Year!

Friday, December 29

Last LHS episode of '06

Stopping by to say farewell to '06. Here's the last episode of the year...

This kick-off year was memorable. Posted over 30 episodes, interviewed artist of different genres, had guest drop by to b.s., was front-n-center at the May 1 immigration movement...and oh yeah, we also put on our own concert featuring urban cumbia artist DJ Kane, freestyle legend Johnny O, and Austin's own David "D" Elizondo who spiced things up with some cumbia mixed with hip-hop and R&B. Can't forget The Legendary DJ Doc on the wax.

If you have something going on next year, hit me up. Maybe me and the "LHS Hustla's" will role up deep.

Pero bueno, cheers, salud, familia, dinero y amor, from your crew at Latino Hit Street.

Wednesday, December 27

Latin Hip Hop Reunion recap

Latino Hit Street Podcast

OVER 500 strong came out to the “Freestyle & Latin Hip Hop Reunion” on Thanksgiving Day. Much love, prop’s, respect, saludos, abrazos, and all that kind of good stuff to the stars of the night...DJ Kane, Johnny O, David “D” Elizondo and The Legendary DJ Doc on the ones-and-two’s. It was cool to see how the artist’s unique style drew a diverse group of fans. Some people thought this would be a tough show to pull off. I can see why they thought that. To begin, it's Thanksgiving, people could stay home and chill. The city had seen it's fair share of shows in November. The local radio stations don't have these artists' songs on rotation. Radio DJs wouldn't come out unless they got payed. The venue didn't currently cater to this market. As a matter of fact, Zocalo isn't even open on Thursdays. Still, I knew the fans would come out to see Johnny, DJ, D and Doc. Latino Hit Street podcast did would it could to get the word out and here are the results...

The Legendary DJ Doc kicked off the night behind the “wheels of steal” -- turntables for you non-schoolers.

DJ Doc has been spinning records since before I moved to Austin in 1995. When freestyle was hot, Doc was playing it on 12’ wax at this very venue. Club Zocalo was called Cocktails back then. This venue has history. Have you heard of the “$500 Hot Legs” contest? Once every couple of months they would do a Finals, where the hottest chick would win $3000. That means you had to be one heck of a booty bopping striper to be crowned. So, you can thank Doc for helping these young ladies make an honest living. He’s the man who started it all. As a matter of fact, he’s still doing it today. Every Wednesday night at club Desperado’s in North Austin. Except now it’s called the “You Got The Look” contest.

Latino Hit Street podcast is running the house with innovative promotions. We're just a podcast putting on freestyle & hip hop cumbia concerts. Here’s what you saw driving up Riverside Drive.

Not even 9p and there’s already a line.

That Mexican on stage is me...gotta thank my peep’s for coming out.

There’s D and his dancers doing a little thing,..work it girlfriend!

Picture would’ve been better if it wasn’t for that mic stand. Never trust someone else to take pictures for your!

To the windooooow.....

My boy D, breaking it down for the ladies.

Checking in with Johnny O before he goes on. That’s Jay 2 on the left, one of the Latino Hit Street hustla’s, making sure Johnny is taken care of.

Checking in with DJ before he goes on stage.

DJ Kane and his crew. Puro Corpus Christi en la casa!

Gotta give it up to DJ...here’s why the chicas love him and his music.

This was totally unexpected. A couple of x-kumbia kings joined DJ Kane on stage... D on the left, and JB on the right.

This pic was emailed to me by someone who went to the show. gracias!

Crutches and a sprained ankle did not keep DJ from greeting his fans.

Wednesday, December 20

Chunk Up The Deuce raza for Lil' Keke

Wednesday, December 13

Street Promotion...Club Element

Now it’s official! The Latino Hit Street podcast has stepped up to do what no other radio or television can. We are throwing the best Latin freestyle and hip hop concert Austin has ever seen. Johnny O and DJ Kane, together for the first time on the same stage. Check out the event poster for all the details.

For the next two weeks, LHS will be all over the web, on the streets, and in the clubs getting the word out. When it comes to street promotions, this is how Latino Hit Street rolls... Take a look at some of the pictures taken on Saturday night at Club Element.

The Legendary DJ Doc

DJ Soto, Coco Lounge

Saw these guys hanging out at the corner of 5th and Lavaca. Turns out they work in music, too. I need to catch up with them later.

LHS presents DJ Kane & Johnny O in concert!

You guys asked for a show...now you have one. It's clear that what we are doing with the Latino Hit Street podcast is innovative. Now, we are taking it one step further...we are the first podcast to produce a concert.

Coming to Austin on Nov 23, Thanksgiving Day, is the Latin freestyle king JOHNNY O and former Kumbia Kings frontman...DJ Kane! Also performing that night is Austin's own D (aka Kidd Cumbia) of the band ATM. On the turntables spinning that wax will be DJ Doc. DJ Doc was one of the first club DJs to spin freestyle at Cocktails and Club Kaos.

Stay tuned to the Latino Hit Street podcast and Hurbano.com for more details. Get ready...cause we are about to hit you with an event never before seen in Austin.

It was good to see so many familiar faces at last night’s “Premios Musica Latina de Austin” awards ceremony. I am a bit disappointed, though, with how the event played out. Hope I don’t come off as a hater. We all have opinions, verdad? When it comes to the media, I look at things differently than most of you. Not better, just different.

Picture above: Vallejo, Bocaabajo, Alex Ruiz, DJ Soto, DJ Mike Lozano, Marcelo and Hayden Vitera

To begin, I must give “props” to Univision for bringing this heavily branded event to Austin. You guys did a nice job with the production. Red carpet, live music, after party, after after party, etc. Wait, hold on…I take live music back. Track music.

My humble observation, critique, opinion, whatever you want to call it, goes like this:

Who are we supposed to be honoring again?
Now, I produced my fair share of events in the past. I realize the importance of having sponsors, and acknowledging their contribution to the event. Last night I learned more about sponsors than about the artists in attendance. Talk about branded entertainment! Man, this was over the top. Not only were sponsor mentions in the script, company reps got their turn at presenting an award. Although, it was nice to see Johnny (Austin Budweiser rep) present an award/

Univision TV personality overload!

Aside from sponsors presenting awards, Univision TV personalities took the limelight. Check this out, you’ll know what I mean. If you don’t read Spanish, I’ll sum it up for you. The first couple of paragraphs are about Univision, followed by TV personalities that will be in attendance and their respective shows. Towards the end, they mention some nominees, of which, only one is from Austin. Last sentence says that the nominees were selected by a panel of industry folks. The fans vote. Wonder who tallies the count? Hmmmmm

In case an artist can’t attend…

Send a rep or an agent. Intocable won several awards, yet no one accepted on their behalf. “Y el ganador es……Intocable! Cricket, cricket, cricket…

The standard video acceptance by Jennifer Pena didn’t do much, either. Anticlimactic if you ask me.

In all, out of the 12 categories, only three were won by an Austin artist. At least an Austin band won the “Best Austin Band” award. Grupo Fantasma…they deserve it! Ahora Si! Is right on with this header, which states “Kumbia Kings and Intocable top winners in LOCAL awards ceremony.” Not even Ahora Si featured local bands. It isn’t until the third paragraph that an Austin band is mentioned. And just in passing, too. The last paragraph states the awards that were won by Austin bands, but does not mention them. Oye! A quote from a band or two would be nice. Check the Austin Chronicle to see how they do theirs.

For a local station that doesn’t cover the live music scene very often, Univision did a good job at recognizing the bands with nominations. Hopefully next time they’ll localize it a bit more. You know, more about the music, less about the network shows and their super happy hosts. It couldn’t hurt to stick with the theme “Premios Musica Latina DE Austin.”

Mejor Tejana Tradicional

Intocable

Mejor Norteña

Eliseo Robles

Álbum del Año

Diez - Intocable

Mejor Vocalista Masculino

Emilio Navaira

Mejor Cumbia

Los Kumbia Kings

Mejor Salsa/Merengue

Chokolate

Mejor Vocalista Femenina

Jennifer Peña

Mejor Mariachi

Mariachi Estrella

Mejor Rock Latino

Los Lonely Boys

Mejor Nuevo Artista

Cienfuegos

Mejor Hip-Hop Latino/Urbano

Los Kumbia Kings

Mejor Banda de Austin

Grupo Fantasma

Orale, posea (pocho for pose) one time for the camera!!! What’s up with all the hand signals?

I’m back home in Austin once again. Been away for three days and I am beat. But you’ve got to love Los Angeles. Much respect to those of you who work and live on the road. Musicians, road crew, road managers, agents...don’t know how you do it.

You probably noticed from the picture above that aside from work there’s plenty of time to hang con los amigos. The two guys in front are Brett Bouldin and Malverde. To my left is Jehova Chavez (Machete Music), Mike Zeoli (DC drummer), Bert Besteiro (DC bassist), Mark del Castillo, Rick del Castillo, and el guitar-tech supremo Peter Zamarripa.

I was in L.A. for three days with Del Castillo. The guys were also there in August with Los Lonely Boys. This time they went back for a special show at The Vine Street Lounge.

Saludos to Phaedra, who came up to me at Vine Street and asked if I was “that podcast guy?” Wow, I actually met someone in a different state who listens to Latino Hit Street.

This past Saturday night was gangsta, compadre! Down in San Marcos, Texas, hip hop fans of all ages were bouncing to the beats and rhymes of THE new generation of rappers...Chingo Bling, Lil’ J, and Rob G. Get ready for the next wave of Texas talent.

The show was not in a nightclub, as you might expect, but a salon, know as the Cuauhtemoc Hall. Just about every Tejano, conjunto and grupero band out there have played here. Not to mention a quinceniera or two along the way.

This classic hall has endured just about every of wave of Latin music trend. I’ve been to a show at the Cuauhtemoc before. But back then, everybody in the crowd, except for me, wore a cowboy hat, heavy starched wranglers, boots, you name it! This time, the demographics called for an attire a bit more relaxed. Kick’s, tee’s and blue jean shorts was the style. I guarantee that the kids who were at this show were the sons, daughters, nephews, neices, etc., of the aging Tejano music generation.

Estos chavalones connected instantly with what the rappers were saying. Finally, they could relate to the artist on stage. The bond between these Houston rappers and San Marcos teens is deeply rooted in culture.

Although the evening was gangstafied, it went off without any trouble. No fights...nada!!! Speaking of bronca, I was expecting something to go down between Lil’ J and Rob G. These two thugs actually hung out for a while and took pictures with fans. Glad all is good between the two, as it should be, supporting one another. As a real jugador will do...it’s time for some “shout outs”...Chico Rico from the Beat 104.3, DJ Since and Thomas from Turntable Records were en la casa representing Austin.

Just got back from Houston...chingon! Congratulations to Theresa (pictured) and the Texas Chapter staff, it was good to see Houston get the recognition is deserves for putting Texas music on the national stage.

I did finally hook up with Lil J and the Done Deal Records crew. I’m currently putting that podcast together and will post it, soon. But for now, here’s the latest...Lil’ J “The Mex Connect” has a new mix tape coming out called “Both Sides of the Game.” Guess who else is on the album? Lil Keke! As you can imagine, with Lil’ J and Li’l Keke on the same album, there’s bound to be street talk.

On the next episode of “Latino Hit Street,” street talk is what you’re gonna get. Lil’ J goes on record with his opinion of new hip-hop artist, Rob G. After I post this blog, I’ll see if I can post a snippet of the interview with Lil J. The rap game in Texas is about to get hotter with a new artist and label...PlayaLand Records and artist P3.

p.s. congratulations to Ramiro Burr on his new blog...”Latin Notes.” The Latin Notes Now blog was the No. 1 blog for ALL blogs at mysa.com for the last week. Keep showing your support to our man in the street...

It’s turning out to be another busy week for Texas music. The Austin City Limits music festival took place this past weekend, with three days of nonstop music. Musica de todo tipo, a true bliss if your taste in music goes beyond one style or genre.

And now, it’s back work , getting ready for Houston tomorrow. I will be in Houston for a Recording Academy event...

>>>

From the Texas Chapter:

IN THE MIX: H-town‚s Hip-Hop Sound

Hosted by Chamillionaire with special performance by Latium / Universal Republic Records artist, Rob G and DJ Ebonix

The Houston hip-hop scene is exploding as the next sound in pop culture. Since the mid 80‚s and early 90‚s Houston has had its own unique brand of hip-hop. This buzz has major labels shelling out millions to secure local Houston hip-hop artists.

Coming off a recent win for "Best Rap Video" at the VMA, Houstonite Chamillionaire is one of the hottest rappers in the country with his latest single "Ridin" reaching #1 on the Billboard charts. Join Chamillionaire and the Texas Chapter of The Recording Academy for In The Mix: H-town‚s Hip-Hop Sound; an evening of networking while reaching out to Houston‚s underground music talent and independent labels.

The next LHS podcast will be from Houston. It’s been a while since I hooked with Lil J and the Done Deal Records crew. These guys are from the Houston barrio and have claimed their place in the it’s hip-hop culture. We read about Houston’s hip hop culture all the time. Candy paint, grilz, hood and all. Now, let’s see and hear it live from the source. They’ll give us an inside view to Houston and it’s place in the hip-hop. Stay connected to “Latino Hit Street.” If you haven’t already done so, get caught up with the most recent episodes.

Have you subscribed to the Latino Hit Street blog? I’m waiting....

A new episode of the LHS podcast is on it’s way. Earlier this week, I hooked-up with Turo & Yayo of the Filmmakers Lab podcast. We met at a taco truck somewhere in south Austin. I had a chicharron taco, uno de barbacoa, and a Jarrito de Toronja. Good stuff!

As we ate, we record two separate podcast episode simultaneously. Not sure if theirs is posted, yet. I’m still in the process of putting mine together. You can’t rush perfection, you know. Hopefully it will be available for download this weekend.

Because of the crazy emails you have sent me and requests for video, I have another “treat” in store for you. The upcoming episode of Latino Hit Street will be video. Not bad for a Mexicano, eh?