Blogamole › Don Omar

By Michael Lopez

As we come up on the 17th anniversary of Selena Quintanilla's death, the time seems right to honor her memory. Or at least, that's how her record company feels. This April, a new tribute album entitled Enamorada de Ti will hit stores and it's got quite an impressive list of celebrity guests.

Cristian Castro, Don Omar, and Selena Gomez have all lent their voices to the record, which will feature classic Selena songs mixed with new arrangements. The first single, "Amor Prohibido", is an enticing duet featuring Samo from Camila.

"Amor" will be hitting radio outlets first and seems like quite a good lead off for the project. The title track of her 1994 breakthrough album, "Amor", originally reached #1 on the Billboard Latin Songs charts and eventually went platinum in Mexico.

Hopefully we'll get to see some new videos from the Enamorada album too. Perhaps they can mix old Selena footage with new celebrity clips, or at least get a close up of that signature jacket A.B. Quintanilla wore to his latest wedding.

Are looking forward to the Selena tribute album? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Amor Prohibido, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Cristian Castro, Don Omar, Enamorada de Ti, Hot Stuff, Música, samo, Selena, Selena Gomez, Selena Quintanilla

By Michael Lopez

A while back we mentioned how Don Omar was going to be a headliner at one of Indianapolis' pre-Super Bowl concerts. But unfortunately, that reggaeton jam never came to be. El Don cancelled his appearance at the last minute, possibly due to tension with Univision.

According to Latin Gossip, Omar was upset with the way Univision was handling the television rights. Though it hasn't been confirmed, many believe he bailed because he couldn't secure a deal with the broadcasting giant.

Clearly that left a lot of fans disappointed, but the show still went on. Alejandra Guzman and Larry Hernandez carried the slack, delivering powerhouse performances for the crowd.

And interestingly, Guzman even showed a little New England pride during her set. Before breaking out into one of her signature tunes, the Mexican songstress threw on a colorful Patriots-inspired football helmet.

Do you think it was wrong of El Don to bail on the concert? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Alejandra Guzman, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Chisme, Don Omar, Música, popnews, Super Bowl, univision

By Michael Lopez

Sure Madonna is great and all, but what about those of us who like a little reggaeton during our football games? Not to worry, Don Omar and Larry Hernandez are hitting Indiana too, to perform at the pre-game Fan Jam.

Sponsored by the NFL and Pepsi, the Fan Jam is expected to build quite a bit of hype before "the big game." El Don and Larry will headline the event on February 1, four days before Sunday's Super Bowl kickoff.

And they won't be holding court just by themselves. Both Alejandra Guzman and Moderatto have agreed to participate in the show, which will be broadcast live for TV. The following day, Fan Jam will continue with performances from Gym Class Heroes and B.o.B.

The best part of all is, tickets for the concerts are absolutely free! If you ask us, that's a lot more economical than the price that the actual Super Bowl is charging. If you want to get a premium seat at Lucas Oil Stadium, it's going to cost you up to $3,000!

Have you ever been to a Super Bowl? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Alejandra Guzman, B.o.B., Blogger: Michael Lopez, Don Omar, Football, Gym Class Heroes, Larry Hernandez, Música, Moderatto, NFL, Sports, Super Bowl, Super Bowl Fan Jam

By Michael Lopez

Ok, maybe we got ahead of ourselves with the title of this post. "Pre-production" is more like it. But regardless, Vin Diesel has now officially confirmed that the Fast & Furious franchise is getting two more sequels.

Diesel (who's also a Fast producer) thrilled fans with his announcement this week, particularly because he confirmed the participation of the last movie's stellar cast.

"We have to pay off this story, we have to service all of these character relationships, and when we started mapping all that out it just went beyond 110 pages," Vin explained. "The studio said, 'You can't fit all that story in one damn movie!"

Obviously that's great news for Tr3s fans. Several of our favorite peeps have been a part of the franchise and if they're really "all coming back," you can expect appearances from Don Omar, Tego Calderón, Michelle Rodriguez, and Eva Mendes!

We're hoping we can expect the first of the two movies by summer 2013.

Who's your favorite Fast Five character? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Don Omar, Eva Mendes, Fast Five, Fast Seven, Fast Six, Hot Stuff, Michelle Rodriguez, Movies & CineMás, Tego Calderon, Vin Diesel

By Larry Yepez Jr.

If you haven’t heard of JBalvin yet, remember the name, because you will be hearing quite a bit from this Colombian music phenomenon. The talented Colombian is on a mission to conquer the world! JBalvin just signed an international recording contract with EMI/Capitol Latin, which is putting Balvin on its roster of artists. The record company also named him Ambassador of the Latin Urban Movement , putting him in the perfect path to achieve his global dream.

Balvin came onto the music scene in Colombia with fresh beats and seductive lyrics that instantly captivated audiences. His music videos have surpassed 35 million views on YouTube and he's on the verge of reaching two million followers in Twitter and Facebook.

Balvin gained notice Latin America when he was given the highest industry awards in Colombia. He got 3 SAYCO Awards (Sociedad de Autores y Compositores de Colombia) for the song Sin Compromiso in the categories of National Songwriter, Urban Song and Most Voted. He also got several Shock Awards and this year is nominated in the most prestigious categories: Artist or Group of the Year, Best Song on Radio and Best Urban Artist or Group. A Shock Award represents the highest level of recognition an artist can receive in Colombia.

A couple of weeks ago Balvin got a Gold Record for the sales on his album REAL. Balvin is the first Colombian Urban Artist to ever get this honor! So at the top of his game, Tr3s had a one on one with Balvin and here is what he had to say:

Tr3s:  You just signed a contract with Capitol/EMI, that's a pretty big deal! How are you taking this in?

JBalvin: I’m very happy with this honor. There's a lot of responsibility with this title of Ambassador of the Latin Urban Movement. But I'm excited about what's to come. The idea we had was to globalize the JBalvin image and after several meetings at different record labels, I can say like my song, "EMI me cautivó". I saw that we had the same vision  as to the direction I want to take my career.

I see a lot of work ahead of us with this alliance. I have been 9 years as an independent artist with a lot of discipline and now I am part of the EMI roster,  I am very happy to be part of this family.

Tr3s: What do you plan to achieve through this deal both in the U.S. and in the rest of the world?

JBalvin: I want to be part of the new school of great artists of the Urban Genre!

Tr3s: Starting your career you were compared to Daddy Yankee and recently you mentioned that you wanted to be the Jay Z of Latin Urban Music. What’s this all about?

JBalvin: Every artist has his Muse, and I have always been a fan of Daddy Yankee and also have always admired Jay Z. These artists show strong character and a lot of discipline and I like that, I like for people to see that in myself as well, I think these characteristics make strong artists.

Tr3s: Which other artists would you like to do collaborations with?

JBalvin: Whew.. We'd probably be here all afternoon if I told you all of them, but just to name a few, I'd love to work with Drake, Jay Z, Alicia Keys, Daddy Yankee and Bruno Mars.

Balvin's new production will show his versatility as he dares to mix up rhythms like reggae, salsa, rap, bachata and electronica without losing his essence nor abandoning the genre that put him on the map. He did give the scoop that he will be doing a duet with Don Omar and a collaboration with Zion y Lennox.

Check out JBalvin as our featured artists on this month's Descubre & Download!

Tags Alicia Keys, Blogger: Larry Yepez Jr, Bruno Mars, Capitol Latin/EMI Music, Daddy Yankee, Descubre & Download, Don Omar, drake, JayZ, jBalvin, SAYCO Awards, zion y lennox

By Michael Lopez

There's no denying that reporters can be pushy when talking to celebs. And, by the looks of things, an Azteca TV interviewer got a little too aggressive when speaking with Don Omar this week. So much so, that El Don's bodyguards had to be called in to calm the situation.

According to Latin Gossip, Omar felt his personal space was getting invaded by the Azteca reporter. Though their exchange started out civil, it quickly took a turn for the worse, ultimately leading to a "minor" altercation.

El Don went on to say that the interviewer was "invading his physical and psychological space." Omar also said he felt disrespected and got his bodyguards to quickly eject the man from his hotel (where the encounter took place).

Now we're sure the Azteca guy will claim he was treated unfair, but we may have to side with Don on this one. There is a time and a place for celebrity questioning and, in our opinion, the lobby of their vacationing hotel isn't one of them.

Do you think reporters are too invasive in celebrities' lives? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Azteca, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Celebrities, Chisme, Don Omar, Latin Gossip, popnews

By Larry Yepez Jr.

Lucenzo, also known as The King of Kuduro and the mastermind behind Don Omar's hit song Danza Kuduro, is coming to the US to perform for the first time here. It's been almost two years since Danza Kuduro was released to the music industry, and like back then, today the song keeps playing on all radio stations around the world, breaking records, and banging the clubs with it's catchy rhythm.

After finishing a busy agenda with his "80 Tour" where he performed in 80 of the most important clubs and stages around the world, Lucenzo announced his arrival on November 2nd. He will perform his hits on November 4th at Club Mansion in Miami Beach!

Aside from his Kuduro Hit, Lucenzo will be performing Baila Morena and Emigrante del Mundo that have been ascending ranks of musical playlists around the world. Lucenzo comes to America, with a #1 hit in European Clubs, #1 in Latin radio and #2 in sales in Europe and Africa.

Billboard already acclaimed his success, giving him recognition as the longest lasting number one on the Hot Latin Songs List. And to add to the success, Danza Kuduro,  the collaboration with Don Omar, was named Latin Rhythm Airplay's Song of the year.

Lucenzo has definitely left his mark in music's history making everybody tighten their booty and shake it hard! Danza Kuduro = Hard Booty Dance! With almost 250 million views, Danza Kuduro is at #7 on the top 10 most watched videos of Youtube and is also #1 in sales in Italy, Holland, Spain, Portugal, Israel y Romania.

Will you go to Lucenzo's concert?

Tags 80 tour, Baila Morena, Billboard, Blogger: Larry Yepez Jr, Danza Kuduro, Don Omar, Emigrante del Mundo, Latin Grammy, Latin Rhythm Airplay, Lucenzo, popnews

By Michael Lopez

Ever heard of a Harlista? If Harley-Davidson has their way, it won't be long until you do. The legendary bike manufacturers are now in the middle of an aggressive push to sell their chrome hogs to the Latin American audience.

For the record, a Harlista is a die-hard Latin American Harley rider. According to HD's site, the concept has been around for over 50 years and represents biker subcultures in areas like Puerto Rico, Brazil, and Mexico. Even Tr3s fave Don Omar classifies himself as a proud member of the chopper clan.

"I had a chance to ride a Harley for one of my videos," he said on the site. "From that moment, I told my team 'I want to ride a Harley' and my dream came true."

Outside of El Dons testimonial, the Harley site includes snippets of a new Harlistas documentary, directed by Mexican filmmaker Alfredo de Villa. For the feature, de Villa followed the lives of nine Latino bikers in areas like L.A., Chicago, Laredo, and Corpus Christi. Not coincidentally, Harley-Davidson helped fund the movie, which has gotten some very positive reviews.

And don't think the company is stopping there. Harley is also planning to open a new Latin American headquarters in Miami. Judging by the stats they released this week, the chopper execs may be on to something big. Harley projects that sales of their bikes outside of the U.S. will go up by 40 percent in the next three years.

"Our new [Miami] location will help us better and more quickly respond to our Latin American customer’s needs," Harley-Davidson VP Mark Van Genderen said. "Harley-Davidson’s increased focus on customers outside of the US is an exciting time for us, since many Latin American countries have well-established motorcycle cultures and thousands of avid enthusiasts."

And seeing the responses that keep pouring in to their Harlistas page, they may have some growth with the American Latino market too. So far, hundreds of Hispanic bikers have shared their stories, videos, and chopper pix on the site. Who knows? Maybe if they're lucky, even the She Wolf will leave a post.

Have you ever ridden a Harley motorcycle? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Alfredo de Villa, Bikers, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Cultura, Don Omar, Harley-Davidson, Harlistas, motorcycles

By Sugey Palomares

Don Omar fans can look forward to getting to know the reggaetonero on an intimate level.

The "Dile" singer recently celebrated his Latino pride during a Time Warner Hispanic Heritage Month event and revealed that he will close 2011 with a couple of intimate performances in the U.S. William Landrón -his real name- may have ended his marriage to the weather girl Jackie Guerrido earlier this year, but he confirms that he is living "the best years" of his life.

He isn't exactly exaggerating since he reached the top of the music charts in the U.S. and Europe this year.

During the press conference Don Omar explained:

"At this moment I want to share with my Latino community. I always try to do better and this time I want to make it special, intimate."

Will he get as intimate as Enrique Iglesias does at his concerts? We secretly hope not! Check out the confirmed concert dates and locations below. Will you be getting to know Don Omar on an intimate level?

- Dallas: Far West nightclub (November 17)

- Los Angeles: Nokia Theatre (November 22)

- New York: Beacon Theatre (December 1)

Tags Chisme, Don Omar, Jackie Guerrido, Latin Music, Latinos, Musica Latina, popnews, Reggaeton

By Michael Lopez

With over $600 million in worldwide box office revenue, you can bet that the folks at Universal are ready to juice the Fast Five franchise for everything it's worth. And though we may have to wait a year or two for the sequel, fans can get early treat with the fully-loaded DVD that drops today.

Fast Five dvd

Featuring crisp HD visuals, blaring stereo sound, and a sharp letterbox aspect ratio, the Fast Five DVD recreates everything you loved about car-racing crime drama. But for those looking for a little more, Vin Diesel and company are delivering the goods.

The new Blu-Ray disc features two deleted scenes, a Rock-heavy gag reel, and a feature commentary from director Justin Lin. There are also a ton of behind-the-scenes goodies, like a breakdown of that epic train sequence and interviews with the entire cast.

Perhaps the most interesting bonus from the Fast Five DVD is the "Virtual Garage." Here you can highlight each vehicle used in the film, complete with 360 degree views and under-the-hood exposes. Tyrese makes a special appearance too, with his own Tyrese TV segment that features his home movies from the set.

And c'mon, who couldn't use a little bit more Don Omar and Tego Calderon on their big screen TV? They'll be around too for the special "Reuniting The Team" section. Trust us, Fast Five is an awesome showcase for any living room and it's a great way to keep fans entertained until Michelle Rodriguez hits theaters for Fast Six!

What's your favorite DVD to watch over and over? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Don Omar, DVDs, Fast Five, Hot Stuff, Justin Lin, Movies & CineMás, Tego Calderon, The Rock, Tyrese, Vin Diesel