Blogamole › Latin Grammy

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 Sharmaine Jones

Watch out Justin Bieber, Puerto Rican reggaeton star and preteen heartthrob Miguelito is building an empire.

The 12-year-old phenom has already recorded four albums (including his aptly titled album El Heredero) and collaborated with music sensations Divino, Tito “El Bambino” and Daddy Yankee. He became the youngest person to win a Latin Grammy at age 9.

Now, he's launching several branding partnerships — for a video game, hair gel, a line of party goods, a cruise, a summer camp and even a film with him as the protagonist.

His clothing line Heir, which has sold more than 3.5 million pieces through the Puerto Rican Me Salvé retail chain, will be expanded to include a line of baby clothes. And niños y niñas can now add the finishing touches to their looks with Miguelito hair gel, specially designed for kids by maker Xtreme Gel.

The video game “Miguelito's Time Traveler,” designed by Global Games Entertainment for kids ages 5 to 11, takes players on a journey through space and time to save the world using Miguelito's likeness. The game is set to hit stores in May.

"I never imagined that I'd be in a video game, but I was really moved that they would make a video game with my face, my image," Miguelito told masreggaetonflow.com. "[The child that appears in the animation] is exactly like I was at that age...."

In a partnership with Dinax Corporation, Miguelito is launching a line of party goods including cups, plates, napkins, piñatas, banners, invitations and balloons.

Puerto Rico's Moisty Skate and Park waterpark will hold a Miguelito-themed summer camp in June and July, featuring a Miguelito concert at the end of the season. Royal Caribbean's Adventure of the Seas will feature a nine-day, eight-night Caribbean Christmas Cruise in December, also featuring a performance by the young reggaeton artist.

As if that weren't enough, Miguelito is also set to star in — and produce the soundtrack for — his first film, "Nadie Sabe Lo Que Tiene," written and directed by David Impelluso and Virginia Romero.

So, while The Biebs may have his own doll, Miguelito's likeness will soon be appearing on everything from clothing to hair gel to party supplies to vacation destinations.

What do you think of Miguelito's new endeavors? Tell us in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Dinax Corp., El Heredero, Heir, HEIRS, Latin Grammy, Miguelito, Miguelito's Time Traveler, Reggaeton

By MTV Tr3s Staff

Grammy and Latin Grammy Award winning duo Calle 13 have confirmed their FREE March 23rd concert in Cuba's capital city of Havana. 

This is the first Cuban appearance for the urban rap group; though they've tried unsuccessfully to perform for the island nation for the past two years due to visa denials by the U.S. government.

Rene released the following statement:

"I am very happy because this concert [was] achieved with much sacrifice. We are not collecting and we are taking the entire band along. [We've] wanted to go from some time and we could not connect, but now everything was smooth because we are not doing anything wrong, just music. We are going for the people, because I want them to listen to me and I will listen to them."

While there, Calle 13 will also receive the 2010 International Cubadisco Award 2 months early, the highest honor a recording artist or group can receive at the music festival which takes place on May 15th.

Congrats, Residente and Visitante!

(via Latin Gossip)

Photo via Getty Images

Tags Calle 13, Cuba, Grammy, Havana, Latin Grammy, Residente, visitante

Last night's Nobel Peace Prize Concert in honor of President Obama took place in Oslo, Norway.  El concierto, which was hosted by Will Smith y su esposa, Jada Pickett Smith, and included a performance by Wyclef Jean,  also counted con un invitado Latino - none other than Latin Grammy-winning cantante Luis Fonsi!

Ay, now there's a photo you can frame and show el mundo entero!  We wonder if he'll put it on the mantelpiece next to his Latin Grammy?

Photo via Dinamo Story

Tags Latin Grammy, Luis Fonsi, Nobel Peace Prize Concert, President Obama

Wisin y Yandel won the top dos lenguas at last week's Los Premios MTV 2009, for "Artista del Año" y "Video del Año."  As we reported last week, el Dúo Dinámico dedicated their "Artist of the Year" Premio to 50 Cent, who they credit with making este año tan especial para ellos.  MTV News and MTV Tr3s caught up with the trio on the red carpet before the show, where we got 50's two cents on working con los reggaetoneros.  Watch what the rapper had to say below.

Como pueden ver, 50 Cent regards working in the Latin market as an opportunity.  In fact, el rapero is so confident in his work with Wisin y Yandel, that he believes they will win the Latin Grammy they are nominated for este año.

"This is exciting — when they win, I'm gonna finally win my trophy!"

Wisin también está de acuerdo.

"That nomination confirms what I've said all along, which is that these collaborations are necessary.  50 Cent was never nominated for a Latin Grammy. Then he works with Wisin y Yandel, and he scores a nomination. And there's a good chance that he'll win, because that song is an international hit."

T-Pain, who is also collaborating with Wisin y Yandel on "Imaginate" for their upcoming remix album, 'La Evolución,' también piensa que este es el mejor momento para colaboraciones entre artistas Latinos y anglos.

"[Our collaboration is] going to put them in my world and help put me in their world."

Este verdaderamente es el momento para 'La Evolución' de la musica latina.  With so many collaborations between Latin and English-speaking artists, you know there's a new wave of Latin pride that's sure to follow!  Que viva el orgullo Latino!!  [MTV News]

Haven't been able to catch Los Premios or just reeeeally want to watch it again (no te preocupes, we're sure you're not alone!)?  Tune-in to MTV Tr3s esta noche a las 7pm EST to see Los Premios MTV 2009 otra vez!

Photo via Getty Images

Tags 50 Cent, collaborations, Exclusive, Imaginate, La Evolucion, Latin Grammy, los premios mtv 2009, MTV NEws, Mujeres In the Club, T-Pain, Video, Wisin y Yandel

2008 was a big year for Latin artists crossing over, just ask Mexican pop trio Belanova.

Their third studio album, "Fantasia Pop" proved to be the charm garnering the group their first Latin Grammy win this year. MTV News chatted with pop sensación Belanova to talk about their electrio vibes and the possibility of un nuevo album in 2009. Hear what they have to say right below! [MTV News]

Tags Belanova, Latin Grammy, Musica Latina

Flex doesn't just have a thing for muñecas...

Our smooth operating urbano also wants to make some of his own! Flex wants to spread his baby-making seeds and take a crack at fatherhood. The "Te Quiero" Latin Grammy-winner has been married to his longterm novia, Osiris Vega, for less than six months, but the romantic reggaetonero revealed that they are ready for a new family addition.

He states:

Dios mande que como viene disco nuevo, también venga un encargo de niño de parte de Osiris, de verdad que nos sentimos felices, ojalá que el año nuevo venga con buenaventuranza.

Flex will probably be a baby daddy by the end of 2009! The chiquito isn't even conceived and we are already glowing with joy. Do you think he will make a perfect papá? [El Corillord]

Photos via Getty Images

Tags Chisme, Flex, Gossip, Latin Grammy, Latin Music, Musica Latina, Reggaeton

Julieta Venegas sure does have her hands full lately...

Between jugging two Latin Grammy awards for a "Best Alternative Music" and "Best Long Form Music Video" for her "MTV Unplugged" acoustic album and flexing her vocals in a world tour, Julieta has proven to be la reina of multi-tasking. MTV News caught up with the super cute Latin alternative princess after the Latin Grammys to ask her how she planned on celebrating it all. Like a true mexicana she said:

I don't know, I guess with Tequila!

Que viva la fiesta! Celebrate with Julieta in this uncensored clip right below:

Photo via Getty Images

Tags Julieta Venegas, Latin Grammy, Latin Grammys, Latin Music, Latinas, MTV, MTV Unplugged, Musica Latina, Tr3s, Tres

Modern and traditional trends collided to form bold fashion statements at the 2008 Latin Grammy Awards.

Jenni Rivera glistened in an embroidered vintage gown, but not all celebrities meshed with the green carpet that adorned the The Toyota Center. Now it is our turn to shout-out the evening's 'best and worst' estilos without reservations! Elegance was the objective, but many stars failed to reach the right notes. Observe our fashion face-off, but make sure not to get blinded by all of the bling!

Best Bold Dress

Nuestra Belleza Latina star Alejandra Espinoza vs. telenovela actress Adriana Fonseca

Best Pimped-Out Shades

Latin Grammy-winner Flex vs. "The Underdog" Tego Calderon

Most Elegant Brunette

Television host Barbara Bermudo vs. Latin Grammy host Paty Manterola

Worse Dressed Dama

"La Fea Más Bella" actress Angelica Vale vs. roquera Alejandra Guzman

Best Lookin' Hombre

Five-time Latin Grammy winner Juanes vs. telenovela galán Christina de la Fuente

We witnessed their triumphs and mishaps, but now you be the judge! Which looks are you loving and hating?

Photos via Getty Images

Tags Alejandra Guzman, Christian de la Fuente, Jenni Rivera, Juanes, Latin Grammy, Música, MTV, Tr3s, Tres

The holidays came early for our favorite artists during the 2008 Latin Grammy Awards last night.

Julieta Venegas sparkled with alegría after winning "Best Alternative Music Album" and "Best Music Video - Expanded Version" for her masterful “MTV Unplugged” compilation. The glowing estrella also worked her accordion and vocal expresiones with a live performance of "El Presente." Luckily the timely celebration didn't end there.

La noche's theme was all about listening to the lyrics. Sin duda, Juanes encompassed the meaning with "La Vida Es un Ratico," which toppled the competition by snagging five Latin Grammy Awards, including "Album of the Year," "Best Male Pop Vocal Album," and "Best Song of The Year" for "Me Enamora."

The Colombiano also performed an R&B remixed rendition of "Odio Por Amor/Hate For Love" with the legendary John Legend. In between all of the excitement, Juanes gave a grande GRACIAS to everyone:

I can't believe it. I am very, very happy, very grateful to life, to music, to God, to the Academy. For me, this has been incredible. It's a dream.

His sueño appeared complete after sharing kisses with his amor Karen Martinez. The love didn't stop there...and no we don't mean Juanes ran around giving besos to all of las chicas! There were plenty of other artistas that celebrated their eventful win.

Flex also shared the romance by winning the award for "Best Urban Song" for his hit single "Te Quiero."

Professional reggaetoneros, Wisin y Yandel also flexed their smooth movimientos by winning the "Best Urban Music Album" Latin Grammy for "Los Extraterrestres."

Café Tacuba offered a heavy dose of energía with a show-stopping performance. The rocking quartet ruled the festivities by dominating the categories for "Best Rock Song" for "Esta Vez" and "Best Alternative Song" for "Volver a Comenzar."

The rocquero steez continued to take over with help from Belanova. The synth-pop rock band took home the Latin Grammy for "Best Duo or Group Album" for "Fantasía Pop."

Can't get enough Latin Grammy coverage? Check out the entire list of the 2008 Latin Grammy winners and tell us, who had your vote for "Best Artist of The Year"?

Photos via Getty Images

Tags Artistas Latinas, Belanova, Cafe Tacuba, Flex, Juanes, Julieta Venegas, Latin Grammy, Latin Music, Musica Latina