Origins
In the second half of the eighties, some the pioneers of house music of Latin-American descent gave birth to this genre by releasing house records in Spanish. Early examples include "Amor puertoriqueño" by Raz on DJ International and "Break 4 Love" by Raze is another excellent record (not be mistaken with the former in spite of the similar name). However, the undisputed queen without a crown back then was the American-Puerto Rican singer Liz Torres, who released Spanish versions of her songs "Can't Get Enough", "Mama's Boy" and "Payback Is A Bitch".
In the late eighties and early nineties other records are released. Some examples? DFC's"Sueño latino" by Sueño Latino (produced by Andrea Gemolotto) and "Hazme soñar" by Morenas. Mr. Marvin remixes "Love Me Or Leave Me" by Armante. Besides, other productions like Johanna's "El Freak" and Sandee's "Notice Me" become international hits.
1990s
In the nineties a new generation of producers and labels breaks into the market. Nervous Records releases "Quiero Saber" by the Latin Kings, produced by the Masters at Work. Other interesting records on this label are "Utopia" by Shades of Sound, "Everything's All Right" by Arts of Rhythm and "Philly The Blunt" by Trinidad. Strictly Rhythm employs producer Armand van Helden, who releases a great EP "Pirates of The Caribbean Vol. III". Also, on the same label DJ Dero's "Sube", The Tribe's "Go-san-do", R.A.W.'s "Asuca" produced by Erick Morillo, Rare Arts' "Boricua Posse", Escandalo's "Mas Buena" and Fiasco's "Las Mujeres" produced by Norty Cotto, Latin Kaos' "El Bandolero" and last but not least "Muevete Mama" and "Sugar Cane" by Afro-Cube.
During the same period (1991 -1992) Chicago-native Pizarro produces great tunes like "The Five Tones", "New Perspective EP", "Plastica", "Caliente" and "Perdoname". Other producers like Ralphie Rosario and the Masters at Work do not forget their roots and now and then create unforgettable Latin house classics, for instance Ralphie's production "Da-Me-Lo" and his remix of Albita's "No se parece a nada" as well as "Sul Chu Cha" by Rosabel, while Louie Vega and Kenny Gonzales remix "Sume Sigh Say" by House of Gypsies.
In the meantime hybrid experiments are put on the market by the likes of New York's Proyecto Uno, who combine house and merengue in their LPs " Todo el mundo" and "In Da House". Their female counterpart is Lisa M from Puerto Rico, a hot tempered woman who can be heard on the "No lo derrumbes" and "Flavor of the Latin" albums. Besides, another merengue-house record worth of mention is "Así mamacita" by Henry Rivera on Los Angeles Aqua Boogie. Duo Sandy & Papo releases two great LPs "Sandy & Papo" and "Otra Vez".
During the mid-nineties Cutting breaks into the Latin house scene and becomes the most representative label of this genre and Cutting's DJ Norty Cotto becomes the most representative producer of Latin house. Among the various hits are 2 In A Room's "Las Mujeres", "Carnival" and "Dar la vuelta", Fun City's "Padentro" and "Baila", Sancocho's "Tumba la Casa", "Alcen las manos" and "Que siga el party" (LP) and Los Compadres' "La Rumba". The Wepaman is often featured on these productions and his unforgettable voice invites you to party. Norty Cotto's mixed compliations become classics. Last but not least, we must not forget Fulanito and their LP "El hombre mas famoso de la tierra", a good combination of house and Latin-American rhythms.
Latin house DJ's and producers
- Cae Davis | Addys D'Mercedes ( Spain | Germany | Cuba )
- Cubanito aka Alex Carmenates (USA)
- El Latino Man (Italy)
- Hot Hands (Switzerland / Italy)
- Pedro del Moral (Spain)
- Grant Nelson (UK)
- David Ferrero (Spain)
- Martin Morales (UK)
- Carlos le calamar (France)
- DJ Chus (Spain)
- Chip-Chop Gonzales (NY)
- Davidson Ospina (NY)
- Richie Santana (NY)
- Mike Cruz (NY)
- Andres Mijangos (Tijuana, Mexico)
- Pablo Flores (Puerto Rico/Miami)
- Carlos Sargeant (Miami)
- Baron Lopez (NYC)
- DJ Lucho (NYC)
- Byron Brizuela (Los Angeles)
- DJ Prieto (Chicago)
- Gil Rodriguez (Miami)
- DJ Sugar (Puerto Rico)
- DJ Leony (Orlando)
- Ivan Robles (Puerto Rico)
- DJ Rubin (Los Angeles)
- DJ Pollo (Mexico D.F.)
- DJ Piolo (Monterey)
- Luis Montes De Aca (Mexico D. F.)
- DJ Bogard (Acapulco)
- DJ Dero (Buenos Aires)
- DJ Grego (Rio De Janeiro/Miami)
- Costantino "Mixmaster" Padovano (USA/Italy)
- Mangoes Reef
Not exclusively Latin house, but also playing a producing Latin house:
- Ralphie Rosario (USA)
- George Morel (USA)
- Erick Morillo (USA)
- Louie Vega (USA)
- Kenny MCcormick (USA)
- Armand van Helden (USA)
- Roger Sanchez (USA)
- Ian Pooley (Ger)