Latin Music has a huge following, which is not surprising, since it is the second most spoken language in the world after Mandarin Chinese. Within this genre, there have been genre mixing influenced by the original forms of Latin music. Many of these types of bands aren’t marketed enough outside of spanish-speaking circles to be a viable force in the mainstream US, so their exposure is minimal. Latin alternative is a term that was coined by record executives in the 90’s as a way to sell Latin music that was both figuratively and literally all over the map. This eclectic range of sounds was stuck under this umbrella term and ranged in styles from rock to electronic musica. Spanish electro music is really popular in certain circles, but it’s hard to come by in the States.

This style of music was formed from young musicians and DJ’s that were raised with many different styles and genres of music. With roots in rock, hip-hop, and rap, electronica found its roots deep in a rich musical landscape. This was a huge drift away from the traditional Latin sound that dominated the industry for so long. Now there are some amazing acts that have just started to integrate the genres is a way that appealing to audiences.

María Daniela y su Sonido Lasser

is a Mexican electronic group. They’re one of the most popular groups in their genre and are managed by the music label Nuevos Ricos. The label specializes is Mexican electronic music, and they’ve been successful in promoting this group as it continues to explore the sounds of dance music. They’ve also done soundtrack work, among their other releases that have garnered a lot of attention.

Back in 2002, a five-member band called Kinky released their first self-titled album. It had some minor success in the US, but they’ve gotten a lot more attention in the Latin world. Although there are some cuts in English, the majority of their work is in Spanish. They’re an excellent example of dance music. They’re heavily influenced by rock, dance, and techno and are best known for their single, “Más”.

If you’re looking for Latin flavor to your music, I suggest looking at Nuevos Ricos’ website. This label hosts a lot of talent. From here you can look at their other artists and download some beats from their website. Even if you love traditional electronica and you’ve never really listened to this style before, consider giving it a try.

Retro/Grade is Tom Neville and Serge Santiago–if you don’t know these guys following the links to their beatport releases. Be prepared to hear some of the most exciting new electronic music out there now. Separately Neville and Santiago are remarkable, and their collaboration Retro/Grade has been generating buzz for well over a year now. Finally signed to Deconstruction Records by Mike Pickering (who also signed Happy Mondays, The Ting Tings, Calvin Harris, The Gossip. . .not too shabby!) Retro/Grade’s hard-to-find sleeper “Moda” will be re-released backed by a new single, “Pulsar.” Originally, “Moda” was released in a limited 500 copy vinyl run that Simian Mobile Disco, Pete Tong, Erol Alkan, Annie Mac, A-trak and others snatched up. It’s a rarity in vinyl, but here’s the download of it as well as Retro/Grade’s “Zoid.”

Retro/Grade- Moda

Retro/Grade-Zoid

Tomorrow, May 25th, to hold off fans until the release of Rihanna’s next album, Island/Def Jam is releasing “Rated R Remixed,” a collection of ten of the original album’s tracks reworked by New York-based, Mega-producer, Serial Fixer, and Super-DJ Chew Fu.

Chew Fu is a NoVegans favorite — so go buy this album. Now is the time to give a lil something back since Homeboi straight provides all free downloads all the time! Pre-order tonight on Amazon.

PLAYLIST: “Rated R Remixed”

1. “Mad House (Chew Fu Straight Jacket Fix)”
2. “Russian Roulette (Chew Fu Black Russian Fix)”
3. “Rockstar 101 (Chew Fu Teacher’s Pet Fix)”
4. “Wait Your Turn (Chew Fu Can’t Wait No More Fix)”
5. “Photographs (Chew Fu 35mm Fix)” (featuring will.i.am)
6. “Rude Boy (Chew Fu Vitamin S Fix)”
7. “Hard (Chew Fu Granite Fix)” (featuring Jeezy)
8. “G4L (Chew Fu Guns in the Air Fix)”
9. “Fire Bomb (Chew Fu Molotov Fix)”
10. “Stupid in Love (Chew Fu Small Room Fix)”

Italian DJ, producer and international dance scene protagonist Stefano Noferini has just hit No.1 spot on Beatport with his single “Burujava” out on ToolRoom Records. He’s been nominated as one of the breakout stars of the 2010 Winter Music Conference in Miami where he also performed at SeatoSun Official party, Club 50 and the 10th Anniversary of the WMC closing event.

He’s played the world’s best clubs, hosts a radio show heard across the world (www.clubedtition.it), and has many house music hits under his belt – at least one of which you are likely to have gotten down to at some point last year as they are played by everyone from from Paul Van Dyk to Richie Hawtin, and from Carl Cox to David Guetta (who also charted it on his personal Beatport tracklist in December 2009).

He’s also the founder of Deeperfect Records, a label which has had success with the likes of “Till You Come Back” – finished with the powerful voice of Payton – and “I Don’t Want You Anymore” as well as with tracks like “Sex”, “Destination” and “Dollars”. Such success demonstrates his ear for a great record, something which has helped him when in the studio…

For complete contest rules and parts, visit Track and Fields. Track & Fields is a new online community based in Berlin that connects music producers all over the world.

PRIZE:

THE WINNING REMIX WILL BE OFFICIALLY RELEASED BY DEEPERFECT RECORDS AND THE REMIXER WILL GET 50% OF THE DIGITAL INCOMES.

Don’t sleep on this folks – the deadline is May 16, 2010 and there are already 79 entires so if you think you have what it takes, then head over to T&F and get the parts to do your magic. Good Luck!

Last week was a slow week for the blog, but we’re continually testing ways to deliver news about the hottest mp3s as soon as they become available. One way we’re doing this is through the use of Twitter, and if you haven’t heard, then crawl out from under your rock and get an account then follow us because Twitter is where its at!

We’re actually posting 5-6 times daily and sometimes throughout the night about new house and electro tracks on the internetz, and we’re going to start posting Twitter links to our favorite mp3 blogs when as they post new music so by following DJ Renaissance on Twitter, you’re assured to receive word of the hottest mp3s as soon as they’re posted here or anywhere else on the web.

As for the blog, I’ve got a lot of new music to introduce this week before I head out west next week. If you have any requests, be sure to hit me up in the comments or connect with me on Twitter.

If you’re not into the whole Twitter thang, you can also get our Twitter updates directly in Facebook, so be sure to be our friend and become a fan on Facebook too.

DJ Renaissance – Twitter

DJ Renaissance – Facebook

@parishilton Adam and I were friends since I was 15. He had a heart of gold and was one of the kindest, funniest and most talented men I have ever met.

@petewentz R.I.P. . I’m sorry to loved ones. So unexpected.

@ryanseacrest So sad the hear about adam. a very kind and generous guy

@shannamoakler My deepest condolences for DJ AM, you were a great artist and will be severely missed. My thoughts and Prayers to his family and friends.

@johncmayer I really want to use words right now but I can’t get em. Fuck.

@EthanSuplee DJ AM was such a sweet guy, the demons feed on the sweet guys. The demons seem to be winning.

@TheRealJordin (aka Jordin Sparks) R.I.P DJ AM. My prayers go out to his family. Please keep them in your thoughts.

@katyperry rest in peace friend.

@solangeknowles I hope people don’t taint his legacy…..because there isn’t any concrete proof yet. That guy was a walking miracle.

@AubreyODay RIP DJAM, life can be so short I hope you all spend your days feeling blessed and positive!

@Alyssa_Milano May you rest in peace, Adam. You touched many with your light and will be missed like crazy.

@BonnieFuller DJ AM DEAD & SO SAD! I wonder if the poor thing was suffferg from survivors guilt after that terrible plane crash

@Aplusk (aka Ashton Kutcher) love you brother

@mrskutcher (aka Demi Moore) The shock of DJ AM has me at a loss for words…his joyous spirit was a gift to us all!

@sevinnyne6126 (aka Lindsay Lohan) i can’t believe this.. i’m in shock. why? why? r.i.p. adam

@iamdiddy DJ AM Rest In Peace…

@PerezHilton I’m tempted to feel angry at the world/God right now, but I can’t. I won’t. I choose to believe Adam is free of his demons now and at peace.

@johncmayer In complete shock.

@hollymontag RIP DJ AM

@seankingston R.I.P Dj Am he was a great guy man ;(

This was AM’s final tweet: “New york, new york. Big city of dreams, but everything in new york aint always what it seems.”

It’s been four years since Miguel Migs released the critically acclaimed Get Salted compilation on his own label, Salted Music. A lot has happened since that release – Migs wrote and recorded an album (Those Things), released a remix album (Those Things Remixed) put together a new live act and toured with his band Petalpusher, continued to tour all over the world full time as a DJ and worked on his label. With Salted’s catalog growing at a rapid pace there’s now a wealth of great material to share with the fans – leading us to the release of Get Salted Volume 2.

In an industry overly saturated with diluted compilations containing dance music hits, Migs digs a little deeper, never having been one to chase the “latest sound” or obsess over what’s popular at the moment. Instead he stays true to his original musical passion, maintaining and creating a stylistically soulful yet diversely inspired vibe. He delivers an underground electronic experience oozing futuristic disco, dubbed out techy funk and atmospheric melodies for your listening pleasure. Get Salted Volume 2 shows off Migs’ technically seamless transitions, while he blends a choice selection of underground deep house dance grooves, including some unreleased exclusives.

Get Salted Volume 2 is the perfect CD for a day at the beach, a night at your house party or in the car driving. Miguel Migs “So Far” (Yogi and Husky Deep Wash Dub Edit) brings the vibe in gently with slow synths and a soothing vibe while Nathan G “88 Keys To Love” picks it up with some classic house piano stabs. The space disco of Roberto De Carlo feat. Colin Corvez “You Are The One For Me (Miguel Migs Salted Dub)” is contrasted by the 90’s Hip-House sound of Dutchican Soul “Get On Down” (Unreleased Dub Edit) and then again by the jazzy tech house of Dirty Culture “No Matter How.” Swingin’ soulful grooves are shared by Jay-J with Charlene Moore “Love Alive (Dub)” and Fred Everything feat. Tortured Soul “Lying To You” (Fred Everything Dub) before Migs brings in a little R&B flavor with his own unreleased dub of “Sometime (feat Tim Fuller.)” It’s a soul/R&B/House/disco party mix that works equally well on large sound systems and little earbuds.

Although based in San Francisco, Migs spends most of his time on the road these days. As such, he’s never in one place long enough to be influenced by current trends and “hot sounds.” Migs has always been true to himself and his live DJ sets bring together even more genres than displayed in this compilation. Migs will tour throughout the remainder of the summer and the fall in support of Get Salted Volume 2. Do not miss it!

Miguel Migs presents Get Salted Volume 2 will be released on September 22, 2009.

Tracklist

1. Miguel Migs – So Far (Yogi and Husky Deep Wash Dub – Migs Edit
2. Nathan G – 88 Keys To Love
3. Roberto De Carlo feat. Colin Corvez – You Are The One For Me (Miguel Migs Salted Dub)
4. Dutchican Soul – Get On Down (Unreleased Dub Edit)
5. Dirty Culture – Not Another Jazz
6. Jay-J feat. Charlene Moore – Love Alive (Jay -J’s Shifted Up Dub)
7. Fred Everything feat. Tortured Soul – He’s Lying To You (Fred Everything Dub)
8. Miguel Migs feat. Tim Fuller – Sometime (Migs Unreleased Salted Dub Deluxe)
9. Lisa Shaw – Like I Want To (Dutchican Soul Vocal Rub)
10. Twisted Rhythm feat. Stephen Granville – Get Up (Camilo Franco Cassagrande Mix)
11. Joe Pompeo – Try To Love Me (Miguel Migs Salted Rub-a-Dub)
12. Miguel Migs – Life and Music (Migs Dub Edit Update)
13. Yogi and Husky -It Feels Alright (Miguel Migs Petalpusher Rework)
14. Nathan G – Show Em How It’s Done
15. Joshua Heath – Just Funk Me Already
16. Lovebirds – Love On My Hands (Love On Dub)
17. Andrew Chibale – Salsa Training
18. Hot Toddy – Critical

Here’s one for you house heads – an unmixed version of Lisa Shaw:

Lisa Shaw – Like I Want To (Dutchican Soul Vocal Rub)

I’m thinking about putting together a mixtape podcast with weekly updates or something like that… whatcha think? I’m sure it will be a chore, but that won’t stop us! We’re excited about all the rad features in the works (or at least in our heads… lol), and getting the podcast up and running is on the top of our list… that’s if you’re interested…

Speaking of new features, I don’t know about you, but I really enjoyed this week’s first edition of Sunday Skool with Pappy Andrews. Homeboi knows his roots and he’s going to be a great addition to the site. We’re also considering adding one or two more writers, so hit us up and give us your pitch. What’s in it for you? Exposure, syndication, and brownie points from my lil sis…

We’ve had a lot of fun sharing new electro dance music over these last 102 posts and we’re looking forward to keeping the streak in tact. If you’re new here, check out our Top 8 Clubbin Blogs. Our list went viral last year and got killer kudos. I’m psyched to put out updated rankings in December (can you say tease?). Our most popular post to date was “Smoke Jumpers – My Flow So Tight.” We actually hit Google Trends for that one, and peeps just couldn’t get enough. But for real, my favorites have been the interviews with djs & producers.

Big ups to our new friends Savi and Jeff T, and old friends too many to name here. Just like these producers, you too can have your music featured on the site so if you think you’ve got a sound meaty enough for No Vegans, then hit us up at Soundcloud or by email. We’re looking forward to your submission.

And finally!!! For those of you in the Lou looking to get your Nikki smack on (I don’t get it either), you know 609 is the spot every Thursday night. Join me and DJ Madmonk as East Meets West for St. Louis’ sexiest international night! Click that banner on the right for details – until next time…

Back to the moon? Kid Cudi announced to fans on his blog that he’s done with the rap game and he will be retiring after the release of his debut album.

“After the release of my first LP this summer, I am not making any more solo albums,” he explained on kidcudi.com. “I am falling back on being an artist. The drama that comes with it is more overwhelming than the shit I was dealing wit when I was piss poor broke. My friends get mad at me, say I’ve changed.”

“I don’t look at it as quitting for I have already accomplished my goal. I have a solid fan base who truly appreciates me and my messages through song,” he said. “I got multiple big records. I have received worldwide critical acclaim from the biggest tastemakers in the game. No regrets.”

The rapper is signed to Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music and is featured on West’s “Paranoid” and “Welcome to Heartbreak.” While West has been a paparazzi favorite for years, Cudi said he’s not interested grief normally associated with a life of fame.

“Muthafuckas talking shit here and there, spreading rumors, making jokes, trying to judge me, and for what? Does my music poke fun at others? Do I talk shit about people n my music?” he said, with obvious passion. “I already went to high school once, and got expelled, because it wasn’t for me. I’ma drop out this shit before niggas try and crucify me.”

Kid Cudi’s debut album is expected to drop this summer.

Kid Cudi – Blog