In this vibrant and rhythmic episode of Dem Vinyl Boyz, we celebrate Cinco de Mayo with one of the most iconic voices in Latin music—Celia Cruz—as we spin her 2001 Grammy-winning album La Negra Tiene Tumbao. Known as the “Queen of Salsa,” Celia Cruz brought unmatched energy, charisma, and Afro-Caribbean flair to every recording, and this album is no exception.

La Negra Tiene Tumbao blends salsa, Latin pop, reggaeton, and hip-hop in a way that was ahead of its time. The title track, with its hypnotic beat and empowering message, became one of Celia’s biggest late-career hits, earning her critical acclaim and a whole new generation of fans. Other standout tracks like "Hay Que Empezar Otra Vez" and "Pa' Arriba No Va" showcase her legendary voice, vibrant spirit, and unmatched ability to bring joy through music.

In this episode, we honor Celia’s cultural legacy, discuss the production style that kept her sound fresh even in the 2000s, and reflect on how La Negra Tiene Tumbao remains a celebration of confidence, rhythm, and Latin pride. This record is more than music—it’s movement, tradition, and sabor.

Join Dem Vinyl Boyz as we mark Cinco de Mayo by honoring the incomparable Celia Cruz and her timeless album La Negra Tiene Tumbao. ¡Azúcar!

In this powerhouse episode of Dem Vinyl Boyz, we dive into Mariah Carey’s iconic 1995 album Daydream, a record that marked a turning point in her career and helped redefine the sound of contemporary pop and R&B. With Daydream, Mariah expanded her musical palette, blending her soaring vocals with hip-hop, soul, and adult contemporary influences, solidifying her place as a global superstar.

Featuring legendary tracks like "Fantasy," "Always Be My Baby," "One Sweet Day" (with Boyz II Men), and "Open Arms," Daydream delivered massive chart success, critical acclaim, and timeless ballads that still resonate today. The album’s blend of emotional vulnerability, joyful anthems, and Mariah’s signature vocal runs created a sound that would inspire countless artists in the years to follow.

In this episode, we break down the making of Daydream, Mariah’s evolution as a songwriter and producer, and how this album helped bridge the gap between pop and hip-hop long before it became mainstream. We also reflect on how Daydream was not just a commercial triumph—it was a creative leap that showcased Mariah Carey at the height of her vocal and artistic powers.

Join Dem Vinyl Boyz as we celebrate Daydream, an album that defined an era and remains a shining example of Mariah Carey’s unmatched talent and influence.

In this empowering episode of Dem Vinyl Boyz, we drop the needle on Janet Jackson’s breakthrough album Control—the 1986 release that redefined her career and reshaped the sound of pop and R&B. With this record, Janet stepped out from her famous family’s shadow and into full creative ownership, delivering a bold, confident statement of independence, strength, and style.

Control features genre-defining hits like "What Have You Done for Me Lately," "Nasty," "Control," and "When I Think of You", each track bursting with the sharp production of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and Janet’s fearless, fresh vocal delivery. The album blends funk, synth-pop, and R&B with assertive lyrics that speak to self-empowerment, personal growth, and taking the reins of your own life.

In this episode, we explore the cultural and musical impact of Control, how it launched Janet Jackson into superstardom, and why it's considered one of the most influential albums of the 1980s. From its fashion to its feminism, this record didn’t just change the game—it set the rules.

Join Dem Vinyl Boyz as we celebrate Control, the album that gave Janet her voice, gave pop music a new edge, and gave fans a fierce and fearless icon.