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.

In this chart-topping episode of Dem Vinyl Boyz, we put the needle down on Taylor Swift’s pop breakthrough, 1989—the album that transformed her from country superstar to global pop icon. Released in 2014, 1989 marked a bold new era for Taylor, fully embracing synth-pop, 80s-inspired production, and glittering hooks that ruled the radio and rewrote the rules of pop stardom.

With massive singles like "Blank Space," "Shake It Off," "Style," and "Wildest Dreams," 1989 captured Taylor at her most confident, self-aware, and sonically adventurous. The album won the Grammy for Album of the Year and solidified her status as a cultural powerhouse, delivering anthem after anthem with sharp lyricism and polished production.

In this episode, we explore the evolution of Taylor’s sound, the stories behind her biggest hits, and how 1989 shaped the modern pop landscape. Whether you were dancing to it back in 2014 or discovering it on vinyl for the first time, 1989 remains a high point in Taylor’s discography—and a defining moment in pop music history.

Join Dem Vinyl Boyz as we celebrate Taylor Swift’s 1989, an album that doesn’t just sparkle—it roars.

In this ultra-smooth episode of Dem Vinyl Boyz, we pour ourselves a drink, dim the lights, and spin An Evening with Silk Sonic—the Grammy-winning 2021 debut from Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak’s funk-soul superduo. With velvet vocals, vintage vibes, and razor-sharp production, this album pays tribute to 70s R&B and soul while keeping things playful, fresh, and irresistibly cool.

Featuring silky tracks like "Leave the Door Open," "Smokin Out the Window," "Fly as Me," and "After Last Night," the album glides through themes of heartbreak, seduction, and suave confidence—all with lush instrumentation and undeniable charisma. Bootsy Collins, the funk legend himself, sets the tone as the host and spiritual glue of the album, giving it that extra flair of authenticity and funk royalty.

In this episode, we break down the magic behind Bruno and Anderson’s chemistry, the retro recording style, and why An Evening with Silk Sonic was more than just a passion project—it was a full-blown revival of a genre. Equal parts homage and innovation, this record brought soul music roaring back into the spotlight with class and swagger.

Join Dem Vinyl Boyz as we groove through An Evening with Silk Sonic, an album that sounds like it was pressed in 1974 but made to shine in the modern era.

In this smoke-filled episode of Dem Vinyl Boyz, we fire up Cypress Hill’s trailblazing 1991 self-titled debut album—an underground masterpiece that redefined West Coast hip-hop with a grimy, stoned-out edge and a sound like no other. This wasn’t just a rap album—it was a cultural shift, fusing Latin roots, hazy production, and aggressive bars into a revolutionary new wave of hip-hop.

With iconic tracks like "How I Could Just Kill a Man," "Hand on the Pump," "Latin Lingo," and "The Phuncky Feel One," Cypress Hill introduced the world to their hypnotic production (courtesy of DJ Muggs), the high-pitched, instantly recognizable flow of B-Real, and the gravelly counterbalance of Sen Dog. Their unapologetic embrace of cannabis culture, social frustration, and street narratives made them standouts in the early '90s rap scene.

In this episode, we explore the album’s gritty soundscapes, its bold cultural identity, and how it paved the way for future genre-blending artists. From the smoky clubs of L.A. to global influence, Cypress Hill's debut left a massive, green-tinged footprint on the game.

Join Dem Vinyl Boyz as we go track by track through Cypress Hill (1991), an album that lit the match for a new kind of West Coast sound—and never stopped burning.

In this episode of Dem Vinyl Boyz, we take a journey through outlaw country with Waylon Jennings’ Greatest Hits (1979)—a collection that captures the rebellious spirit and unmistakable sound of one of country music’s most legendary figures. By 1979, Waylon had already established himself as a pioneer of the outlaw country movement, and this album showcased his biggest hits, blending honky-tonk grit with rock ‘n’ roll energy.

Featuring timeless tracks like "Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love)," "Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys," "Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way," and "Good Hearted Woman," this compilation embodies the heart and soul of Waylon’s career. His deep, rugged voice and raw storytelling connected with working-class fans, redefining what country music could be.

In this episode, we’ll break down the impact of Greatest Hits (1979), discuss Waylon’s role in shaping outlaw country, and explore how his rebellious attitude helped change the Nashville music scene. Whether you’re a longtime Waylon fan or new to his music, this episode will take you on a ride through some of the best country songs ever recorded.

Join us on Dem Vinyl Boyz as we celebrate Waylon Jennings’ Greatest Hits (1979)—an album that remains a defining collection of outlaw country classics.

In this episode of Dem Vinyl Boyz, we turn up the volume and dive into one of the biggest rock albums of the early 80s—REO Speedwagon’s Hi Infidelity. Released in 1980, this album catapulted the band to superstardom, blending arena rock anthems with heartfelt power ballads that defined the sound of the decade.

Hi Infidelity is packed with iconic tracks like "Keep On Loving You," "Take It on the Run," and "Don’t Let Him Go," showcasing the band’s ability to balance soaring melodies with raw emotion. The album was a massive commercial success, becoming the best-selling rock album of 1981 and cementing REO Speedwagon’s place in music history.

In this episode, we’ll explore the making of Hi Infidelity, the band’s transition from a hard rock sound to a more radio-friendly style, and the lasting impact of this record on classic rock. We’ll also discuss how REO Speedwagon’s mix of rock and romance resonated with audiences and helped shape the power ballad movement of the 80s.

Join us on Dem Vinyl Boyz as we relive the magic of Hi Infidelity, an album that defined an era and continues to be a staple in rock history.