The Latin Prince is an
accomplished DJ with an exceptional gift to sense and respond rapidly to the
crowds ear at a deeper level with his thrilling and surprising sound blends to
drive the dance floor wild. Be it Hip Hop, Latin, EDM and spanning to any genre or decade.
With an ‘open format’ approach and versatility to meet all music tastes. The
Latin Prince keeps those feet moving and energy on
a high and in his own words ‘puts himself in the middle of the dance floor’ and
‘reaches out to capture the soul of everyone’
and give them the best experience.
A bridge between the artist & audience, the International DJ also steps out of
the DJ booth to create various avenues to other ventures. Collecting more
titles under his belt throughout his early career such as producer, remixer,
video DJ, founder of Bum Squad DJZ (now known as The Mix Syndicate),
Director of Rap Promotions at MCA Records, Head
ing promotional campaigns at TVT
Records (Pitbull’s early career) National Director of Mix Show West Coast for
Universal Records/Motown Records in Los Angeles. The Latin Prince has also
launched his own marketing and promotions company called Urban Jungle Music.
Still room for fingers in different pies, fast forward to today The Latin
Prince takes the crowning title as Regional Director ‘East’ at DJ City,
Yet The Latin Prince still finds time to cut and scratch put together
remixes for Pitbull’s Globalization radio on SiriusXM on Channel 13 every week
and DJ at various spots around the world. Known also as simply ‘LP’, with his
outside the DJ booth thinking the Latin Prince is also a Brand Ambassador
to the Official Belaire and has his own clothing line Official Sucia.
Humble and approachable, The
Latin Prince always gets the crowd going not only through the airwaves of Globalization
Radio but also on the dance floor where he mingles with the crowd in between to
take snaps with party goers and makes
time to stop for a friendly chat. After what felt
like many nights of dancing away to his energetic and spellbinding mixes, I was
lucky enough to catch the talented DJ and entrepreneur on the Pitbull Cruise
who has a warm, fun and magnetic personality to match.
The Latin Prince talks to us
about his career, DJ
City, Globalization, Pitbull, influences and favourite artists to a DJ’s super powers
of controlling emotions and sparking memories, his new upcoming album and much
more.
Hi
Latin Prince! Thanks for taking the time to talk to me…So tell me, how did the name Latin
Prince come about?
It’s very simple, especially because I’m Latino - there’s the ‘Latin’
part of it but I’m also a huge fanatic of the artist Prince. So that’s how the
‘Prince’ part came about. Latin Prince! I’m
Latino then the Prince part of it.
Kind of like a homage to the King. I’m a fanatic!
I got to meet Prince before and the story goes on ..but that’s the origin of
where the name came from.
Interesting….I would not have thought to put that
together
Simple. But to the point.
For anyone who hasn’t yet heard one of your sets,
how would you describe your style?
I would say I’m an open format DJ. I don’t like to ‘pigeon hole’ myself
to a particular genre and be thought of as “We want to hire him because all he
plays is Hip Hop or we just want him to do an EDM set because that’s all he
does” For me it’s like being an open format DJ and being able to play
everything.
I consider my set a journey. I take you into a journey where you’re
going to listen to your favourite R&B, you’re going to listen to some up
tempo dance stuff and be “Oh I haven’t heard that“ for a minute and be like
yesterday (on the Pitbull Cruise set) you heard some journey. We played Sweet
Caroline (Neil Diamond) and music like that. Just some feel good music that
motivates the heart and gets you going. I want people to be in that atmosphere
where they feel like “Oh My God this is just amazing, I’m listening to some of
my favourite jams that I haven’t heard in a while” or just the way it’s put
together and the execution of how I do my mixes - so definitely open format is
the journey I like to take people on.
What music did you grow up listening to. Prince being one of them, as you have talked about and who are your
favourite artists today?
Growing up I would go through my mum’s collection of music – she has
Spanish music but also Funk. Commodores, Tower of Power when I was growing up and those kind of genres of
music. Very, very Funk influenced life so I
love it. In the 80’s listening to Cameo.
I love Cameo!
You know what I’m saying! Exactly, like Word Up. That kind of vibe. Even
when I started first DJ-ing I just loved playing that kind of funky stuff like
Midnight Starr and
those kind of vibes. It’s so funny because I was playing some of that stuff
last night and I was looking up and there was this guy
like ”Right…you’re
playing that stuff” but they really don’t know what you’re playing because it’s
a younger generation. Even when playing freestyle like Expose, Debbie Deb. Some
people and demographics know their music. But that’s what I grew up on for the
most part growing up in San Fransisco.
One of the greatest cities where I feel there’s a music culture where
you listen to everything (laughs). So I would say those were my influences at
the very beginning and of course some Spanish.
What about Today?
Today? Who are my favourite artist besides from Pitbull? I love The
Weeknd – he’s amazing. A very talented artist. That’s a hard question. I
cannot forget about Bruno Mars. Bruno Mars is, how can I say this, he’s like
the new James Brown. He’s such a good performer he just gives you that energy,
he goes in all 100%. JLO I love.
How do you prepare for a set?
When I’m looking at my computer I have my sets categorised. But for the
most part I just go with the flow! Some DJ’s prepare their sets and go with
“I’m going to play this” For me because I DJ
so much I have an idea of what I want to play and I’m just watching the crowd.
What I do is put myself in the middle of the dancefloor. LP is right in the
middle of the dancefloor so If I’m a party goer what do I want to listen to? If
I throw in this jam or play this other song. I’m going to lose it. That’s how I
prepare myself.
You
definitely made people lose it on this ship!
And that’s my
high. Making people feel good! I told a friend a long time ago, you know how
there’s a God and doctors might be God-like because they can help save lives or
heal you? In a way as a DJ to be able to control people’s emotions is a very
powerful thing.
You can be in
the middle of the dance floor and hear a song and feel a certain way. For
example for me it’s like I would listen to a song and think what was I doing?
What kind of great memories sparked when I heard that song? Maybe I had a break
up or maybe I had the best time on this trip with my boys, or I would be just
doing something fun and that song would be the most popular one at the time.
It’s a journey where the music touches you. Like you reach out and capture the
soul of everyone and you move them. And that’s very powerful to be able to
control peoples emotions.
That’s
so on point and explained really well. I get it…
You get
right?
Completely…Tell me, for those of us that aren’t familiar, what is DJ City?
DJ City is
the No.1 record pool on the globe. If you’re a DJ and you need content where do
you go? You go to DJ City. Record labels give DJ City promo music which they
are pushing and give us the files. You pay for those files. Basically, we curate the music and give you the best.
There’s a lot of music out there but we make sure that when you come to DJ
City you pick the right music, the best quality and we have everything from Hip
Hop, EDM to House, Spanish to Dancehall and Reggae. Like I say, everything. Whatever is popular, whatever is
coming up and making waves. That’s where you go to DJ City. It’s $1 a day – as
$30 a month subscription. You subscribe, we do a little background check and if
all is ok you get in.
Our offices
are world headquarters. Culver City California. We have DJ City Japan, DJ City
UK. It’s really huge for us in the UK. We have Germany and we have a lot of
satellite offices like in Italy, France, Finland and much more so we are
definitely a worldwide operation and we take pride in that too. To make sure
everyone is getting the best service.
As Regional Director East
at DJ City tell us more about what that entails...
I’m in charge
of all East Coast operations and I look out for markets from Florida to all the
way to the top, New England. You know how they say out sight out of mind? My
job is to make sure that people
and DJ’s understand
and know that we are here. That DJ City is here to help you, here to serve you
by any means necessary. My job is to create events.
I have DJ
City ambassadors in Miami, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Boston and New York. My ‘gig’
is basically to have DJ’s come on and subscribe to the site and a lot of
marketing. A lot of pushing and making sure people understand us and “hey! Come check us out”
You’ve stepped out of the DJ arena expanding
to, Producer, Remixer, Video DJ – You’ve worked with so many artists in
so many different ways, are there any particular projects you are the most
proud of?
Every project
I put myself into, my hands into, I endorse, or I am a part of in anyway
promotion-wise or just in the making of. I think every person I work with
is very special. Everyone definitely has a special touch and I think
everything that I have worked with has been a dear project to myself.
I’m scrolling through your Instagram and one minute
you’re in this city, next minute you’re in that country! Looks like you’re
giving Pitbull a run for the ‘Mr Worldwide’ title. What’s your favourite city?
Wow! my
favourite city? Hong Kong has been amazing. I say Hong Kong because it captured
my eye. But you know I’ve been around the world and been to so many different
places. I think every city I love because every city has its own touch, its own
spark. So when I go to Croatia I love it because the food is amazing, the
beaches, the islands and just the whole vibe is incredible. I love Berlin, I
think there’s a certain swag about that city. When I go to the UK and go to
London I’m just about the castles and the medieval things!
When
you’re in London, let’s go inside Buckingham Palace!
Yes, let’s book
that! I think every city that I go to has it’s own special moments. It’s tough.
I think I love every city because it brings something to the eye and my heart
and I really have fun. Thailand has his own thing, Australia has its own
beauty. It’s been a pleasure to be able to experience and see all these amazing
places and be able to talk about it. Get paid to do what I love. I LOVE EVERY
CITY GODAMMIT!
(Both
laugh)
Speaking of Mr Worldwide, you both go back a
long way - how did you first come to work together?
When Pitbull
got signed to TVT (Records), they said “Hey,
we got this new kid named Pitbull. Just take him with you and do what you do”
and we went on the road and my job was to introduce him to every DJ and every
possible situation where it would benefit him. I said to Pitbull “Listen,
you’re going to meet all these guys. I want you to take everybody’s
information, I want you to give them information as well and if they need
anything, if they need a drop? Do it. If they need a jingle or if they want you
to do a mix tape with them? Do it. I want you to be accessible to the guys who
are going to be helping you break your music. Because at the end of the day it
all starts with the DJ and it all ends with the DJ.
For you, what would you say is the best part about
working with Pitbull?
Learning from
him. I continue to just learn. Pitbull’s vision, energy it motivates me. When I
listen to the new music it just makes me push harder and now that we’re
independent and we don't depend on a label, it’s our show, it’s even better and
we’re playing by our own rules. Pitbull is just an incredible soul, he’s very
driven and I appreciate that from him.
I really enjoy your sets on Globalization - How did
the station come about on SiriusXM?
When Pitbull
got the channel, Edwin (DJ Phenom. President
of DJ City Worldwide and SiriusXM Radio Program Director of Pitbull's Globalization Radio) said we definitely
want to get you a slot.
I’ve been
blessed to be able to entertain the masses and every week when I put my shows
together I take a lot of pride and really take my time to mix. I want to make
sure that everyone listens to some new stuff, stuff that’s about to become big
and of course sprinkle some old stuff and again take them into that journey.
I’m cooking, I’m cooking (laughs) That’s what I’m doing.
That’s how
the whole thing came about. It’s been amazing to be able to transfer that
energy.
Do you have a favourite Pitbull song or album?
Calle Ocho
has always been my favourite. I just love that sample!
What’s your ‘banker’ Pitbull song guaranteed to get
the crowd going on the dance floor?
Timber –
Always! Pitbull has a lot of bangers but the girls especially seem to love the
combination of Pitbull and Kesha.
We’re here on the Pitbull Cruise – What three things can’t you cruise
without?
Hmm…. (long pause and thinks
hard) What are your three things?
You’re
not meant to interview the interviewer! (Both
Laugh)
I would say
my shoe collection, my camera and my equipment.
Are there any crazy things that have happened on
your journey so far?
There’s been
a crazy situation when I was DJ-ing and some drunk guy just came and poured
their beer on my equipment and everything just stopped working.
Wow,
someone actually did that?
Yes. When
people request music and you don’t play their music sometimes they become
obnoxious “When are you gonna play my song? When are you gonna play?” I’m
like, I got you. Don’t forget I’m not going to just pass my journey so I could
play your song. So I say I promise I will play it but you’ve got to give me
some time to fit it into my set. For the most part I always like to play their
requests and it’s lovely when they come back and say “Thank you so much that
meant a lot for you to play the song” But there are times when you deal with
unpleasant people.
What’s the most valuable lesson you have learnt in
the industry?
To be humble
at all times. Stay humble at all times. I’m not bigger than anybody else. I
stay grounded and I think that’s something I will continue to do no matter what
– oh and treat interns properly! (laughs)
Can you share a momentous or high point in your
career so far…
I thank you
Pitbull very much for letting me open up for you and Enrique Iglesias at
Madison Square Gardens. That was amazing. That was the highlight - I mean
that’s a legendary venue to be able to open up to a sell-out crowd. That was an
amazing experience and Pitbull put me there. That’s something that was the
moment for me as a DJ.
You’ve been in the game for a long time, do
you think technology has damaged the true authentic art of DJ-ing with vinyl or helped it along?
I think that
for us older DJ’s…I’m not trying to age myself (laughs)
Shall
we say ‘experienced, veteran?’
Let me take
it from there! For us ‘seasoned veterans’ the technology has helped us to not
carry crates of records. I remember back in the day travelling and just
carrying records, losing records on planes, or somebody left my crate behind.
I think that
technology is coming. You can’t stop it. In all fields from medical to
music – it comes to where you are getting new tools for how to do your job and
you have to embrace it.
I embrace
technology. Everyday there’s new things coming out and I’m teaching myself and
I’m learning new things. I don’t think that they created this stuff to take
away the value. I mean, I still go by vinyl
and I have turntables. When you listen to vinyls and MP3’s you can tell the
difference between the two. I do miss vinyl, but I don’t miss vinyl (laughs)
Your mixes make me want to get up, dance and
escape! A complete energy shifter! Are there any DJ’s that do it for you?
Jazzy Jeff - He is somebody who I really enjoy. DJ Craze. Some of these freestyle
guys just really bring some fire to a set.
Who would be your dream to DJ, produce or remix
for?
To DJ with?
I’d say Jazzy Jeff. I would love to do some remix work with DJ Craze- he’s also
from Nicaragua and definitely has a dope ear!
So
you’re going to teach me how to DJ right? When is that happening?
We definitely
have to prepare a class for you. The question is do we need to get you some
gear?
Why,
do you think I will mess up your equipment? (Both laugh)
No, because
if I show you and teach you and that will be the end of that
What
do you mean…..?
Like you’re
going to go home and you won’t practice.
I
will practice!
So the first
thing we need to get you is a controller.
You’re
going to have to teach me all the technical stuff…
The first
thing you are going to have to learn is your Beats Per Minute. BPM.
Every song
has a Beats Per Minute. One song might have 102 BPM’s another has 90
BPM’s. That’s the first thing as a DJ you have to learn, your Beats Per Minute
because that’s how you blend. All the songs are blended by their beats per
minute. For example, I have a song that’s 94
BPM’s and I have another one that’s 94 BPMS and it’s a smooth transition.
And keys - Is
it an A or B? And they blend smoother.
Learn your
history about music. Especially the young DJ’s. I ask who do you think is old school
and they come up with an artist that really isn’t old school. Us DJ’s need to
somehow find a way to educate the youth and bring them up to speed and have them learn.
Music has
been around so long. I mean even last night when I was playing Stand By Me (Ben
E King) it’s that feel good journey. If you ask someone who did Stand By Me and they say is that Travis Scott? No.
Actually,
my next question was going to be if you had any advice to up and coming DJ’s?
The only
advice I give to DJ’s is:
1.To continue
to work
2.The
networking amongst DJ’s is a must. That’s how you are able to advance in your
career. It’s part of your job
3.Stay
humble, don’t think that you’re better than anybody else. I really
respect a humble DJ. For example when I speak
to Jazzy Jeff he’s so humble and gives me the time and respect but yet he’s
such a huge talent. When you have that mentality of humblness and level of
respect, your peers will really respect you.
What’s next?
I’m working
on my album. What I’m planning on doing is put out a 2 cd and 2 vinyl where one
side is going to be Hip Hop and R&B and the other side House and EDM. Some
up tempo dance on one side and then some Hip Hop that you could groove to.
It's going to
be called Music Is My Weapon.
Looking forward to that! Please Let us
know when the album is coming out Latin Prince! And thank you sharing more with
us and all the great memories and music on the Pitbull Cruise! An absolute
honour and pleasure to have meet you.
Catch The Latin Prince on SiriusXM Globalization Channel 13
Saturday's 12PM (EST) 9AM (WST)
Catch The Latin Prince on SiriusXM Globalization Channel 13
Saturday's 12PM (EST) 9AM (WST)
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* Images from DJLatinPrince.com
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