Dark Latin Groove
| DLG (Dark Latin Groove) | |
|---|---|
| Origin | New York City, New York, United States |
| Genres | Salsa, Reggae |
| Years active | 1995–2000, 2007–2016 |
| Labels | La Calle Records |
| Members |
Yahaira Vargas (Miss YaYa) James "Da Barba" de Jesus Sergio George Nestor "Ness" Rivero |
| Past members | Huey Dunbar, Fragancia |
DLG (Dark Latin Groove) is a salsa band that mixes salsa, reggae, reggaeton, and hip-hop. The group was brought together in New York by producer Sergio George (who also signed them to his record company Sir George Records) and included Huey Dunbar, Fragancia, and James "Da Barba" de Jesus.
Beginnings
Looking for vocalists, Sergio George discovered within the salsa club scenes both Huey Dunbar and James "Da Barba" de Jesus. De Jesus had previously been a backup singer for both Tito Nieves and Sistah Souljah. Their first appearance took place in April 1996 when they performed alongside Sergio George, who took up keyboard.[1]
Breakup
After their third album in 2000, lead singer Huey Dunbar decided to break away from DLG to pursue a solo career. This essentially led to an anticipated breakup of the entire group. James DaBarba and Fragrancia formed a new DLG with a new female member.
Rebirth
In 2007, DLG producer Sergio George announced that the group would resurface again. Dunbar rejected George's invitation to return to the group. Sergio's search for a new vocalist led him to "Miss YaYa", whose real name is Yahaira Vargas. She had previously participated in an American-Idol-like contest called 'Gigantes del Manaña' on the variety show Sabado Gigante in 2000. In addition, YaYa was on the first season of Sean P. Diddy Combs show Making the Band 3 in 2005 on MTV. Her manager contacted Sergio who reviewed her work and photos via myspace.com. They set up an interview in Florida with Sergio, and James "Da Barba".
The new DLG, with Miss YaYa and James Da Barba, was nominated for a 2009 Grammy in the "Best Tropical Album" category, and a 2009 Premio Lo Nuestro award for "Best Tropical Group."
Discography
Albums
- 1996: Dark Latin Groove
- 1997: Swing On
- 1999: Gotcha!
- 2007: Renacer
Compilations
- 2000: Greatest Hits
- 2000: Grandes Éxitos
- 2003: Serie Azul Tropical
- 2004: Lo Esencial
- 2005: 20 Éxitos Originales
- 2010: Mis Favoritas