Tito Puente Jr.

LaUnion1910 : What can you tell the people who read Launion1910 which are mostly Latin Rap readers about yourself, Like who is Tito Puente JR, where is he from how did you get started in Music?

Tito Puente Jr. : Well I am originally from New York city, that's where my roots are at. I have always been into hip hop and dance music from new york.It was actually my start into music thru Latin hip hop from NYC.

LaUnion1910 : Now its obvious that you're a musician, but unlike most artists you have really done it all,  from R&B to House, and Freestyle, Reegaton to pure Latin like Salsa, Cumbia, etc. Now out all of these musical genres, what one would you say is the that you identify yourself with the most.

Tito Puente Jr. : It's kinda like my late father, he was an ambassador of Latin music period. In all genres and facets of the music. I identify being an International music artist.

LaUnion1910 : A few years back it was rumored that there would be a Tito Puente JR Freestyle album, what can you tell us about that?

Tito Puente Jr. : This is true, I do have about half of it done (about six songs). Great tracks, but of course with my schedule and touring it was hard to get back into the studio to record. I will complete it for sure by summer 2006.

LaUnion1910 : What are artists and producers that you have worked with in the past, and who would Tito Puente JR like to work with in the future?

Tito Puente Jr. : Well the list is long, from my late father to celia,marc anthony,india to el general,inner circle,Dj laz and third world. Many hip hop stars as well.

LaUnion1910 : I'm sure you have been asked this question a million times before, but what was it like growing up as the son of El Rey (Tito Puente) and I'm not talking about music wise, but more personal?

Tito Puente Jr. : My father was great,funny and full of life. A good comedian as well. But he was dear ole dad to me.  He tried to spend as much time as he could with the family. It was great being his son and I look forward to having my own family one day and share the experience with my children. I am here to live out his destiny to have his music heard in all four corners of the globe.

LaUnion1910 : Tito what can you tell us about song "Here is To You"?

Tito Puente Jr. : The song was built specifically for myself and losing my dad, but when 911 happened to my city it made me become less selfish about my feeling and more towards everyone losing somebody. If you listen to the lyrics It is about losing someone dear to you. This song is timeless and anyone who hears it will understand the meaning behind it.

LaUnion1910 : You now have put the Dance and R&B to the side, and have been touring  performing the music of Tito Puente, why is that and will be every hear any of new Dance or R&B form you again?

Tito Puente Jr. : For sure you will hear new stuff, reggaeton,house,freestyle for sure in 2006. My focus right now is to complete the next Tito puente tribute record but add my flavor to it. I always loved performing my father's music.

LaUnion1910 : If I was to jump in your car right now and turn on the radio, what would be playing?

Tito Puente Jr. : Right now I Have Mas Flow Luny tunes and a new artists named Cheskob and Notch. I only listen to cd's.

LaUnion1910 : A while or so ago you were featured in a movie, what can you tell us about the movie and will we been seeing  you moving more into acting in the futures?

Tito Puente Jr. : I did a movie which you can find anywhere (blockbuster,best buy etc.) 'SENORITA JUSTICE" with Eva Longoria from "Desperate Housewives". Not my best to date but a good movie. I just finished filming for a daytime soap called "One life to live" I am playing myself in the show it will air Jan 2006.

LaUnion1910 : Now I asked Eric Bobo (Cypress Hill) this same question, could you also explain what exactly are the ties between Tito Puente JR and Eric Bobo and how is that two people who have such strong musical ties have not yet recorded music together?

Tito Puente Jr. : Good question, I have so much love for Eric and his style. Cypress hill has to one the premier Latin hip hop groups of all time. I always find a way to work somehow with other artists. Bobo my timbale sticks are coming after you, we going to jam brother!!!!!!!!!

LaUnion1910 : Politics could play a big part in Hip Hop or Rock music, is there any political messages in Salsa or in Latin Jazz and if so how does that reflect in your music?

Tito Puente Jr. : The funny thing about that is its not the political statement in the music but the politics around the industry itself. No one speaks of it but I got an one artist who doesn't hold his tongue. You can call him the Latin equivalent of Eminem. "RADIOMAN" James Delaraza look out for him on the real.

LaUnion1910 : As someone that tours across the US and see Latinos in our country of all different  backgrounds and economies, what do you think is the one thing that the national Latin community needs in order to better our life style?

Tito Puente Jr. : I think we need more music program in the schools period. in every an all school across the nation.

LaUnion1910 : Tito, I want thank you for your time, Ive known you for about 5 or 6 years now, and your always been really cool, is there anything that you'd like to add for the people that are reading LaUnion1910 ?

Tito Puente Jr. : hanks for the interview and Gracias to all the fans who have supported me through the past 10 years of my career. Check out my web site WWW.TITOPUENTEJR.COM and you find tour dates,cd,photos etc. I will do my best to make sure my father music and Latin music period gets recognized around the world. bless you.