Alt.Latino

Los Angeles is home for me and always in my heart. Watching the fires from afar in my current city, New York, has me thinking a lot about what makes my hometown great: breathtaking mountains, stunning beaches and above all a hodgepodge, tapestry community that comes together in powerful ways during a painful moment.The good and bad of LA's history — redlining and rebuilding, previous fires and displacement, immigration and annexation — have all been building blocks for an exchange of culture that shows up in layers in its music and art. This week on Alt.Latino, we've decided to shine a light on some of the sounds that feel most quintessentially LA, while also specifically honoring the creativity that has come from communities most affected by the fires.We're thinking of family and friends, and the beating heart of the city as a whole. There's nothing quite like LA and we hope this episode is an intro to some and an invitation for others to celebrate what makes it so special. —Anamaria SayreSongs featured on this episode:•José Feliciano, "California Dreamin"•Ry Cooder feat. Lalo Guerrero, "Barrio Viejo"•Banda MS feat. Becky G and Snoop Dogg, "Que Maldicion"•Jasper Bones, "Amor de mis sueños"•Gerardo Ortiz, "Dámaso"•Empress Of, "For Your Consideration"Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

On Sunday, Bad Bunny released his sixth studio album, Debí Tirar Más Fotos, and people are saying it's his most "Puerto Rican" record yet. The global pop star has clearly come home to his roots in a meaningful way and given the political situation on the island, releasing an album so proudly Puerto Rican is a major act of resistance. Anamaria Sayre, Felix Contreras and Isabella Gomez Sarmiento break down what exactly makes the record so Puerto Rican and why its Bad Bunny's most reflective, ambitious and ingenious era yet.Songs featured in this episode:•Bad Bunny, "EL CLúB"•Bad Bunny, "NUEVAYoL"•Bad Bunny, "BAILE INoLVIDABLE"•Bad Bunny, "LO QUE LE PASÓ A HAWAii"•Bad Bunny, "TURiSTA"•Bad Bunny, "CAFé CON RON"•Los Pleneros de la Cresta, "Resistencia"•Bad Bunny, "PIToRRO DE COCO"•Ecos de Borinquen, "El Alma de Puerto Rico (The Soul of Puerto Rico)"•Bad Bunny, "WELTiTA"Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Simon Rentner. Editorial support from Hazel Cills and Jacob Ganz. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

'Alt.Latino' hosts Felix Contreras and Anamaria Sayre do their best to keep up with new releases, but sometimes great music evades their radar. On this episode, the duo highlight some of the best songs they never got a chance to share during the year.Music We Missed in 2024• Sanje, "Buen Fantasma" (from 'De Repente Otra Vez')• David Lindes, "Te Vengo A Perdonar" (from 'Peace With A Lion')• Yung Dupe X Kimmø X PUGSPUGSPUGS, "Nube Negra" (from 'Políticamente Correcto')• Benjamin Walker, "Libre" (from 'LIBRE')• Lhasa de Sela et Yves Desrosiers, "El Cosechero" (from 'First Recordings')• Dom La Nena, "Pierre et les fleurs" (from 'LA VIE DE MA MÈRE')Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Felix Contreras, Anamaria Sayre and Isabella Gomez Sarmiento run through their favorites in a crowded year for excellent songs, from innovative Spanish hip-hop to distinctive jazz.Songs featured in this episode:•Çantamarta, "MOTORIZADO"•Mala Rodriguez, "Casi Nada"•Zaccai Curtis, "Maple Leaf Rag"•Ca7riel y Paco Amoroso, "DUMBAI"•Melissa Aldana, "A Purpose"•Residente, "313"Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Simon Rentner. Editorial support from Hazel Cills. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy