Dark Latin Groove (DLG) sounds like the intersection of a traditional Caribbean dance hall and a 1990s New York block party. The music is anchored by the driving, syncopated rhythms of classic salsa, but it is constantly interrupted and elevated by hip-hop breaks, reggae basslines, and soulful vocal flourishes that feel more like Boyz II Men than Celia Cruz. It is bright, brassy, and unapologetically urban.
What makes DLG truly distinctive is their refusal to choose between the street and the ballroom. While their peers were often sticking to polished, traditional arrangements, DLG introduced a gritty, sample-heavy production style that reflected their Bronx upbringing. Huey Dunbar’s soaring, R&B-inflected vocals provide a melodic sweetness that contrasts perfectly with the aggressive, rhythmic rapping of Fragancia and James 'Da Barba' de Jesus.
Start with their self-titled 1996 debut or the 'Greatest Hits' collection. These recordings capture the peak of the 'Salsa-Urbana' movement, offering a perfect entry point for anyone who loves the heat of Latin percussion but wants the swagger of 90s East Coast production.
Dark Latin Groove (DLG) is a salsa band that mixes salsa, reggae 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.
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