A B Quintanilla, III 4 CD

Additional personnel includes: Juan Gabriel, El Gran Silencio, Aleks Syntek, Ozomatli, Organized Rhymes.

KUMBIA KINGS 4 was nominated for the 2003 Latin Grammy Award for Best Pop Album by a Duo or Group with Vocal.

Simultaneously the most progressive and mainstream-sounding group on the cumbia landscape, Kumbia Kings combine rap, smooth R&B, rock, dance pop, and a myriad of other styles to create a sound both thoroughly modern and firmly rooted in Latin traditions. On 4, the Kings offer something for everyone, and in the process serve up a record even more diverse than their previous effort. Unlike many Latin groups who never really "get" American styles, these guys have an ace in the hole in the person of producer A.B. Quintanilla III. Perhaps best known as the brother of the late Tejano superstar Selena, Quintanilla is nothing less than a Latin Babyface or Puff Daddy, creating masterfully slick tracks which hold their own against anything by the aforementioned heavyweights.

The music on 4 is a true fusion, marrying the group members' highly distinctive, technically enviable lead and harmony vocals to modern grooves of every type. A.B. often plays up the inherent cumbia/reggae connection, further accentuating the throbbing pulse of the Kumbia Kings' already danceable music. A bright moment in the exciting evolution of Latin music, 4 should appeal to fans of pop music that truly knows no stylistic or ethnic boundaries.

Recorded at Capital Studios, Hollywood, California.

Kumbia Kings: Nino B, DJ Kane, Frankie J, A.B. (vocals).

Producers: A.B. Quintanilla III, Cruz Martinez.

Personnel: Juan Gabriel (vocals, rap vocals); Tony Hernandez (vocals); Cano Hernandez (rap vocals); Chris Pérez (guitar); Raúl Pacheco (electric guitar); Jesse Garcia, Humberto Garcia (nylon-string guitar); John Wittenberg, Joel Derouin, Peter Kent (violin); Robert Becker (viola); Erika Duke-Kirkpatrick, Randy Stein (cello); Nicolas Barry (didjeridu, computer); Roger Vera (trumpet); Jiro Yamaguchi (congas, cowbells, cymbals, tabla); Marcos Martinez (percussion).

Recording information: Capitol Studios, Hollywood, CA; Studio A., Hollywood, CA.

Arrangers: James Galvez; Rodney "Cortada" Alejandro; Frankie J; Nicolas Barry.

Feat:Frankie J-Guests:J.Gabrie El Gran Silencio,Aleks Syntak