Dem Vinyl Boyz EP 134 - Celia Cruz - Le Negra Tiene Tumbao

In this vibrant and rhythmic episode of Dem Vinyl Boyz, we celebrate Cinco de Mayo with one of the most iconic voices in Latin music—Celia Cruz—as we spin her 2001 Grammy-winning album La Negra Tiene Tumbao. Known as the “Queen of Salsa,” Celia Cruz brought unmatched energy, charisma, and Afro-Caribbean flair to every recording, and this album is no exception.

La Negra Tiene Tumbao blends salsa, Latin pop, reggaeton, and hip-hop in a way that was ahead of its time. The title track, with its hypnotic beat and empowering message, became one of Celia’s biggest late-career hits, earning her critical acclaim and a whole new generation of fans. Other standout tracks like "Hay Que Empezar Otra Vez" and "Pa' Arriba No Va" showcase her legendary voice, vibrant spirit, and unmatched ability to bring joy through music.

In this episode, we honor Celia’s cultural legacy, discuss the production style that kept her sound fresh even in the 2000s, and reflect on how La Negra Tiene Tumbao remains a celebration of confidence, rhythm, and Latin pride. This record is more than music—it’s movement, tradition, and sabor.

Join Dem Vinyl Boyz as we mark Cinco de Mayo by honoring the incomparable Celia Cruz and her timeless album La Negra Tiene Tumbao. ¡Azúcar!

For decades, people who enjoyed music on vinyl records instead of CDs or MP3s were considered dinosaurs. While we like moving at 33 RPM, the rest of the world rushed and went to digital. Not only did vinyl refuse to die but demand is at its highest since at least 1991. It's a good thing Dem Vinyl Boyz saved all their records from back in the day. Because, now we have the biggest collection of 12-inch records on the radio.  Dem Vinyl Boyz love the joy of sliding a classic album out of its cover; the crackle of a needle just dropped into a groove; the careful way to pick up and flip a record when a side ends. On the podcast each week we feature a different piece of music history on vinyl record. Dem Vinyl Boyz experience the album front and back, giving you commentary and music facts along the way. Put your ear buds in and let us take you on a musically journey listening to the greatest music of all time and the history of how it became legendary. Dem Vinyl Boyz! Respect The Technique