Tunes Du Jour Presents Hispanic Heritage Month

As Hispanic Heritage Month continues, I’m excited to share a curated playlist that showcases the rich tapestry of Hispanic and Latinx music. This collection of 30 songs is not meant to be an exhaustive representation of all contributions from those of Hispanic descent—such a task would be impossible given the vast and diverse musical landscape. Instead, it serves as a vibrant sampler, offering a glimpse into the variety and brilliance of Hispanic and Latinx artistry across genres and generations.

From the infectious rhythms of salsa and reggaeton to the soulful strains of bolero and mariachi, this playlist traverses a wide musical terrain. It features iconic tracks that have become global phenomena, such as Los Del Rio’s “Macarena” and Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee’s “Despacito,” alongside lesser-known gems that deserve wider recognition. The selection spans decades, honoring both the pioneers who paved the way and the contemporary artists who continue to innovate and push boundaries.

As you listen, you’ll encounter the legendary Carlos Santana’s fusion of rock and Latin rhythms in “Oye Como Va,” the timeless “La Bamba” by Ritchie Valens, and the groundbreaking jazz of Mongo Santamaría’s “Watermelon Man.” The playlist also celebrates more recent contributions, including Bad Bunny’s “MONACO” and ROSALÍA’s “SAOKO,” demonstrating the ongoing evolution and global impact of Hispanic and Latinx music.

It’s important to note that this playlist merely scratches the surface of the immense contributions Hispanic and Latinx artists have made to the world of music. Each song represents a gateway to exploring entire genres, regional styles, and artistic movements. I encourage listeners to use this playlist as a starting point for further discovery, delving deeper into the rich musical heritage it represents.

As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, let this playlist serve as a reminder of the incredible diversity, creativity, and influence of Hispanic and Latinx musicians. It’s a testament to the power of music to transcend borders, unite cultures, and enrich our global artistic tapestry. We hope you enjoy this musical journey and that it inspires you to continue exploring the vast world of Hispanic and Latinx music long after the playlist ends.

Tunes Du Jour Presents 2002


The year 2002 was a turbulent one for the world, marked by wars, terrorism, scandals, and natural disasters. But it was also a year of creativity, innovation, and diversity in music. From hip-hop to rock, from pop to indie, from dance to folk, the music of 2002 reflected the mood and spirit of the times, offering both escapism and commentary, both nostalgia and novelty, both challenge and comfort.

One of the most dominant genres of the year was hip-hop, which reached new heights of popularity and influence. Eminem’s Lose Yourself became an anthem of determination and resilience, while Missy Elliott’s Work It showcased her inventive and playful style. Nelly’s Hot in Herre was a summer smash, while Clipse’s Grindin’ introduced a minimalist and gritty sound. Tweet and Missy Elliott’s Oops (Oh My) was a sensual and empowering ode to self-love, while Truth Hurts and Rakim’s Addictive sampled a Bollywood song and sparked a controversy. Cam’ron’s Oh Boy featured a catchy sample of Rose Royce’s I’m Going Down, while Khia’s My Neck, My Back (Lick It) was a raunchy and explicit hit.

Rock music also had a strong presence in 2002, with a variety of styles and sounds. Elvis Presley’s A Little Less Conversation (JXL Edit) was a remix of a 1968 song that became a worldwide hit, thanks to its inclusion in a Nike commercial. Avril Lavigne’s Complicated was a pop-rock anthem for the rebellious and misunderstood youth, while Coldplay’s In My Place was a melancholic and soaring ballad. The Strokes’ Hard to Explain was a garage rock revival, while Wilco’s Jesus, Etc. was a country-rock masterpiece. Interpol’s Obstacle 1 was a post-punk gem, while Spoon’s The Way We Get By was a catchy and quirky indie rock tune. The Libertines’ What a Waster was a punk rock blast, while Bruce Springsteen’s The Rising was a tribute to the victims and heroes of 9/11.

Pop music also had its share of hits and surprises in 2002, with some old and new faces. Christina Aguilera’s Dirrty was a provocative and edgy reinvention, while Beyonce’s Work It Out was a funky and soulful solo debut. Brandy’s What About Us was a futuristic and sleek R&B track, while No Doubt’s Hella Good was a disco and rock fusion. Bjork’s Pagan Poetry was a haunting and experimental song, while Las Ketchup’s Asereje was a catchy and silly novelty. Alanis Morissette’s Hands Clean was a confessional and catchy pop-rock song, while Rufus Wainwright’s Across the Universe was a beautiful and faithful cover of the Beatles classic.

Some of the most memorable songs of 2002 were not easily categorized, but rather blended genres and styles. Sugababes’ Freak Like Me was a mash-up of Adina Howard’s Freak Like Me and Gary Numan’s Are ‘Friends’ Electric?, creating a pop and electro masterpiece. The Flaming Lips’ Do You Realize?? was a psychedelic and uplifting song, while X-Press 2’s Lazy was a house and spoken word collaboration with David Byrne. The Streets’ Weak Become Heroes was a rap and piano tribute to rave culture, while Doves’ There Goes The Fear was a rock and electronic epic.

The music of 2002 was a reflection of the year itself: diverse, unpredictable, exciting, and sometimes challenging. It was a year of contrasts and surprises, of highs and lows, of old and new. It was a year that gave us some of the most memorable songs of the 21st century, and a year that we can revisit through this playlist. Enjoy!

Follow Tunes du Jour on Facebook

Follow Tunes du Jour on Twitter

Follow me on Instagram

Ringo + Toni 002

Feliz Cinco De Mayo!

Ringo + Toni 002
Hoy es Cinco de Mayo, y yo was thinking about Spanish-language songs that crossed over onto the US pop charts. That got me thinking about hit songs that were re-recorded in Spanish by their original hitmakers in an attempt to cross over the other direction. It’s a savvy business move, no? Why limit your audience, especially once the music business became more global?

Here is your Cinco de Mayo playlist: