TIDAL has launched Footprints, a new animated series celebrating black latinx icons.
The series’ premiere episode kicked off Friday (Nov. 16) with an automated presentation by Amara Le Negra. As Le Negra journeys through history, she shouts out singers like Anthony Santos, Celia Cruz, and Joe Arroyo, who have paved the way for artists after them. Pete Rodriguez is among honorable mentions, not only because he helped pioneer Boogaloo with his single “I Like It,” but because his legendary musical talent resurfaced decades after its creation.
Fast forwarding to 2018, the 28-year-old notes the accomplishments of Cardi B’s “I Like it,” citing the song’s “contemporary spin on boogaloo” and its role in helping Cardi become the first female rapper with two number ones in the history of the Billboard Hot 100.
The short clip also dives into reggaetón and its Afro-Puerto Rican roots and how the music genre had been politized and downtrodden.
“As Latin music continues to surge in popularity, TIDAL’s ‘Footprints’ educates fans by shining a light on the often overlooked African and Indigenous roots of today’s hit songs,” shared Marjua Estevez, TIDAL’s Latin Culture and Content Editor.
Check out a clip from Footprints above.
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