Meet the People Keeping Moombahton Alive

Recently, we took a cue from a recent Munchi post on Facebook to play devil's advocate and ponder the current state of moombahton. While the post play

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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Recently, we took a cue from a recent Munchi post on Facebook to play devil's advocate and ponder the current state of moombahton. While the post played with the many perceptions and issues that goes into following moombahton (and the current state of EDM as a whole), many seem to have mistaken the post as us saying that the genre was definitely dead. We're not in that boat. We love moombahton, have been posting it since the rip, and want to make sure that the scene continues to grow. To further that point, we decided to go in depth and shine a light on the artists and entities that are helping moombahton thrive. Check out these DJs, producers, and imprints that are making sure that the heart of the moombah scene is keeping that sexy beat booming.

Nadastrom & Moombahton Massive

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Not only did Dave Nada of Nadastrom invent moombahton, but you can catch them playing moombahton-filled sets at the biggest festivals around the world, including Ultra, EDC, and HARD's Day of the Dead. In addition, Nadastrom birthed Moombahton Massive which is not only their monthly in D.C. that is always jammed packed, but a show that has been brought across the U.S. as well as being featured all around the world including Venezuela, Canada, Berlin, and Ecuador.

Hoodie

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Hailing from the Netherlands, you can definitely see how influential Munchi is when you take the time to listen to Hoodie's tracks. The first time hearing "Spanish Jibberish," I freaked the hell out at the bass, and his production quality blew my mind. With the recent release of his "El Mecanico" remix EP, there are no signs that he'll be slowing down anytime soon.

Happy Colors

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Happy Colors brings this new flare to moombahton because he has this ability to pay homage to his roots in a new and creative way. This is evident in his latest EP Twerka Dominicana resulting in tracks that are high in energy and have a great sense of nostalgia that is guaranteed to get the crowd to notice.

MinimaxX & DJEJ

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Recently taking First Place in the Beat Making Lab's Fiji Challenge by Walshy Fire and ETC!ETC! with their absolute banger "Fijimuggin," these two very outspoken guys are definitely a force to be reckoned with. They are highly involved with Rot10 Musik and have a highly anticipated release "EDMpanadas" coming out soon which has moombah-heads practically drooling over their previews they have released so far. Definitely don't sleep on these two.

Sabo

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Sabo is not only one of the most humble people within the moombahton community, but he's also one of the DJs behind Moombahton Massive alongside Nadastrom. Through his record label (Sol Selectas) and his music, he brings so much diversity to the table when it comes to moombahton. Lots of cumbia-influenced tracks that are very tropical in nature, but are also very chill, smooth, and perfect for those days when you want to jam out by the pool while sipping on that piña colada.

Paul Lee

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Paul Lee bitchslapped the moombah-world when he dropped "Bring Ya Booty" last year, and people have and continue to take notice. Dave Nada himself mentioned that he's one of the up-and-coming cats to keep an eye on, and with his upcoming "Viva Los DJs" release you can't deny it.

Big Makk

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This producer is 1/3 of the Moombah Mafia and holds it down every week at the only moombahton weekly in the world, Shake 'n Bass. Not only has his music been played by the likes of Bassnectar at some of the biggest dance music festivals, he's also fresh off a tour with RiFF RAFF. Big Makk has definitely grown and continues to gain opportunities to spread moombahton across the U.S., keep your eye on this guy.

Kid Cedek

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Take a glance through Kid Cedek's Vine or Instagram and we can easily call him the "Class Clown of Moombahton." Don't let his sense of humor be mistaken for apathy, while the world sleeps, this man puts in countless hours in the studio and is also the President of Rot10 Musik. While he has been taken a "WTFisaGenre" approach to music, you can clearly hear how much moombahton influences his sound.

Locomotive

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Locomotive is a duo, comprised of KnightCrawler and DJ Heavy D, that have been efficiently releasing Moombahton bangers like there's no tomorrow. Their work and dedication to the moombahton sound has paid off by having a release on T&A Records, The Grind EP. Definitely keep your eye on these two for future moombahton bangers that are sure to get the crowd going.

JSTJR

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JSTJR (pronounced "gesture") is well on his way to major buzz, and has gotten there by producing all sorts of tropical bass. From moombahton to zouk bass to twerk, he produces it all and he does it well, and people are starting to take notice including Mad Decent, Enchufada (Buraka Som Sistema's imprint), and Generation Bass.

Chooky

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The first time I saw Chooky was at WMC at the Subdrive Miami Showcase party and his set was energetic and fun and instantly I thought "damn, this is someone to look out for." With his song "Puta Cabrona" out on The Grind EP out on T&A Records, it's easy to see why, he makes quality tracks and is not afraid to experiment with different sounds, genres, and different style vocalists.

Bro Safari

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This guy has been making music for years as a part of Evol Intent and Ludachrist but his work as Bro Safari blew up. His drum & bass background brings a very unique flare into his moombahton productions, which usually results in creative and very dynamic songs that make him stand out from the rest. He's set to embark on an Animal House tour alongside ETC!ETC!, CRNKN, and Torro Torro, where I'm such he'll be dropping fun, energetic, multi-genre sets that he's become known for, I wouldn't be surprised if he drops some moombahton bangers in there as well.

THE 10 BEST BRO SAFARI TRACKS

Dillon Francis

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Is it moombahton or not? When it comes to Dillon Francis, I've seen people argue this ad nauseum, but regardless of your opinion, A LOT of people wouldn't even know WTF moombahton is if it weren't for this guy. With music videos slated to be released on MTV (I know I'm shocked they still show music videos, too), we can only expect more and more people to discover moombahton through his music.

Munchi

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Munchi's that artist that has no reservations about extending a big "FUCK YOU" to the bigger record labels and artists that cross the line out there, and while he's been on hiatus for awhile, he's the catalyst that drove us to write this by posting three words on Facebook: "Moombahton is dead?" He's one of the pioneers of moombahton, but hasn't put anything out there in awhile, however after seeing a recent Facebook post in regards to a track he made, all I can say is "SOON."

Kapo

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A Columbian producer residing in NY, Cristiano Erick Fuentes aka Kapo has been pumping out lots of moombahton tracks and has been gaining the attention of many within the moombahton world. When you listen to his tracks you can definitely hear the Columbian influence which results in some fun and tropical tracks with lots of high energy. Excited to see what this guy has in store.

Tittsworth & T&A Records

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One cannot deny how much Tittsworth has done for moombahton: he's a producer, his label T&A Records releases moombahton (Moombahton Forever and The Grind for example), and the club he opened, U Street Music Hall in D.C., is not only one of the best dance clubs in America, but has also become a home to Nadastrom & Sabo's monthly Moombahton Massive. This list would immediately be considered invalid if we didn't include this man, plain and simple.

Disgraceland

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Disgraceland is ultimately refreshing when it comes to moombahton. While some are busy making shitty moombah edits filled with annoying blippy synths, he brings the complete opposite to the table: moombahton deeper than the douchiest deep-V that is smooth & chill; it's so unique and different you can't help but take notice.

Kingman Fire

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Kingman Fire is comprised of Pickster One and Melo, both of which could easily be on this list individually, but when they combine forces you can hear either some of the most soulful & melodic or fun-filled & energetic moombahton that is guaranteed to lift your mood. Trust me, I've gone from Hulk angry to happy as fuck in three-to-five minutes depending on whichever one of their tracks I decide to play. These guys never disappoint.

ETC!ETC!

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Mad Decent and Party Like Us artist ETC!ETC! is quite creative when it comes to creating multi-genre music. He has this unique bubble sound that he can fit into any genre seamlessly and with ease. Moombahton is definitely that genre where his signature sound made people take notice, and he's been climbing his way up to the top since then, occasionally taking the time to release moombahton bangers that are always high energy and well received by the crowd.

Diplo & Major Lazer

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Whether or not you love him or hate him, you can't deny Diplo's influence when it comes to electronic music in the U.S. (and worldwide, for that matter). Major Lazer is no exception to this influence, either; drop "Watch Out For This (Buyame)." and the crowd can not help but dance. Also, much like Dillon Francis, so many people out there would be clueless as to what moombahton is and what is sounds like if it weren't for Diplo and Major Lazer. With frequent support and releases of moombahton tracks on his label Mad Decent, one can only imagine what Diplo has up his sleeve to help keep moombahton alive and well.

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