N'Klabe

Since their debut album in 2004, Salsa group N’KLABE has been entertaining audiences throughout their native Puerto Rico, United States and Latin America. By mixing a variety of urban influences with traditional tropical rhythms and classic salsa N’KLABE has rejuvenated the genre bringing salsa to the next generation. They have grown over the years developing into one of the few voices keeping salsa fresh and vibrant with the objective of inspiring the youth.

The group comprised of Félix “Felo” Torres, Roberto Karlo Figueroa and José Rubén “JR” Ruíz blend their distinct vocal capabilities and style reaching a whole new generation of fans.

La Salsa Vive is the latest release from the group arriving June 26th through NuLife Entertainment and Sony Music Latin. The CD/DVD includes their first live concert DVD recorded in the Zona Colonial district of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic with the historic Ruins of the Monasterio de San Francisco as their backdrop. This new project will no doubt cement their legacy as they interpret some of the greatest salsa songs of all time. The studio album contains their take on the classics “Lluvia”, “A Puro Dolor”, “La Rueda”, “Perdóname”, “He Tratado”, “Personal Ideal” and “Ven Devórame Otra Vez”.
First single, “La Banda” brings an updated take on a legendary song reaffirming their mission and position within the genre. The song became their 4th number one hit on Billboard’s Tropical Airplay chart. N’KLABE sings the songs from artists who have inspired audiences showcasing their maturity and ability to unite generations demonstrating that salsa is still vibrant and can withstand the test of time. The CD includes two new songs, “Mi Vida Eres Tú” and “Pal 23”.

N’KLABE arrived on the musical scene in 2004 with their debut album, Salsa Contra Viento y Marea to critical acclaim. The album produced two Top 5 hit singles on Billboard’s Tropical chart. Their concept of reaching a younger audience and bringing salsa to them began to grow outside of their native Puerto Rico and New York attracting international attention. This led them to sign with Sony Music to release their second album, I Love Salsa!

With the release of I Love Salsa! Edición Especial N’Klabe’s international appeal grew as they became the new faces of Salsa. The album featured the group joining voices with some of the genre’s greatest legends including Cheo Feliciano, Ismael Miranda and Luisito Carrión. The album spawned two #1 hits, “Amor de Una Noche” featuring Voltio and “I Love Salsa!” composed by superstar Víctor Manuelle who also sung on the top 5 hit “Evitaré”. The album was a huge success opening them up to tour Europe, Central & South America.

Their next album, A Punto de Estallar was released in the fall of 2006 with the huge radio hit “Ella Volvió” again with the participation of Voltio.

The beginning of 2007 brought the group four nominations for Premio Lo Nuestro including Tropical Song of the Year for “Amor De Una Noche”, Tropical Group/Duo Artist of the Year (two nods) and Tropical Album of the Year. They performed a medley of their hits live on the award show.

On November 20, 2007, N’KLABE released through Machete Music their 3rd studio album, La Nueva Escuela ‘Nu School’ with the lead single, “Si Ya No Estas” with the participation of reggeatón stars R.K.M. & Ken-Y. The song mixed English and Spanish verses with salsa and urban sounds. The album also had the radio hits “El Día de tu Suerte (Hoy)” and “Amor de Agua” which featured Gilberto Santa Rosa.

In 2009, the group received three nominations for Premio Lo Nuestro in the categories Tropical/Salsa Artist of the Year, Tropical Group/Duo of the Year and Tropical Album of the Year from the success of La Nueva Escuela.

At the end of 2011 the group released their first new studio album in four years the concept Christmas album, Aires de Navidad. The album featured their interpretations of traditional Fania All-Stars holiday standards while adding their own unique touch to the music. Their single, “Aires de Navidad” first made famous by Héctor Lavoe & Willie Colón became their 3rd number one hit on Billboard’s Tropical Airplay chart. Their version of the classic song became an instant hit during the holiday season and entered the top 40 of Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart. The song was also a smash in the Dominican Republic with a version that featured Sergio Vargas.

Aires de Navidad debuted in the top 5 of the Apple I-Tunes Top Latino Albums downloads chart and became their 3rd Top 10 on Billboard’s Tropical Albums chart.

The success of this project placed them as a finalist for the 2012 Billboard Latin Music Awards in the category Tropical Albums Artist of the Year, Duo/Group. At the 2012 edition of the Billboard Latin Music Conference they launched their La Salsa Vive project with a special showcase during the conference and an invitation to perform at the 10th Annual Billboard Bash.