Don Dinero

The first major American-born, Spanish-rapping hip-hop artist to make the major-label jump and find widespread commercial acceptance, Don Dinero was one of a kind -- for a moment, that is, before a legion of followers like Pitbull followed in his footsteps and likewise found an eager market for stateside Spanish-language rap. Granted, stateside Latino rappers such as Cypress Hill, Lil Rob, Nore, and Big Punisher had preceded Dinero by years, and south of the border there long had been plenty of Spanish-language rap, for instance the Mexican hardcore rap of Control Machete or the massive reggaeton movement. But Dinero was different: he was an American who rapped in en español for Spanish-speaking Americans, which set him apart from his aforementioned predecessors and made him a unique presence in the hip-hop world -- and also earned him much respect from American Latinos, who felt he was rapping for them, not for a crossover audience as his American predecessors had.
Born Jose Manuel Guitian in the rough Washington Heights section of Manhattan, Dinero found much inspiration amid New York's thriving hip-hop scene. In the late '90s he and his older brother, Oscar Guitian, started their own label, Last Laugh Records, and went about making their dreams come true. Not much came of that venture, unfortunately, and Dinero decided to move himself and his family to Miami, where he believed there was ample opportunity amid the city's huge Latino population. This was in 2002, and he immediately began work on what would become Que Bola! He released the album by the end of the year, on Cuban Connection Records, and Miami's Salsa 98.3 began playing the single "Pana Pana." This in itself was landmark, as the predominantly tropical station rarely if ever played so-called urban music, but the best was yet to come, when Universal Latino offered to pick up Que Bola! for distribution, reissuing it in 2003 in an enhanced edition. Universal also green-lighted a group album, Don Dinero and the Revolu All Stars, and a DVD, Su Vida y la Calle -- both of which furthered the quickly mounting buzz surrounding Dinero. Such was the buzz that Dinero and Dinero alone was chosen to collaborate with Celia Cruz on a remix of her "Son de la Loma" single, released in 2004. That year he also independently released a retrospective collection, The Best of Don Dinero, which featured his best-known songs in remixed form. All of this ascension culminated in 2005 with the release of Ahora Que Sí, Dinero's long-awaited follow-up to Que Bola! The album's lead single, "Arte de la Calle," got excessive airplay in the stateside Latino enclaves of Miami, Los Angeles, New York, and Texas, setting up well the album's eventual release in July. ~ Jason Birchmeier, All Music Guide
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DON DINERO/JOSE KASH! GINO GREEN MUSIC GROUP!
DON DINERO/JOSE KASH



Jose Manuel Guitian a.k.a. "Don Dinero" was born and raised in the notorious Washington Heights, New York. Inspired by the early-greats, Dinero knew he wanted to rap and in 1999, he focused on rendering his creative passion into a business; thus, he teamed up with his older brother, Oscar Guitian, and together, they launched Last Laugh Records, independently. Although short-lived, it was through that investment that Don Dinero first learned the business concepts for an independent record label.



In January 2002, Dinero venture with his entire family to Miami, to begin production of a new album that was to be written and recorded entirely in Spanish! Eight months later he delivered “Que Bola” Album and after a brief appearance on Miami’s Salsa 98.3, his career catapulted almost immediately. The single, “Pana Pana”, made Don Dinero the first Latin Urban Artist to break tropical radio. In 2003, his career continued to flourish, as he appeared on the “The Roof” for MUN 2. Universal Latino picked up the “Que Bola” album for distribution. Dinero also appeared as a guest on the Latin talk show phenomenon “Christina”. He then released his “Su Vida y La Calle” DVD and in 2004, was honored to be selected to appear on the CELIA CRUZ tribute album in which “Son De La Loma”, the song he was featured on, was released as a single. Next, Dinero landed a feature with Mexican pop princess, PILAR MONTENEGRO, and then released “The Best of Don Dinero Remixes album and DVD”.



BLOCK ROYAL-in 2004, Robert Tito Montanez aka Screw passed away leaving the movement Block Royal; an organization that stands for Love, Loyalty, and Respect. In 2005, Dinero team-up with A.K., Flav and 2Tune to continue the works of Screw. Full force ahead, now Block Royal, has a symbolic meaning that’s supported by communities across the United States. Block Royal apparel has a unique design for an urban clothing line.



Dinero accomplished these achievements before there was even an Urban Latin Music Market in existence! After performances, and appearances on popular syndicated shows, at concerts, festivals, clubs, and everywhere in between, Don Dinero, is now a household Name. Due to his independent success with “Que Bola”, in early 2005, he became the first urban artist to snag a joint venture deal with Universal Latino and then release his second Spanish album “Ahora Que Si”. Since then, Dinero has sold over 200,000 records overall! The third Spanish album “El Ultimo Guerrero”, is for fans to hear the heart and soul of a Latino pride. In a market that isn’t ready for this bilingual Artist’s rhythms that is to advance for his time.



As a hip-hop artist, in the midst of a Reggaeton mainstream invasion, Dinero is definitely unique. He has managed to remain on top while staying true to his New York hip-hop roots. Often referred to as the first of his kind, a Pioneer of Latin Hip-Hop, he feels privileged to be granted the opportunity to pave away for other upcoming Latin Hip-Hop Artists, who share a similar passion for the business and the music respectfully. In 2008, Dinero will be unleashing a new independent English Album, on his new independent record label “MOBSTA MUZIK”. This CEO / Artist / Pioneer/ Entrepreneur is continuing to push the movement forward by building new roads for the future. Fans are highly anticipating his first English single, “I DON’T WANNA BE A STAR”, which can be seen playing on these music video channels MTV trs3, MUN 2, HTV…. ect. His new English Hip-Hop Album, “Don Dinero Presents Jose Kash”, will bring Latin Hip-Hop to a whole new multi-platform level.



MIXTAPE - THE AMERICAN DREAM