Like many Latinos, JF1’s youth was one spent learning how to straddle two Americas; the one in which he was born and would come to reside in as an adult, and the other that defines his culture and language.
JF1 grew up in the Dominican Republic loving everything that the DR is known for in the States: baseball, music and family. His arrival in New York City is a storyline out of a pop star’s memories, “I didn’t know a word of English or how to navigate the subway system but somehow I found my way to a Univision television and music talent search. I stood in the rain for hours only to be turned away for not having the proper ID,” laughs JF1.
Sometime, most of the time, things happen for a reason.
“I was actually ‘discovered’ while in line for the talent search that I couldn’t enter,” explains JF1.
The American Dream still exists, even for beckoning pop stars and artists with heart. Now an New York resident, JF1 spends his days in business school and his nights in the recording studio or on stage.
In honor of Latino Heritage Month, JF1 releases his first music video to pay homage to the fastest growing ethnic group in the United Sates. According to the Los Angeles Times, “the U.S. Census Bureau show that the nation’s Latino population grew by 1.4 million in 2007 to reach 45.5 million people, or 15.1% of the total U.S. population of 301.6 million.”
“Como Yo” was filmed in New York City at the Puerto Rican Day Parade and Festival and the Dominican Parade. It captures the vibrant colors, energy and diversity of the community, and provides a perfect visual to this upbeat Reggaeton and Bachata song. “The atmosphere was incredible, and I think the video really captures it,” says JF1.
“I’ve been called an R&B version of Daddy Yankee,” smiles JF1. “But really, I’m just me and I’m looking forward to continuing to make music that Latinos are proud of. I’m always honored by the support I receive from my community.”
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