Black Guayaba

Formed in 2000, the Puerto Rican powerhouse Black:Guayaba assembled with core members Gustavo González ("Gust"), Javier Morales ("Javi"), Carlos Ortiz ("Toro"), Carlos Colón, and Gabriel Calero ("Gaby"). For four years the group delivered its energetic rock style across local bars before turning its focus toward securing a recording contract. Armed with abundant original songs, the band aligned itself with the Ole label and enlisted producer Bob St. John, whose prior credits included work with Ricky Martin, Extreme, and Collective Soul. The resulting debut album, Lo Demás Es Plástico, surfaced in 2006 and fused alternative rock with power ballads that echoed the 1980s. Lead tracks "Lejos" and "Despacio" sparked widespread attention, propelling the ensemble into headlining performances across Puerto Rico and earning a 2006 Latin Grammy nomination for Best Rock Album by a Duo or Group with Vocal.