Brown Boy

National recognition for Latin rap stayed scarce before the 2000s, aside from outliers like Cypress Hill and Big Punisher, yet the Southwest has long hosted numerous Latino and Latina rappers such as California's Brown Boy who battled mainstream acts for radio slots. Brown Boy's slow jam "Superman" climbed to the top of many stations' playlists and landed on Billboard's Top Rhythmic 40 in 2006. Born in Blythe, CA, he took his name from his youthful features and Chicano pride. Although alternative hip-hop group Lighter Shade of Brown shaped him most, his opening albums Change the Game and Represent the Brown leaned on hardcore Chicano raps. Strong listener reaction to the radio-friendly single "Next 2 U" from the second album encouraged him to reveal more of his true self in his songs. In August 2005 he dropped Livin' Shady, which included "Superman," on Aries Music via EMI Latin distribution. Capitalizing on that project's momentum, he followed with Chicano Rap Riderz in July 2006.