Aventura

• Genre: Bachata
• Hometown: New York

About

Aventura are bachata's first boy band. This renegade group of Dominican American teenagers toured relentlessly through the 1990s, trying to gain acceptance for their unconventional mix of bachata, hip-hop and R&B. By the time 2002's We Broke the Rules was released, it was clear that their transgressions would set new standards. "Obsession" became a huge hit, and the group continued to experiment with bachata's boundaries. Bilingual Love and Hate (2007) found them moving into urban-music territory, incorporating elements of hip-hop and R&B into a mix of tropical styles. Released in 2006 and 2007, respectively, K.O.B. Live and Kings of Bachata - Sold Out at Madison Square Garden showcased their growing stage prowess as well as their burgeoning Rolodex, thanks to cameos from Don Omar and Hector Acosta. Reggaeton beats and appearances by Akon, Wyclef Jean and Ludacris expanded Aventura's range on 2009's The Last, but they never abandoned their bachata roots.

- Sarah Bardeen