Pete Rodriguez

Boogaloo was a short-lived moment -- mambo was on the way out, salsa was on the way in -- but for a little while Cubans, Puerto Ricans and African Americans all went to each other's parties, and Pete Rodriguez made music accordingly, giving Cuban son a makeover with playful (if mindless) lyrics, simplified beats and a dose of American soul. The result ruled New York streets for a few years. The title track is perhaps the most irresistible example of this, but the fantastic "Micaela" runs a close second.