After releasing iLumiLatin vol. 1 in late 2015, Álvaro Díaz has refused to stay quiet as he etches out his path to the throne of hip-hop in Puerto Rico – one that’s devoid of the reggaeton vibes that have dominated the music scene and pop radio in the Caribbean. The release of the artsy video for standout track “Elvira Hancock” (whose namesake is Michelle Pfeiffer’s character in Scarface), as well as an Apple Music cosign (his Young Thug-evoking single “Principal” was named one of the Best of the Week), Díaz is certainly focused on expanding his reach as a serious hip-hop artist in a land echoing with dembow.
On March 5, Díaz will join the likes of Neon Indian and Unknown Mortal Orchestra as a headliner at Isle of Light, the Dominican Republic’s premier indie music festival. In the spirit of the stellar set to come, Álvaro enlists the help of a full band to debut a live performance of his Hato Rey hit “Groupie Love.” It’s an exclusive performance courtesy of The HOC. If the clip is any indication, the Isle of Light audience is in for a hype set that will further spread the gospel of unadulterated hip-hop to the masses.