In order to achieve a clear understanding of MRP's vision of the Latin music scene and to gain perspective of MRP's catalogue and future releases, we've first given you some background on the origins of the music North Americans have come to know as "Latin music".

Latin Music is arguably the most misunderstood of all music types. The term "Latin music" is often used to describe the music that was popularized in the United States throughout the mid to late 1900's, ie Mambo, Cha Cha and Salsa. The roots of much of the music might be traced back to Cuba, but as a form of popular dance and music the Mambo, Cha Cha and Salsa are North American innovations born from Latin migration to North America (particularly New York) and an intermixing of musical styles from many parts of the world (especially jazz). Therefore, if we were to create a time-line of Latin music (in North America) it would start with Mambo in the 1940's, popularized by the likes of Perez Prado and Xavier Cugat. That evolved into the Cha Cha in the 1950's and early 60's when a triple step was added to the 3rd beat. This was eventually again redeveloped into what we know as Salsa in the 1970's, 80's and 90's. Salsa was developed in New York city clubs to revitalize the Latin sound which was starting to lose attention to the British Pop invasion. Salsa (meaning "sauce") is a combination of different Latin styles in a more up-beat, swinging manner. It was more creative musically and in its dance steps which ultimately laid the foundation for what is now a huge Salsa scene all over the world. However, Latin music in general, goes way beyond this scene. For more on genres of Latin Music, go to MRP's Latin 101.

Toronto 2000. An independent Canadian Latin record label is formed. MRP Music Group Inc. was, and still is, the only label in Canada of it's kind. MRP is a label that epitomizes the diversity of Latin music itself and is constantly exploring new Latin sounds and markets. Our goal as a label is to break the myths and open listeners up to a world of music that is Latin: bossa nova and drum & bass from Brazil, Latin house from Italy, urban-Latin jazz from the U.S. and the U.K., electronic Latin from Uruguay, merengue, bachata and salsa from Canada, Afro-Cuban jazz from the U.K. and French Latin house from France. At the same time we showcase hit Latin music through well-produced, themed Latin pop compilations that appeal to a wider commercial audience. Together these two objectives have made MRP a strong Latin record label that does not need to rely solely on the Canadian Latin market. Our music sells to a cross-over market in both a commercial sector and an underground sector truly making MRP Canada's Latin Groove Label.