Based in Dallas-Fort Worth and Cancún, DJ Ivan G is a versatile DJ with experience rocking clubs, airwaves, and battles. He has served as Beatsource’s Latin curator since March of 2021.
Learn more about Ivan and the playlists he curates in our new Meet the Curator series.
How long have you been DJing, and how did you start?
I’ve been a DJ for 26 years. When I was 15 years old, I started collecting records as a hobby and got hooked on digging in record stores for vinyl. Then, after my school friends found out that I had turntables and a good amount of records, I started spinning at high school house parties in Dallas. At the age of 17, I was DJing at a local radio station and in clubs.
How has the Latin scene changed over the past decade?
It has changed a lot. Latin music is everywhere, and the new generation of artists is more urban than ever, and you can even hear artists like Snoop Dogg in regional Mexican music.
How does the Latin scene differ throughout the world?
Latin music comes from many locations in the world and has many genres. In Mexico, we have corrido, cumbia, norteño, huapango, banda, rock, pop, hip-hop Latino, ranchera, and many other unique styles. In Central and South America, we have salsa, merengue, bachata, reggaeton, puta, guaracha, cha cha, and other styles.
What are the most popular Latin subgenres right now?
Reggaeton, Latin trap, cumbia, and bachata.
Who are the top Latin artists that every DJ should pay attention to right now?
Farruko, J Balvin, Daddy Yankee, Bad Bunny, Karol G, Myke Towers, Jhay Cortez, and Rauw Alejandro.
Where do you see Latin music going over the next year?
I see more Latin artists crossing over and working with hip-hop and electronic artists and being accepted in the general radio market more than ever.
Check out some of Ivan’s curated playlists below.
