Next-generation Nuyorican salsa singer Michael Stuart was born in N.Y.C. of Puerto Rican parents, who had immigrated to the city in the '60s. His debut album, Cuentos de la Vecindad, was a significant hit, earning him the Tu Musica Award for Best New Artist in 1997. His follow-up disc, Retratos, was met with similarly positive press. Career highlights include a 2005 Latin Grammy nomination for his fifth disc, Sin Miedo, for Best Tropical-Contemporary Album and nominations for Billboard Music Awards in both 2006 and 2007. Universal's Machete Music released 2006's Back to da Barrio, followed in 2007 by Sentimiento de un Rumbero. ~ Evan C. Gutierrez