Jesus Sepúlveda’s Mr. Tough Life on HBO Max is puro corazón con comedia. In just 29 minutes, he peels back layers of growing up Latino in L.A.—talking therapy, familia, and cultura—with hella humor and realness. This ain’t no watered-down stand-up. It’s for la comunidad, by la comunidad. If you want to laugh, reflect, and feel seen, Mr. Tough Life es pa’ ti.
Latinidad, long celebrated as a unifying identity, has deep roots in anti-Blackness and erasure. From the myth of mestizaje to modern-day media exclusion, Afro-Latinos have been systematically pushed to the margins. This critique explores the harms of Latinidad’s whitewashed foundations, citing voices like Janel Martinez, Rosa Clemente, Alan Pelaez Lopez, and Zahira Kelly who demand accountability and visibility for Black Latinxs.
Ian Lara’s Growing Shame on Comedy Central is puro corazón y chiste. En solo 30 minutos, el dominicano de Queens te lleva por un trip de risas, familia, luto, y lo awkward que es adulting. He’s chill, funny, and real con su cultura—sin tener que overexplain. It’s comedy con alma, donde te ríes, pero también te quedas pensando. This one? Mandatory pa’ cualquiera que quiera humor con raíz.
J Balvin accepting an Afro-Latino award as a white Colombian artist sparked widespread backlash, highlighting the ongoing erasure of Black Latinx artists in the music industry. The controversy reveals deeper issues of racism, cultural appropriation, and the need for accountability in Latin music.
Aida Rodriguez’s Fighting Words is more than a comedy special—it’s a raw, funny, and deeply personal reclamation of identity. From reuniting with her father in the Dominican Republic to spotlighting her Afro-Latina roots and Caribbean lineage, Rodriguez blends sharp wit with emotional depth. With a DJ set by Venus X setting the tone, she delivers a set that’s unfiltered, political, and proudly her own.
In Colombiana, Zoë Saldaña shines as Cataleya, a fierce assassin on a mission of revenge, making it one of the most gripping action thrillers of the 2010s. Her powerful performance, alongside standout roles by Amandla Stenberg and a dynamic supporting cast, proves that Afro-Latina leads belong at the center of high-stakes cinema.
The Black Music History Library, created by journalist Jenzia Burgos, is a powerful digital archive spotlighting the global influence of Black music. This review explores how the project reclaims history, amplifies overlooked voices, and redefines how we engage with music across the diaspora.
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One Day at a Time is a thoughtful and refreshing take on Latinx family life, blending humor, heart, and real-world issues. While the show offers meaningful representation and important conversations, it reflects a common trend in Hollywood where Latinidad is portrayed through a limited lens—missing an opportunity to fully reflect the diversity of the community.
Ozuna’s debut album Odisea transformed reggaetón by blending romantic lyrics, trap beats, and emotional depth. With hits like “Se Preparó” and “El Farsante,” it set a new standard for urbano music and marked the rise of a global Latin superstar.
