This month MiamiNightOut.com brings you and exclusive interview with the "Prince of Latin Dance" Tito Puente Jr.

Tito Puente Jr. has begun leaving a mark as an artist of distinction. With one record album and three videos to his credit, plus a slew of concert tours under his belt, Tito has become a force to be reckoned within Latin music. Tito's music is a fusion of POP Latin Jazz and Dance, laced with influences of Mambo, Cha Cha and Merengue. Tito calls it "Latin Dance a new explosion of authentic music created from the streets".

Now a resident of Miami, Tito Jr. was born and raised in New York City with a Puerto Rican descent. Under the tutelage of his father, "El Rey," his first instrument was percussion. Later, he attended school where he further developed his skills as a musician while studying piano and composition at home. When he was old enough, Tito began playing the New York City club scene with other well-known Latin artists from the area. In his current band, Tito is the lead singer and percussionist. He still plays the piano but uses it mainly for writing songs. Moreover living in culturally diverse Miami has had a most positive effect on Tito's creativity and innovative approach to his music.

"I'm thrilled with the many faces and sounds of Miami. The opportunity to listen to music from Mexico, South America, the Caribbean and other parts of the world has allowed me to expand my own musical horizons, so my music can reach more people."

Tito's debut album, "Guarachando," which he Co-produced for the EMI-Latin label, featured the hit single "Oye Como Va" (a cover of his father's signature standard), which charted at #7 on Billboard's Dance chart and earned him a Latin Music Award for "Best Video of the Year."

Tito continues his quest with hits such as "Sientelo" (Feel It), which is already getting rave reviews, with his hit "Azucar and also with his second single "Caliente," which is a tribute to his father. "Caliente" has today's Urban salsa sound and yesterday's, and it is sure to cross all borders.

.:: Our Interview with Tito Puente Jr ::.

Q - If you had to describe yourself in 3 words, how would you do it?
A - Focused, Energetic, Loyal.

Q - What is your best quality?
A - My brain.

Q - How did you get involved in the Music business?
A - I was always around it thru my father.

Q - In your opinion, what makes you stand out from other artists?
A - I play percussion on stage along with singing and dancing, I don't see any other artists doing that.

Q - Who do you look up to for inspiration, either for music or in your personal life?
A - I look at the things in life that make the world go round like love, dancing and hapiness.

Q - What projects are you currently involved with?
A - Doing an english album and recording a tribute to Tito Puente.

Q - What inspires you?
A - Breathing

Q - What is your favorite food?
A - Chuletas con arroz.

Q - What do you do for fun?
A - I like to go see and watch wrestling.

Q - What kind of kid were you growing up?
A - Dangerous.

Q - Is there anything about you people don't know that may surprise them?
A - I have a heart and I do have feelings as well

Q - Do you have any hidden talents?
A - I can rock climb and also roller skate good.

Q - Growing up, what did you think you'd become?
A - A mortician (at least this job no one will give you any lip!!!)

Q - Do you have a favorite quote?
A - T.C.O.B. Taking Care Of Business

Q - What advice would you give someone interested in your field?
A - Work hard, its harder for me cause I live in the shadow of a man who was an icon to many.

Q - For how long have you been living in South Florida?
A - 7 years now.

Official Web Site: www.TITOPUENTEJR.net