Josh Lopez + Ingrid Rosario | GOZO | Music Video

“Gozo” by Ingrid Rosario – A Fusion of Salsa and Hip-Hop

Creating “Gozo” was an exciting journey that blended the vibrant energy of salsa with the rhythmic edge of hip-hop. From the start, this track was intended to bring a powerful and celebratory sound, merging two genres that individually carry a strong cultural legacy. As the co-producer and mixing engineer, I aimed to craft a piece that felt dynamic, joyous, and full of life, reflecting the essence of Ingrid Rosario’s uplifting message.

Concept and Genre Fusion

“Gozo,” meaning “joy” in Spanish, was built around the idea of celebration, resilience, and unity. The salsa and hip-hop combination presented an opportunity to merge Latin roots with contemporary influences, creating a track that’s both nostalgic and modern. With Ingrid Rosario’s powerful vocals at the center, the vision was to capture a sound that honored her Latin heritage while making it accessible and energizing for a wide audience.

Production and Instrumentation

Co-producing “Gozo” involved layering salsa’s traditional instrumentation—such as congas, timbales, and brass—with hip-hop’s robust beats. I wanted the salsa elements to carry the energy of a live performance, so we brought in talented musicians who played with the passion and authenticity essential to this genre. The brass and percussion were central, adding intensity and a celebratory feel that reflects salsa’s vibrant spirit.

For the hip-hop foundation, I crafted a strong beat with punchy kicks, crisp snares, and carefully layered hi-hats. The groove was designed to be slightly laid-back, complementing the quick-paced salsa without overpowering it. By balancing the salsa rhythm with a steady hip-hop beat, the track gained a unique character that feels both rhythmic and immersive.

Recording and Vocal Production

Ingrid’s vocal performance was a crucial part of “Gozo,” as her voice carries both strength and warmth. During recording, we focused on capturing her natural energy and expressiveness. Her vocal delivery was powerful, with moments of dynamic variation to mirror the rhythm shifts between salsa and hip-hop.

For vocal production, I enhanced her performance with subtle reverb and delay, making her voice feel present and full without losing the natural richness of her tone. Layering background harmonies and ad-libs in select sections added depth and helped emphasize the celebratory theme, giving the track an anthemic quality.

Mixing Process

Mixing “Gozo” required special attention to both salsa’s multi-layered instrumentation and hip-hop’s rhythmic punch. My goal was to blend the two genres seamlessly, allowing each to shine without overshadowing the other. For the salsa elements, I gave the brass section a slight boost in the mid-high frequencies, adding brightness and clarity that makes the horns pop without becoming too harsh.

The percussion was carefully EQ’d to maintain the richness of the congas and timbales, while ensuring the hip-hop beat cut through with strength. Compression was used sparingly on the brass and percussion to preserve the dynamic range, allowing the salsa sections to retain their natural energy and excitement.

The hip-hop elements, particularly the beat, were mixed to provide a solid foundation. I used sidechain compression on select elements, such as the bass and kick, to ensure they stayed tight and in sync with the salsa rhythm. The overall mix aimed to balance these contrasting elements, delivering a sound that feels lively and cohesive.

Mastering and Final Touches

Mastering “Gozo” was about refining the energy, ensuring clarity and volume across all listening platforms. By balancing the dynamic range, the track retained its intensity without becoming overwhelming, allowing listeners to enjoy the contrast between the vibrant salsa sections and the solid hip-hop beats. This final polish brought out the brightness and punch of the track, making it as joyful as it was powerful.

Conclusion

“Gozo” is more than just a song—it’s a celebration of cultural fusion and joy, brought to life through Ingrid Rosario’s incredible voice and the vibrant blend of salsa and hip-hop. The project reflects the beauty of merging traditions and modern influences, offering listeners a unique and uplifting experience. It was a rewarding process to co-produce and mix this track, creating a sound that’s joyful, energetic, and rooted in Latin and hip-hop heritage.

This description provides an in-depth look at the creative process and technical approach that went into producing “Gozo,” highlighting the attention to cultural detail and the blend of genres that made the track unique.