Led by veteran composer/producer and keyboardist
Cruz Martinez,
Los Super Reyes is half of what was left after the great
Kumbia Kings divorce.
A.B. Quintanilla and
Cruz Martinez first cut their teeth together as members of
Selena's band, the vocalist widely credited with popularizing Tejano music throughout North America. As the bass player and keyboard player (respectively) for
Selena, Cruz and
Quintanilla had front row seats for the Mexican music explosion that happened in the early '90s. Once that musical pursuit was put to an end by
Selena's untimely death,
Martinez and
Quintanilla put their heads together to blend popular urban styles with their native Mexican music, creating
Los Kumbia Kings in 1999. Combining visionary musical ideas with perfect timing,
Martinez and
Quintanilla became international stars, virtually overnight. Though not without conflict, the pair's careers flourished as they released a number of successful albums to a die-hard fanbase. Infighting became more serious in 2006 when
Quintanilla accused
Martinez of embezzling millions of dollars worth of
Kumbia Kings profits. Controversy exploded all over Spanish-language talk radio and television, resulting in
Quintanilla quitting the band in the fall of 2006.
Martinez continued as
Kumbia Kings manager, honoring performance dates and obligations, which soon became impossible. Bandmember's loyalties to
Quintanilla, in addition to other political motives, caused performers to miss engagements, damaging the band's reputation and integrity.
Martinez relinquished the band name, choosing instead to form
Los Super Reyes, who made their recording industry debut in 2007 with
El Regreso de Los Reyes. The 12-member group has since enjoyed major chart success, suggesting that cumbia fans may not have been subject to the crisis of loyalty that cost many former
Kumbia Kings their careers. The band maintains a busy performance schedule in support of their recent record. ~ Evan C. Gutierrez, All Music Guide