A good emcee can make or break an event, and Arturo Cecena, better known as MP Art, understands that better than most. Over 14 years, he’s been behind the mic, guiding crowds and setting the tone. An ’80s baby raised on breakbeats, popping and funk, Cecena turned early influences into a career built on movement and music. From street performances to becoming one of Las Vegas’ most recognizable hosts, he’s earned his reputation through consistency, presence and a genuine love for the culture.
Music is what keeps the ball rolling for Cecena, and he recently spoke with the Weekly about three albums that continue to move him.
Zapp & Roger All the Greatest Hits
“‘More Bounce to the Ounce,’ ‘I Heard It Through the Grapevine’ and ‘I Can Make You Dance’ are so embedded in Chicano culture. When it comes to funk-style dance and the popping that I do, there’s a certain style to it. It embodies not just dance, but culture, family and our people. And the cool thing is, it’s created by a Black artist, so it’s universal.
Roger Troutman displays so much personality, character and emotion. His voice and talk box expression are incredibly inspiring. The way he commands feeling through sound has influenced how I dance and how I host, bringing energy, soul and presence into every performance.”
Musical Youth The Youth of Today
“What’s really beautiful about this album is that it talks about the youth taking up space and hearing those voices. As a little kid, I would have the headphones on with the huge wire all the way to the stereo set up. I would be singing so loud that they’d come in and tell me to be quiet. The whole album is a journey.”
Black Star Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star
“If you listen to a Black Star album, you’re listening to the last tribute to a true hip-hop record, but done in a modern fashion. You have that hip-hop, b-boy flavor emcee, and what I love most about Talib Kweli, he gives you a message of unity and moving forward—just being dynamic and redefining the culture instead of being defined by other people.”
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