Few duos embody the energy, culture, and resilience of Latin music the way Castro & Gambino do. Their sound a fusion of hip-hop, reggaetón, salsa, and street storytelling has not only bridged generations but also ignited crowds from New York to Ecuador. Now, with the support and leadership of Grammy-nominated songwriter, producer, and entertainment executive Luciano Layne, currently serving as A&R at Virgin Music Group / Universal Music Group, the pair is stepping into a global spotlight with their new single “Bailando.”
The Roots: Castro
Born and raised in the Bronx, Castro carries a proud heritage that traces back to Utuado, Puerto Rico on his mother’s side and San Francisco de Macorís, Dominican Republic on his father’s. His father, José “Yamil” Vargas, was the lead vocalist in a fifteen-member band, Yamil Vargas y Su Orquesta, drawing inspiration from salsa legends such as Johnny Ventura, Aramis Camilo, Los Hermanos Rosario, and El Gran Combo.
That musical passion ran deep in the household, influencing Castro from an early age. As he developed his own style, he gravitated toward urban Latin pioneers like Vico C, Daddy Yankee, Tempo, and MC Cejas, blending their lyrical fire with the rhythmic discipline inherited from his father’s orchestral roots.
The Origins: Nasty Gambino
“Nasty Gambino” was born in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, and raised in Cabo Rojo. With his father from Añasco and mother from Cabo Rojo, Gambino grew up surrounded by music, family, and the pulse of island rhythm.
At age 12, his family relocated to New York, where he soon channeled his bilingual identity into music. While in high school, Gambino formed a group called Syko Kaos with Lobo Lansky, releasing mixtapes DJ Lobo No Fear and War Underground. Over time, he collaborated with artists such as Twenty40 and Domi, honing a gritty yet melodic flow influenced by Vico C, Rubén DJ Rap, Wiso G, Wu-Tang Clan, DMX, Big Pun, Biggie Smalls, and Tupac Shakur.
The Union: Castro & Gambino
In 2000, Castro and Gambino crossed paths and discovered a shared creative wavelength. Their chemistry was undeniable writing, producing, and performing together led to their first wave of underground buzz through mixtapes like Castro & Gambino & Friends, The Takeover, and The Lockdown.
By 2011, their energy caught mainstream attention when they entered La Kalle 105.9’s Battle of the Beats, outshining fifteen competitors with unmatched charisma and lyrical precision. That exposure led to radio and television appearances, club performances, and festival stages. Between 2008 – 2013, the duo became regulars at the Puerto Rican Parade and Festival in New York for La Mega 97.9, and later performed at the Calle Ocho Music Festival in Miami for Coca-Cola.
International Success
In 2020, Castro & Gambino reached new heights with their chart-topping single “Oveja Negra,” which soared to #1 in Ecuador. Their success led to multiple TV and radio interviews and a monumental performance before 80,000 people in Atacamas, Ecuador. During their tour, they delivered two viral music videos Bailemos and Vamos Rompe cementing their influence in Latin America. Their heartfelt hit Latina, Quiero Darte Un Beso further solidified their impact and expanded their international audience.
By 2023, Castro & Gambino continued to electrify crowds, performing for hundreds of fans at Orchard Beach and reconnecting with Fire House Management to begin crafting their long-awaited album, Royal Lion. Collaborations with top producers Derrick, Gil Garcia, Mr. Green, and Lincoln have added depth and sonic diversity to their evolving sound.
A New Era: “Bailando” and Beyond
In 2025, the duo unveiled their newest single “Bailando”, a high-energy track released in partnership with Firehouse Management, ALPHA Music Group, and Virgin Music / Universal Music Group under the strategic direction of A&R Luciano Layne.
Layne known for his 2.7 billion+ streams, Grammy nomination, and reputation for fusing artistry with strategy is helping to elevate Castro & Gambino’s sound into the international mainstream. Together, they are crafting a legacy that represents unity, resilience, and the global power of Latin music.
Castro & Gambino are more than artists; they are cultural ambassadors bridging rhythm and resilience from the Bronx to the Caribbean and beyond now standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the industry’s elite under the leadership of Luciano Layne and Virgin Music Group / Universal Music Group.