In an article titled, "We're An American Band," Pulitzer-nominated journalist and Los Angeles Time national correspondent Jesse Katz traces La Mafia's 18-year trajectory and follows the band into Mexico for a look at the group as an international phenomenon.

The former Los Angeles Times Houston bureau chief, Jesse Katz has been a Times reporter for more than 12 years. As a free-lance writer, he has been a regular contributor to Texas Monthly since 1997.

A two-time Grammy Award-winning group, La Mafia controls a formidable concern developed over a nearly two decade career that includes numerous multiplatinum records, a state of the art recording facility and a catalogue of original music for which they administer the rights.

"We're feel honored that Texas Monthly has recognized our contributions to the music industry," said front man and vocalist Oscar De la Rosa. "It's always nice to be acknowledged at home."

Led by brothers Oscar De la Rosa and Leonard Gonzales as well as producer Armando Lichtenberger, Jr., La Mafia continues to set artistic and professional standards across the hemisphere with their blend of traditional and contemporary Latin music. A current single, "Pido," closed the week at number six on Billboard Magazine's Hot Latin Tracks chart. From the recently released album entitled Euforia, the song is a piano-driven bolero that "showcases De la Rosa's dramatic vocal flair." (Houston Chronicle)