Column: I'm a Latina who grew up on MTV; now I’m watching it fade into history

If you're a millennial then you probably grew up watching MTV, while you were getting ready for school. For me MTV Tr3s, was an experience that grew my appreciation for music, its visuals and my culture as a Latina kid.

MTV Tr3s was launched in 2006 and was owned by Paramount Media Networks. It specifically targeted bilinguals and bicultural young Latinos of ages 12-34 and featured a mix of Spanish, English and Spanglish music videos, reality shows and other lifestyle content that celebrated Latino culture.  

As a 10-year old, this network was everything to me. It taught me about all the good genres that I needed to know about like Regional Mexican, Reggaetón, Bachata and more. Growing up, and even now as an adult, Reggaetón has always been my go-to genre, whether I’m in the mood to celebrate and party or going through a heartbreak. It holds a special place in my heart and it makes me feel everything that I need to feel.

One of the best Christmas gifts I ever received as a kid was a CD player. I had asked for a Shakira CD, but instead, I got a Reggaetón mix filled with all the classic old-school hits. Looking back, I probably had no business listening to that kind of music at that age or getting that gift in the first place, but honestly, I’m so grateful. I got to grow up in a generation that knew and loved all those “Latina baddie” anthems, like “Mayor que yo” by Wisin Y Yandel, “Ven bailalo” by Angel & Khriz, or even “Down” by R.K.M & Ken-Y.

I also appreciated that the MTV Tr3s brought Latino and Latina representation to my home screen with artists like Prima J and their song “Corazón,” who taught me that I’m in fact not alone. Other artists that have also influenced me and kept me connected with my roots have been Paula DeAnda, Frankie J, Baby Bash and the iconic Jenni Rivera, who also taught me to be a chingona and stay true to myself.

The network also aired a show called “Pimpeando,” that focused on the lowrider culture, and “Quiero Mis Quinces,” which is a huge important celebration party that most Latina daughters get to have. 

It also aired soap operas, also known as “novelas,” that I would watch after finishing my homework and fighting for TV time, including “Popland” and “Isa TKM.” Unfortunately in 2017, MTV Tr3s was shut down and replaced by MTV Classic.

Even for those who weren’t hooked on the MTV Tr3s network, MTV itself offered the latest music videos that us millennials could never forget because of its focus on emerging music trends, such as songs by Soulja Boy, like “Crank That,” “You’re a Jerk” by the New Boyz or even “Party Rock Anthem” by LMFAO during our shuffling era. MTV was the channel and the primary way to discover new music back in the day.

Additionally it aired shows like “MTV Crib,” “Jersey Shore” and “Catfish: The TV Show.” MTV was a significant part of my childhood. 

And now that the network has officially announced that they are pulling the plug after 40 years on five of its music channels—MTV Music, MTV 80s, MTV 90s, Club MTV, and MTV Live by December 31, it feels like I'm losing a part of my youth nostalgia.