"I think in New York we had respect and we would pretty much fill up the places where we went, but I never got the sense that we really were Number 1 here in New York among the Latin crowds"

In this quote, Ruben Blades reviews his experiences carrying out in New York and the Latin music scene. He acknowledges that his band had a level of regard and appeal in the city, as evidenced by the big crowds they would draw in at their programs. Nevertheless, he also admits that he never really felt like they were the leading performers among the Latin community in New York. This could suggest that while they were favored and valued, there were other artists who held a higher status and level of impact within the Latin music scene in the city. In general, Blades' words communicate a sense of humility and viewpoint on his own success and location within the bigger music community.