Mexican vocal duo Miguel y Miguel was among the first conjunto bands to emerge from the Angostura, Sinaloa area, a region typically renowned for its rich Norteño and Banda musical traditions. Comprised of Jose Miguel Montoya and Miguel Angel Angulo, they were already long-standing stars in Latin America when their 1996 LP Cruz de Madera crossed over into the U.S. market on the strength of the hit Sonora y Sus Ojos Negros. After issuing Carino Nuevo the following year, Miguel y Miguel returned in 1998 with El Collar de Guamuchil, and again in 1999 with Cartitas de Amor. Frente a Frente appeared in the spring of 2000 and El Contrato was issued the following summer.