Yerba Buena's music (as described by Razor & Tie, the band's record label) is a blend of Latin music (Cuban rumba, Colombian cumbia, Pan-Caribbean Soca, and Cuban Boogaloo) with hip-hop, Motown, soul, Afrobeat, and a dash of Middle Eastern themes.
Before the release of their album President Alien, Yerba Buena collaborated with Me'Shell NdegéOcello on a track titled "Gentleman" for the Red Hot Organization's tribute compilation album for Fela Kuti, Red Hot and Riot.
The Paul Heck produced album was critically acclaimed and donated its proceeds to various AIDS charities.
Band members included Cucu Diamantes (vocals), El Chino (vocals), Xiomara Laugart (vocals), Divine RBG (rapper), Rashawn Ross (trumpet), Ron Blake (reeds), Sebastian Steinberg (bass), Pedrito Martinez (percussion), Terreon Gully (drums), Horacio Hernandez (drums) The band's debut album, President Alien, was released on April 15, 2003.
Since Island Life, both Diamantes and Laugart recorded solo albums, with both artists veering closer to traditional Cuban music.