New Music Latin: Listen to Releases From Peso Pluma and Anitta, Mike Bahia & More
Written by djfrosty on December 8, 2023
New Music Latin is a compilation of the best new Latin songs and albums recommended by Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors. Check out this week’s picks below.
Peso Pluma & Anitta, “Bellakao” (Doble P Records)
Continuing his relentless journey to the top to close out the year, Peso Pluma arrives with “Bellakao,” a sweltering reggaetón number that continues to showcase his genre versatility. This time, he pairs up with Anitta for the first time, and together they belt out a duet about feeling intoxicated with each other’s irresistibility. “Everyone wants to get close to me/ But I don’t want anyone/ It’s just that when you move it like that/ The atmosphere gets dangerous,” spits the Brazilian femme fatale. Meanwhile, Peso leads the tongue-twisting “Bellaque-que-que-que-que-que-queo” verbiage to hype up the vibe. The music video was filmed in Madrid, and viewers see the collaborators performing their bellakeo ritual against a dingy, dark backdrop. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Mike Bahía, “La Depre” (Warner Music México)
On the heels of his album Contigo being nominated for a 2023 Latin Grammys, Mike Bahía presents “La Depre,” the first preview of what marks his upcoming album. Written by Keityn, the song is short for “the depression,” bringing to light a powerful message about mental health. “Today is one those days that I don’t want to see the sun come out/ I’m not available for anyone/ Don’t invite me to go out because I don’t want to go out,” goes the beginning of the track. Though the lyrics are not quite optimistic, the beat is an inviting merengue-urbano fusion, becoming Bahía’s first experiment in the genre.
“When we don’t feel well and we find ourselves battling against our own mind, it can be easy to feel different, alone and isolated from those around us,” Bahía says in a statement. “But ‘La Depre’ is an important reminder for listeners that it’s okay to not always feel okay and that they don’t have to fight their battles alone. Put simply, it’s telling them: ‘We are here for you,’” — JESSICA ROIZ
Ozuna & El Rubio Acordeón, “La Propuesta” (Aura Music/Sony Music Latin)
Ozuna’s latest collaboration with El Rubio Acordeón takes us on a musical journey to the Dominican Republic. “La Propuesta” is a typical merengue from the Cibao region, known for its happy and catchy sounds, with a rich mix of güira tumbara, and accordion. This duet is full of flavor and carries a sweet message of love in its lyrics: “What would you say if I picked you up in my car? And we danced a little merengue, dancing it very close,” Ozuna recites in the chorus. — INGRID FAJARDO
Pesado & Alejandra Guzmán, “Ojalá Te Mueras” (Warner Music Latina)
Norteño music merges with rock in a new version of Grupo Pesado’s provocative song from 2004 “Ojalá Te Mueras” (I Hope You Die), released this week in collaboration with Mexican rocker Alejandra Guzmán. With lyrics like “I hope you pay dearly for having deceived me” and “I hope your whole world is empty,” the spiteful track takes on a new twist with the hoarse and powerful voice of Guzmán, who appears alongside the emblematic band in a fun music video — where she carries a snake, a la Britney Spears at the 2001 VMAs. It is, so to speak, a painful delight. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Diego Torres, Angela Torres & Benja Torres, “Las Leyes de la Vida” (Sony Music Latin)
Performed by Diego Torres, and his nephews Ángela and Benja Torres, “Las Leyes de la Vida” (“The Laws of Life”) is an emotional reflection on the passage of time and the essence of life. The song begins with a melancholy Spanish guitar that opens the doors for a flamenco pop groove — and in the chorus, a vocal symphony full of nostalgia unites the three voices. The lyrics talk about how time runs out and memories fade, highlighting the importance of family love and friendship. This Christmas season, the Torres family motivates us to treasure every moment, with awareness about the transience and beauty of life. — LUISA CALLE
Listen to more new Latin music recommendations in the playlist below: