New Music Latin: Listen to Releases From Oscar Maydon, Ñengo Flow & More
Written by djfrosty on December 22, 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.
Oscar Maydon, DISTORSIÓN (Rancho Humilde/Sony Music Latin)
Oscar Maydon’s second full-length album Distorsión marks a bold entrance into the booming corridos bélicos movement, released under Rancho Humilde. Hailing from Mexicali, Baja California, Maydon fearlessly navigates the genre’s unapologetic storytelling with grim, grit and grime, and the unexpected swank of a reggaetón track, “YW&F – Versión Reggaetón.” In a riveting transformation to modern-day Mexican Gatsbys, Maydon, Natanael Cano, and Gabito Ballesteros kick off the album with a symbolic nod to extravagance on “Tipo Gatsby,” rewriting the traditional American Dream.
The 17-track journey features collaborations with familiar names like Junior H, Chino Pacas and Codiciado, as well as the unexpected addition of the hitmaking rapper (and Kylie’s ex) Tyga on “Kim Kardashian.” Distorsión doesn’t shy away from punishing lyrics, invigorating guitar leads and clever use of Mexican slang, as shown in “Ahuevo Que Sí.” Embodying the rebellious spirit reminiscent of a musical outlaw, Oscar Maydon’s album cements his place as a dynamic force in the corridos bélicos scene, leaving listeners intrigued by the audacious charm of his musical narrative. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Ñengo Flow, Myke Towers, “Fast Money” (Rimas Entertainment)
In another collaborative effort, Ñengo Flow and Myke Towers join forces to do what they do best: flaunt their luxurious lifestyle, fueled by sacrifices and hustle. Produced by Kongreezy and Shooter Bang, the fresh track “Fast Money” is backed by a hard-hitting trap beat where the two Puerto Rican rappers belt out raw lyrics about making just that. “Hey, I’m a fan of making money fast/ It doesn’t buy happiness, but I feel happy, bro,” chants Towers with his semi-raspy vocals, while Ñengo assures in his verse that he’s been the Real G leading the movement for years now. — JESSICA ROIZ
Caloncho & KURT, unas acústicas (Universal Music México)
Mexican singer-songwriter Caloncho celebrated his birthday (Dec. 20) this week with the release of the two-track single unas acústicas, alongside colleague and countryman KURT. The unplugged project includes a new version of Caloncho’s 2022 “Somos Instantes,” and the brand new “Un Salto de Fe,” a sweet, laid-back ballad co-written by the artists about being thankful for that special person in your life and making the most out of it by fully living in the present. Each comes with a music video in which the two appear playing guitar and singing together. It’s candy to the ears, perfect to relax with this holiday season. Watch the brand new video of the latter on top. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Grupo Firme & Gabito Ballesteros, “Otra Noche” (Music VIP Entertainment)
Grupo Firme’s lead singer, Eduin Caz, confirmed his return to the stage this week. As part of his comeback, the band released a new song in collaboration with Mexican artist Gabito Ballesteros. The explosive collaborative effort “Otra Noche” exhibits nuances of the popular tumbado sub-genre, while still retaining the essential essence of Grupo Firme. The song’s lyrics talk about the feeling of missing someone special: “I just want to feel your body/ The hours go by slowly/ I can’t live if I don’t have you,” both artists chant in the chorus with deep emotion. — INGRID FAJARDO
Rigoberta Bandini & Julieta Venegas, “Qué Más Da” (Rigoberta Bandini)
Spanish singer-songwriter Rigoberta Bandini teams up with Mexican star Julieta Venegas to create an empowering song for women in “Qué Más Da.” Bandini shared some details on her social media about how the collaboration came about: “I wrote her a message on Instagram to tell her that I would love to write a song with her one day and her response was a yes in capital letters.” Featuring a pop sound with electronic production elements, the duo aims to motivate women to speak freely in the face of a toxic relationship with lines like: “Take it out, your whole being, spit it out/ Say it without control/ Say what you need/ Enough of not dancing out of lack of love/ Climb that step without fear/ Look down and jump.” And they reaffirm in the chorus: “What does it matter if he leaves? Well, we start again.” — LUISA CALLE
Listen to more new Latin music recommendations in the playlist below: