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18 Mar 2025

Hip-Hop Wired’s Artists You Gotta Listen to in March

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Hip-Hop Wired’s Artists You Gotta Listen to This March

Source: Gilbert Flores/@saintlamar/Joseph Okpako/@ria4reel / Gilbert Flores/@saintlamar/Joseph Okpako/@ria4reel

Hip-Hop and R&B have come a long way, and right now, the game is in a solid place. Artists like Lil Baby, Rod Wave, NBA YoungBoy, and more are absolutely killing it.

These young kings are showing us what it means to make moves, whether it’s Lil Baby’s smooth flow, Rod Wave’s heart-touching lyrics, or NBA YoungBoy’s gritty energy. They’re pushing the culture forward while staying true to the essence of the streets. Hip-hop is in a great spot, with these artists leading the charge for the new generation.

Don’t get it twisted, while the young blood is running things, the OGs still have a huge say. Legends like Jay-Z, Nas, and Kendrick Lamar continue to shape the game, showing the younger artists how it’s done and giving them a blueprint for success. It’s the perfect balance—young artists rising to the occasion while paying homage to those who paved the way.

One artist who’s been rapping his a** off for years but is finally starting to get the recognition he deserves is Rueben Vincent. The Charlotte NC native had been spitting fire for a minute now, and it’s dope to see him getting his shine. His bars and delivery are on a whole different level, and his time is now.

On the R&B side, RealestK is back at it. He blew up during the pandemic with his TikTok anthem “WFM,” and now he’s coming through with his cleanest track yet, “Deja Vu.” This dude’s got a vibe, and his growth is undeniable.

So, in March, make sure you’re tuned in to these artists, ‘cause they’re pushing the boundaries and representing the future of Hip-Hop and R&B, all while holding it down for the culture. Check out the full list below.

1. Saint Lamar, one of the faces of “YN RNB”

2. Ray Vaughn – “CEMETERY lanterns” makes you wanna squabble up

3. Saba – Lyrical Lemonade freestyle reminded us he’s one of them one’s

4. Stunna Sandy – Holding it down for all the baddies

5. Big Cheeko

6. Bellygang Kushington – Hustler music 101

7. Karri – This Gelo sample mixed with the Oakland R&B vibes…chefs kiss

8. Ruben Vincent x 9th Wonder Album OTW

9. Seddy Hendrix – The Florida native has been walkin’ on everything he touches

10. Rufus Sims – Album dropping March 22nd

11. Sy Ari Da Kid

12. Bay Swag might have the NY anthem with “Drank”

13. Jozzy teases “Maybe”, fuego

14. Kocky Ka has the hottest snippet this year with “Dark Nights”

15. Ria4Reel

16. Recoechi – Music Video for “Walking Temple” is out now

17. Ankhlejohn

18. RealestK – “Deja Vu”

19. Jorjiana’s unorthodox flows and bars need to be studied

20. REASON

21. Ty Farris

18 Mar 2025

Ye Calls Out Playboi Carti for Alleged ‘Music’ Album Snub, Says He ‘Hated’ Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’

There was once a time when Playboi Carti made Ye’s (formerly Kanye West) list of rappers who never crossed him, but that doesn’t appear to be the case any longer.

The embattled rapper went on an extended X tirade targeting Carti and many of his collaborators and superstar peers throughout hip-hop early Tuesday (March 18).

He initially voiced his issue with Carti (born Jordan Carter) allegedly taking him off his Music album, and felt the “All Red” artist crossed the line when requesting vocals from West’s daughter North after Kim Kardashian posted the project to her Instagram Story.

“I DECIDED NORTH WONT BE DOING ANY SONGS WITH CARTI HOW IT LOOK FOR ME TO GET LEFT OFF THE ALBUM AND THEN HE ASK KIM TO HAVE VOCALS FROM MY DAUGHTER,” Ye wrote. “I DONT A F–K ABOUT NONE OF THIS INDUSTRY SHIT AND HOW ITS A SKIMS LINE IN THE FIRST PLACE AND I DONT GIVE A F–K WHAT NO COMMENTS THE MAN HAS THE FIRST AND FINAL SAY OVER HIS KIDS.”

Ye flipped the script on Carti while using the Atlanta rapper’s ex Iggy Azalea and brought the “Magnolia” musician’s son, Onyx, into the mix.

“HEY IGGG AZALEA I NEED TO GET ONYX VOCALS ON MY SONG THATS MY NEPHEW OH AND IMA RAP ABOUT ONE OF YOUR BUSINESSES THE F–k,” he added. “I HELD MY TONGUE ABOUT MOT BEING ON CARTI ALBUM HIM GOING TO MY EX TO ASK MY DAUGHTER TO BE ON A SONG 2 DAYS LATER WAS TOO FAR NOBODY FINNA PLAY WITH ME.”

Azalea got wind of Ye’s remarks and fired back in her child’s defense. “Ye, I understand the point you want to make. I say this with kindness & as a mother: Please, leave my child out of this. At the end of the day, Jordan has other children (less famous… Does it matter?) but it seems only my son gets harassed in perpetuity about or on behalf of a man he has no relationship with,” she wrote on X. “Does he read it? No. Hes a child. But it creates a digital legacy & an odd (s—-y) situation for him to one day discover & endure in perpetuity from strangers online. Can I please have some peace?”

The embattled Chicago artist turned his focus elsewhere and claimed he actually “HAAAAAATED” Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” Drake diss.

He continued to go after Pusha T and Ty Dolla $ign. “NOBODY GET A PASS I WAS A PART OF SO MANY OF THESE NIGGAS SUCCESS AND A LOT OF N—-S,” he ranted, blaming to his antisemitic hate speech — for which he’s been roundly condemned — as the reason for his peers pulling away. “PUSHA TALKING ABOUT HE DONT AGREE WITH MY POLITICAL OPINIONS BRO I HATE ALL THESE N—-S THATBIVE SAT AND CHOPPED SOMGS FOR TY AINT HAVE TO USE THE TERM HATE SPEECH EVERY NIGGA IN THE INDUSTRY IS A SLAVE TO THIS F—-T A– JEWISH INDUSTRY EVERRRYYYYY ONE DO YOUR F–KING DISS SONGS OR PULL UP.”

West also posted photos hugging Kid Cudi, Playboi Carti, Travis Scott and Virgil Abloh while saying they turned their backs on him after his hate speech.

He went on to target Tyler, the Creator, saying he’s never made a “memorable song” and called out Future and Metro Boomin after they allegedly called him to hop on the “Like That” remix only to dead him afterward.

“THIS N—A HAS NEVER MADE A MEMORABLE SONG HES LIKE IF AN ARTIST CHECKED EVERY BOX OTHER THAN HAVING ANY GOOD VERSES OR SONGS AND HIS LAST ALBUM RIPPED OFF MY WHOLE LANGUAGE,” he wrote about his “Smuckers” collaborator.

Billboard has reached out to reps for Future, Pusha T, Ty Dolla $ign, Playboi Carti, Kendrick Lamar, Travis Scott and Tyler, the Creator for comment.

Over the weekend, Ye released a song titled “Lonely Roads Still Go to Sunshine,” which appears to feature Diddy and North. Kardashian had reportedly trademarked their daughter’s name in a legal tactic to block the track’s release.

18 Mar 2025

Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Rodrigo, TWICE & More to Headline Lollapalooza 2025

The lineup for Chicago’s biggest music festival went live Tuesday (March 18), with Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Rodrigo, TWICE and more major acts set to headline Lollapalooza 2025.

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Also leading the bill for the summer music event are Tyler, the Creator, Gracie Abrams, Doechii, Rüfüs du Sol, Luke Combs, A$AP Rocky and Korn. Dozens of other artists are also set to take one of the festival’s eight stages at Chicago’s Grant Park this summer, including Dom Dolla, Martin Garrix, Cage the Elephant, Clairo, The Marias, Djo, Dominic Fike, Bleachers, Wallows, Young Miko, Mk.Gee, Two Friends, T-Pain, Knock2, Foster the People, Still Woozy, Sierra Ferrell, Role Model, Finneas, Remi Wolf, Mau P, Royel Otis, Marina, Bladee and Barry Can’t Swim.

Mariah the Scientist, Alex Warren, Latin Mafia, Flipturn, magdalena Bay, Gryffin, JPEGMAFIA, ISOxo, Artemas, GigiPerez, Del Water Gap, Katseye, Rebecca Black and more are also on the docket. The full lineup spans more than 170 acts.

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This year, Lollapalooza will take place across four days, from July 31 to Aug. 3. Four-day tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. CT Thursday (March 20), while one-day and two-day packages will become available for purchase at a later date.

The 2025 festival is set to be a historic one, with the “Vampire” singer’s headlining appearance marking her Lollapalooza Chicago debut. Combs is the Windy City festival’s first-ever country closer, while TWICE is the first K-pop girl group to headline. It’ll also be special for Korn, which hasn’t played Lolla since 1997.

See the full Lollapalooza lineup below.

18 Mar 2025

Watch Bad Bunny Go Off the Rails as Adam Sandler’s Golf Caddie in New ‘Happy Gilmore 2’ Trailer

Where Adam Sandler goes, Bad Bunny goes. At least, he does in the new trailer for Happy Gilmore 2, in which the Puerto Rican superstar serves as the comedian’s caddie as the iconic titular character makes his return to golfing after several years off the green.

Posted Tuesday (March 18), the new trailer opens with hockey player-turned-golfer Happy Gilmore seemingly coming out of retirement and entering his first tournament in ages. “I haven’t swung a club in years,” he says while surveying his competition on the course. “I’m a little intimidated, all these guys hit it big.”

Luckily, at his side is Benito, who serves as his bowtie-wearing, club-carrying assistant. The trailer features multiple shots of the “Moscow Mule” musician diligently watching Happy make swings and cheering him on when a ball finds its way into a hole. A more chaotic snippet shows Sandler yelling in fear as the rapper drives a high-speed golf cart like a madman, while another hilarious clip finds Bunny screaming as he snaps a golf club in half over his knee.

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“We’re not done with golf,” says Julie Bowen, who reprises her role as Sandler’s love interest, Virginia Venit, in the trailer. “Let them see the Happy I fell in love with.”

The three-time Grammy winner is just one of several stars joining the cast of Happy Gilmore 2, which is set to hit Netflix July 25, 29 years after the original Happy Gilmore premiered. Travis Kelce is also involved — and appeared briefly in a 45-second teaser for the sequel on Christmas Day — while Sandler previously teased that Eminem has an “insane” cameo in the project.

See Bad Bunny play caddie to Adam Sandler’s Happy Gilmore in the new trailer above.

18 Mar 2025

Lucy Dacus Confirms That She & Julien Baker Are Dating: ‘I Want to Protect What Is Precious in My Life’

After months of speculation and rumors among fans of indie rock supergroup Boygenius, Lucy Dacus at last confirmed that, yes, she is currently in a relationship with bandmate Julien Baker.

In a profile for The New Yorker, Dacus revealed that she and Baker are currently dating and moved to Los Angeles together after Boygenius’ tour wrapped in 2024. But the “Best Guess” singer pointed out that both she and Baker were reticent to share details with the public, considering how parasocial some fan relationships can become.

“It only takes a handful [of intense fans interactions] to make your life feel like a really easily threatened thing,” she said. “I’ve been practicing not reinforcing that narrative to myself.”

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Dacus continued, saying that trying to keep her private life private while also being transparent with her audience through songwriting has been a difficult needle to thread. “It’s been interesting, because I want to protect what is precious in my life, but also to be honest, and make art that’s true. I think maybe a part of it is just trusting that it’s not at risk,” she said. “Maybe a healthier way to think about it is that [my relationship]’s not actually fragile.”

The singer-songwriter added that most of her romantic relationships blossomed from close friendships, and that the concept of a romance that doesn’t come from a friendship or creative partnership boggles her mind.

“How are you doing romance without friendship? I can’t imagine. That feels so hollow. It makes me feel ill! Someone that’s not my friend? Are you serious?” she said. “Almost every relationship I have been in, we’ve had some business or creative dealings. I don’t mean this just sexually, but it turns me on; to have your minds meet on something, and be, like, ‘Oh, my gosh, you said what I couldn’t say. I love your mind.’”

Speculation around Dacus and Baker’s relationship has been going on for years, but the most recent interest in the two artists as a couple was reignited in October 2023, where the two posed as Pete Davidson and Ariana Grande for a Halloween costume.

Dacus is currently promoting her new solo album, Forever Is a Feeling, due out March 28 via Geffen Records. Baker, meanwhile, is rolling out her collaborative country album with fellow indie rock artist TORRES titled Send a Prayer My Way, which is due out April 18 via Matador Records.

18 Mar 2025

John Legend Announces Get Lifted 20th Anniversary World Tour: Here Are the Dates

John Legend is going global with the 20th anniversary celebration of his debut album Get Lifted. The 13-time Grammy Award winner’s Get Lifted 20th Anniversary World Tour — with select dates produced by Live Nation — will visit more than 40 cities across the U.K., Europe and North America when it begins on May 27 in Glasgow, U.K. Additional major stops include The O2 in London, Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam, Accor Arena in Paris, Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles and Barclays Center in New York before the tour wraps on Dec. 9 in Oakland, Calif.

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In tandem with the tour announcement, Legend will visit The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon Tuesday (March 18). Doubling as both a talk and musical guest, he will perform the Get Lifted track “Used to Love U” along with Black Thought and backed by The Roots.

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“Used to Love U” is one of several fan faves featured on Legend’s Grammy-winning breakthrough album. Released Dec. 28, 2004 (Legend’s 26th birthday) via GOOD Music, Sony Urban Music and Columbia Records, the 14-track Get Lifted was comprised of songs written or co-written by Legend, who also served as an executive producer. In addition to “Used to Love U,” the album spun off the singles “Number One,” “So High” and “Ordinary People” (his first top 40 Hot 100 hit at No. 24) while notching No. 4 and No. 1, respectively, on the U.K. Singles Chart and U.K. R&B Singles Chart.

With its engaging and seamless fusion of R&B, neo-soul, hip-hop and pop, Get Lifted gave Legend his first Billboard 200 top 10 (No. 4) and first No. 1 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. It later scored eight Grammy nominations and won Legend three statuettes — best new artist, best R&B album and best male R&B vocal performance for “Ordinary People.” The single as well as the album have since attained RIAA double-Platinum status.

Also available now are two special Get Lifted (20th Anniversary) packages:the digital deluxe and deluxe 3LP vinyl editions. Highlights on both include remixed versions of eight tracks such as the aforementioned Black Thought guesting on the revamped “Used 2 Love U.” Among the editions’ other special guests are Tems, Killer Mike and Lil Wayne, and Simi. Expanding on the original album with 11 bonus tracks, Get Lifted (20th Anniversary) offers eight brand new remixes, rare B-sides and two previously unreleased studio performances recorded during the original Get Lifted sessions. 

Legend will be backed by his full band on the forthcoming world tour. The setlist will include fan faves, deep cuts and fresh interpretations of seminal tracks from Get Lifted. The EGOT-winning singer-songwriter-pianist will also perform an array of his other career-defining hits.

Additional dates for the Get Lifted 20th Anniversary World Tour will be announced soon. In the meantime, presales for the U.K./Europe dates begin March 19, with general onsale starting March 21. North America presales kick off March 26, followed by general on-sale starting March 28. For additional tour details and ticket information, visit Legend’s website.

See the full list of tour dates below:

John Legend, Get Lifted 20th Anniversary Tour

18 Mar 2025

Stationhead Unveils E-Commerce Function Allowing Artists to Sell Merch Directly on the Platform

Global fandom platform Stationhead, which allows fans to host listening parties for their favorite artists — with the artists themselves occasionally joining in — is bringing e-commerce to the platform with a new feature.

Dubbed Stationhead Shop, the new e-commerce experience will allow artists to offer merch directly on Stationhead by hosting their own “Shops,” made possible by an integration with Shopify. The feature will offer artists valuable data insights and fan engagement features including voice drops, live streams and push notifications.

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Fans will be incentivized to buy on Stationhead Shop to earn “supporter badges” and even receive live shoutouts from their favorite artists. They can additionally showcase their purchases with built-in, shareable assets and build out a digital collection of the merch they’ve bought on Stationhead.

“We’ve created a shopping experience that combines the excitement of the merch booth with the scale and social currency of a gaming platform,” said Ryan Star, Stationhead co-founder/CEO, in a statement. “It also offers artists an authentic way to monetize and build direct relationships with their most passionate and loyal fans.”

Added Murray Levison, Stationhead co-founder/COO, “Just like social commerce changed the retail industry, Stationhead Shop will be the next evolution in online music commerce. It is the first online space where artists can sell highly sought-after physical and digital goods directly to their biggest fans in an engaging environment. This will unlock entirely new revenue streams for the music industry.”

According to the company, Stationhead boasts a user base of 20 million, with 50% of users between the ages of 18 and 25.

18 Mar 2025

Watch Keith Urban, Luke Combs, Kelsea Ballerini & More Wish Grand Ole Opry A Happy 100th Birthday Ahead of ‘Opry 100’

As the Grand Ole Opry celebrates its centennial anniversary in 2025, the revered country music institution will highlight its 100-year history, as well as its present and future, on Wednesday (March 19) when Opry 100: A Live Celebration airs live on NBC and simulcasts on Peacock. The event will be hosted by 29-time Billboard Country Airplay chart-topper and Opry member Blake Shelton, who was inducted in 2010.

Ahead of the special, Billboard is exclusively premiering a first-look video with artists including Brad Paisley (inducted in 2001), Keith Urban (2012), Luke Combs and Kelsea Ballerini (both in 2019) wishing the Nashville staple a happy birthday and discussing the institution’s enduring impact on country music. The clip also features “I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool” hitmaker Barbara Mandrell (inducted in 1972) and “Mama Sang a Song” hitmaker Bill Anderson (inducted in 1961).

“You just walk into the Opry House and you feel the history and the richness of the stories and the people that have made country music what it is,” five-time Country Airplay chart-topper Ballerini says in the video.

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Elsewhere, the artists also displayed the close-knit camaraderie the Opry is known for, as they offered up good-natured jokes. “I think it’s great that Blake’s going to host the show,” Anderson says in the video, before adding with a chuckle: “And I look forward to just watching him sweat.”

Other artists who have notched enduring country hits spanning decades will also be included in the special, which will highlight nearly 50 official Grand Ole Opry members over the course of the three-hour show. Opry 100: A Live Celebration will also feature appearances from Alan Jackson, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Ashley McBryde, Carly Pearce, Carrie Underwood, Clint Black, Dierks Bentley, Garth Brooks, Jamey Johnson, Lady A, Lainey Wilson, Marty Stuart, Reba McEntire, Ricky Skaggs, Steven Curtis Chapman, Terri Clark, Trace Adkins, Travis Tritt, Trisha Yearwood, Vince Gill, Randy Travis and more. Other fan favorites — including Aloe Blacc with the McCrary Sisters, Amy Grant, Eric Church, Jelly Roll, Post Malone, The War And Treaty and Yolanda Adams — will also make appearances.

The upcoming special spotlights how the Grand Ole Opry, radio’s longest-running show and broadcast on WSM-AM, has evolved to become a multimedia, global juggernaut through the decades, reaching fans through not only radio, but television, social media and digital streaming platforms. Since launching in 1925, the Grand Ole Opry has called several Nashville buildings home, among them the Ryman Auditorium (from 1943-1974), and has called the Grand Ole Opry House home since 1974. The special will feature artist performances from both iconic venues.

“NBC is proud to continue expanding its commitment to the genre, offering both iconic performances that highlight the impact and relevance of country music,” Jen Neal, NBCUniversal Television and Streaming Exec. VP, Live Events & Specials, told Billboard in a statement. “Opry 100: A Live Celebration reflects country music’s enduring influence on the American musical landscape, and NBC is honored to be a platform for its continued growth.”

Opry 100: A Live Celebration airs on NBC and will stream on Peacock on Wednesday, beginning at 8 p.m. ET. The special marks NBC’s fourth live television event from Nashville in the past two years. The telecast will be executive produced by Silent House Productions’ Emmy Award winners Baz Halpin, Mark Bracco and Linda Gierahn, along with R.A. Clark and Steve Buchanan.

See the exclusive video below:

18 Mar 2025

Tracy Morgan Has Medical Episode At New York Knicks Game, X Rallies Around Comedian

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Tracy Morgan is one of the dozens of celebrities who attend New York Knicks games and has become quite the fixture at Madison Square Garden. However, fans are more concerned with Tracy Morgan’s health than his celebrity status after the comedian and actor had what appeared to be a medical episode while at a recent game.

Tracy Morgan, 56, sat courtside on Monday (March 17) to watch the New York Knicks take on the Miami Heat. While the Knicks game didn’t air on national markets, the news of Morgan falling ill moved swiftly via the X social media platform and the reactions came in fast. Much of what was said was speculative as details surrounding the incident are still developing.

In a report from PEOPLE, the outlet shared an X post from @RealJoshBrownie that showed a video of Morgan being helped by emergency medical staff from the court floor after vomiting. Morgan was also reportedly bleeding from the nose as he was helped to his feet and was ultimately taken out of Madison Square Garden via wheelchair.

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The medical incident took place around the third quarter of the Knicks-Heat matchup and delayed the game for 10 minutes as staff rushed to address the matter. MSG officials told the outlet, “We hope Tracy feels better soon and look forward to seeing him back courtside.”

The outlet adds that it reached out to Morgan’s reps but did not receive a response.

Tracy Morgan has battled health issues over the years, including receiving a kidney transplant. The SNL alum also was severely injured in a 2014 automobile crash and his long road to recovery has become part of both his standup act and his testimony.

On X, fans of Morgan are sharing their warm thoughts as he continues to heal from this latest incident.

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Photo: Getty

18 Mar 2025

Carin León Lands Double Win Across Latin Charts with ‘El Amor De Mi Herida’

Carín León expands his radio reach with his third No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay chart as “El Amor De Mi Herida” rises 2-1 on the March 22-dated list. The song also adds a second week atop the Regional Mexican Airplay chart.

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“El Amor De Mi Herida” lands at the summit on Latin Airplay despite a 3% dip in audience impressions in the U.S. It earned 8 million across Latin stations in the week of March 7-13, according to Luminate.

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The song gives León his third No. 1 through his 19th appearance on Latin Airplay. The Sonora, Hermosillo singer’s previous best was “Según Quién,” with Maluma. His longest-leading champ (four weeks atop between Dec. 2023-Jan. 2024) arrived two years after “Llorar y Llorar,” with Mau y Ricky, earned León his first No. 1 (one week, 2022).

While León secures just his third No. 1 on Latin Airplay, he’s been a radio hitmaker for over five years. Nine of his entries have reached to the top 10. His last being “Alch Sí,” with Grupo Frontera (No. 3 high) in March 2024.

Further, León’s mainstream breakthrough “Me La Aventé” reached No. 6 high on Regional Mexican Airplay in 2019. There, he’s placed 13 total top 10s among 17 career entries, while seven of those have landed at No. 1, including “El Amor De Mi Herida,” where León repeats the feat with a second week at the penthouse.

“El Amor De Mi Herida” is one of 16 songs on his fifth studio album, Palabra De To’s, which earned the singer a third No. 1 on Regional Mexican Albums last December. The song was composed by Alejandra Zeguer, Johan Sotelo and Omar Robles.