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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.
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J Balvin, Quevedo, Omar Courtz & YOVNGCHIMI, “En Alta” (Universal Music Latino/Sueños Globales)
J Balvin made a surprising comeback this week when he uploaded a video to his Instagram drinking his morning coffee and repeating “buenos dias.” In the clip, he hinted at the title of his new single, “En Alta.” It was the first time Balvin appeared after taking a nearly 10-month social media break. For his grand musical return, the Colombian artist reeled in newcomers Quevedo, Omart Courtz and YOVNGCHIMI, further proving that he will always support new talent — as he once did with a then-rising Bad Bunny, Feid, Rosalía, Karol G, Maria Becerra, and more.
Produced by Hear This Music (also featuring Mambo Kingz & DJ Luian), “En Alta” is an infectious electro-trap fusion about manifesting nothing but good vibes and being surrounded by positive-minded people. “We continue at the top/Everyone in the middle, I don’t want fake people/We are better than yesterday, thank God/Today there is a party on the terrace, we are chillin,” goes the chorus. — JESSICA ROIZ
María José Llergo, “Rueda, Rueda” (Sony Music España)
“Rueda, Rueda” is the enchanting new single of Spanish singer María José Llergo, and the lead track of her upcoming album, set to drop this fall. “First preview of the album that is not going to change my life, it is directly giving it to me” she shared on her Instagram. The song starts as an enrapturing flamenco chant, and develops into a flamenco-pop tune, with her voice as the protagonist. Llergo knows how to deliver a powerful interpretation that connects with and captivates the listener. “I don’t even know what day it is/ For me all days are holidays/ I travel the world singing about what I write/ Oslo, Paris, Montreal, and the United Kingdom” she sings at the opening of the track. The video shows a lot of — you guessed it — wheels, and people of all ages in an open field. — LUISA CALLE
Maria Becerra, “Corazón Vacío” (Warner Music Latin)
More so than most other rising Latin female stars, Maria Becerra has eschewed the tropes of sexy vamping and imagery in favor of songs that are commercial, but point to deeper meaning and substance. “Corazón Vacío,” produced by longtime collaborator XRoss, kicks off with a moody, slow intro, with Becerra singing practically a cappella over pads, before the reggaetón beat kicks in almost a full minute later. That Becerra can keep our attention with that ploy is notable, and speaks to her singing and to lyrics that are memorable and well crafted (we love “Yo quería hablar con vos, pero otra voz me dijo que, ‘No te ilusiones más con él.’”) The video, where Becerra plays a single mom raising her daughter after her boyfriend leaves her, is really resonating with fans. — LEILA COBO
Peso Pluma, Génesis (Double P Records/Prajin Parlay)
Peso Pluma’s global takeover has just begun — and, to keep the momentum going, the corridos singer-songwriter has delivered Génesis, his new album, which cements Mexican music’s stronghold. The 14-track set thrives on Peso’s core sound, powered by a trombone and tololoche, and includes previously released songs such as the swaggy “77” featuring Eladio Carrión, “Rosa Pastel” with up-and-comer Jasiel Nuñez and the closing heartbreak anthem “Bye.” Among the new cuts, there’s the provocative “Carnal,” with corridos tumbados pioneer Natanael Cano, plus the blunt, attitude-heavy “Rubicon.”
My personal favorite is “Luna,” a collaboration with another música mexicana powerhouse, Junior H. It’s a gorgeous love song that showcases Peso’s romantic side: “Moon you tell her, that you’re the only one that can see her/ Take care of her, my moon, you’ll always see her/ Tell her that she won’t see me anymore, but that you’ll always be there,” the pair sing over a nostalgic trombone riff. But please also listen to “Lagunas” with Nuñez — while it’s led by masterful requinto lines, it’s a dreamy pop song at its core. — GRISELDA FLORES
Bad Gyal, Young Miko, Tokischa, “Chulo pt.2” (Universal Music Latino/Interscope)
Powered by a hard-hitting reggaetón thump, “Chulo pt.2” sees Spanish artist Bad Gyal pursuing risqué, sex-positive ventures with no lyrical filter. Unlike the solo route of “Chulo,” its second iteration brings Puerto Rican rapper Young Miko and Dominican dembow singer Tokischa along for the ride. “I love how natural this project came to be,” says Bad Gyal in a press release. “Both Tokischa and Young Miko gave this song a new meaning, and transformed it into a very original and perfect continuation, straying away from the typical remix.” Produced by Mag and Mauro, the single witnesses the freaky trio hone their carnal-seeking antics as they gamble with (arguably) bad decisions and a lust for life. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Marshmello & Tiago PZK, “Como Yo :(” (Joytime Collective/Sony Music Latin)
In only 2:30 minutes, Marshmello and Tiago PZK will capture your attention and leave you wanting more with this dreamy pop song filled with wistful melodies and upbeat drum patterns. Co-written by the American DJ and music producer and the Argentine singer and rapper, “Como Yo :(” finds a lovesick Tiago reminiscing on a past lover, as he croons lyrics like, “No one is going to love you like I loved you/ They may tell you what I told you, but not feel it like I did,” in Spanish. The music video, directed by Justice Silvera, is a captivating dreamscape that shows Tiago singing among clouds in the sky. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Listen to the New Music Latin playlist below:
Peso Pluma‘s Génesis is here, just a week after he announced a new album was coming. The 14-track set features collaborations with música Mexicana stars such as Natanael Cano, Junior H and Luis R Conriquez. It also includes previously released songs such as “Rosa Pastel” with Jasiel Nuñez, the Eladio Carrión-assisted “77” and “Bye.” Explore […]
From career milestones and new music releases to major announcements and more, Billboard editors highlight the latest news buzz in Latin music every week. Here’s what happened in the Latin music world this week.
Emilia honors her dad with powerful song
“I prayed to God that I wouldn’t lose you,” Emilia starts off the ultra powerful “Guerrero.mp3,” her new song that honors her dad. The Argentine singer-songwriter released the ballad just in time for Father’s Day and is powered by raw emotions as she describes the uncertainty she experienced during her father’s recent health struggle: “I almost lost you, I held on to be strong,” she sings. “If you lack strength, I give you mine. You are my superhero, or so I thought.”
Listen to the heartfelt song below:
Father’s Day traditions
What is Anuel AA’s favorite Father’s Day tradition? He likes to keep it simple and real: “I remind myself and everyone around me that family is the most important and most real thing in life,” he tells Billboard. Meanwhile, Camilo is all about spending time with his daughter Índigo. “I like to celebrate all those friends who share parenthood with me. Being with my daughter, and getting in the pool with her, are my favorite things,” he says.
Find out what other traditions Latin dads, such as Nicky Jam, Luis Fonsi and Santa Fe Klan, like to cherish here.
Mario Bautista releases emotional Father’s Day song
The Mexican singer’s best childhood memories with his dad are immortalized in the music video for his new song, “Pal’ Viejo,” which he released to celebrate his dad just in time for Father’s Day. In the bolero-style song, Bautista is filled with gratitude and expresses his love for the man that has always supported him. “You are an example in my life, since I was little, I admired you the most. At your age, you still have that same joy, your smile is just as bright despite all the ups and downs.” Hear the bright and cheerful song below:
And the winners to Premios Tu Música Urbano are …
The 2023 Premios Tu Música Urbano was held on June 15 from the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot in San Juan, awarding top urban artists as well as artists from other genres, such as tropical, pop, and Regional Mexican who have experimented with the urban realm.
Karol G was the evening’s big winner, nabbing six awards including the coveted artist of the year, song of the year, and tour of the year. Other top winners included Feid, who scooped top male artist, collaboration of the year, and album of the year by a male artist; Rauw Alejandro, who won top social artist and songwriter/composer of the year; and Vico C, who won the best comeback, in addition to a special trajectory award, to name a few.
See the complete list of winners here.
Loud And Live’s CEO receives special award
Nelson Albareda, CEO of Loud And Live, was inducted into Miami Dade College’s Hall of Fame on Fame at the Loew’s Hotel in Coral Gables, FL. MDC’s annual Hall of Fame ceremony “honors its alumni who are civic and business leaders in Miami-Dade County and across the country,” according to a press release. The awards gala also serves as a fundraiser to support student scholarships.
“I am humbled and honored to be recognized and inducted into this year’s Miami Dade College Alumni Hall of Fame among outstanding individuals, who like me, have excelled and strived in our professional career, while supporting the education of our future generations,” the music executive said.
Father’s Day is around the corner and like most dads out there, Latin artists such as Nicky Jam, Camilo, Santa Fe Klan and Anuel AA have favorite traditions for the special day. And unforgettable memories from past years.
Whether it’s eating an extra-sugary cake on Father’s Day, eating delicious meals drinking good wine, or simply spending time with their loved ones, the artists featured in this roundup share what makes their Father’s Day special and unique.
Below, a handful of Latin acts share with Billboard their favorite Father’s Day traditions or memories from the special day, in their own words.
Camilo
It’s a day that excites me a lot because among the things that I am, I am most proud of being a dad, it truly fills me with pride. Being at home, being with my family, being with my dad, who I have the privilege of having with me. Celebrate him and all the parents I’m close to — I like to celebrate all those friends who share parenthood with me. Being with my daughter, and getting in the pool with her, are my favorite things. This is my second Father’s Day and on the first, Indigo was very small — but now that she’s a more interactive being, there is a lot to do.
Luis Fonsi
I celebrate Father’s Day with my dad, and with all my family. It always involves delicious food, good wine, and thousands of hugs and kisses from my children, who are what I love most in the world. There is no better gift than that.
Nicky Jam
On Father’s Day, my favorite tradition is to teach my children the importance of dreaming big. I teach them that the most powerful dreams are those that challenge us and fill us with fear because it is those dreams that drive us to improve ourselves. So, on this special day, let’s celebrate the love and courage to pursue our boldest dreams. Because, as I once said, “If your dream doesn’t scare you, it’s because it’s not big enough.” Happy Father’s Day, where dreams meet courage and unconditional love.
Mike Bahía
The fact of being a father has been the most beautiful opportunity to learn again, to feel vulnerable again, to feel a love that I had never experienced but also a fear that I had never experienced. But above all, to know that I have the possibility to continue learning, to continue getting to know myself. I feel that being a father today makes me better, or makes me aware to be better from the roots. And at least I have an infinite desire, an atomic energy, to get up in the morning to change a diaper — when before the simple fact of getting up and doing an activity earlier was difficult, but not today.
Today, I wake up with swollen eyes from sleep to go change a diaper, to go hug him, but with a smile on my face to see his happy face. It is reconnecting with innocence, it is reconnecting with so many beautiful things that life gets us used to, they become landscapes. It is to learn again, to enjoy the simple things again.
Anuel AA
On Father’s Day, my favorite tradition is to remind myself and everyone around me that family is the most important and most real thing in life. In a world full of distractions and chaos, I know that the most real and powerful thing that we have is the blood that runs through our veins. Therefore, my greatest joy is being able to look my son and my two daughters in the eye and feel how proud I am of them. In those moments of deep connection, I know that I am building a legacy of love and respect.
El Alfa
On Father’s Day, my favorite tradition is to embrace those simple moments as a family. Sitting together, talking, laughing, and taking the time to listen to each other, that’s the most valuable thing. In the midst of a life full of movement and tumult like mine, I’ve learned to appreciate the simple and genuine things. Because at the end of the day, it’s those everyday moments that nourish our souls and remind us of what really matters.
Santa Fe Klan
On this Father’s Day, I’d like to honor my father and grandfather so that my son can see the chain of gratitude, and that we honor the line of men.
Mauro Castillo
What I do on Father’s Day is serenade my dad. I call him on the phone and serenade him if I’m far away — but if I’m not far, I go and hug him and sing to him in person. I also [keep things modern by sending a Father’s Day song to the parents in the family group chat Also in the family, but adding to modernity than in the family group, I always put a little song for the parents. Well, my children make me an orange cake that I love, but it has a lot of sugar — and Tatiana, my wife, doesn’t let me eat it very often. That’s why on Father’s Day there is orange cake!
Alex Cuba
This year for Father’s Day, I have the good fortune to have my father Valentín Puentes with me in Canada — he is almost 80 and still playing and enjoying music. I have taken the opportunity to record him and document some of his work, and it feels like a true blessing to be able to do it. I’m looking forward to cheering him up, preparing his favorite meal — and listening with my kids, in the glow of three generations, [to] the tunes we’ve already recorded and that are making him feel very happy and special.
Yeison Jiménez
Father’s Day is very, very special — because I spend time with my two loved ones who are my daughters. And if you ask me, I prefer the plan to be very, very chill. I prefer it to be an at-home plan, cooking with the family, watching a movie, and perhaps having a good dinner at night. I think that would be a good plan for Father’s Day.
Santiago Cruz
Let’s say that there is no specific tradition, but it has happened since my children entered school, that they have given me gifts made by them, and that always ends up being very significant. In fact, a portrait of me that my son did when he was little, I tattooed it on the left side of my chest. So those handmade gifts end up being tremendously meaningful. Obviously breakfast in bed and [being pampered] all day.
Nio García
On Father’s Day, my favorite tradition is to honor the strongest and most important lesson life taught me last year: That being there is a true blessing, no matter what the odds are. I’ve learned that the only thing that really matters is the time we dedicate to our children and our family. Fame, money and material possessions are short-lived, but the memories we create together are forever. I want to make being present a constant tradition in my life because I know it is the only one that really counts.
Peso Pluma is set to drop his new album, Genesis, on June 22, the música Mexicana star announced today (June 13). The “Por Las Noches” singer also unveiled the set’s star-studded tracklist with songs featuring some of his go-to collaborators such as Natanael Cano, Junior H, Luis R Conriquez and Jasiel Nuñez. While it’s not […]
Yng Lvcas captures his second top 10 on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums chart as his latest EP, Six Jewels 23, arrives at No. 5 on the June 10-dated ranking. The set includes six tracks or “jewels”, as he named them, while “23” is a nod to his age.
Yng Lvcas launched his career in his native Guadalajara, Mexico by blending 21st century reggaetón and trap with hints of regional Mexican music such as electro cumbia. The top 10 debut of Six Jewels follows an international burst with the remix of “La Bebe,” with Peso Pluma, which placed both acts at No. 2 on Billboard global charts (Global Excl. U.S. on April 22 and Global 200 on June 22-dated lists).
On a national level, “La Bebe’s” remix reached No. 11 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 (chart dated May 6) and at No. 2 on the multi-metric Hot Latin Songs (April 15-dated survey).
The original version of “La Bebe” is the final track of his No. 3-peaking album debut LPM on Top Latin Albums (April 29-dated chart), his first entry on any Billboard albums chart.
Six Jewels 23, which also debuts at No. 3 on Latin Rhythm Albums, starts with 11,000 equivalent album units earned during the May 26-June 1 tracking week, according to Luminate. As has become the norm with new artists, the bulk of the album’s opening sum derives from streaming equivalent album units which equates to 16.9 million on-demand official streams in the U.S. for the songs on the album.
On the multi-metric Top Latin Albums chart, each unit equals one album sale, or 10 individual tracks sold from an album, or 3,750 ad-supported or 1,250 paid/subscription on-demand official audio and video streams generated by songs from an album.
Six Jewels was released May 25 via Warner Latina. It’s the third regional Mexican album to launch in the top five on Top Latin Albums in 2023 so far, following Fuerza Regida’s Pa Que Hablen: I, also a No. 5 start in January, and Eslabon Armado’s Desvelado, a No. 1 debut on the May 3-dated list.
Six Jewels concurrently grants Yng Lvcas a higher start on the overall Billboard 200, at No. 92, besting the No. 142 start of LPM, which peaked at No. 57 four week after its debut (chart dated April 29).
Born Daniel Oswaldo Donlucas Martinez, the 23-year-old songwriter picked up the moniker Yng Lvcas in 2021 before releasing the eight-track EP Wup? Mixtape1 comprising all corridos (the set has not entered any Billboard chart).
After what sources describe as a lengthy negotiation, superstar Karol G has signed a record deal with Interscope Records, the Universal Music Group-owned label announced today (June 6). The new deal will see her leave her longtime home at Universal Music Latino, the label that signed her as a new artist nearly a decade ago and developed her into an international powerhouse, but will have her remain within the Universal family.
The Colombian star, who is managed by Noah Assad (Bad Bunny), was signed by Universal Music Latin Entertainment in 2016, and under them, she released her history-making set Mañana Será Bonito earlier this year. The 17-track set debuted atop the Billboard 200 becoming Karol’s first No. 1 on the tally and the chart’s first No. 1 all-Spanish-language album by a woman.
“Our partnership with Karol and her team dates back to the beginning of her career, and it has been a thrilling journey filled with incredible music,” said Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Universal Music Group, in a statement. “She is simply one of the most exciting artists in popular music today and we’re honored she has chosen to deepen her partnership with UMG for many more years to come.”
“Karol G is without a doubt one of the most powerful, creative and dynamic artists in the world,” said John Janick, Chairman and CEO of Interscope Geffen A&M Records. “We are thrilled to welcome her into the IGA family.”
Interscope Executive Vice President Nir Seroussi who oversees the company’s Miami operation added: “Karol is one of the most talented, driven and astute artists with whom I’ve ever worked. She brings with her a world-class team in Noah Assad, Jessica Giraldo and Raymond Acosta, and we look forward to working with them to build upon Karol’s global legacy as an artist.”
Karol G’s move, from Latin label to mainstream label, is not all that common in the music world. While many stars who are signed to major labels release their music jointly between Latin and mainstream labels according to language –Shakira long released her English albums on Epic and her Spanish language albums on via Sony Music Latin, for example, and Enrique Iglesias released both on Interscope and Universal Music Latin– Karol G will fall entirely under Interscope’s purview.
“John, Nir and the entire team at Interscope have built the only platform of its kind which will enable Karol to serve her current fanbase while continuing to grow her audience around the world,” said Assad about Karol G’s new deal. “We’re excited to get started with everyone at Interscope.”
Karol G’s tenure at Universal Music Latino was successful and steadily ascending. There, the “Tusa” singer became a force to be reckoned with and a leading lady in the male-dominated genre of reggaeton. To date, Karol G is one of only two women (the other being Selena Gomez) who’ve had No. 1 releases on the Top Latin Albums chart between 2020 and 2023 thanks to KG0516 (2021) and Mañana Será Bonito (2023). In March, Karol G jumped to No. 1 on Billboard‘s Latin Songwriters chart, becoming just the second woman — after Yahritza Martinez (Yahritza Y Su Esencia) — to rule the ranking.
Most recently, Karol G announced her very first-ever stadium trek in the United States. The Mañana Será Bonito Tour — produced by Live Nation — is set to kick off on Aug. 11 at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium and will visit Pasadena, Miami, Houston and Dallas, among other cities.
Last year, her arena $trip Love Tour became the highest grossing U.S. tour by a Latin woman in history. It grossed $69.9 million across 33 shows in North America — according to numbers reported to Billboard Boxscore — surpassing Jennifer Lopez’s $50 million grossing It’s My Party World Tour in 2019 and Shakira’s El Dorado World Tour, which grossed $28.2 million in 2018.
Before hitting the road for her stadium tour, Karol will become the first Spanish-language female artist to ever headline Lollapalooza in Chicago on Aug. 3.
“Mañana será bonito marked a new era for me that came with many unforgettable milestones,” said Karol G in a statement. “I’m continuously amazed at the support my fans give me, which motivates me to deliver the best of me, and I’m certain that this partnership with Interscope and their incredible team will help us continue building and making history. I’m thrilled to see what’s to come.”
Bizarrap‘s Music Sessions have now become a cultural phenomenon thanks to his collaborations with Latin music heavy-hitters such as Shakira, Arcángel, Nicky Jam and, his latest, Peso Pluma. Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news His “BZRP Music Sessions #53” with Shakira — released in January — peaked at […]
Becky G, Grupo Firme, Junior H, Young Miko, Ivy Queen, Arcángel, and many more took the stage at Sueños Music Festival 2023, which took place in Chicago over Memorial Day Weekend (May 27-28). On Saturday (May 27), Sueños got off to a strong start with performances by Feid, Wisin & Yandel, El Alfa, Ivy Queen, Gera MX and paopao, to name a few.
From the founders of Mexico’s Baja Beach Fest, Sueños made its debut in 2022 with headlining acts J Balvin, Ozuna, and Farruko. Returning acts include Puerto Rican rapper Myke Towers, Dominican dembow star El Alfa, as well as reggaeton pioneers Wisin & Yandel.
For a second year in a row, Wisin & Yandel — or best known as “El Dúo de la Historia” — helped close out the fest. The Puerto Rican hitmakers took fans down memory lane performing all the reggaeton hits such as “Abusadora,” “El Teléfono” and “Pam Pam,” to name a few.
“We’re thrilled to be coming back to Chicago for our second annual Sueños festival,” Aaron Ampudia and Chris Den Uijl, co-founders of Sueños, previously told Billboard Español. “Last year was such a moment, you could feel the energy and excitement from fans no matter where you were at in the festival. It just felt like we were meant to be there, celebrating Latin music and culture with Chicago’s thriving Latino community — and this year we’re bringing even more.”
On Sunday (May 28), artists such as Becky G took the stage and got emotional when she heard fans chanting “Becky, Becky, Becky!” To which she responded, “I just knew today would hit different.”
Firme was in charge of closing day two and Sueños’ second edition, and, in their signature style, they partied hard in Chicago singing anthems such as “En Tu Perra Vida,” “Yo Ya No Vuelvo Contigo” and “Ya Supérame.”
Below, check out candid photos of all the performances at Sueños 2023.
Nicky Jam
Image Credit: @FRANKIEVERGARA_
Nicky Jam at Sueños 2023 in Chicago.
Ryan Castro
Image Credit: @FRANKIEVERGARA_
Ryan Castro at Sueños 2023 in Chicago.
Ivy Queen
Image Credit: @el_matzu
Ivy Queen at Sueños 2023 in Chicago.
Wisin y Yandel
Image Credit: @FRANKIEVERGARA_
Wisin y Yandel at Sueños 2023 in Chicago.
Young Miko
Image Credit: @DIEGOGUILLEN
Young Miko at Sueños 2023 in Chicago.
Feid
Image Credit: @FRANKIEVERGARA_
Feid at Sueños 2023 in Chicago.
Eladio Carrión
Image Credit: @FRANKIEVERGARA_
Eladio Carrion at Sueños 2023 in Chicago.
Nicky Jam
Image Credit: @FRANKIEVERGARA_
Nicky Jam at Sueños 2023 in Chicago.
Grupo Firme
Image Credit: @FRANKIEVERGARA_
Grupo Firme at Sueños 2023 in Chicago.
PaoPao
Image Credit: Annie Robillard
PaoPao at Sueños 2023 in Chicago.
Becky G
Image Credit: @FRANKIEVERGARA_
Becky G at Sueños 2023 in Chicago.
Arcángel
Image Credit: @frankievergara
Arcángel at Sueños 2023 in Chicago.
El Alfa
Image Credit: @FRANKIEVERGARA
El Alfa at Sueños 2023 in Chicago.
Wisin y Yandel
Image Credit: @FRANKIEVERGARA_
Wisin y Yandel at Sueños 2023 in Chicago.
PaoPao
Image Credit: Annie Robillard
PaoPao at Sueños 2023 in Chicago.
Junior H
Image Credit: @EL_MATZU
Junior H at Sueños 2023 in Chicago.
Chencho Corleone
Image Credit: @frankievergara
Chencho Corleone at Sueños 2023 in Chicago.
Gera MX
Image Credit: @frankievergara
Gera MX at Sueños 2023 in Chicago.
Gera MX
Image Credit: @frankievergara
Gera MX at Sueños 2023 in Chicago.
Sueños 2023 is a wrap. The second day of the music festival delivered its own set of show-stopping performances in a stacked lineup that included Grupo Firme, Becky G, Nicky Jam, Myke Towers and Eladio Carrión, to name a few. Sunday (May 28) was more varied in terms of genres. While the first day was […]