BBLatin
Page: 37
Shakira, the powerful rockera singer-songwriter from Colombia who we all came to know for her heart-wrenching ballads and pop anthems, didn’t really collaborate with any other well-known artists in the first decade of her career.
It wasn’t until 2005, when she released Fijación Oral, Vol. 1 and Oral Fixation, Vol. 2, that she turned heads with superstar collaborations, the Alejandro Sanz-assisted “La Tortura” and “Hips Don’t Lie” with Wyclef Jean. The only other artists she featured in those two albums were Gustavo Cerati and Carlos Santana.
Since, Shakira has been more open to collaborations, teaming up with an elite list of partners that includes Maluma, Prince Royce, Maná and Black Eyed Peas, for songs that are also more experimental sonically — embracing urban-leaning beats and incorporating elements of reggaetón and bachata in her songs.
Her latest, “Monotonía” with Ozuna, is a quintessential Shakira song: it’s emotionally-charged lyrically. Powered by a bachata tune, Shak doesn’t hold back and is as honest as one can get singing about heartbreak and the end of what seemed to be a perfect relationship.
Released Wednesday (Oct. 19), the Colombian star starts off declaring: “It wasn’t your fault, it wasn’t my fault. It was monotony’s fault. I never said anything but it hurt. I knew this would happen.” “Monotonía” follows her Rauw Alejandro-assisted “Te Felicito,” which topped Billboard‘s Latin Airplay chart. Both songs follow Shakira’s very public breakup from her longtime partner, and father of her two children, soccer star Gerard Piqué.
In honor of Shakira’s new collab with Ozuna, below, check out Shakira’s 15 best collaborations, according to Billboard‘s Latin editors, ranked.
Banda MS‘ new corrido, titled “141,” will become the first regional Mexican song to appear in a Call of Duty video game series. The track is set to be integrated into Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II, with “several” versions of the song heard throughout different parts of the game. “141” is inspired by the members of the Task Force 141 and soldier Alejandro Vargas from the Mexican Special Forces, and ties in with the narrative of the newest installment of the first-person shooter game.
While Call of Duty has collaborated with Latin musicians in the past, most recently Ozuna, it’s the first time the video game franchise — developed by Infinity Ward and published by Activision — taps a regional Mexican act to collaborate on a new song for one of its series. “It’s a huge step for the game and the community,” says Rodrigo Pérez, Call of Duty‘s senior franchise manager, Latin America. “We wanted to tell the story of Task Force 141 in a unique way, and we believe the song goes to the very essence of the characters and the story we are telling with Modern Warfare II.”
For the chart-topping supergroup, not only does “141” mark the first corrido they’ve released in 10 years, but it becomes an opportunity to showcase their traditional banda music on a global level, while also bringing in a new source of revenue.
“The franchise’s team in Latin America is mainly composed of Mexicans who love and respect our culture so, along with their team, we made sure that the song made sense for the game,” says Oswaldo Silvas, one of Banda MS’ vocalists. “We’re really proud to be part of the game’s DNA, and we would be honored to keep doing more of these collaborations because all eyes are on video games and for us, it’s a great opportunity to capture a new audience.”
The opportunity is for both sides with Call of Duty also strategically tapping and catering to the Hispanic market across Latin America. “Mexico and the Hispanic market have had a very strong passion towards the Call of Duty franchise for a long time, and with Modern Warfare II we had an amazing opportunity to celebrate the rich cultural legacy,” adds Pérez.
For a Mexican music song to be featured on Call of Duty, it only reinforces the genre’s newfound popularity across the U.S. and beyond. Once a niche genre, regional Mexican has gained an international following in recent years thanks to artists such as Banda MS, who have stayed true to their traditional Sinaloan banda roots but has also embraced the fusion of regional with genres from around the world.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II will become available for purchase on Oct. 28 on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X | S, PC and Xbox One.
Grupo Frontera scores a first top 10 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart as “No Se Va” climbs 12-4 on the Oct. 22-dated ranking. The song’s fresh success comes after it topped Latin Digital Song Sales for one week and became the fifth regional Mexican song to hit the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 over its 64-year history.
“No Se Va” pushes to the upper region on Hot Latin Songs mainly on the strength of streaming activity. It logged 8.9 million official U.S. streams during the tracking week ending Oct. 13, according to Luminate. It yields a No. 26 debut on Streaming Songs and takes home the Greatest Gainer honors on Latin Streaming Songs with a 9-4 lift.
Meanwhile, sales drop by 22%, to 1,000.
On Latin Digital Songs Sales, the song cedes the throne back to Bad Bunny’s “Titi Me Preguntó” with a 1-2 dip.
“No Se Va” was released independently in April 28 and earned Grupo Frontera its first entry across Billboard’s charts with its debut in September. Plus, “No Se Va” is the second-highest charting regional Mexican song on Hot Latin Songs in 2022 — only Yahritza y Su Esencia’s “Soy El Único” went higher, reaching No. 1 in April.
Further, as mentioned, “No Se Va” also became the fifth regional Mexican song to enter Hot 100 since the list launched in 1958 (Oct. 8-dated chart). The song concurrently pushes up the chart, rallying 77-57 In its third week.
Across the globe, “No Se Va” also makes progress: it climbs 64-39 on Billboard Global 200 and 102-50 on Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart.
Does an artist need a certain level of sex appeal in order to achieve success? Are labels asking their artists to be ultra sensual in their appearance and lyrics in order to sell? The role or intersectionality of sexuality and music took centerstage during a heated conversation between artists Dalex, Villano Antillano, Corina Smith and Lenny Tavárez for the newest episode of Billboard‘s Cultura Clash.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
“People like to consume through their eyes, they like what looks nice, what’s aesthetic,” says Puerto Rican trans rapper Villano Antillano. “Sex sells.” Smith adds, “I think physical appearance does have influence over any product but the power we have as artists, when one of our songs can make someone feel sexy or sensual, that’s where it’s at. To be able get someone in that mindset, that’s really powerful.”
The group also got candid about the advice given to them from their respective teams (managers, labels) and if its at all impacted their career path. “Everyone wants to have an opinion and it starts at home with your family,” says Tavárez. “And you take all of it into consideration but, as an artist, you have to know yourself, what you feel comfortable doing and how you’re going to project yourself. Sometimes my team wants me to automatically go onstage shirtless but sometimes I don’t want to do that.”
Now in its second season, Cultura Clash — hosted by Latin executive AJ Ramos — spotlights Latin artists and influencers who discuss trending topics within Latin culture and music. A new episode airs every Wednesday on Billboard.com, social media and Billboard‘s YouTube channel. Watch this week’s episode above.
Every month, Billboard Latin editors will feature a small group of new or relatively unknown artists whose music we love. Think “diamantes en bruto,” or “diamonds in the rough.” These are newcomers who have yet to impact the mainstream — but whose music excites us, and who we believe our readers should make a point to discover.
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Our recommendations this month are emerging artists that we met during Billboard‘s 2022 Latin Music Week in Miami. Check them out below:
Artist: Blondiak
Country: Colombia
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: Singer-songwriter Blondiak struck me as a relatable, humble musician who is eager to grow and keep honing his craft. The Latin urban artist from Colombia, who works independently with the support of his family through their very own company, BK MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT LLC, has a dozen songs published on his YouTube channel, including the reggaetón tunes “Se cansó” (She got tired) and “Algo más” (Something more), and the tropical infused banger “Guaya,” which he released earlier this month. Blondiak, 22, was nominated this year for a Latino Show Award in his native country, in the developing artist category. Based in Miami since four years ago, he says he is 100% dedicated to music, and that his next plans include releasing an album, collaborating with other artists and promoting his music through Latin America. I am curious to see where he’s at five years from now. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Song for Your Playlist: “Guaya”
Artist: King David Dembow
Country: Puerto Rico
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: At Latin Music Week, a very eager emerging artist approached me introducing himself as “a Boricua who does dembow music.” With a royal name, King David Dembow launched his first official single last year, “Rompele,” and is signed to indie label High End Entertainment. The dembowsero newcomer has released many singles that best showcase his fast-paced beats and witty lyrics, as heard in “Calle,” “Ella Eh,” and the recent “Calor.” — JESSICA ROIZ
Song for Your Playlist: “Calor”
Artist: Daniel Arana
Country: Mexican-American
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: Daniel Arana is all about intentionality. The Mexican-American urban artist released his debut album, DALE, on a full moon — when energetically it’s the strongest — and his lyrics are all about spotlighting queer love and relationships. “My goal is to help mainstream Latin music become more LGBT-friendly, and to help the Latinx community become more open-minded, while helping those struggling to be who they are,” he told the Billboard team during Latin Music Week. While he is more traditional-leaning sonically, with reggaetón drums powering his songs, lyrically, he’s less traditional. For example, “Lento,” which is part of his latest LP, is about coming out and embracing his queer identity. — GRISELDA FLORES
Song for Your Playlist: “Lento”
Artist: Eduardo Galán
Country: Venezuela
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: Venezuelan Eduardo Galán really stood out not only because of his commanding presence, but because of his charisma and his bubbly personality. I was gladly surprised to find out that his song “Te Prometo” (I promise you) is just an extension of that — an infectious, positive tropical pop tune that invites you to dance and to smile. “And I promise to take you to heaven, to make you touch the sun,” the singer-songwriter, who lives in Spain, sings in his mother tongue. “This life is too short not to try,” he goes on. He is certainly giving music his best shot.
Also worth mentioning: His ballad “Bienvenida” (Welcome) dedicated to his young baby girl, with a cute music video starring his then-pregnant wife. With a music style somewhat reminiscent of Chino y Nacho or Chayanne, Galán is releasing music independently through Eduardo Galán Group. He plans to debut two new singles in November and January — one Cuban jazz and one merengue, he told Billboard Español — as he prepares for his first concerts in Barcelona, Madrid and Sevilla next year. — SRA
Song for Your Playlist: “Te Prometo”
Artist: J Molina
Country: Mexico
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: J Molina represents a growing number of Mexican-born artists dabbling in reggaetòn. The singer-songwriter, born in Monterrey, Mexico and currently residing in Texas, was one of the many emerging artists I came across during Latin Music Week, where he passionately talked about growing the reggaetón scene in Texas. After launching his career in 2010, Molina took it upon himself to create his own opportunities — launching his indie label The Kingz Factory in 2021 to release his own music and help develop up-and-coming local urban acts, such as La Yadi, who’s featured in his latest single “Tabú.” With a few singles under his belt, Molina’s reggaetón can be described as melodic and subtle as opposed to hard-hitting or raunchy. His rhythmic beats are powered by the traditional reggaetón drums. — G.F.
Song for Your Playlist: “Tabú”
Artist: Nora González
Country: Mexico
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: I first discovered Nora González in 2021 when she was a two-time Latin Grammy nominee, and was excited to see her networking at Latin Music Week. González, who also has promising collaborations with Lupita Infante and Vicente Fernandez Jr., is still a rising act in her own right. Her powerhouse and mature vocals bring a refreshing, bilingual touch to traditional mariachi music, which has ultimately dubbed her the “Charra Millennial.” Originating from Chihuahua, Mexico, and a Berklee College of Music alumn, González is recently making the rounds with her seven-track set Xtina, where she gives Christina Aguilera’s biggest hits a Regional Mexican tribute. González is signed to and managed by CHR Records. — J.R.
Song for Your Playlist: “Pero Me Acuerdo De Ti”
Artist: Shiela
Country: Mexico, Nicaragua
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: If her mix of cultures — Nicaraguan-Mexican-American — is any indication, Shiela is an emerging Latinx artist who’s delivering innovative Latin R&B rhythms. With her sultry voice, the Texas-born, Miami-based artist brings to life her empowered lyricism, as heard in recent singles “Estas Mal” and “Soltera.” Shiela is inspired by artists such as Sade and Selena Quintanilla, and has already graced the renowned stages of SXSW and Austin City Limits Music Festival on multiple occasions. Shiela officially kicked off her career in 2017 with the debut single “Runaway,” and dropped her debut, bilingual album Chilita in 2021. — J.R.
Song for Your Playlist: “Estas Mal”
Artist: Wanton Chulito
Country: Cuba
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: Amongst the many aspiring artists at Latin Music Week, I came across Wanton Chulito (real name: Yoandris Wanton). Hailing from Santiago de Cuba, the Texas-based singer-songwriter is fusing traditional Cubaton rhythms with other genres such as bachata and dembow. With the mission of getting more eyes and ears on his music, Wanton has strategically collaborated with many artists, including dembow act Bulova and Cuban artist El Taiger. — J.R.
Song for Your Playlist: “Candela” (feat. Bulova)
Artist: Victor & Gabo
Country: Venezuela
Why They Should Be On Your Radar: Victor & Gabo is a Venezuelan duo formed by Víctor Portillo and Carlos Espinoza who I met on the first day of Latin Music Week. They shared a little about their story and passion for music. Listening to them now, they are a fusion of fresh tropical-urban and romantic melodies, featuring Gabo’s chanteos and Victor’s sweet, higher range. Theo du recently released their new single, “Cantinero,” a song that mixes regional Mexican music with pop and Latin rhythms, proving their versatility. — INGRID FAJARDO
Song For Your Playlist: “Cantinero”
From hits to slam dunks! Ozuna is officially the new owner of a basketball team in Puerto Rico, the Baloncesto Nacional Superior de Puerto Rico (Basketball National Superior – BSN) announced on Monday (Oct. 17).
The sports organization revealed that the chart-topping artist has acquired Los Brujos de Guayama. Due to the franchise’s transfer to the municipality of Manatí, the team has been renamed to Los Osos de Manatí (Manatí Bears). With Juan Aubín Cruz Coliseum as their home venue, Los Osos de Manatí become the first BSN team in that municipality since 2017.
“Owning a Puerto Rico National Superior Basketball franchise has been one of my greatest dreams, for which we have been working for some time,” the “Diles” singer said in a statement. “I feel a lot of passion for this sport and being able to be part of this family fills me with great pride. Thanks to the BSN for opening the doors for me and to everyone who has made this possible. See you next season at the new house of Los Osos in Manatí.”
Ricardo Dalmau, president of the BSN, added: “It is with great enthusiasm that we welcome Ozuna to the BSN family. The commitment shown throughout this entire process gives us confidence in what his management will be in charge of the new Osos de Manatí. I take this opportunity to thank Rafael Rodríguez for his commitment to the league and the Brujos de Guayama franchise, which he led for the last 10 years.”
Ozuna joins a growing number of Latin artists that have ventured into the sports world by purchasing basketball teams in Puerto Rico. The list includes moves from Bad Bunny, who became the co-owner of Los Cangrejeros de Santurce and Anuel AA, who purchased Capitanes de Arecibo along with his manager Frabian Eli, in 2021.
Instead of flocking to basketball like their fellow hitmakers, duo Wisin & Yandel is placing all bets on baseball as new co-owners of Criollos de Caguas, the latest champions of the Liga de Béisbol Profesional Roberto Clemente (LBPRC).
Ahead of The Rudeboyz, Adam Levine and Maluma‘s upcoming collaboration, titled “Ojalá,” Billboard can exclusively share behind-the-scenes photos from the music video shoot.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Directed by Diane Martel via NEON16 & Sony Music Latin, the pictures show candid moments between Levine, Maluma and his longtime collaborators, producing duo The Rudeboyz (Chan El Genio and Kevin ADG), who crowd together in front of a screen to watch the scenes and in one, the director makes an appearance where she’s huddling with the artists.
Los Rudeboyz, Maluma and Adam Levine with “Ojalá” music video director Diane Martel
Guillermo & Maria Juliah
“Ojalá,” where the Maroon 5 frontman sings in Spanish for the first time, marks the debut single from The Rudeboyz’s upcoming first album. Set to be released Thursday (Oct. 20), The Rudeboyz captioned a teaser of the track with the following message: ️”A very important release for us with people we admire a lot!! Keep your eyes on this !! @maluma @adamlevine.”
The Rudeboyz, who were recently signed by Tainy‘s NEON16, have produced hits for artists such as Shakira, Sech, Jennifer Lopez, Prince Royce and Sebastián Yatra, among others.
Back in June, Levine had already hinted at a possible collaboration with the Colombian hitmaker. He posted a photo of them on Instagram of the two hanging out in a studio and wrote, “World ain’t ready.”
Los Rudeboyz, Adam Levine and Maluma at the “Ojalá” music video shoot
Guillermo & Maria Juliah
The collaboration comes after allegations that the Maroon 5 frontman had been unfaithful to wife Behati Prinsloo, who is currently pregnant with the couple’s third child. In September, influencer Sumner Stroh claimed Levine had affair with her, and alleged that the rocker told her he was thinking of naming his upcoming baby Sumner.
Levine later issued a statement, denying that he had an affair. “A lot is being said about me right now and I want to clear the air. I used poor judgment in speaking with anyone other than my wife in ANY kind of flirtatious manner,” he wrote on Instagram Stories. “I did not have an affair, nevertheless, I crossed the line during a regrettable period in my life. In certain instances it became inappropriate; I have addressed that and taken proactive steps to remedy this with my family.”
First Stream Latin is a compilation of the best new Latin songs, albums and videos recommended by the Billboard Latin editors. Check out this week’s picks below.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Piso 21, 777 (Warner Music Mexico)
Piso 21 has gifted fans their fourth studio album, 777, home to 16 tracks that continue to consolidate their title as Latin music’s most prolific pop group right now. The set kicks off with the Manuel Turizo-assisted “Los Cachos,” which can be considered the sequel to their 2018 banger “Dejala Que Vuelva.” Unlike “Dejala,” which is about a guy convinced his ex will come back, “Los Cachos” is about a girl who has officially moved on from her cheating boyfriend, with no plans of taking him back. From there, the group navigates to “TDQ,” in collaboration with the Puerto Rican duo Gigolo y La Exce. In this hard-hitting reggaetón track, the group talks about a rebellious soul who’s breaking the quarantine rule because she’s single and ready to mingle. That same type of energy is heard in “Nadie La Controla,” a reggaetón-turned-merengue ripiao’ about a girl who’s the center of attention and that can’t be controlled.
In 777, we get Piso 21 in all its creative splendor, where they deliver chill, Afrobeat vibes as heard on “Apaga El Celular,” innovative ranchera as heard on “Que Triste” with Carin Leon, soulful hip-hop as heard in the Santa Fe Klan-assisted “Equivocado,” and even punk rock alternatives as heard in “Elevarte” and “Mató Mi Corazón.” The lyricism throughout the album is as ever witty, heartfelt and relatable, Produced in Miami, Medellin and Mexico, the Colombian group reeled in producers Federico Vindver, Mr. NaisGai, Súbelo NEO and Sky Rompiendo; Piso member Dim also demonstrates his producer skills on the set. Other collaborators include Ñejo, Marc Segui, Totoy El Frio, Khea and Danny Ocean on the focus track “Felices Perdidos.” — JESSICA ROIZ
Farruko, “Viaje” (Sony Music)
Following last year’s wildly successful club tropical banger “Pepas” — which scored four trophies at the 2022 Billboard Music Awards, including Hot Latin Song of the Year and Streaming Song of the Year — is “Viaje,” where Farruko continues his spiritual journey towards enlightenment via his music. At times interpolating Héctor Lavoe’s timeless salsa hit “El Cantante,” the Puerto Rican hitmaker reflects on his past, present and future against an insatiable guaracha rhythm and larger than life choruses. “Love, for life is short and unforgiving,” he soulfully croons in Spanish. “Enjoy, live life because it’s beautiful.” — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Joss Favela, Aclarando la Mente (Sony Music Latin)
A year after releasing Llegando al Rancho, Joss Favela is back with his fourth studio album, Aclarando la Mente. A prolific singer-songwriter and a storyteller at heart, Favela sticks to his signature romantic lyrics with which he narrates heartbreak, lust and love stories. As expected, the Sinaloan artist opts to go solo and doesn’t feature a single artist on the 12-track set. He also wrote the entire album — his most personal one yet, which thrives on direct and raw lyrics. While Favela has dabbled in multiple regional Mexican sub-genres (such as banda and mariachi), Aclarando leans more norteño, with his dad’s accordion heard throughout the LP. — GRISELDA FLORES
Pablo Alborán & Carin Leon, “Viaje a Ningún Lado” (Warner Music Spain)
Pablo Alborán recruits Carin Leon to dip his toes into regional Mexican for this magical collaboration, “Viaje a Ningún Lado,” which will be part of Alborán’s next album La Cuarta Hoja. Accompanied by a beautiful fusion of acoustic guitars, mariachi and flamenco melodies — and the deep power of interpretation of both singer-songwriters — the lyrics wrap around a story of a love that may have already left, and it’s time to let go. “I rather you leave now before I start feeling alone with you, before I learn more about you from the things you don’t say, before doubts raise another wall between us,” they sing in the chorus. — INGRID FAJARDO
Silvestre Dangond, Intruso (Sony Music Latin)
On his new studio album, the 16th of his career, Silvestre Dangond went full experimental, even dubbing the set Intruso — perhaps because he feels like an intruder in the urban realm? On the contrary, Dangond keeps his vallenato and tropical essence alive even while tapping into other rhythms, and in true fashion, all 13 tracks were penned by him. In “Pa Que,” Dangond laces sultry trap beats with his signature accordion sound, while on “No Tenemos La Culpa,” his first collaborative effort with his son MONACO, he opts for an infectious pop-urban melody. And for “Manzana Prohibida,” he reeled in Dominican newcomer La Ross Maria for a heartfelt tropical-reggaetón.
Intruso is also home to previously released bangers such as the Natti Natasha-assisted “Justicia,” “Vivir Bailando” with Maluma, and the ultimate wedding proposal song “Cásate Conmigo” with Nicky Jam. The set’s focus track, “Se Que Estas Con El,” a collaboration with Reik and Boza, kicks off the album. Other collaborators include Zion y Lennox and Ñengo Flow. “I feel very happy with the result of this new album, I had a lot of fun and I admire each of the artists who collaborated with me, including my son who makes me extremely proud. I hope you enjoy it and enjoy all the songs,” Dangond explained in a press release. — J.R.
Rosa Pistola & Los Xxxulos, “Ella Me Dijo” feat. Young Miky (La Checkera REC)
Mexico-by-way-of-Colombia DJ Rosa Pistola has been helping spearhead the neoperreo explosion since the mid-2010s, offering a freakier, more digitized take on reggaetón. This round, the tatted alchemist teams up with perreo pesado purveyors Los Xxxulos and producer BrunOG on “Ella Me Dijo,” featuring Mexican rapper Young Miky. The song already sounds like a banger, with incendiary beats and a hyper-tropical transition that collides with maniacal merengue and EDM. It’s the epitome of Mexican reggaetón. — I.R.
Paty Cantú, “Mi Película” (OCESA Seitrack)
Mexican singer-songwriter Paty Cantú is placing all bets on a bubbly and romantic pop song to stand out in a crowded field of release this Friday. Cantú’s sweet vocals take center stage as she sings about finally getting her fairytale ending. “My movie is next to you, you know my movie is next to you, from beginning to end,” she sings. But you’ll have to watch the music video for a plot twist, because it might just really be all in her head? — G.F.
Nino Augustine, “Noche” (SOON COME Entertainment)
Atlanta-based artist Nino Augustine makes music with Panama in his heart — his native country and the home of reggae en español. After releasing a string of delectable singles of an Afropop and reggaetón persuasion, the artist returns with “Noche.” Produced by Capo Musica, the sultry new song bathes in nighttime radiance while bouncing along to a reggae-en-español bop and Augustine’s seductive lilt. The track is from the singer’s upcoming album Champion Nins, out in November; the visual, which takes place in Medellín, is directed by Jimmy Usma and Alejandro Gutierrez. — I.R.