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Broadway legend Chita Rivera has died. She was 91. According to The New York Times, Rivera’s death was confirmed via a statement issued by her daughter Lisa Mordente. The iconic singer, dancer and actress graced the Broadway stage for nearly seven decades, originating iconic roles like Anita in West Side Story (1957), Rose in Bye […]
When Bad Gyal (born Alba Farelo Solé) saw her grandma — her dad’s mom — supporting her at one of her shows, nothing else mattered. “I thought, ‘I can relax now,’” the Spanish hitmaker says in a one-on-one candid conversation with Billboard‘s Leila Cobo. “If she approves it, if she is looking at me with eyes of hope and understanding it’s me, then everything is fine.”
It’s safe to say that today, it’s not just her grandma that approves of Bad Gyal’s music, which is often a blend of dembow, reggaetón and dancehall. In fact, Bad Gyal, who first got on people’s radar with her own take on Rihanna’s “Work,” was most recently an opening act on Karol G‘s massive Mañana Será Bonito U.S. Tour, and has now collaborated with the likes of Ñengo Flow, Anitta, Nicki Nicole and Ovy on the Drums. Boasting more than 13 million listeners on Spotify, Bad Gyal hustled to carve a lane for herself thanks to a commanding stage presence, her infectious beats and cheeky (often explicit) lyrics.
Which makes sense that she’d drop her debut album, La Joia (via Universal Music Latino/Interscope), at this point in her career. “I felt it was [the right] time when I had more experience in songwriting, in the studio, in choosing the producers, in the material that has been made, what’s better, what’s less important,” the 26-year-old singer-songwriter explains. “Over the years, you gain experience and you know yourself better.”
Knowing herself is also what allows her to exude confidence knowing exactly what she wants and doesn’t want. “I have always been certain that I’m going to do what I want to do,” Bad Gyal says categorically. “I have earned my position and people respect me a lot.”
So, when Rauw Alejandro wanted to twerk with her onstage at one of his shows in Puerto Rico last month, she respectfully declined. And, as expected, that specific moment vent viral on TikTok, with some praising her reaction as a girl-power move. “For starters, I think it was a culture shock. Usually, if I’m going to perform with a man, I do some rehearsal. But that wasn’t the case there so it caught me by surprise,” she says. “Secondly, I have never twerked with a man on stage. In the future, I might.”
Watch Bad Gyal’s interview above where she also talks about how “Chulo Pt. 2,” in collaboration with Tokischa and Young Miko, came about, juggling multiple jobs to earn a living (while also studying fashion) and all the details about her new album, which released Friday (Jan. 26).
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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Bad Gyal, La Joia (Universal Music Latin/Interscope)
After years of releasing singles, Bad Gyal — the Barcelona artista known for her blend of dembow, reggaetón and dance, as well as her sexually explicit lyrics, releases her first studio album today. On La Joia (Universal Latin/Interscope), Bad Gyal (whose real name is Alba Farelo Solé) expands her musical range, working with producers such as El Guincho, MAG, Sky Rompiendo and Storch, and collaborating with artists like Quevedo (on the dance track “Real G”) and Ñengo Flow (on the old school reggaetón number “Bad Boy”). She also includes the hit “Chulo Pt.2” with Tokischa and Young Miko, one of those Bad Gyal songs where the girls have fun in her own way. It’s a formula that works, and which she repeats in the single “Perdió este culo” (which is more fun and less racy than its title)). But she surprises most when she becomes introspective, as in “As I Am” with Morad, indicating that there are many nuances behind Bad Gyal and a musical career that can develop in many directions. — LEILA COBO
Christian Nodal & Peso Pluma, “La Intención” (Sony Music México)
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Christian Nodal kicks off 2024 in full force, recruiting Peso Pluma for his first corrido tumbado, “La Intención.” In true Nodal fashion, he delivers a raw heartbreak anthem but this time, he trades his mariacheño style for Peso’s signature sound, which thrives on guitars and brass instruments. In their first-ever collaboration, the música mexicana powerhouses trade verses, telling the story of a man who who is committed to a relationship that no longer works and who is spitefully fighting trying to make her understand that he can’t live without her. “You stole my calm. Mami, I swear that you are my karma/ You kiss me, when you want you give me strength, you give me my wings/ Then you take them away, you bring me down,” they confess in “La Intención.” — INGRID FAJARDO
Blessd, Si Sabe (Cigol Music Group/Warner Music Latina)
Blessd presents his third studio album Si Sabe and it’s indeed fully charged with innovative reggaetón — al estilo de Medellin. Home to 14 tracks, the Colombian act stays faithful to his sound, backed by sultry and futuristic urban beats, and his distinct dulcet vocals. In the focus track “Si Sabe Ferxxo,” Blessd and Feid team up for a first collaborative effort to sing about a girl they’ve been crushing on since their school days. In the solo selections, such as “Mas Raro,” “Hagale Ome,” and “Fletecito,” Blessd delivers hard-hitting bops with his Medallo lingo.
He also navigates from electronic beats in the Sky Rompiendo-assisted “Eso Es Todo” to R&B in “Palabras Sobran (Remix)” with Ryan Castro, Bryant Myers and Hades66, to trap in “A2P.” Other collaborators on Si Sabe include Peso Pluma (“Ojos Azules”) and Jory Boy (“Si A Bueno”). Producers who worked on the set include Sky Rompiendo, ICON, The Prodigiez, ForeignTeck, SOG, Mr. Naisgai, Subelo NEO and Kronix Magikal. — JESSICA ROIZ
Ramón Vega & Lasso, “La Mexicana” (Sony Music Latin)
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Following the release of his 2023 debut album Pa Ti : ), and his notable collaboration with Christian Nodal “dEsANiMaO :(“, the young Mexican singer Ramón Vega presents a new duet with the support of another more veteran and established artist: the Latin Grammy-winning Venezuelan singer-songwriter Lasso. “La Mexicana” is a heartbreak pop ballad that talks about the regret of kissing a girl who they won’t be able to forget, and now find themselves drowning their sorrows away. “Baby, I’m drunk and screwed, baby/ How come no one told me, baby, that you can’t forget a Mexican girl?” says part of the catchy chorus. The music video, directed by Kath D., shows both artists in a colorful market in Mexico City, seeing the face of their ex-lover in every woman they cross paths with.
“I am very grateful to him for believing in me, for connecting in that way and for taking the time and energy to be able to make this song together. It was something very special,” Vega said about Lasso in an exclusive Instagram Live with Billboard Español on Thursday (Jan. 25) in which they both talked about the new release. Lasso added: “Spending 10 minutes on Ramón’s Spotify tells you that he is someone with a lot of talent […] You connect immediately with him. He has a lot of feeling and he has good songs.” “La Mexicana” can undoubtedly be added to that list. —SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Leon Leiden & DannyLux, “awitado :(” (Warner Music México)
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Punctuated by requintos and bajoloches, Leon Leiden and DannyLux’s “awitado :(” is a touching ballad that finds the two singer-songwriters navigating heartbreak. Sonically, the track is multilayered with elements of sad sierreño — DannyLux’s signature sound — and pop and R&B, which are at the essence of Leiden. Meanwhile, its lyrics are profound and ultra emotional. Both Leiden and Danny sing evocatively about the pain that comes from seeing your significant other walk out the door. “I no longer care what my friends say/ They don’t know what I lived with you/ I prefer to be alone if you’re not here and I don’t like living without you,” Leiden and DannyLux sing. — GRISELDA FLORES
Bacilos, “Anoche” (Kooperativa/Bacilos LLC)
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With their new single “Anoche,” Bacilos adds music to the feeling of regret many have experienced after an honest confession. Thriving on its characteristic sound, reminiscent of the band’s beginnings, the Pan-American group highlights the beauty of live instruments through a rustic tropipop production, enriched with violin arrangements. “There are dangerous words that change all things/ That’s why we hide them, even though they may be beautiful” they sing in one verse. “Last night I told you that I loved you,” they confess about the words that can change their reality. “It scares me to think about it but it’s what I felt/ I will never drink tequila again in my entire life,” they conclude. In the music video you can see the band and its musicians in the studio having a good time recording “Anoche,” which could easily become the soundtrack to many listener regrets. — LUISA CALLE
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Warner Chappell Music has promoted Lázaro Hernández to senior vice president, A&R, U.S. Latin & Latin America. The Miami-based executive — who most recently helped sign Maria Becerra, Chencho Corleone and Gabito Ballesteros — will lead the U.S. Latin A&R team while expanding his responsibilities to shape the company’s overall A&R strategy in Latin America. He […]
Mesita, Nicki Nicole, Emilia and Tiago PZK‘s “Una Foto” holds at No. 1 on the Billboard Argentina Hot 100 chart (dated Jan. 27) for a second week.
The song earned Uruguayan Santiago Messano, better known as Mesita, his first champ on the overall Argentina songs chart, when it flew from No. 30 to No. 1 (list dated Jan. 20). While Nicki Nicole added her fourth leader and Emilia her third, Tiago PZK secured his sixth, entering into a tie with Maria Becerra for the second-most, both with six No. 1s, trailing only Bizarrap’s long-standing crown with nine rulers.
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Argentinian rapper Khea earns his first top 10 in 2024, and sixth overall, as “Hola Perdida,” with Luck Ra, rises 8-2. Luck Ra captures his fourth top 10.
Young Miko nabs her highest-charting song with her first Bizarrap collab, “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 58”. The song, which gives the Puerto Rican her second top 10, picks up the Greatest Gainer honors of the week, as it climbs 55 rankings, from No. 58 to No. 3. Bizarrap ups his top 10 career count to 20. Young Miko is also set to receive the Impact Award at the 2024 Billboard Women in Music Awards, taking place March 6 and streaming on March 7.
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Elsewhere, Emilia notches her 29th entry on the Billboard Argentina Hot 100 as “Jet_Set.Mp3,” her team-up with Nathy Peluso, debuts at No. 30. The song, the Hot Shot Debut of the week, gifts Peluso her highest debut thus far, after “Argentina,” with Trueno, debuted and peaked at No. 48 in May 2022.
Further, two other songs debut this week, starting with “Tal Para Cual” by Salastkbron and Omar Varela, which starts at No. 55. The track brings back Varela to the tally, after “P Rreo,” with Kaleb Di Masi, Salas, and Alejo Isakk, took him to a No. 99 high in April 2022. Lastly, Ariana Grande secures her 11th chart entry with “Yes, And?” at No. 61.
Warner Music Group has launched the Warner Music Space, a new hub headquartered in Rio de Janeiro that will house Warner Music Brazil, Warner Chappell Music Brazil and ADA Brazil operations. Explore Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news The newly-inaugurated collaborative space, located in Barra da Tijuca in […]
Bad Bunny’s Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana spins off a third No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay chart as “Mónaco” rises 3-1 on the Jan. 27-dated ranking. The new champ follows two other chart-toppers from the album: “Where She Goes” and “Un Preview,” both one-week rulers in 2023.
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“Mónaco” leads the overall Latin radio chart with a 7% gain in audience impressions, to 8.75 million, earned in the tracking week ending Jan. 18, according to Luminate. The track leads in its 12th week, after five weeks in the top 10, and unseats Feid and Rema’s “Bubalu” from the summit after the latter’s two-week reign.
With “Mónaco,” Bad Bunny scores his 24th No. 1 on Latin Airplay among 47 chart appearances. Aside from Nadie Sabie’s three No. 1s, the set has also tallied one more entry on Latin Airplay: “Perro Negro,” with Feid, which debuted and peaked at No. 46 in December. As Bad Bunny ups his career No. 1 count, he ties with Maluma for the fifth-most champs since the chart launched in 1994. Here’s the winner recap, with J Balvin still at the lead with 36 No. 1 hits:
36, J Balvin33, Ozuna32, Enrique Iglesias28, Daddy Yankee24, Bad Bunny24, Maluma22, Wisin
Beyond its Latin Airplay coronation, “Mónaco” concurrently lands at No. 1 on Latin Rhythm Airplay, advancing from No. 2, for Bad Bunny’s 23rd champ there.
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Venesti, Nacho & Maffio’s “No Es Normal” Rules Latin Pop Airplay: Over on Latin Pop Airplay, Venesti, Nacho and Maffio’s first team-up, “No Es Normal,” holds strong for a third week with a robust 21% increase in audience impressions, to 4.1 million during the same period.
The collab earned each of the artists their first No. 1 when it lifted 2-1 on the Jan. 13-dated list. Nacho came up short a few years back, when “Báilame” achieved a No. 2 peak in Nov. 2017. Over a year later, “Déjalo,” with Manuel Turizo, took him to a No. 7 high in April 2019.
While Nacho and Maffio have secured previous entries on the chart, the song earned newcomer Venesti his first chart visit. The Colombian, however, scored his first No. 1 on any Billboard chart with “Umaye,” which spent one week atop Latin Rhythm Airplay last October.
Over on the overall Latin Airplay list, “No Es Normal” pushes from No. 35 to No, 24, Maffio’s highest ranking there.
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RBD and Guillermo Rosas, the group’s business partner who helped reunite the band after 15 years, have officially parted ways, Billboard can confirm. The news of the split comes just a month after the Mexican pop group — composed of Anahí, Dulce María, Maite Perroni, Christopher von Uckermann and Christian Chávez — wrapped their massive […]
Nuria Andreu has joined GTS and is appointed manager of Spanish singer-songwriter Aitana, Billboard can report. In her new role, as part of the GTS (Global Talent Services) team in Spain, she will be exclusively dedicated to the growth and further development of Aitana’s career, which was previously managed by Olga Palma at GTS.
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Based in Madrid, Andreu will report directly to Narcís Rebollo, president, Universal Music Iberian Peninsula.
After beginning her career in the pharmaceutical sector with experience in other fields, such as communications and strategy, Andreu founded her own marketing and production agency in 2018. In 2020, she joined Sony Music Spain as head of communications and PR and, in 2023, was appointed communication director of Rosalía’s company, Motomami S.L. Before joining Universal, she was Rosalía’s personal manager.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to join a company like GTS and the project of an artist with Aitana’s talent and strength,” Andreu said in a statement. “Wishing to contribute and continue adding success hand in hand with the magnificent team that She already has.”
Aitana, who signed with GTS in 2018, added, “looking forward and excited to start a new stage in my career and my artistic development [and] continue growing little by little and learning about music together.”
With more than 11 million monthly listeners on Spotify, the 24-year-old artist wrapped her Alpha Tour in 2023 with a sold-out show at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, which sold all tickets in a record-breaking 72 hours, becoming the first Spanish artist to do so.
“I am certain that with her experience and skills, Nuria’s incorporation to GTS will be key to Aitana’s continued success, boosting her unstoppable career development and consolidating the GTS strategy of growth and service to our artists, as a leading company in the sector,” expressed Rebollo.
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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See latest videos, charts and news
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Kali Uchis, Orquídeas (Geffen Records)
Dripping with opulent sensuality, Kali Uchis’ Orquídeas unfolds as an elegant outing that pays homage to Colombia’s national flower. Symbolizing timeless allure and mystic grace, this 14-track venture seamlessly blends soulful melodies, mirroring the delicate, exotic, and graceful nature of the orchid itself. Her fourth LP and second mostly Spanish album effortlessly traverses a spectrum of styles, from the Afrobeat rhythms of “Diosa” to the hauntingly beautiful bolero of “Te Mata,” further revealing the artist’s versatility while never losing her essence. Notably, she unveils another layer of her life’s tapestry in the music video for “Tu Corazón Es Mío” / “Diosa,” where Kali Uchis shares her first pregnancy with longtime partner and rapper Don Toliver.
On the grooving, bass-driven “Heladito,” the Colombian American star explores an untapped niche of neo soul en español that can only work with singers like her. Teaming up with Rauw Alejandro on “No Hay Ley Parte 2,” she trades the house beats of her 2022 work for a pulsating reggaetón thump. Meanwhile, “Igual Que Un Ángel” sees Uchis’ voice soaring to celestial heights, accompanied by Peso Pluma’s R&B-infused contribution. The sultry reggaetón cut “Labios Mordidos,” featuring Karol G, brings together two Colombian femmes fatales in a scintillating display of risqué flirtation. Across the album, the multi-faceted songwriter and now expectant mother delivers poignant lyrics entwined with supreme production that lingers in the soul long after the final note. All this while embracing the beauty of creation and growth, much like the orchids she pays homage to. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
DannyLux, “Un Día Entenderás” (Warner Music Latina)
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Mexican American artist DannyLux is kicking off 2024 by previewing what fans can expect in the deluxe version of his 2023 set, DLUX. “Un Día Entenderás” is an emotions-first song, which allows the 19-year-old singer-songwriter to sing about heartbreak. While DannyLux sticks to his his signature sierreño sound, powered by acoustic guitars, he’s also incorporated some brassy instruments giving his style a new twist. “I made this song to tell a story about trying so hard to save a relationship, but in the end, nothing works,” DannyLux said about the track. “It’s like one of those situations where all you want to do is make them happy, but you start to lose yourself.” — GRISELDA FLORES
GALE, “Inevitable” (Sony Music Latin)
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Puerto Rican singer-songwriter Gale pays tribute to Shakira’s 1998 rock power ballad “Inevitable,” adding fresh air to the beloved classic song from the Colombian singer’s iconic album Dónde Están los Ladrones? Gale’s version starts with a soft, eclectic acoustic guitar with her dreamy pop and ethereal vocals leading the way, and then transitions into futuristic electronic sounds. Gale first performed this version in November at the 2023 Latin Grammy Best New Artists showcase in Seville, Spain. — INGRID FAJARDO
No Te Va Gustar & Zoe Gotusso, “Me Cansé” (Elefante Blanco)
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Uruguayan group No Te Va Gustar merges with Argentine singer-songwriter Zoe Gotusso in a holistic collaboration that embraces the essence of Latin American funk and rock in their latest single, “Me Cansé.” Produced by Nico Cotton, the song captivates with a melody led by a trumpet, in addition to Gotusso’s soulful interpretation and the harmonious mix of voices. The lyrics, written by the band’s bassist, Guzmán Silveira, express in one of its verses: “I’m tired of you wanting to smoke the fresh air that the wind brings us/ I’m tired of you wanting to drink the whole river, the whole sea as if thirsty.” The song’s accompanying video offers an intimate look at the recording process in the studio, revealing the friendship between the talented artists. — LUISA CALLE
Carin León, Keith Urban & Rosario Flores, “Si Me Llevas Contigo” (Universal Music Latino)
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Carin León, Keith Urban and Rosario Flores, three of the biggest stars of Música Mexicana, country music and flamenco, respectively, join forces in this evocative bilingual song for the soundtrack of the Prime Video series Zorro, which premieres Jan. 19 in the U.S. and Latin America, and on Jan. 25 in Spain. Written and produced by Julio Reyes Copello, “Si Me Llevas Contigo” starts with León singing in Spanish over a guitar riff that projects an aura of suspense: “Fire, blood and dust between my fingers, and in my soul pieces of steel/ In the night I am, I go through storms, I go on battle, and this is my destiny.” Flores’ iconic flamenco voice is immediately heard (“I get lost in evil, I get lost in good, I get lost in your skin, at night, during the day,” she sings), followed by Urban, who begins a verse in English to which the rest quickly join in: “Don’t you know that I’m not afraid of dying.” It is an explosive mix full of mystery and sensuality. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS.
Omar Courtz, “UNA NOTi” (Mr. 305 Records)
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For his first release of 2024, Omar Courtz teamed up with hitmaker Haze for a mid-tempo reggaetón track fused with catchy synth beats titled “UNA NOTi.” Backed by lots of Puerto Rican lingo, the song narrates the story of having chemistry with someone and wanting to hang out with them at all times. “’UNA NOTi’” is inspired by the ‘jangueos’ and ‘chinchorros’ of Puerto Rico and those nights when you go out with your partner to dance and vibe all night long,” Courtz, named one of Billboard’s Latin Artists to Watch in 2024, said in a statement. “Showing the intimacy you can have with someone who makes you feel like you’re high just by their very presence.” — JESSICA ROIZ
Check out Billboard‘s New Music Latin weekly playlist below:
