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Musicians launching a career in acting isn’t anything new.
In fact, it’s more common than ever, and Latin artists are no exception as they make their way to the big screen or score a role in a popular television series. Over the past four years, a handful of Latin artists — from Karol G to Bad Bunny, Maluma and Residente — have made their acting debuts.
In January, Karol G showed her acting chops for the first time on Netflix’s Griselda opposite Sofia Vergara, and Bad Bunny booked back-to-back film projects — Bullet Train and Cassandro — after making his acting debut on Netflix’s Narcos: México in 2021.
Meanwhile, Puerto Rican hitmaker Residente made his acting debut in the indie film In the Summers, which premiered earlier this year at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. The project, directed by Alessandra Lacorazza, won the U.S. Dramatic Grand Jury Prize.
As for Maluma, he starred alongside Jennifer Lopez and Owen Wilson in Marry Me, which was released in 2022. “As a Latino from Colombia, Medellin, who was going to think that my first movie was going to be a Hollywood movie with Owen Wilson and Jennifer Lopez? We’re making history right now as a Latin community, and I feel very proud of being part of this big, big movement that we’re having right now,” he previously told Billboard.
A few other Latin acts, like Becky G, Leslie Grace and Lucero, who had already been part of a series or film before 2020, returned with new projects. Becky, who made her acting debut in 2017 as the Yellow Ranger in Power Rangers, had a few projects under her belt, including Good Mourning in 2022 and Blue Beetle in 2023.
Below, here are a handful of Latin artists who’ve scored major onscreen roles since 2020 (in alphabetical order):
Anitta
Image Credit: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
Yandel and Myke Towers celebrate a new No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay chart as “Borracho y Loco” crowns the list dated Feb. 17. It’s the first collaboration by two Latin rhythm acts to top the chart in 2024.
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It advances from the runner-up slot with 10.3 million audience impressions earned in the U.S. in the week ending Feb. 8 (up 18%), according to Luminate. It sends last week’s No. 1, Xavi’s “La Diabla” down to No. 7 after one week in charge. The latter declined 26% to 7.1 million in audience.
“The truth is that it makes me very happy that with so many years making music my songs still reach the first places and top lists in the United States and other parts of the world,” Yandel told Billboard.
As “Borracho y Loco” lands at the summit, it becomes the pair’s second No. 1 team-up. The Puerto Ricans last ruled the overall Latin Airplay ranking through a Nio Garcia, Casper Mágico, Ozuna, Wisin and Flow La Movie collab, when “Travesuras” topped the tally for one-week in 2021.
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Thanks to “Borracho y Loco” Yandel scores his 16th champ on Latin Airplay. Further, he ties with Nicky Jam for the seventh-most No. 1s among male urban artists since the tally launched in 1994. Here’s a review of the winners:
36, J Balvin33, Ozuna28, Daddy Yankee24, Bad Bunny24, Maluma22, Wisin16, Nicky Jam16, Yandel
“I am beyond grateful for my fans, my producers and the artists I have had the joy of collaborating with,” Yandel adds. “Now another No. 1 arrives through ‘Borracho y Loco.’ Myke Towers, thanks brother! Here we go, another No. 1 for the books!”
For Towers, the rapper and singer-songwriter lands his 10th No. 1 with his 31st chart appearance. He last topped the chart with the viral TikTok hit “Lala,” which spent two weeks at No. 1 in September 2023.
“Borracho y Loco” takes over Latin Airplay in its 18th week, marking the second-longest climb to the top for both artists. Previously, Yandel placed three songs at the summit each one in its 20th week, including two featured roles: through Maluma’s “El Perdedor,” and in IAmChino’s “Ay Dios Miío,” which also featured Pitbull and Chacal, and with “Nunca Me Olvides,” all in 2016.
Tower’s, meanwhile, secured two songs at No. 1 in 22 weeks each: “Bandido” with Juhn, and “Bésame,” with Luis Fonsi, in June and Nov. 2021, respectively.
For all chart news, you can follow @billboard and @billboardcharts on Billboard’s social accounts, and all charts (dated Feb. 17) will refresh on Billboard.com tomorrow (Feb. 13).
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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Maluma, Octavio Cuadras & Marca Registrada, “BLING BLING” (Sony Music Latin)
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Colombian hitmaker Maluma is back with another regional Mexican banger. It’s a formula that’s worked for the reggaetón artist who has enjoyed success collaborating with the likes of Grupo Firme (“Cada Quien”) and Carin Leon (“Según Quién”). The former landed at No. 1 on both the Billboard Latin Airplay and Regional Mexican Airplay charts, with Maluma becoming the first urban artist to lead both rankings simultaneously since their inception in 1994. Now, he’s teamed up with Grupo Marca Registrada and Octavio Cuadras for the bright “BLING BLING,” which has a big-band vibe but falls under the new subgenre corridos felices — pioneered by Cuadras. Powered by a joyous trombone beat, the artists sing about a care-free lifestyle. “Bling Bling” is the first track off DON JUAN Season 2, a new season of releases by Maluma, according to a press release. — GRISELDA FLORES
Camilo, Un (Sony Music Latin)
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Colombian singer-songwriter Camilo gifts his Tribu (as he calls his fans) three new romantic songs. The EP, Un, highlights the elegance of live instruments such as a saxophone, trumpets, trombones, conga and güira with charming musical arrangements. All three tracks are appropriate for different relationship statuses — among them “Gordo,” a salsa song about seeing an old love with their new partner and “No Se Vale” a bachata for “dancing tightly” (as the singer-songwriter expressed on his social media). He also joins his wife Evaluna in “PLIS” to celebrate their love to the rhythm of salsa, the couple’s first collaboration since 2022 “Índigo.”
Un was recorded live with audio and video together, according to a post Camilo shared on social media: “17 musicians got together to play at El Taller Creativo. When we counted ‘one, two, three, four’ we all did one thing. That ‘un’ (‘one’) that broke the silence aligned all the hearts that were there, recording music and video simultaneously, in the same take.” — LUISA CALLE
Angélica Garcia, “Juanita” (Partisan Records)
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Pop auteur Angélica Garcia offers a flavorful taste of her upcoming first album, mostly in Spanish, with “Juanita,” a cumbia-inspired avant-pop song about a limitless woman. “Juanita, Juanita, Juani/ Why are you calling me?/ What is the force that motivates? / You made me wake up/ Your voice, the sound of stars/ Not even the gods can draw you,” the L.A.-born artist sings with an enveloping mystique over an evocative bass line.
According to a press release, the track’s roots date back to 2020, as Garcia was sitting before an altar that she constructed in her bedroom, looking into the past to inform the present with familial knowledge. “Many cumbias have lyrics about pain and longing … My intention was for the tension and confusion in the song to feel like remembering a past life. I wanted to capture what the shadow side of grief does to us,” she explains. The music video for the song, shot in black and white and directed by Puerto Rican award-winning documentary filmmaker Sonia Malfa, is as mysterious as it is captivating. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Los Ángeles Azules, Alejandro Fernández, “La Cumbia Triste” (Seitrack/UMG Recordings)
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In a first collaborative effort, Los Ángeles Azules and Alejandro Fernández unleash “La Cumbia Triste.” Penned by Aureo Baqueiro and Leonel García, the track finds the Mexican ranchera superstar using his powerful vocals to dedicate a few words to the hopeless romantic. “For those who do not sleep/ Because their soul hurts/ For those who do not dream/ Since that past love that stole their peace […] This is the sad cumbia/ The one that hugs you/ The one who understands what’s happening/ This sad cumbia is for you,” he sings. Though the lyrics are melancholic, the rhythm is opposite of a “sad cumbia;” in fact, the Rodolfo Lugo and Jorge Mejía Avante-produced track is a captivating cumbia that can get anyone on their feet –whether they can relate to the lyrics or not. — JESSICA ROIZ
Caloncho, “Ánimo” (Universal Music México)
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Caloncho’s music perfectly blends his lyrics and melodies, which always bring a sense of peace. This time, the Sonora-born singer-songwriter presents “Ánimo,” which translates to “cheer up” — a reminder to keep moving forward. The new song begins with a delightful drum rhythm that, along with the bass and electronic elements, supports a refreshing, spontaneous and sophisticated sound with a wave of smooth chords and a reflection between its verses. “I keep learning from my mistakes/ It hasn’t been easy/ Not everything is flowers/ If colors are missing on the road/ I’m sure better times will come,” he sings in the chorus. — INGRID FAJARDO
Mexican Institute of Sound, Algo-Ritmo: Mexican Institute of Sound Hits 2004-2024 (Soy Sauce)
Mexican Institute of Sound, the brainchild of Camilo Lara, commemorates two decades of exploratory Latin productions with Algo-Ritmo: Mexican Institute of Sound Hits 2004-2024, a compilation that encapsulates Lara’s illustrious career. This collection features 24 songs, including fresh collaborations with Ceci Bastida (the psychedelic cumbión of “Stop!”), Esteman and Foudeqush (the haunting ballad of “Bolero”), with a retrospective and vibrant narrative woven from the threads of Mexican cultural heritage, electronic beats and global rhythms.
M.I.S., a maestro of musical fusion, has consistently blurred the lines between genres, melding funk, cumbia and electronic music. From his early experiments with Méjico Máxico to the collaborative richness of Distrito Federal, his work stands as a testament to his pioneering spirit and his commitment to social justice, through the universal language of music. Algo + Ritmo 2004-2024 is an invitation to celebrate the past, present and future of a project that continues to define and transcend the boundaries of the varied Mexican sound. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Stream Billboard‘s New Music Latin weekly playlist below:
Xavi’s sophomore hit “La Diabla” races to 17-1 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay chart (dated Feb. 10), giving the Mexican-American singer-songwriter his first champ on a radio ranking.
The romantic corrido, released via Interscope, tops the overall Latin Airplay list with 9.6 million audience impressions, up 89%, earned in the U.S. in the week ending Feb. 1, according to Luminate.
Notably, it’s the first No. 1 by a regional Mexican artist on Interscope. The label was last on top with another song in the genre, Karol G’s “Mi Ex Tenia Razon” for two nonconsecutive weeks last October and November.
“’La Diabla’ has topped so many charts that it’s been hard to keep up, but this one is particularly special,” Manny Prado, VP of Marketing and A&R, Interscope Geffen A&M tells Billboard. “The fact that radio has embraced Xavi’s innovative sound is a significant statement and validates that he is successfully pushing the boundaries of Mexican music.”
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Xavi’s radio success follows the song’s domination on both Hot Latin Songs and Latin Streaming Songs. On the multi-metric tally, “La Diabla” spends a fifth nonconsecutive week at the summit, powered largely by 15.4 million streams during the same period. That’s enough to hold its No. 1 spot for a fourth week on Latin Streaming Songs and its No. 9 ranking on the overall Streaming Songs for a second week.
Back on Latin Airplay, “La Diabla” ejects another regional Mexican track from the lead: Fuerza Regida and Marshmello’s “Harley Quinn” falls to No. 3 after one week in charge with 8.2 million, down 9%.
Beyond its Latin Airplay domination, “La Diabla” surges 8-1 on Regional Mexican Airplay for its first week atop the 40-deep song tally; also, a first champ there for the Phoenix-born artist. Sales too, contribute to the song’s rise across Billboard charts: “La Diabla” sold 1,000 downloads for a No. 2 on Latin Digital Sales for a third week (topped the list for one week on the Jan. 20-dated survey).
Elsewhere, “La Diabla” remains steady at No. 4 on the Billboard Global 200 chart for a fourth week after its No. 3 peak in January. Plus, it remains at No. 3 for a third week on Global Excl. U.S. following its No. 2 high also in January.
Thanks to its gain in all metrics (streaming, sales, and radio), Xavi holds strong at its at No. 33 peak on the Billboard Artist 100 for a second week, which measures artist activity across key metrics of music consumption- album and track sales, radio airplay and streaming – to provide a weekly multi-dimensional ranking of artist popularity.
Ricky Martin enters his high society era in new trailer for the upcoming Apple TV+ series, Palm Royale. The Puerto Rican star is set to play Robert in the comedy series that stars Kristen Wiig, Alison Janney, Laura Dern, Kaia Gerber, Bruce Dern and Carol Burnett, who will be making “extra special guest” appearances. Explore […]
From career milestones to new music releases to major announcements and those little important moments, Billboard editors highlight uplifting moments in Latin music. Here’s what happened in the Latin music world this week.
Gente de Zona as Kings of Carnaval Miami
Kiwanis Club of Little Havana unveiled the official event schedule for Carnaval Miami 2024. Joined by Kiwanis board members and sponsors, the organization’s president Pablo Lau announced during a press conference on Wednesday (Jan. 31) that this year’s Kings of Carnaval Miami is Latin Grammy-winning duo, Gente de Zona. The longtime event consists of live music, paintings, crafts, photography and jewelry for a cultural experience. Carnaval Miami 2024 officially kicks off on Feb, 10 and will wrap a month later with the Calle Ocho Music Festival, which will include a special performance by Gente de Zona.
For the entire Carnaval Miami 2024 schedule, visit www.carnavalmiami.com.
In the Summers gets special award at Sundance
The film In the Summers, directed by Alessandra Lacorazza Samudio, with artists Residente (who made his actoral debut) and Leslie Grace as part of the cast, won a special award at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. The movie, which follows two sisters who navigate their “loving but volatile father” during summer visits in New Mexico, according to an official film description, was awarded the U.S. Dramatic Grand Jury Prize. Exile Content Studio is behind the award-winning film.
Los Bukis are headed for Vegas
Los Bukis announced a headlining residency in Las Vegas, set to kick off Friday, May 3, at the Dolby Live at Park MGM. According to a press release, the 15-date stint will make history as the first-ever full Spanish-language residency on the Las Vegas Strip. Presented in partnership with Live Nation and MGM Resorts International, Los Bukis: The Las Vegas Residency will offer fans a more intimate concert experience in the 5,200-seat entertainment venue.
Black History Month
In honor of Black History Month, Billboard‘s Latin editors are highlighting nine Afro-Colombian artists, both veterans and newcomers you might not know, but should, including Lido Pimienta, Mauro Castillo, and more. Check out the list here.
Latin love songs to get you in the Valentine’s Day spirit
We’ve officially entered the most romantic month of the year, and in honor of the season, Billboard has put together a list of the best Latin love songs, according to editors. Ranging from ballads (“Bésame Mucho”) to regional Mexican songs (“Te Presumo”) and romantic vallenato (“Volví a Nacer”), the list of swoon-worthy tracks features classics (old and new) that have soundtracked multigenerational Latin households for decades.
The list also includes tracks such as Intocable‘s “Sueña,” the norteño song that spent 13 weeks atop Billboard‘s Regional Mexican Airplay chart; as well as Maná’s achingly beautiful “Eres Mi Religión; Karol G‘s emotional “Ocean” and Juanes‘ rock ballad “Es Por Ti,” which earned the Colombian singer-songwriter record of the year and song of the year at the 2003 Latin Grammys.
Here, see the 30 romantic songs that made our list, which you should consider adding to your Valentine’s Day-themed playlist.
Who will win in the Latin categories at the 2024 Grammy Awards? Every year, Billboard’s Latin and Español teams gather to predict who we think will win in the Latin categories at the ceremony. Our predictions are based not only on our appreciation of the music, but also on our knowledge of the market and the understanding of the voting history of Academy members. Our predictions are not endorsements, but rather educated guesses.
Leading up to Sunday’s 66th annual Grammy Awards, we’ve gathered our Latin and Billboard Español editorial team and embarked on a lively discussion, with educated guesses based on the marketplace and past voting behavior (not endorsements). Our participants are Leila Cobo, Billboard’s Chief Content Officer, Latin/Español; Jessica Roiz, Billboard‘s assistant editor, Latin; Griselda Flores, Billboard‘s senior editor, Latin; Sigal Ratner-Arias, Billboard Español’s deputy editor; and Isabela Raygoza, Billboard Español’s associate editor.
The Grammy Awards will be held on Sunday, Feb. 4 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles beginning at 8 p.m. ET on CBS, and will stream live and on-demand on Paramount+. The ceremony will be hosted by Trevor Noah for the fourth consecutive year.
Below, our predictions of who should or who will win the Latin categories at the Grammys. Most of these categories are awarded during the Pre-telecast ceremony where more than 80 of the 94 Grammy categories are announced. The Premiere Ceremony, which will begin at 3:30pm ET can be streamed on the Recording Academy’s YouTube channel and on live.GRAMMY.com.
Best Latin Pop Album
La Cuarta Hoja, Pablo AlboránBeautiful Humans, Vol. 1, AleMorA Ciegas, Paula ArenasLa Neta, Pedro CapóDon Juan, MalumaX Mí (Vol. 1), Gaby Moreno
SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS: I really like all the albums on this list, and I am having trouble predicting who will win. But I’m bidding on Maluma for Don Juan, an ambitious and eclectic 25-track set spanning different genres, with hot collaborations like “Según Quién” with Carin León, “Luna Llena” with Ryan Castro and “Ojitos Chiquiticos” with Don Omar. It is Maluma’s third Grammy nomination, and the third time may be the charm. By the way, neither of the Latin Grammy winners of the two pop album categories were nominated here (Julieta Venegas for Tu Historia, and Andrés Cepeda for Décimo Cuarto.)
GRISELDA FLORES: The album I think should win is Paula Arenas’ A Ciegas. It’s truly a touching and beautifully-produced set. So is Pablo Alborán’s La Cuarta Hoja. I think those two are the strongest contenders in this category. On the other hand, Maluma is a household name so voters may choose him. Although it may not seem fair given that Maluma’s set should perhaps have been nominated in the urban category, not pop because while it’s an eclectic set, it still leans more urban.
LEILA COBO: It’s hard to imagine that Maluma won’t win here for his Don Juan, especially in the wake of the recent success of his single “Según Quién” alongside Carin León. It’s not just the name recognition, which carries major weight for a Latin act in the Grammys, but also the fact that Don Juan features run of the mill perreo and reggaetón, but also, some solid, thoughtful hits. While the other nominees here are worthy, and four of them — Paula Arenas, Gaby Moreno, Pablo Alborán and Maluma himself — have been previously nominated for this award, the nod will likely go, finally, to the superstar of the group.
JESSICA ROIZ: Every singer-songwriter in this category is so deserving of the Grammy; however, I would like to see Pedro Capó win it this year. La Neta symbolizes a life-changing moment for Capó, one that he captures in this ultra-personal set, where he navigates emotions of honesty and vulnerability, and belts lyrics about love, happiness, loneliness, life and death. Recorded and produced entirely by him at his house during the pandemic, the Puerto Rican artist notes that the “silence was necessary for me to come back to my roots […] Very personal. It’s a pandemic album, a picture of everything that happened to me in my life,” he previously told Billboard.
ISABELA RAYGOZA: I appreciate the mix of straight Latin pop with more folky sounds in this category, and I would love to see Gaby Moreno take this one. There’s a whimsical quality that harkens back to the Great Latin American songbook on Moreno’s X Mí (Vol. 1), that channels the spirit of Victor Jara, or even Woody Guthrie if we’re thinking bilingual in general. There’s so much poetic depth in songs like “Fronteras” and “Luna de Xelajú” with Oscar Isaac, that also has a haunting quality to it. And that vibrato!
Best Música Urbana Album
Saturno, Rauw AlejandroMañana Será Bonito, Karol GData, Tainy
S.R.A.: Karol should take this Grammy home with Mañana Será Bonito. It already won the Latin Grammy for best música urbana album and was crowned, more importantly, as album of the year. With a contemporary, eclectic sound and empowering, honest songs like “Provenza,” “Mientras Me Curo del Cora” and “TQG” with Shakira, it should win, and I really hope it does.
G.F.: Karol G’s Mañana Será Bonito should and will win. This is probably the only Latin category with an obvious winner. It’s a history-making set that was not only commercially and critically successful, having already won album of the year at the Latin Grammys, it was a groundbreaking album for Karol and Latin music in general becoming the first-ever Spanish-language album by a woman to top the Billboard 200. I have no doubt Karol will take this award home.
L.C.: Karol G already won this very category at the Latin Grammys, in addition to album of the year. That pedigree, alongside Mañana being hands down one of the best albums of the year, should clinch Karol G’s win, even in the face of daunting competition from Rauw Alejandro and hitmaker producer Tainy. Among the three contenders, only Karol G delivered not one, but a handful of global hits, including “TQG,” her top 10 Hot 100 smash alongside Shakira. The fact that Karol G is a woman and would be the first woman to snag this win, is a bonus, but should not for one second take away from the fact that this set is a tour de force.
I.R.: Uff, I have to say that these three albums are all fire, and it’s definitely a hard one to choose, because the three albums transcend the “música urbana” category. I think the easy choice is to give it to Karol G, because this album saw her rise to superstardom, while becoming a stadium performer. However, my personal favorite, admittingly, must be Tainy’s Data. Tainy not only lived up to the anticipation of his debut but surpassed it, transforming his abstract musical configurations into a dazzling journey with plenty of ethereal moments in technicolor well beyond the música urbana soundscape. Shout out to Saturno too for the freestyle reemergence, which was brilliant too. This was a bold move after coming off the success of the more mainstream sound of Vice Versa and the trap thump of his Eps.
J.R.: I must admit that Tainy’s debut studio album is a masterpiece that laces his unmatched skills, good music taste, and A-list artist friends such as Bad Bunny, Daddy Yankee, Wisin & Yandel, Julieta Venegas, and more. And though his creativity shines in various reggaetón bangers fused with synth-based dance and pop beats, I believe that Karol G’s Mañana Será Bonito should and will win the award. After all, not only did La Bichota make Billboard history reaching No. 1 on the Billboard 200 but the set nabbed the coveted album of the year at the 2023 Latin Grammys. It only makes sense.
Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album
MARTÍNEZ, CabraLeche De Tigre, Diamante EléctricoVida Cotidiana, JuanesDe Todas Las Flores, Natalia LafourcadeEADDA9223, Fito Paez
S.R.A.: Vida Cotidiana. Grammy darling Juanes may add one more gramophone to his long list with this raw, emotional album, in which he reflects on his relationship with his wife and children and the problems that affect his native Colombia. With 11 songs including “Gris,” “Amores Prohibidos,” “Ojalá” and “Veneno,” and a return to his rock roots, it already won the Latin Grammy last November for best pop/rock album.
G.F.: This is a tough one because all albums are worthy of taking this award home. But to me there is one that stands out: De Todas Las Flores. Natalia Lafourcade is an artist who’s won multiple Latin Grammys through the years and, in November, won best singer/songwriter album for De Todas Las Flores. Deservingly so. The album — produced by Adan Jodorowsky — is a gorgeous project that cements Lafourcade as one of the best musicians and songwriters of this generation. She deserves all the flowers.
L.C.: Perhaps the most competitive category in the Latin field — one where every album was meticulously thought out as a cohesive body of work — but my bets are on Juanes and his much-acclaimed Vida Cotidiana, despite formidable opposition from Latin Grammy darling Natalia Lafourcade and icon Fito Páez. But Juanes has the historic pedigree of Grammy approved fare, not to mention he’s the one artist here who has actually performed at one of the ceremonies. Last but not least, Vida includes gems.
I.R.: Another category with more than one great albums, from Fito Paez reimagining this timeless songs from El Amor Después del Amor in EADDA9223, to Juanes’ rollicking but vulnerable Vida Cotidiana, and Natalia Laforcade’s De Todas Las Flores which she recorded live on analog tape — I also saw her perform this album live on its debut in Carnegie Hall and I was blown away. Although there are several Grammy darlings here, I’ll predict this one will go to Lafourcade for the reasons aforementioned. The classical strings, the jazzy playfulness, and her introspective songwriting make this one a winner.
J.R.: I think Juanes’ Vida Cotidiana should win — another ultra-personal album created during the pandemic. The set not only marks the Colombian artist’s return to his rock roots meshed with funk, son, and cumbia, but it’s also an homage to his everyday life, including the challenges and differences his family faced after spending 24 hours a day together in quarantine. I do believe, however, that Recording Academy sweetheart Natalia Lafourcade will win the Grammy with De Todas las Flores, a beautifully-crafted set with lyrics that delve deep into personal growth and self-love.
Best Regional Mexican Music Album (Including Tejano)
Bordado A Mano, Ana BárbaraLa Sánchez, Lila DownsMotherflower, Flor De ToloacheAmor Como En Las Películas De Antes, Lupita InfanteGÉNESIS, Peso Pluma
S.R.A.: Génesis. Peso Pluma didn’t get to see his breakthrough album nominated to the 2023 Latin Grammys, but it sure deserves the love of the Academy and his peers. A chart-topper on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums and Regional Mexican Albums, the 17-track set took the music world by storm, with hits like “Rosa Pastel” with Jasiel Nuñez, and “Lady Gaga” with Gabito Ballesteros and Junior H. It also made history on the Billboard 200 chart, where it became the highest ranked debut for a regional Mexican album at No. 3.
G.F.: As a woman, I would love to see a woman take home this category. Honoring genre veteran Ana Bárbara with this award for such a solid album would be beautiful to see. But in all fairness, this award should go to Peso Pluma. The Mexican corridos singer revolutionized the genre with Génesis, giving the decades-old genre a massive boost around the world. His global movement should be recognized.
L.C.: How very unlikely to find four women competing in any single category, much less this one. Although the gut reaction is to go for Peso Pluma — not just for his album but also for his global renown and chart prowess — this one may go to Ana Bárbara, in a nod to her 30 years of music and her exquisitely crafted Bordado a Mano (no pun intended), which includes Vicente Fernández’s last duet, a high bar. Ana Bárbara is also boosted by her recent BMI Icon award and the fact that she’s being honored at the upcoming Premio Lo Nuestro.
I.R.: I admit, Lila Down’s potent voice usually finds its way to the depth of my soul. I’ve been a fan of hers since my undergrad days. But Flor de Toloache’s Motherflower is truly riveting. It brims with passion and it fuses sounds from the frontier, a mariachi, bolero outing with cutting-edge production, and Mireya’s gut-wrenching rasp is chilling. I think they will win. But the album, admitingly, that received the most plays for me was Peso Pluma’s Genesis, while mega boosting corridos bélicos scene to the mainstream, and for that we applaud.
J.R.: My best bet is that one of the ladies will win the grammy for best música Mexicana (including Tejano) album — perhaps Ana Bárbara’s Bordado a Mano, which is the only set in this group that was nominated at the 2023 Latin Grammys for best ranchero/mariachi album. On the other hand, I also think Peso Pluma could potentially win his first career Grammy with Génesis. The historic set became only the fourth regional Mexican effort to hit No. 1 on the Billboard Top Latin Albums this decade, following Alejandro Fernández’s Hecho en México (Feb. 29, 2020) and two Eslabon Armado albums: Vibras de Noche (Aug. 2020) and Desvelado (May 2023), and reached No. 3 on the all-genre Billboard 200 chart.
Best Tropical Latin Album
Voy A Ti, Luis FigueroaNiche Sinfónico, Grupo Niche y Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional de ColombiaVIDA, Omara PortuondoMIMY & TONY, Tony Succar, Mimy SuccarEscalona Nunca Se Había Grabado Así, Carlos Vives
S.R.A.: It is a tough category since it combines multiple tropical music styles all in one. Three of these nominees already received Latin Grammys in November: Grupo Niche for best salsa album, Carlos Vives for best cumbia/vallenato album, and Omara Portuondo for best traditional tropical album. Ruben Blades wasn’t nominated to the Latin Grammys neither this or last year, but he took the best pop latin album Grammy in 2023 for Pasieros with Boca Livre. So, anything could happen here.
G.F.: I loved Carlos Vives’ album, and I think it will win. His passion for vallenato beautifully translates in Escalona. After winning best cumbia/vallenato album at the Latin Grammys in November, I think it has a pretty good chance at winning this category.
L.C.: This competition among icons pits Ruben Blades, Carlos Vives, Grupo Niche and Omara Portuondo against each other, plus newcomer Luis Figueroa and Tony Succar in his poignant collab with his own mother. But Vives’ highly personal look at tradition and history is in a league of its own, a masterful fusion of cultural understanding and commercial execution that is hard to match.
I.R.: My prediction here goes to Carlos Vives’ Escalona Nunca Se Había Grabado Así, a heartfelt homage to the legendary Colombian composer, Rafael Escalona. The vallenato revivalist simply breathes new life into Escalona’s classics, and they sound as fresh as ever, preserving the beauty of Vives’ musical heritage and reinventing it for a new era.
J.R.: I believe Carlos Vives’ Escalona Nunca Se Había Grabado Así will win best Tropical album, but personally, I would like to see Niche Sinfónico by Grupo Niche and the Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional de Colombia take the Grammy. The latter tributes some of the biggest compositions by the late Jairo Varela (Niche’s founder and director) and delivers elegant versions of timeless salsa tunes like “Mi Pueblo Natal” and “Cali Pachanguero.” Both Colombian acts already nabbed a Latin Grammy for their respective albums, which makes me believe this Grammy will stay in Colombia.
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
Listen to the New Music Latin playlist below: