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Billboard Latin Music Week 2024 celebrated its 35-year anniversary and paid tribute to this year’s Power Players List on Monday, October 14. The intimate event, which took place at Casadonna Miami, was dedicated to the annual list of honorees across various sectors of Latin music with networking, speeches, awards, alongside custom cocktails like the Johnnie […]
Billboard Latin Music Week reached a milestone with its 35-year benchmark and the stars took to a culminating concert on Friday, October 18, to usher out the week on high note. Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news At The Fillmore in South Beach, attendees took to the finale […]
This article was created in partnership with Sorin Medical
The loss of several Hip-Hop legends over the past few years has ushered in a somber spirit to the culture. As Hip-Hop turned 50, and with a constant stream of premature health tragedies, a chance encounter on Wall Street between a cardiologist, a health advocate, and a music artist led to The CHECK IN being born.
To help mitigate this ongoing health crisis in the culture, Dr. Joseph A. Puma of Sorin Medical, Health Advocate and Media Personality Kenya Gipson (Coach Kenya), and rapper, Maino decided to tackle some of the disparities in care affecting communities of color “head on” by creating a platform that’s both entertaining and informative. It’s designed to empower individuals everywhere to take the fate of their health into their own hands through a preventative approach. Since most health situations can be treated and avoided if detected early, the program aims to ease some of the anxieties faced daily when it comes to understanding and learning about one’s health to make informed and educated decisions.
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How is The CHECK IN – Hip-Hop’s first health platform – different from other platforms in the space?
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The CHECK IN is Hip-Hop’s first health and wellness platform designed, from inception, to change and save lives. By telling real stories of hip-hop artists and others in the game, The CHECK IN educates and informs in an entertaining way. One particular episode features artist and rapper Lady Luck, who had life-threateningly low blood counts that required four blood transfusions; these low counts were caused by chronic bleeding from uterine fibroids, which affect three in five women of color by age 50. Had she waited to connect with Dr. Puma, she would have run the risk of an extremely dangerous and potentially negative outcome. Hearing first-hand accounts from artists and executives in the hip-hop world in this program will highlight symptoms and diseases viewers have possibly never heard of, so they can seek out testing and treatments that could benefit themselves. For example, many signs of coronary artery disease can be missed using traditional diagnostic and stress tests. The advanced CT scan technology is a three-minute, non-invasive test that captures images of the heart and prostate in men, and fibroids in women. With education and awareness, we can reduce the morbidity and mortality of common illnesses that afflict the community.
What will people experience from The CHECK IN?
Authenticity. Each story featured on The CHECK IN has a unique background and covers real-life health scenarios with real-time solutions. The audience will immediately be able to understand these and relate to themselves and their family in order to take a positive step towards addressing their health. The goal of each story is to create healthier, more positive outcomes in communities of color.
For example, Steven “DJ Suss One” Sussman, a beloved radio DJ in the game who can be heard spinning across the airwaves and on The Sherri Shepherd Show, lost a loved one to heart disease. Like many of us who have lost a parent, it’s critical to consider the genetic connection to diseases. That’s what led him to The CHECK IN, where he underwent Sorin’s state-of-the-art Heart Scan that provides patients with HeartFlow’s AI software imaging technology so they can see firsthand how their heart is functioning.
Another story told on The CHECK IN is of music moguls like Dame Dash, founder of The America Nu Network, and his journey with Type 1 diabetes since age 15, and also explores the story of music executive Steve Lobel, who shares his recent encounter with a debilitating and near death health scare from prostate enlargement.
The CHECK IN is Hip-Hop, stories, health, and healing all rolled into one platform. Dr. Puma, Coach Kenya, and Maino are bringing the conversation of Hip-Hop and Health to the mainstream. Hopefully, by highlighting all of the resources available to the community and having some of Hip-Hop’s biggest players share their stories, we can help catch health complications early and prevent heart disease where possible, especially those affecting communities of color. To find out more about The CHECK IN and to see their latest episode, you can click here.
Connect: @sorinmedicalny @mainohustlehard @coachkenya
Few songs withstand time, distinguished by their infectious beats, experimental sounds, poignant lyrics or enduring appeal, rendering them as classics. In partnership with Tres Generaciones Tequila, a brand that champions the journey and not just the destination, we’re on a exploration to roundup the top Get Up Anthems over this next year from these six cities: Houston, Atlanta, New York, Chicago, Miami and Los Angeles. Guided by curated panels, we delve deep into each city’s sonic history, spotlighting tracks that embody resilience, authenticity, and innovation and celebrate the power music has to inspire listeners to get up and chase their passions, in the spirit of perseverance.
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The Top 10 Get Up Anthems from Houston were crafted through a blend of editorial expertise, data-driven analytics, social impact and personal sentiment, to create a ranked list of the songs which inspired, captivated, and energized the Bayou City. In a historical dive from 1973 to present day, the city’s playlist [click HERE to play] features hometown hits that are synonymous with the city’s rich history and culture, hand selected by Houston’s very own, Bun B. and Chase B, Billboard editors, Damien Scott and Cat Johnson, and moderated by Rocsi Diaz.
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Did they get it right? Or were they off the mark?
Take a look at the Top 10 Get Up Anthems for Houston:
10. “Mind Playing Tricks on Me” – Geto Boys (1991)
Known for its haunting piano loop, gritty production, and raw, introspective lyrics, “Mind Playing Tricks on Me” epitomizes the distinct sound and storytelling prowess of the Geto Boys, off of their 1991 album, We Can’t Be Stopped. The record pushed the album to reach No. 5 on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, and spent three-weeks at No. 1 on the Hot Rap Songs chart, No. 10 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and No. 23 on the Hot 100 and went on to influence Kid Cudi’s No. 3 Hot 100 hit “Day ‘N’ Nite.” The song still pulls an average of 750,000 streams a week since last summer.
Bun B.: “This record not only set the tone for us musically, but also business wise, that you don’t have to run in New York, you don’t have to go to L.A., you don’t need nobody. You can do it right here in Houston. That set the tone for us.”
Chase B.: “I was born in 1990. The song came out in 91, and, literally I was out just running around on Saturday, just going to different brunches and whatever different, DJ sets and everything and I must’ve heard that song 6 or 7 times.”
9. “Savage (Remix)” – Megan the Stallion feat. Beyoncé (2020)
Bringing together two of Houston’s prominent female voices, the remix not only propelled Megan Thee Stallion to greater prominence but also showcased the enduring influence and talent of Houston’s homegrown artists on the global stage. The song’s infectious beats, catchy hooks, and confident delivery epitomize the trademark styles of both artists, creating a synergy that captivates listeners. To no surprise, the song gave Megan her first No. 1 hit on the Hot 100 and Beyoncé’s first in almost three years. It was the No. 1 on Streaming Songs, spent three weeks at No. 1 on the Hot Rap Songs chart, No. 1 on R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay, No. 1 on Rhythmic Airplay and No. 7 on Pop Airplay. The song still pulls an average of 1.5 – 1.75 million streams a week since last summer.
BB.: “I think it’s also a good look for Houston women in particular. Once again, Beyoncé understands the platform and understands her power and passes that on to the next generation of Houston representatives for the women.”
Cat Johnson: “So it was Megan’s first number one [on the Hot 100] and Beyoncé’s first number one in almost three years, which is a big deal. Like Megan did that for Beyoncé in a sense. The song also pulls an average of 1.5 to 1.75 million streams a week.”
Damien Scott: “t was a massive moment, and Meg was on the rise. And as Bun said, this was Beyoncé passing it forward to the next generation, handing her the baton. And, you know, not just for her being a major, black female musician, but someone from her hometown.”
Rocsi Diaz: “ I think that what Megan did for Beyoncé was bring out more fun out of Beyoncé, I think she gave her the liberty to really go down and drop, although we were already dropping down on our knees.”
8. “Get Throwed” – Bun B feat. Pimp C, Jeezy, JAY-Z and Z-Ro (2005)
Crafted with Bun B’s signature lyrical prowess and accompanied by infectious beats, the 2005 hit record, “Get Throwed” from the legend’s debut album Trill, embodies the chopped and screwed style synonymous with Houston’s rap culture. Featuring collaborations with fellow Houston legends Pimp C, Z-Ro, and Young Jeezy, the song seamlessly blends gritty realism with infectious energy, creating a sonic landscape sure for a crowd favorite. Since its release, it peaked at No. 49 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, and No. 24 on Rap Airplay.v
R.D: “ First of all, can I say that’s one of my favorite songs? And that’s not because you’re sitting here that’s just like as a song.”
C.B: “ just when you hear those guitars in the intro, that’s like one of the most important fabrics in Houston culture, just, in general, and it’s been sampled so many times just because of what it means and just the whole aura of it, the atmosphere of the sound and just how slow it comes in. And also just the title of the song, throwed is obviously a huge Houston word, you know, born and bred right here in Houston, Texas.”
7. “25 Lighters” – Fat Pat, DJ DMD & Lil Keke (2001)
The song’s laid-back vibe and infectious groove capture the essence of Houston’s street culture, while its evocative lyrics pay homage to the city’s unique slang and traditions. Released in 1998, although the song didn’t chart nationally, the track became an instant classic within the city’s rap scene, embodying the spirit of Houston’s underground culture.
B.B.: “ It’s so Houston that ZZ Top remade the record. And I don’t mean a play on the record, they literally redid the record just singing instead of rap. And I mean ZZ Top, we’re talking about Texas. We’re talking about Houston. It’s a big deal.”
C.J: “The song didn’t chart, but on a national level though, you’ve heard “25 lighters.”
Damien: “It’s one of those songs that’s just like an indelible part of the fabric of of hip hop. It’s. Everyone knows it. Everyone you know has either recited it or used it or remixed it or sampled it. It’s just one of those songs.”
R.D.: “It was a victim of the timing of when it came out that it just didn’t make it outside of the South. Per se, charting wise, but again, to piggyback on what you said, like, it’s just a classic hip-hop song.”
B.B.: “This was like us getting to hear Pat again after him passing – like new music. That was a big part of this record being as big as it was, like as far as Houston.”
6. “Wanna Be a Baller” – Lil’ Troy feat. Yungsta, Fat Pat, Lil’ Will, Hawk, and Big T (1999)
Serving as an anthem for ambition and perseverance, “Wanna Be a Baller’s” portrayal of the hustle and dreams of making it big resonates deeply with Houstonians, reflecting the city’s entrepreneurial spirit and drive for success. As the fourth track on the album, Sittin’ Fat Down South, it helped propel the album’s success, reaching No. 6 on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and No. 20 on the Billboard 200. Lil’ Troy’s melodic delivery and vivid storytelling paint a vivid picture of the city’s street life and aspirations for success, making it an instant favorite among listeners, still pulling an average of 1.25 million streams a week since last summer. The record peaked at No. 5 on Rap Airplay, No. 31 on Hot Rap Songs, No. 70 on the Hot 100 No. 22 on Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay.
B.B.: “It’s unmistakably Houston recipe’s big team. One of the best hooks ever to come out of Houston. That independent spirit, right? Lil’ Troy is one of the first people to have an independent label here. The original person to find and sign Scarface and, I mean, “Wanna Be a Baller” was a hit record as soon as anybody heard it.”
C.J.: “Crazy fact. It still pulls an average of 1.25 million streams a week.”
D.S.: “It’s one of those songs that you hear every year. At least once. If you go to, like a basketball game or, you know, a festival or you watch a movie.”
5. “Southside” – Lil’ Keke (1997)
Off of his 1997 debut album, Don’t Mess With Texas, “Southside” by Lil’ Keke stands as a timeless ode to Houston’s hip-hop culture through its authentic lyrics and enduring impact on the city’s social fabric. Both the title of the song AND album quickly suggests to listeners Houstonian pride, remaining a cherished part of the city’’s musical identity. The song reached No. 28 on the Hot Rap Songs chart and No. 55 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.
Bun B: “Keke is as Houston a person as you can get. And I’m not talking about music, lyrics or rapping. Any day you sit and talk to Keke and see his personality, his character, he’s Houston, all right.”
D.S.: “I think if this was released later in the time of streaming, it would be a way bigger hit and it would, it would dominate, it would be on every playlist. It would be way, way higher on the hip hop chart, would probably be on the pop charts. It was just a massive song. And you hear it everywhere, it’s one of those songs again that everybody, if you’re a rap fan of a certain age, you just know it. Everyone’s used to it, everyone knows where it’s from. They know Keke. This is a classic record.”
C.B.: “This is the only song from Houston that has a dance attached to it. And to that, I feel like, is an anthem.”
4. “Tops Drop” – Fat Pat (1998)
Fat Pat’s vivid storytelling creates a sonic experience that resonates with listeners, capturing the essence of cruising through Houston’s streets and slab culture. The song’s portrayal of Houston’s car culture and laid-back lifestyle resonates deeply. The record reached No. 5 on Hot Rap Songs and its parent album Ghetto Dreams reached the top 40 of Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, peaking at No. 39.
C.B.: “‘Welcome to the land where just don’t stop is:’ I feel like that just embodies where we are, where we’re from. That’s, you know, MLK on Sundays. That’s this. You really can see the sunshine and old schools and slab lines, you can envision the whole thing when it comes to that song. And, you know.”
B.B.: “The song is a testament to how much Houston loves its hip hop community, and some of us here, as we talked about earlier, will never have nationally celebrated records. But because we’re a part of certain records, that represent the culture of Houston.”
C.J.: “The song is in a major retailer commercial in 2024. And the fact that, again, people from all across America, maybe even the world are going to be re-introduced to the song via this commercial, it’s amazing – iconic.”
3. “Still Tippin’” – Mike Jones feat Slim Thug and Paul Wall (2005)
Released in 2004, the song propelled Mike Jones to national fame while showcasing Houston’s unique rap style and culture to a broader audience. This would become each artist’s first entry to the Hot 100 charts, peaking at No. 60 and No. 25 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. Built on a mesmerizing beat, catchy hooks, and Mike Jones’ distinctive flow, “Still Tippin” captures the essence of Houston’s rap scene in the early 2000s and since last August, the song still pulls in 1 – 1.25 million weekly streams on average.
D.S.: “ It’s just rare that you get to witness a watershed moment in music. Yeah. You know, it’s rare that you get to be present for it and see it. And a lot of people at the time don’t may not understand what’s happening. But I think with this, everyone who was watching and listening thought to themselves, this is the start of something new.”
Roxy: “It stayed on the countdown, that’s for sure. Just stayed on the countdown.”
2. “Mo City Don” – Z-Ro (2005)
The 6-minute freestyle, “Mo City Don” by Z-Ro holds a revered place within Houston’s hip-hop pantheon, embodying the ethos and experiences of Mo City (Missouri City), a suburb of Houston. The composition is marked by its raw authenticity and emotional depth and the song’s production features haunting melodies and a hypnotic beat that serves as the backdrop for Z-Ro’s introspective and impassioned lyrics. Although there wasn’t any noticeable charting activity for the song, the influence of this song is undeniable. As the opening track on Let The Truth Be Told, the localized success of the record contributed to the album reaching No. 5 on Top Rap Albums and No. 14 on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums.
C.B.: “First of all, as a loud and proud Missouri City for my entire life, this song is another testament of how well Houston artists flip samples as songwriters, not even necessarily the beats, but as songwriters and just take it our own thing. Growing up in a house party, that middle school, high school and everything, this was our chance to, like, kind of, like, represent where we were from, and it belonged to us.”
B.B: On a daily basis. On an hourly basis. There is no record in Houston, I think in 2024 that more people will agree represent Houston than ‘Mo City Don”
1. “June 27th” – DJ Screw (1996)
You cannot debate Texas music and fail to mention DJ Screw’s chooped and screwed technique. The 1996, 38-minute freestyle evokes a sense of nostalgia and reflection, characterized by its hypnotic tempo, slowed-down rhythms, and manipulated vocal effects. Through its unconventional structure and immersive atmosphere, “June 27th” captures the essence of DJ Screw’s artistic vision and his deep connection to the city he called home and although it never charted due to its non-commercial release, the 38-minute freestyle is a hometown beloved.
B.B: “You’d be hard pressed to find something that represents Houston culture, to a myriad of people right across the board, that this song doesn’t really speak to.”
C.B: “I just feel like if you’re going to pick a Chopped and Screw song, this is obviously the one to do it. And I feel like Chopped and Screw music definitely should be represented on the list. So I feel like June 27th, this is like its purpose right here.”
Watch the full discussion HERE and recreate the cocktails that powered the conversation at home!
Colombian legacy artist, Fonseca talks about his multi-decade career, finding his balance and joy and continuing to serve fans through his music, presented by Michelob ULTRA Fonseca: My name is Juan Fernando Fonseca. Since I was born and since I arrived to this world music and singing have always been an essential part of my […]
Presented by Michelob ULTRA At the concluding celebration of Billboard Latin Music Week 2023, the Colombian legacy act, Fonseca, commanded the stage at Oasis Wynwood (21+), delivering an electrifying set filled with chart-toppers and superior light beer, courtesy of Michelob ULTRA
Three-time winner at the Latin Billboard Music Award, Manuel Turizo joined the stage with Billboard Latin Assistant Editor, Jessica Roiz, as part of “The Rising Star Q&A” presented by Delta and LATAM Airlines at the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Week on Wednesday (Oct. 4).
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In a moderated discussion, Turizo talks about his Colombian heritage, making his permanent move to Miami to grow his career and the influences of global collaborations.
Below, see some memorable quotes from the conversation:
On collaborating with Marshmello on his now Latin Grammy-nominated summer hit, “El Merengue:”
“Days before we [Marshmello] met, I was listening to all the work he did, and it’s typically Anglo pop. But when we met, we sat down and started talking, also understanding the idea he had of coming and collaborating with me and with more Latin artists. It was to get him into Latin a little bit and understand it. We started to think, let’s really get him into something that IS Latin — to take advantage of the fact that he was with me and to show his audience something that they didn’t consume or listen to. To show them something that, ‘they don’t know how to do.’ Merengue is something totally Latin. So that’s how the idea was born and that’s how we decided to do it.
On his move to Miami from Colombia in 2019 to further pursue his music:
“When I came here, Juan Diego El Ciego, my manager, was on top of me all the time. For like a year, he’s been saying “Move to Miami,” so I said, okay I’m going to rent an apartment and come, but I’m not going to stay. I’ll stay for a week if I have to and then I’ll go back. But I don’t know, the lockdown, I got used to being here, I liked the rhythm of the work. It also got me out of my comfort zone and I feel it helped me meet new people, see another environment, and see another atmosphere. I feel that here in Miami, there are also many people making music that what I had back in Colombia. Here, you go to a studio, and you meet different producers, composers, singers, everything. So there is a lot more movement, and I like that too, so I stayed.”
On what he misses most about leaving Monterilla, Colombia:
“The food, it will never be the same. I love it here, but the food in Colombia will never be topped. I also feel that you develop your palate according to where you grow up, wherever you are from, you go where you are from and you are going to miss your seasoning.”
On the success and creative process of “La Bachata:”
“I wanted to release that song [“La Bachata”] but my team told me ‘no, that I wasn’t the right song. First, you are not a bachatero, second, you are not Dominican.’ But I was like ‘I like it, why can’t I release it?’ So now, if I am not Dominican, with a lot of respect to the Dominican culture because at the end of the day, if I am doing a bachata being Colombian, it is because of all the influence and the inspiration of the Dominican musical culture that has also reached my country [Colombia].
It’s important to follow your gut instinct. What I feel I have already achieved with my team, and with most of the people who follow me and are connected with my music, is that I am not necessarily rooted to a single musical sound, or a single musical style. On the contrary, I like to try different things all the time in my music.
On his collaboration with Grupo Frontera on “De Lunes a Lunes:”
The song is a vallenato. I wanted to do something related to Mexican culture several months ago, because after I started branching out from Colombia, Mexico was the first country that connected with me and my music, and I am very grateful. So, I wanted to do something that would blend what I do with the culture of Mexican music. Edgar Barrera introduced me to the guys of Grupo Fronter, and we started to put the song together. The truth is, I loved it, I fell in love with the song. That’s exactly why it was going to be a vallenato – the feeling that song has, I personally find it very strong, and it reminds me of that too. The vallenato of my country, the lyrics of Colombia…and with that musicality, we also combine it with the cumbia norteña that Frontera is doing right now.”
On why collaborating with other artists is so important to his creative development:
“I feel that you can learn and absorb information about how each person sees the music. There are people that when you hear them singing, you say ‘wow, that’s amazing,’ and there are others who have incredible production and musical ideas. You can absorb something from each one of them.”
Back for another year, Billboard Latin Music Week launched at the Faena Forum on South Beach with a promising lineup of exclusive panels and intimate industry hitmaker showcases. To kick things off, badge holders and industry insiders enjoyed daytime discussions before heading to the Faena Theatre across Collins Ave for a sizzling “One Night, One […]
At 16, Manuel Turizo‘s remarkable ascent to stardom began with his debut chart-topping single, “Una Lady Como Tú,” peaking at 32 on the Hot Latin Songs chart. This smash hit came to life over a weekend when Manuel and his brother, Julián, set out to “create the most romantic song ever recorded.” With only a ukulele and a voice note recording, the bedroom jam session birthed a fan favorite, not only in his native Colombia but also on the global stage.
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Since his debut, the rising act frequently traveled from Colombia to Florida to collaborate with artists and expand his fanbase. In partnership with Delta Air Lines and LATAM Airlines, Billboard caught up with Turizo in Miami, the city he now calls home.
Hailing from Montería, Colombia, Manuel Turizo’s career has far surpassed his initial expectations, marking a breakout year for this emerging star. With global hits like “El Merengue” and “La Bachata,” Turizo has catapulted into the limelight, facilitating successful collaborations with renowned artists like Shakira and Marshmello.
Immersed in music since he jokes in his mother’s womb, Turizo’s musical journey unfolded naturally, guided by his father and brother, who served as his lifelong mentors.
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Looking back, Turizo credits his travels for broadening his horizons and offering him valuable insights into the creative processes of others.
Now 23 years old, the Urbano singer proudly labels Miami as the epicenter of Latin music, where various Latin cultures converge. What started as a short visit to Miami four years ago quickly became a permanent stay.
With mainstays like La Industria Bakery & Cafe, owned by friend and label mate Nicky Jam, Turizo can find many of the delicious Colombian treats he craves from home.
Melody Timothee
“I was initially planning to stay for just six months and then return home [to Colombia],” he reflects.
“How long have I been here?” he asks his manager.
“Four years,” comes the reply.
“Four years. And I’m here to stay,” Turizo declares with unwavering commitment.
Thanks to the partnership between Delta Air Lines and LATAM Airlines – that partnered to bring you closer to more than 300 destinations between North and South America – finding inspiration through travel has never been easier.
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Delta Air Lines will be the official airline partner of Billboard Latin Music Week in celebration of its partnership with LATAM Airlines. The Joint Venture between the two award-winning airlines is transforming travel between the two continents by offering an improved customer experience for its customers through benefits such as the joint accumulation of miles/points in frequent flyer programs and faster connections to access more than 300 destinations through the partner hubs in Atlanta, Miami, New York JFK, Los Angeles, Bogotá, São Paulo, Lima and Santiago. Click HERE to learn more!
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Eladio Carrión has defied expectations, following his career from comedic prowess to musical stardom; a testament to the power of chasing dreams and unyielding passion.
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In 2017, Eladio Carrión transitioned from being a Vine comedian to a celebrated singer. He bursted into the music scene by collaborating with Ele A el Domino and Ñengo Flow on the hit track “Me Enamoré de una Yal.” Since then, Carrión has amassed an impressive catalog of successes and collaborations, including notable artists like Rauw Alejandro and remixes featuring Cazzu and Myke Towers, to name a few.
Carrión’s talent and hard work caught the attention of Rimas Entertainment – the label behind Bad Bunny and Karol G, arguably two of Latin Music’s biggest global superstars. He joined their roster, leading to the release of his debut album, Sauce Boyz, in 2020. The introductory compilation landed the young trap star in the top ten on the Billboard Top Latin Albums chart in its first ten weeks, and Carrión his first Latin Grammy nomination for Best Rap/Hip Hop song for “Kemba Walker,” with Bad Bunny.
However, these accomplishments are just the tip of the iceberg for Eladio Carrión.
In a recent collaboration, Billboard and Tequila Don Julio embarked on a 70-hour journey with the Puerto Rican singer to celebrate hispanic entrepreneurs, delving into the depths of his passion, heritage, and the legacy he aims to create, offering fans a unique glimpse into Carrión’s artistic world and the inspirations that drive his musical journey.
Eladio Carrión and Don Julio González, the late founder of the iconic tequila brand, share a familiar spirit. Carrión’s dedication to music and González’s commitment to tequila-making reflect their unwavering pursuit of excellence. Just as Carrión’s passion fuels his musical journey, González’s passion for tequila led him to create the world’s first Critstalino, Tequila Don Julio 70 Crystal Añejo, a testament to his dedication to pushing boundaries and leaving a lasting legacy.
Hour 24: Heritage & Foundation
Day one, we meet Eladio in his beloved hometown of Humacao, Puerto Rico. Born into a military family in Kansas City, Missouri, Carrión moved around a lot, briefly living in Alaska, Maryland, and Hawaii before eventually calling Puerto Rico his permanent home after his father’s retirement in 2005.
Humacao, located on the picturesque east coast of Puerto Rico, with its breathtaking Caribbean blue sea crashing against rocky cliffs, became the backdrop that shaped Carrión’s childhood and transition into adulthood. He describes his hometown as his sanctuary, his peaceful haven amidst the chaotic life of a superstar in the making. He says it is his “paz,” where he finds solace and inspiration.
Throughout his transient childhood, one constant remained: music. Carrión recalls how it has always had a profound impact on him from a young age. He fondly remembers his father, whom he endearingly calls “Papi,” introducing him to salsa music at home. Fascinated by the storytelling aspect of salsa songs, he wondered how the singers effortlessly conveyed their narratives. This early exposure planted the seeds of his passion for storytelling through music. “I think that today a lot of my music, you will find that I tell stories, and it started with salsa,” he states.
During this time, Carrión also discovered hip-hop. He absorbed whatever played on the radio and embraced the wordplay of artists like Eminem, thanks to his older sisters’ influence. So, when the young artist landed in Humacao amidst the hype of reggaeton, he had an ear for something his middle school classmates likely didn’t – hip-hop and R&B.
Hour 48: Rehearsals
For the next part of our journey, we’ve left the sunny isles of the Caribbean and traded it in for the bustling lights of Las Vegas, where a laser-focused Carrión is preparing for his festival run. Here, we spoke to the singer about his artistic process.
Carrión’s music is a captivating blend of trap, reggaeton, and hip-hop that keeps evolving as he hones his lyrical style. Reflecting on his creative approach, he finds himself in the zone when the right mood, people, and rhythm come together. He describes spending hours on end, fully committed to perfecting his songs and only re-emerging from the booth when he’s achieved his goal. He passionately admits that his worst nightmare would be releasing an album without giving it his all, a feeling he’s grateful to have never experienced.
“I make a record, and I come out so mentally drained because usually, I give my 200%. And it’s not because I have to, because I want to,” he explains. “I say it in the song, ‘Mbappe,’ ‘Every record I come out is better than the last one,’ and it’s always going to be like that!”
Beyond his music, Carrión takes pride in being heavily involved in the production of his shows, working closely with his production team to shape the future experience for his fans. Proudly, the trap artist boasts that his success is shared, thanks to his team’s commitment, who tirelessly work alongside him towards the same goal.
With an unwavering devotion, he crafts songs brimming with emotion, storytelling, and authenticity, capturing the attention and respect of both his audience and peers in the Latin music scene. He explains that with every record, he aims to leave behind a legacy track that fans can revisit for years.
Hour 70: Showtime
After days of meticulous preparation, we caught up with Carrión 1,300 miles away from our last encounter, in Austin, Texas, hours leading up to his highly anticipated performance on the Billboard Stage at SXSW.
“The Sauce Gang keeps growing,” he exclaims proudly. “A few years ago, I didn’t fill a place with 500 people, and now we are doing shows with 40,000, 35,000 people. It’s nice to connect with people through music or a record.”
Connecting with his fans is where the Puerto Rican singer sees all his efforts coming to fruition. Ahead of a sold-out show, Carrión takes a moment after soundcheck to say hello to a few fans eagerly waiting in hopes of an encounter with the star. The “Sauce Gang,” as he endearingly calls his fans, is an embodiment of living your truth and exploiting the unique parts of yourself that make you.
He reflects that being on stage is the most fulfilling part of his musical career. Albeit traveling and living out of suitcases, connecting and singing alongside his sauce gang makes it all worth it. Known for his electric shows, he delivers his enigmatic performance full of high energy, leaving a lasting impression and inspiring people of all ages to approach life with determination and a strong work ethic.
In Carrión’s words, “I think I have a story that people might see and say, “Wow, if he could do it, I can do it. Nothing is impossible. I want to inspire youth and people who are older than me, everybody, to have that mentality of: ‘If you’re going to do something, do it right,’ ‘If you’re going to dream, dream big,” “If you’re going to attack, attack with all your might.’”
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Kevin Torres
