genre latin
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Carín León is the latest Latin star to perform his very own Tiny Desk concert for NPR Music. The Mexican superstar went all out for his set, which included a 16-piece band that helped him bring to life “Ese Vato No Te Queda,” “Lado Frágil,” “El Amor de Mi Herida” and “Por la Suave.” León […]
This week, Billboard’s New Music Latin roundup and playlist — curated by Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors — features fresh new music, including new albums by DannyLux (Leyenda), Sebastián Yatra (Milagro), and Astronomía Interior (Hélices), to name a few. Cuban duo Gente De Zona also released its new album, Reparto, as a nod to the genre’s growth in popularity. “We’re showing […]
Sebastián Yatra’s new album, Milagro, is a perfect example of how the simple things in life can be a gift, and a reminder that every moment we experience is unique, almost a miracle.
Over the past few months, the Colombian singer-songwriter hinted at his highly anticipated new album, which was released on Friday (May 16) under Universal Music Latino. Through a series of images, videos and personal reflections on the “miracles” that inspired this project, Yatra has gradually unveiled the essence of his fourth studio album.
Each song represents a unique everyday miracle that shifts our perspective of the world: “Energía Bacana” reflects on memories; “2 AM” symbolizes freedom; “Vagabundo” embodies dance; “Lienzo” stands for imagination; “Una Noche Sin Pensar” captures complicity; and “Disco Rayado” tells the story of a heart unwilling to let go of a bond the other person has already left behind.
With this album, he aims to tell deep, meaningful stories and forge a genuine connection with his listeners through 17 songs, each representing a miracle. “I’ve experienced this emotion in my other albums as well, as they express where I am in my life at that moment,” Yatra tells Billboard. “However, right now, this emotion feels particularly strong. In my previous albums, I was a person searching for many things, like happiness, which seemed like a distant goal. Today, I feel that I have discovered everything I could ask for in life, and I found that perspective at quite a young age.”
The name for the LP was inspired by a phrase written by Yatra’s brother, the writer Andrés Obando Giraldo: “Life denies you miracles until you realize that everything is a miracle.” Yatra saw this as a sign that reinforced the name he had in mind for his album.
He explains, “I found this definition of a miracle to be different from what I had encountered before. It suggests that a miracle can be something as simple as seeing things from a different perspective.
“My nature, the first things that always come to me are very heartfelt things; that’s what I listen to the most,” he adds. “But that doesn’t mean that just because it’s what I listen to the most, I don’t enjoy partying and also like to organize and create songs for those moments, for that type of sensation. Milagro mostly leans more towards that celestial experience, from the ballads and lyrics to those melodies that give you hope. But there are also some songs like ‘Vagabundo,’ which is pure party and happiness.”
Below, Yatra breaks down five essential tracks from Milagro. Listen to the full album here.
“Milagro”
California-based regional Mexican music band Fuerza Regida made history this week with the debut of their new album, 111XPANTIA, at No. 2 on the Billboard 200. It’s the highest debut ever for a Mexican artist on the chart — and, had Bad Bunny not released the vinyl edition of his Debí Tirar Más Fotos the same week, 111XPANTIA would have debuted at No. 1, making the group only the third act in history to top the chart with an album in Spanish.
As it was, 111XPANTIA made double history, as it allowed two Spanish-language albums to place at Nos. 1 and No. 2 on the chart, also a first.
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While the name Fuerza Regida may still not ring bells for many in the mainstream, the group has been making serious waves since they launched in 2018, led by singer, composer and businessman Jesus Ortiz Paz, better known as JOP.
Part of a new wave of homegrown talent that’s doing a more contemporary, urban-leaning version of regional Mexican music, or música mexicana, the quintet has positioned itself as bold disruptors, delighting in making music that defies convention, veering into genres like dance and trap. Fuerza are also known for their unusual marketing strategies, from an impromptu concert on the 210 freeway near Los Angeles to a performance alongside street musicians on the Tijuana border to pop up murals to promote their album, Pero No Te Enamores, last year.
Those kinds of actions have yielded fruit. Fuerza has won Top Duo/Group of the year at the Billboard Latin Music Awards for two consecutive years already (2023 and 2024) and has placed six albums, going back to 2023, on the Billboard 200. On the Billboard Top Latin Albums chart, they’ve placed an impressive 12 albums dating back to 2019, and including nine top 10s and one No. 1, 2023’s Pa’ Las Baby’s y Belikeada. On Hot Latin Songs, they boast two No. 1s and 12 Top 10s.
But the Billboard 200 debut is their most impressive achievement to date. Fuerza is signed to a joint venture on their own Street Mob Records with indie Rancho Humilde, and is distributed by Sony Music Latin. But behind their marketing is Jesús Amezcua (aka Moska), the group’s manager (and friend), who is also head of marketing and strategy for Street Mob Records. Although “we’re synced with Sony for data and distribution, all creative direction and frontline marketing is led by us at Street Mob,” Amezcua says. “That independence is what gives us our edge and velocity.”
For pushing Fuerza to make history on the Billboard 200, Amezcua is Billboard’s Executive of the Week.
What exactly is your role with Fuerza Regida?
I manage and lead all strategic marketing, rollout execution and brand partnerships for Fuerza Regida. That covers everything from pre-release positioning and digital strategy to street-level activations, PR and long-term brand development. I work directly with JOP and the team to ensure every campaign feels authentic to the culture while breaking through in the mainstream.
The group has had many major releases, but never something of this magnitude. What made this one different?
This album was a perfect storm of timing, vision and intentionality. We knew the fans were ready for a bigger moment — and we built the campaign with that in mind from day one. What made the difference was the shift in scale: we elevated everything, from the sound to the visuals to the media approach. It was about crossing over without losing our identity.
One major turning point was this was Fuerza Regida’s first time ever releasing a physical album. Not only did we enter that market for the first time, we broke records, surpassing legendary acts like Selena and Maná for the most physical copies sold by a Mexican artist or any Latin duo or group. That milestone sent a loud message about the group’s growing cultural weight and the power of our fan base.
Was there one single action or moment that really moved the needle?
Yes — the pre-release digital campaign combined with JOP’s hands-on promotional push. We executed teaser drops, voice-of-the-streets-style content, and surprise fan moments that went viral, like a Paris Fashion Week performance, for example. Paired with a targeted mainstream media push, it became the perfect one-two punch.
Fuerza Regida is known for bold marketing stunts. Last time it was murals. What was the centerpiece this time?
We focused on emotional proximity and regional pride. Surprise activations in key markets, custom merch drops and physical memorabilia made fans feel seen. We also planted narrative Easter eggs in visuals and lyrics to spark fan theories. It wasn’t about shock — it was about depth.
What was the goal with this album release?
To make a statement: Fuerza Regida isn’t just a top-tier música mexicana act — we’re a cultural force. Yes, we wanted the numbers, but we also wanted to redefine what this genre looks like on a global stage.
How important is it to debut at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, especially as an all-genre chart?
It’s monumental. The Billboard 200 rarely reflects regional Mexican music. To be in the top two, competing with global pop giants, proves this movement is no longer niche — it’s mainstream. It feels incredible to break records and debut as the highest-charting Mexican duo or group in Billboard 200 history. We were going up against legends — and held our ground.
What makes Fuerza Regida different from other groups in música mexicana?
They’re fearless. From raw lyrics to unfiltered visuals and fan engagement, they bring a punk-rock edge. That energy has built a ride-or-die fanbase. They’re not following the blueprint — they’re rewriting it.
JOP was everywhere during this release. How intentional was the promo run?
Very intentional. We built a full content and press calendar around JOP as a brand. National TV, local media, viral content — it was all high-volume, high-authenticity. He delivered across the board.
I see Street Mob is growing and staffing up. You recently hired Gustavo López as president, for example, and he comes with longstanding label experience.
Absolutely. This is a family effort. Our president, Gustavo López, is an industry legend who leads with integrity and vision. Our COO and Street Mob partner is Cristian Primera, aka Toro, along with Cindy Gaxiola, our head of commercial affairs. Last but not least is our CFO Luis Lopez, aka Walks. They are all relentless execution machines. Every win is a reflection of this powerhouse team. Fuerza Regida is just getting started. We’re here to shift culture, not just drop records.
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.
DannyLux, Leyenda (VPS Music/Warner Music Latina)
DannyLux’s sixth studio album Leyenda is a dazzling dark fantasy affair that weaves tales of eternal skies, mermaids, and otherworldly legends through whimsical sierreño constructs. Anchored by lush acoustic guitars, the album pushes the boundaries of Mexican music, effortlessly genre-hopping into ’90s-inspired trip-hop (“2025”) and lo-fi electronic music (“Q.D.E.P.”) across 19 tracks. He also invites Jasiel Nuñez to join him in a sierreño reverie on “Cielo Eterno,” Yng Naz on the whimsical corrido “Viaja Conmigo” and Juanchito on the tololoche-driven “Mis Loqueras.” With its fusion of regional Mexican instrumentation and subtle electronic elegance, DannyLux delivers intricate storytelling throughout.
Accompanying the album is a short documentary of the same name. Directed by Elías López, the 17-minute film delves into a surreal, medieval-inspired realm, exploring themes of creative doubt and transformation. The visual — evoking the spirit of ’80s films like the David Bowie-starring Labyrinth — combined with the album’s haunting-yet-allegorical themes, further cements DannyLux’s place as a trailblazing artist in his genre. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
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RØZ & Peso Pluma, “Apaga La Luz” (ALT:Vision Records/Queens Road Music/Atlantic Recording Corp.)
Mexican artist and producer duo RØZ recruit Peso Pluma for a head-bobbing electronic track that showcases not only Peso’s vocal versatility but RØZ’s knack for creating hypnotizing beats powered by euphoric melodies. The collaboration between the Mexican acts came about through an Instagram DM resulting in a standout release, which follows RØZ’s breakout hit “flashes” with reggaetón hitmaker Yng Lvcas. The song’s ethereal canvas allows Peso to deliver a more intimate performance, nearly whispered, in contrast to his in-your-face delivery when singing corridos. RØZ most recently inked a deal with Queens Road Music/ Atlantic Records, setting them up for a busy summer with confirmed performances in festivals across Mexico. — GRISELDA FLORES
Gente de Zona, Reparto (Altafonte/Gente de Zona)
“La Conga,” a nearly three-minute intro, kicks off Gente De Zona’s new studio album, Reparto. The rhythmic track—where there are no lyrics, only shout outs to the album’s collaborators—sets the perfect tone for the cultural-statement-making production: a strong blend of Cuban timba, rumba and hard-hitting bass and claves. Named after the latest movement in the Cuban music scene, reparto is “a genre that draws from the roots of Cuban timba, guaracha, guaguancó, rumba, and with this album, we fuse it with the tropical and urban rhythms that define Gente de Zona’s sound,” Alexander Delgado of Gente de Zona says in a press statement.
With the hopes of taking the genre from the barrios of Cuba to the masses, the duo composed by Delgado and Randy Malcolm team up with a wave of up-and-coming producers and artists such as Dale Pututi, Dany Ome, Kevincito El 13, and L Kimii, as well as one of the genre’s pioneer, Chocolate. Lyrically, most of the tracks on the album are uplifting and motivational, whether it’s about having confidence, feeling successful and blessed, or having a healthy relationship.
“With Reparto, we’re showing the world an evolution of Cuban reggaetón that defines our culture, taking it to new frontiers so people can enjoy it and recognize it,” Malcolm adds. “At the same time, we want to shine a light on these new artists who are leading the authentic Reparto movement in our country.” Standout tracks include “Rico Cantidad,” “Se Trata” and focus track “La Guagua,” featuring Wow Popy and Zurdo MC. — JESSICA ROIZ
Ricardo Montaner, Camilo & Evaluna Montaner, “Si Tuviera Que Elegir” (Hecho A Mano Music)
Twenty-three years ago, a young Evaluna appeared in the music video for her father Ricardo Montaner’s song “Si Tuviera Que Elegir.” Today, the artist, mother and wife once again accompanies her dad on this song — this time as a performer — in a new version that features Latin music star Camilo (also her husband). “Having Camilo and Evaluna singing by my side gives the song a different meaning,” Montaner said in a press release. “Camilo, with his unique voice and at the peak of his career, and Evaluna, with her angelic and original way of performing, make this song a gem.”
Written by Montaner and Yasmil Marrufo, the new version of “Si Tuviera Que Elegir” remains a soft-yet-poignant pop ballad, much like the original one, only this one becomes a family affair, giving the track a new meaning. The music video, set to be released later today, is directed by Marlene Rodríguez, Montaner’s wife and Evaluna’s mother, who created a tender collage of images from past and present. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Astronomía Interior, Hélices (Universal Music Group)
Bassist Ángel Mosqueda and keyboardist Jesús Báez are Astronomía Interior, the alternative project of this duo of musicians who are also members of the Mexican rock band Zoé. In Hélices, their second studio album, the duo presents 11 tracks that transport the listener from the most subtle atmospheres to an explosion of experimental rhythms and introspective lyrics. From the album cover, which depicts the shimmering wings of a dragonfly against a fiery red background, the pair project freedom and change.
Electronic touches with some acoustics incorporated, in a minimalist style, power songs like “Mineral”, “Mar Universal,” “Materia y Espacio,” “Siento la Noche,” “Abril” and “Una Canción,” which showcase the transforming spirit of this album. Meanwhile, “Ahí Estaré” and “Hélices” reflect the U.K. pop stamp of British producer Phil Vinall, an important part of Zoé’s sound identity. The band’s drummer, Rodrigo Guardiola, also participated in several songs. — NATALIA CANO
Camila Fernández, “No Puedo Dormir Sin Ti” (Universal Music México)
The heiress of the Fernández dynasty presents “No Puedo Dormir Sin Ti,” a ranchera ballad led by Camila’s soft voice and profound delivery, which turn it into a song of sadness over the absence of a loved one. This is the sixth advance of her upcoming album La Fernández (as she likes to be called) set to be released in August, with which she will continue to represent Mexican music accompanied by mariachi. — TERE AGUILERA
Check out more Latin recommendations this week below:
After surprising her audience in Charlotte, N.C. with special guests Alejandro Sanz and Wyclef Jean earlier this week, Shakira brought another star to the stage on Thursday (May 15), on her first of two nights at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and […]
Bad Bunny is ready to take summer by storm, but first, he’s performing as the musical guest during the season finale of Saturday Night Live this weekend. In promos for the May 17 finale of season 50 shared on Thursday (May 15), the superstar appears alongside host Scarlett Johansson and SNL mainstay Kenan Thompson, with […]
W Sound, Beéle and Ovy on the Drums celebrate a new milestone on the Billboard Argentina Hot 100 chart, as “La Plena (W Sound 05)” jumps 2-1 for its first week atop the ranking dated May 17. To date, Beéle has earned a total of three top 10s, while Ovy on the Drums has placed two. Meanwhile, W Sound — also known as Westcol — secured his first top 10 entry when the song climbed 14-8 in April.
“La Plena (W Sound 05)” dethrones Cazzu’s “Con Otra,” which dips 1-2, while Emilia, TINI and Nicki Nicole’s “Blackout” holds at No. 3 for a third week following its two-week coronation in April. Bad Bunny rebounds to No. 6 after sitting in the runner-up slot for two weeks in March.Elsewhere, Puerto Rican singer Mattei earns his first top 10 with “Pa’ Las Girlas,” which surges from No. 26 to No. 9 in its third week on the tally.
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The week’s Hot Shot Debut goes to Lali’s “Plástico,” with Duki, which starts at No. 25. The argentinian singer also debuts a second song from her album, No Vayas A Atender Cuando El Demonio Llama, as “Lokura” arrives at No. 81. Four other cuts from the album chart this week, starting with “Mejor Que Vos,” with Miranda!, at No. 14, “33,” with Dillom, which pushes 29-38, and “No Me Importa” and “Fanátco,” which re-enter at Nos. 75 and 90, respectively. Plus, “Loco Un Poco,” with Turf, ascends 88-77, for Lali’s seventh concurrent songs on the chart, the most this week.
Yan Block & Panda Black’s “444” takes the Greatest Gainer honor, awarded weekly to the song with the largest ascent among the 100 titles on the chart. The single climbs 21 spots, from No.100 to No.79, for its new peak.
Two other songs debut on the Billboard Argentina Hot 100: Salastkabron’s “Tengo Una Cadena” at No. 26, while Young Miko’s “WASSUP” bows at No. 70.
Fifteen years after achieving his first top 10 on Hot Latin Songs and his first No. 1 on Tropical Airplay with his take of “Stand by Me,” Prince Royce gifts his fans an entire album filled with pop classics in bilingual versions (English/Spanish) and bachata rhythms.
Titled ETERNO, the 13-track LP will be released Friday (May 16) under Sony Music Latin. It includes everything from “Dancing in the Moonlight” by King Harvest and “How Deep is Your Love” by the Bee Gees to “I Just Called to Say I Love You” by Stevie Wonder and “Go Your Own Way” by Fleetwood Mac, with “I Want It That Way” by the Backstreet Boys as the focus track. All the Spanish lyrics were written by Royce himself.
“For me, these are songs that are eternal, iconic, legendary,” the Latin star tells Billboard Español. “The intention with the album was somewhat similar to ‘Stand by Me.’ I wanted to bring back that nostalgia from a time when there was no Auto-Tune, when everything was raw, very real, into today’s world.”
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With a tracklist that also includes “Stuck on You” (Lionel Richie), “Right Here Waiting” (Richard Marx), “Can’t Help Falling in Love” (Elvis Presley), and “Yesterday” (The Beatles), Royce says it took his team about nine months to secure all the rights.
“When I was seeing that a song was going to go in, I was already like, ‘Okay, it fits in bachata,’” he explains about the selection process. “For me, the important thing was that the songs worked well in bachata, that the Spanish was good, that it flowed with the genre. Also I didn’t wanna force songs — it was important to keep the Prince Royce essence while also respecting the original song.”
Among the classics he felt were essential for this album, he mentions “Dancing in the Moonlight” as a song with a “positive vibe” that had always reminded him of bachata; “Can’t Help Falling in Love” as a perfect “wedding song” that was somewhat difficult to adapt; “My Girl” by The Temptations as an iconic “doo-wop” he wanted to tackle even though it reminded him of his previous hit “Stand by Me”; and “Stuck on You” by Lionel Richie, one of his personal favorites.
ETERNO follows Prince Royce’s 2024 album Llamada Perdida, a deeply personal set that included several heartbreak songs. This new project was very different, and Royce says he had fun learning and researching the original artists and embracing the challenge of adapting himself to their songs.
“It was just like a fun, music-geek project. I ended up really enjoying it and really like dissecting each harmony and background vocal and recording it,” he says enthusiastically. “I’d like for people who know these songs to bring those memories back, and maybe the younger generation in Latin America who doesn’t know them creates new memories. I hope we can achieve that.”
Prince Royce ‘ETERNO’
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History was made in Latin music when two Spanish-language albums hit No. 1 and No. 2 at the same time on the Billboard 200 albums chart this week. Both Bad Bunny’s Debí Tirar Más Fotos and Fuerza Regida’s 111XPANTIA occupied the spots, making it a first in the all-genre chart’s 69-year history. The Puerto Rican […]