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“These are real life situations,” Xavi tells Billboard Español, reflecting on the inspiration behind his gut-wrenching and fiery chart-topper “La Victima.” “I feel like we all go through obstacles or things like that in life. Sometimes you have to make songs out of that.”
In the booming landscape of música mexicana, Xavi, a 19-year-old Phoenix native, has rapidly emerged as a force to be reckoned with. His 2024 breakout, with the viral hits “La Diabla” and “La Víctima,” marks not just a high point in his career, but also a redefinition of genre boundaries.
Yet his story is one of triumph over adversity, marked by a life-altering accident and a bicultural upbringing that has influenced his musical craft.
His musical journey began in the church pews, watching his grandfather sing with a passion that ignited his own love for music. “Since we were little, we used to go to church with my grandparents,” he says. “Just seeing my grandpa playing with so much passion — and the truth is that when he sang, he sang with feeling, he sang with love and he did it for God. I remember that day I fell in love with music.”
This early exposure, coupled with influences from Mexican crooner bands like Camila and Sin Bandera and global pop icons like Justin Bieber, shaped his diverse musical palette. Despite a challenging childhood marked by his parents’ separation and living between Phoenix and Sonora, Mexico, Xavi found solace and expression in music.
A pivotal moment in Xavi’s life came with a near-fatal car accident at the age of 16. This harrowing experience, which resulted in a cracked skull and changed facial structure, could have been a setback. Instead, it became a source of inspiration.
“God gave me a second chance to go on and try harder,” he shares. “I saw it initially as a negative, but it ultimately changed my mindset. Now, I’m grateful for every moment I have.”
Videos of Xavi, bandaged and playing guitar while recovering, went viral on TikTok, deepening his connection with fans and marking the beginning of his rise as a tumbados románticos pioneer, inspired by Natanael Cano’s groundbreaking corridos tumbados which Xavi discovered on SoundCloud a few years ago. With his riveting blend of rebellious guitar-driven corridos infused with romantic lyrics, Xavi is not just riding the wave of Latin music; he is crafting his own niche.
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The teen signed with Interscope Records in 2021 and began releasing a string of singles that showcase his unique subgenre that blends corridos tumbados with a poignant emotional depth.
His 2023 summer EP, My Mom’s Playlist — a tribute to his mother which features renditions of Latin pop and rock en español classics she loved — reflects his deep-rooted family values, and the support he receives from the. Meanwhile, his chart-topping singles testify to his no-holds-barred lyrical prowess and bewitching vocals, leading to his Billboard chart breakthrough.
At the end of December, Xavi debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 with not one but two entries: “La Diabla” and “La Víctima,” which have since reached peaks of No. 22 and No. 55, respectively. His global appeal is further evidenced by his presence on the Billboard Global 200 and Global Excl. U.S. charts, with “La Diabla” reaching the top five on both.
Backed by management that aligns with his vision, Xavi’s future in the industry looks bright. As he gears up for an upcoming tour and continues to release new music, his philosophy remains grounded: “I live each day as if it’s my last, as tomorrow is never promised,” he asserts.
An extended version of this interview was published Jan. 29.
Name: Joshua Xavier Gutiérrez
Age: 19
Recommended Song: “Right now I like them all. But the one you really have to listen to is “La Diabla” because we made it with a lot of love for you.”
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Major Accomplishment: “Since we were kids, my brother [Fabio Capri] and I used to make music. There came a time when we stopped and thank God music reconnected us.”
What’s Next? “We’re going to be releasing surprises on our platform soon. There will be a lot of new stuff coming out for you to listen to.”
Eladio Carrión has taken a heartfelt turn with his latest album Sol María, a deeply personal homage to the most important woman in his life — his mother.
“I want to make the world know who my mom is because she deserves it and she’s the best mom in the world,” Carrión tells Billboard Español in a new interview on TalkShopLive, where he also revealed exclusive merch for his fans to shop.
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“It’s different from the albums I usually drop, [which are] usually urban, like 80% trap, and maybe a few dancehall and reggaetón [songs],” he points out. “But with this one, I went more commercial, not worrying about getting songs to pop up in the club; doing what I wanted to do and getting my mother her flowers.”
Carrión spent an entire day at his parents’ house searching for the perfect photo for the artwork and found a picture of a young Sol María, his mother. “When I saw that pic, it just spoke to me,” he reveals. This week, the album debuts at No. 6 on Top Latin Albums and No. 3 on Latin Rhythm Albums.
The album’s uplifting sentiment echoes throughout all 17 songs, a reflection of Carrión’s current state of happiness. “It was a challenge to get in that [head] space. But it wasn’t that hard either, because right now life is good. I’m in a very happy place in my life,” he says. “I didn’t think about anyone else except her, but it’s cool because my fans get to experience it. I could have just made a mixtape and given it to her, and just kept on putting out the albums I usually put out.”
His positive outlook is palpable in tracks like opener “Bendecido,” where the 29-year-old manages to blend gratefulness with his signature sense of cool, or with the gut-wrenching ballad “Mama’s Boy,” featuring Spanish wordsmith Nach. In the latter song, Carrión delves into a well of raw, candid emotion that transcends mere words. “It was the intro [track] but I didn’t want people bawling out in the first song,” he reveals with a chuckle.
The idea for Sol María emerged about a year ago. Carrión had initially planned to take a break from music until 2025, but felt compelled to create something special for his mother. “I wanted to give her something to look forward to, something to be happy about,” he says.
Carrión chose the Afrobeats-laden “TQMQA” as the first single to prepare his hardcore trap fans for the album’s different style, while still maintaining elements familiar to his audience.
On “Sonrisa,” Carrión weaves a narrative about a captivating smile that leaves him utterly smitten, set against an invigorating Jersey club and dembow mix. “Sigo Enamorau’,” featuring Yandel, reinvents Sean Paul and Sasha’s “dutty rock” classic “I’m Still In Love With You,” and he turns up the vibe on “Todo Lit,” merging more raucous lyrics with a subdued trap beat alongside featured guest Duki. “I wanted to keep it more Latino,” he added about the collaborations, pointing out that his last album, 3MEN2 KBRN, had mostly brought American rappers as guests. Panamanian star Sech, Puerto Rican trailblazers Arcángel and De La Ghetto, and Rauw Alejandro also make appearances.
Reflecting on the journey from his first album, 2020’s Sauce Boyz to Sol María, the US-born star recognizes the growth and synergy in his team. “We’ve gotten better and better. Me and my producers, we understand each other better and better every day,” he boasts.
Watch the full Billboard TalkShop Live interview above.
Los Bukis has 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 […]
The first time Ana Bárbara was nominated for a Grammy was in 2006, for No Es Brujería in the Best Mexican/Mexico-American Album category. Although she did not win (the award went to Pepe Aguilar), Ana Bárbara, signed at that time to Fonovisa, represented one of the few successful women in grupera and ranchera music — an artist who, beyond having a powerful voice and bringing sex appeal to the stage, also wrote her own songs.
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Now, almost 20 years later, Ana Bárbara (real name: Altagracia Ugalde Motta) has earned her second nod. Her exquisite Bordado a mano (Embroidered by hand) — which includes duets with Vicente Fernández, Christian Nodal, Paquita la del Barrio, Bronco and Christian Castro — is nominated for Best Mexican Music Album (Including Tejano) at the Grammys, competing at the ceremony on Sunday (Feb. 4) against Peso Pluma and three female artists: Lila Downs, Lupita Infante and Flor de Toloache.
In the group of nominees, Ana Bárbara is the pioneer, but she is still at the forefront. Bordado a mano is a work of art, but also of love and tenacity, recorded, produced and released by Ana Bárbara herself on her own label (Solos Music) with distribution by ONErpm. It took years to record, in part because it was logistically challenging to lock artists like Vicente Fernández (in his final collaboration before his death), and because Ana Bárbara paid for everything out of her own pocket.
The Mexican singer-songwriter — who this year celebrates the 30th anniversary of her first album, and who will be honored at Premio lo Nuestro on February 22 — spoke with Billboard about the meaning of the nomination at this stage of her life.
Your last Grammy nomination was 18 years ago. What are you most excited about this time?
Unlike the previous album, this one is completely independent. The last one included my songs but this one is also my production. And I am very proud of the work that was done, both with the songs and the teamwork, because it finally got to where it had to go, with a small, indie label. Solos Music is my label, and we are only five people. We’re small but we come through! [laughs]
ONErpm supports you with distribution and marketing, but this has been an independent job, and that’s difficult. Was it scary?
I can’t deny I was a little scared, because I didn’t know. I have to be honest. When Rose [manager Rosela Zavala] told me let’s go independent … she had a clear idea. But she was very honest and she told me, it’s a very difficult road, and it is. It is very expensive. I can tell you that it has cost me my life. If you ask me, was this a good deal, I’d say, “It’s a job that has given us something to eat.” We all have a family to support. But ultimately, as women, it was really about pride and strength and let’s go for it.
I’m not going to deny that it scared me at first, and it still scares me. Because although our goal was not to make the great business of our lives, we did say, “At what point are we going to start making money?” I tell you with great pride, I had to sell some of my assets at the beginning. I thought, if we’re going to do it, I’m putting everything into it.
It’s an album that took a long time…
Yes, and then came the pandemic. No no no. I was pulling my hair out. We were going crazy. But I believed. We already had the duet with Nodal, the duet with Paquita. It was already a reality. But all the promotion, the work, the album, the videos… doing all that as an independent [artist] is uphill, and for a woman, ten times more. Or twenty, to be honest.
Exactly how long ago was this album in the making?
I started working on it 11 years ago. The last album I released was Yo Soy La Mujer [in 2013]. The songs were written 11 years, 12 years ago. For example, the duet with Don Vicente, I dreamed it, I saw it, 11 years ago. He recorded it five years ago and the video was recorded before the pandemic. It’s been a long road.
Did you lose faith?
Actually, no. There were friends who told me, just record covers. But I wanted to leave my own legacy of my own songs. Yes, there were moments when I wanted to throw in the towel. For example, the duet with Christian Castro, he said yes, then six months went by. It was all very complex, because there is art in each of [the guest artists], but they also lead complicated lives.
All your guests have long careers and legacy, except Christian Nodal. Why him?
Nodal is a great artist. I call him an old soul. But all the others are classics: Bronco is classic. Christian Castro is the romantic balladeer, and he is one of my favorite balladeers. So I knew it was complex. When they’re established it takes a little more work to convince them.
You’re celebrating your anniversary this year, and you’re being honored at Premio Lo Nuestro. What else is coming?
I am celebrating 30 years of [my] recording career, which is easy to say, but the road has certainly been very difficult. We are preparing a symphonic album, basically the hits, with arrangements by maestro Eduardo Magallanes, who is one of my inspirations and did so much work for Juan Gabriel and Don Vicente. I also have duet and solo projects. It was hard enough to reach this milestone, so I’m going to celebrate with something special!
In the opening days of 2024, a pioneering new sound vibrated throughout the industry, capturing the top spot on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart. The electrifying corridos track “La Diabla” (“She Devil”) was by newcomer Xavi, a relatively unknown 19-year-old Mexican American artist delivering an equally unknown sound.
The tumbados románticos single — which tells the tale of a bad boy’s romance with a bad girl — is crafted with the crisp strains of a requinto guitar — a signature instrument in regional Mexican music. But it’s Xavi’s combination of the rebellious corridos tumbados spirit with the tenderness of romance that sets him apart.
However, “La Diabla” almost never came to be. “I DM’ed him and he wouldn’t answer me,” recalls Interscope executive vp Nir Seroussi. He discovered Xavi in early 2021 thanks to the label’s A&R executive, Emerson Redd, who shared the soul-stirring guitar ballad “Te Quiero” with him. Intrigued by the artist’s raw emotion, Seroussi was determined to meet the young star — and his persistence paid off.
After two months, Xavi arrived at the Interscope offices in Miami, guitar in hand, and performed for nearly an hour. “It was love at first sight,” says Seroussi, who saw in Xavi not just a musician but an “old soul,” with a profound ability to connect. “He has all those qualities that differentiate a hobbyist from someone who could be a real artist, a career artist. It wasn’t about numbers. I fell in love with Xavi, the artist.” Seroussi signed him to a record deal later that year.
Raised in Phoenix and Sonora, Mexico, the artist born Joshua Xavier Gutiérrez says that his bicultural upbringing deeply influenced his own music, which blends Mexican corridos traditions with modern rhythms. “We are the first generation to move here, to give [ourselves] a better life,” Xavi says in Spanish.
Xavi photographed on January 11, 2024 in Los Angeles.
Daniel Prakopcyk
He drew early inspiration from his grandfather’s church singing — “when he sang, he did so with so much feeling, he sang with love for God” — as well as the emotive voices of Mexican crooners in bands like Camila and Sin Bandera. Still, the first song he learned to play on guitar was “Baby” by Justin Bieber. At just 12 years old, Xavi wrote his first original song; by 16, he started releasing his music to streaming platforms under Baga Music.
Around the same time, the corridos tumbados movement, led by Natanael Cano, had taken the internet by storm, paving the way for hit-makers like Peso Pluma, Fuerza Regida and Luis R Conriquez to break through. In parallel, the moving and melancholic melodies of sad sierreño emerged, led by a new cast of Mexican American Gen Z acts such as Ivan Cornejo, DannyLux and Yahritza y Su Esencia. Xavi navigates between the two with his own strain of tumbados románticos, a subgenre he coined as a musician raised on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border. (His striking ruby, pearl and diamond necklace, a quintessential symbol of urbano culture, also symbolizes his fusion of eclectic sounds.)
However, his path to success was anything but smooth. A near-fatal car accident in 2021 that resulted in a cracked skull and an altered facial structure drastically changed his perspective. “It was a bad hit,” Xavi says, “but it changed my life.” Rather than deterring him, it inspired him: In the aftermath of the accident, videos of Xavi, bandaged and playing the guitar while recovering, began circulating on TikTok, fostering a deeper bond between fans and the rising artist.
In early 2022, after his recovery, Xavi channeled his experience into his music, emerging as a tumbados románticos pioneer. Within five months, he released a string of singles under Interscope, each marked by poetic lyrics and haunting acoustic riffs. These solo efforts, interspersed with a few collaborations with Los Primos del Este and Eduardo Soto, culminated in the release of his My Mom’s Playlist EP in May 2023. The seven-track set, an homage to his mother, featured renditions of beloved Latin songs like Maná’s “Rayando el Sol” and Luis Miguel’s “Ahora Te Puedes Marchar” reimagined in his sierreño style. “She’d always ask me to sing these songs she’d play while cleaning in the morning,” he recalls.
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Xavi’s manager, Raczon López, who came on board at the same time, then helped leverage his social presence and shape his biggest hits to date. At the end of December, Xavi debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 with not one but two entries: “La Diabla” and “La Víctima,” which have since reached peaks of No. 22 and No. 55, respectively. His global appeal is further evidenced by his presence on the Billboard Global 200 and Global Excl. U.S. charts, with “La Diabla” reaching the top five on both.
“If you notice, Xavi is a kid who is not on social media much, so there is this mystery in [his] career,” López says. “People are eager to hear what’s next.” He adds that what Xavi has already released is only a preview of his potential: “This kid sings pop, mariachi, R&B — I mean, everything fits him… People will gradually see the different facets of Xavi.”
Having recently signed with WME, Xavi is already preparing for an upcoming tour. But as Seroussi sees it, there’s no rush. He compares Xavi’s development to that of award-winning superstar (and labelmate) Billie Eilish, emphasizing personal growth alongside musical evolution.
“When [Interscope CEO] John Janick signed Billie, she was 14. It took three years to develop her, not just as an artist, but as a person,” Seroussi says. “It’s about the experiences, the life lived that feeds into the maturity of songs and songwriting. That’s what we see in Xavi — a star who was always destined to shine.”
Xavi photographed on January 11, 2024 in Los Angeles.
Daniel Prakopcyk
This story will appear in the Jan. 27, 2024, issue of Billboard.
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.
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Bad Bunny Crashes University
Early this week, Bad Bunny crashed a class of about 400 students at Miami’s Florida International University (FIU). The Puerto Rican artist was a guest speaker at David Grutman’s one-hour-long course called “The David Grutman Experience: The Class at Florida International University.” During the conversation, Grutman, the Miami-based entrepreneur who’s known for his professional relationships with A-list celebrities, talked about Groot Hospitality and his evolution in the hospitality industry; while the “Monaco” singer talked about achieving his goals whether it be in music, fashion, or the restaurant industry with the launch of his own Gekko.
World Red Eye
Luis Fonsi’s Own Airplane
In celebration of the 25 years of his career, Luis Fonsi was honored with his own personalized airplane. This week, Air Europe surprised the Puerto Rican crooner by baptizing one of their Dreamliners planes with his name and the lyric “yo quiero un mundo contigo” (I want a world with you), part of his timeless track “Yo No Me Doy Por Vencido.” Air Europe is the official airline of Fonsi’s upcoming tour, which includes a sold-out date in Madrid’s WiZink Center on Feb. 16. The sweet gesture also ties perfectly with the name of Fonsi’s upcoming album called El Viaje.
Luis Fonsi
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Pancho Barraza Day
January 25 has been established as ‘Pancho Barraza Day’ in Las Vegas. That’s the way Clark County Commissioner Jim Gibson proclaimed it when he presented a plaque and a replica of the star that has been placed outside the Paris Hotel on the Las Vegas Strip. The 119th star is another achievement in the singer’s more than three decades career, who has made history within the Mexican region first as the vocalist of Banda Los Recoditos during the 90s and later as a solo artist.
“There are still many dreams to fulfill, but this is definitely one of them, and it is also a great pride to carry the name of Mexico high with these types of distinctions,” the “poet of love” exclusively tells Billboard Español. Barraza will also be celebrated on the “National Banda Day” held annually at the T-Mobile Arena in Vegas. See Barraza’s post here. — TERE AGUILERA
Blessd’s Celebrity Soccer Match
In celebration of his third studio album, Blessd got together some of his close celebrity friends for the “Si Sabe Fest” held Thursday (Jan. 25) in Miami. The festival, named after his new 14-track set, combined the world of music and soccer in a friendly match: Blessd versus soccer icon Ronaldinho. Showcasing their best fútbol skills, the teams were made up of special guests such as Ryan Castro, Ovy on the Drums, Argentina’s La Brujita Verón, Colombia’s Víctor Hugo Aristizábal, and Brazilian goalkeeper Dida. “I always wanted to be a soccer player ever since I was kid,” the Colombian singer tells Billboard after the match. “For me it’s a dream. I couldn’t believe it.” See the complete interview below:
Lupita Infante Receives Special Honor
Lupita Infante was honored with the Mayor’s Excellence Award by The City of Downey’s Mayor Mario Trujillo, recognizing her contributions in the Latin music industry and her pivotal role in carrying on her family’s musical legacy. The special award, which Infante received in person on Tuesday (Jan. 23) at the City Hall in Downey, Calif., is “awarded to those whose heartfelt contributions and notable accomplishments have proven invaluable to the community, playing a vital role in advancing the shared goal of making the city a better place for all,” according to a press release. Trujillo is also Infante’s former kindergarten teacher.
“It’s a full circle moment because I first met Mayor Mario Trujillo when he was my teacher in elementary school,” Infante said in the statement. I’m dedicating this award to my mother, who first came to Downey looking for a brighter future, and to this beautiful city that has helped shape my path in life and music.”
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).
This week, our New Music Latin roundup — a compilation of the best new Latin songs, albums and videos recommended by Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors — is powered by new music from Christian Nodal, who teams up with Peso Pluma for his first-ever corrido tumbado, Blessd, Bacilos and Bad Gyal, who dropped her debut album La Joia.
Blessd’s Si Sabe is home to 14 tracks and a true representation of the Colombian artist’s signature innovative reggaetón — al estilo Medellín — backed by sultry and futuristic urban beats. The set, Blessd’s third studio album, includes team-ups with artists such as Peso Pluma, Feid, Ryan Castro and Sky Rompiendo.
Meanwhile, Spanish artist Bad Gyal has unleashed her debut album La Joia, which finds expanding her musical range, with producers such as El Guincho, MAG, Sky Rompiendo and Storch in tow. Bad Gyal recruits Quevedo, Ñengo Flow and Myke Towers, among others, for collaborations.
Other new releases include Bacilos’ tropipop gem “Anoche,” Leon Leiden and DannyLux’s R&B-infused sad sierreño “awitado :(” and Christian Nodal and Peso Pluma’s highly anticipated new collaboration, “La Intención,” Nodal’s first corrido tumbado. Additionally, Ramón Vega and Lasso deliver the dreamy pop ballad “La Mexicana.”
“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,” Vega told Billboard Español about working with Lasso. “It was something very special.”
Last week, Kenia Os’ “Bobo” won the reader poll with more than 60 percent of the votes, followed by Daymé Arocena and Vicente Garcia’s “A Fuego Lento.”
What’s your favorite new Latin music release of this week? Vote below!
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:
In our new “The Stars Behind the Stars” franchise, Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors share stories that have yet to be told, directly from those who aren’t often in front of the spotlight. Think “todo lo que no se ve detrás de cámaras,” or “everything that happens behind the scenes.” These unsung heroes are essential to an artist’s team and its foundation. Today, we highlight Yudy Arias, famed yoga instructor and celebrity trainor, who’s been pivotal in Maluma’s career.
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Fifteen years ago, Yudy Arias faced a life-changing decision after the birth of her first son, Romeo: to overcome her postpartum depression medically or naturally. Immediately, she began to practice yoga and meditation. Shortly after, all her symptoms vanished, and she felt like herself again.
“That’s how I discovered yoga,” she tells Billboard. “I started studying it, I got certified, and everything for me was for my benefit. When I saw that it had a lot of power, it could change people’s lives, and that it’s a natural medicine, that was where I implemented it.”
Arias, who currently boasts more than 600K followers on Instagram, is not only a famed yogi, but is also Maluma’s aunt — and has been pivotal in his career. In fact, for his 16th birthday in 2011, she gifted the Colombian artist born Juan Luis Londoño Arias the opportunity to record his first three songs: “Farándulera,” “Perder el Control” and “Vamonos de Fuga.”
“From that day on, this whole story changed and the phenomenon of Maluma was born — with his commitment, desire to learn, and discipline,” she notes. “Our relationship is still intact. I have always seen him as a son. I have spoiled him a lot and have tried to make many of his dreams come true because I see his complete dedication and discipline.”
Since, Arias has not only formed part of the “Papi Juancho” team, but has also been key in his physical and spiritual health. Below, learn more about this month’s Star Behind the Stars, our first of 2024.
Maluma & Yudy Arias
Yudy Arias
What are you most passionate about what you do?
Help people to self-discover, to be authentic, to be genuine. I love when people discover and accept themselves, when they are not afraid to be themselves. That’s what I love most about my career. When I see people acting freely without fear, who want to improve and seek purpose, that’s where I say, “Ooh, this was worth it.”
What’s the best fitness and health tip that you’ve shared with your nephew and that he’s applied to his day-to-day life?
Something that has strongly united me and Juan Luis is sports and health. He has lived my entire yoga process side by side. He knows a lot and learns a lot. I believe that the most beautiful thing that I have helped him find and cultivate is meditation. He knows that it’s a very powerful tool that he can use at any moment and use it to his advantage, and he’s done so. That has helped him a lot in many moments of stress and anything related to his career. It’s helped him clarify and be a little happier.
What other Latin music stars have you had the pleasure of working with?
I’ve worked in the homes of many celebrities and have done personalized classes with their families, such as Juanes and Luis Fonsi. I’ve had contact with Ricky Martin — we’ve had a couple of conversations. Thalia is very beautiful and supports me. In Mexico, with many celebrities too. J Balvin has practiced yoga with me, and so have athletes and soccer players. I think I have a very long database of beautiful people that have passed through my life.
One of the unforgettable celebrities with whom I exchanged yoga topics was Madonna. My nephew introduced me to her and I had the opportunity to talk with her about pilates, essences, stones. She knows a lot about the subject and it was a nice and unforgettable moment.
Madonna and Yudy Arias
Yudy Arias
What projects do you have for 2024?
I am very excited because the year started the way I wanted, teaching crowds. I want to take my knowledge of yoga and meditation — and everything that has to do with spirituality — to workshops and places where there are more people. Personalized classes were already an important stage in my life but now I want to expand them to the masses. I have workshops happening in Mexico, Colombia, Spain and Miami.
Also, together with a beautiful team, I am creating an influencer agency to activate music and put it on another level. I say that yoga is an art, it has opened doors for me, and it has brought me closer to many people who have to do with art. What yoga, sports, meditation, and music are, everything goes along the same line. I am involved in some way whether organically or spontaneously. It’s called “Wow Project” and you will soon know more about it.
What are the best health and fitness tips you can offer to someone who wants to better themselves this new year?
The tips for health and well-being are very simple but they are difficult. Remember that the simplest is the most complicated. Drink lots of water. Meditate five minutes a day, and change your dark and negative thoughts for beautiful and positive thoughts. With those three things along with discipline and self-knowledge, you can achieve it.