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From career milestones and 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.
Bizarrap teases new music session
On Thursday (Sept. 28), Bizarrap delivered a short film filled with drama and suspense leaving fans on the edge of their seats wondering who the collaborator will be for his next music session. Alongside actors Guillermo Francella and Gastón Cocchiarale, Bizarrap ponders having a name change from Bizarrap to Bizapop, which he made in the days before this release on his Instagram. Of course, fans began to speculate about who the collaborator might be and what hidden message is behind the name change.
The 8-minute video finds Bizarrap reflecting on which music style he should be listening to, which leads to a breakthrough moment. His next music session is set to drop Wednesday, Oct. 4. Watch the short film below:
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Shakira is Spotify’s EQUAL Global Ambassador
Shakira has been announced as Spotify’s EQUAL Global Ambassador for the month of September, to coincide with the DSP’s celebration of “Shakira Day” on September 29th. It also coincides with the 25th anniversary of her seminal album, Dónde Están Los Ladrones?
According to Spotify, over the last 12 months, Shakira has seen a 138.5% increase in streams on the platform. Her native country, Colombia, surpasses this global increase with a 213% growth during the same period. Following her performance at the MTV VMAs ealier this month, “Te Aviso, Te Anuncio (Tango)” saw more than a 260% increase in U.S. streams on Spotify.
Bad Bunny to sing at the Billboard Latin Music Awards
Bad Bunny is set to perform at the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Awards, taking place Thursday, Oct. 5.
While it wasn’t specified which song Bad Bunny will be performing, what we do know is that it will be a worldwide television premiere. His most recent release is the reggaetón banger “Un Preview,” which came out on Monday (Sept. 25).
Billboard and Telemundo announced earlier this week that the Puerto Rican superstar will be part of the ceremony at the Watsco Center in Coral Gables, Florida. The show will be broadcast live on Telemundo and simultaneously on the Spanish entertainment cable network Universo, on Peacock and on the Telemundo app. Throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, it will be available on Telemundo Internacional.
2023 Billboard Latin Music Awards hosts unveiled
Telemundo announced that the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Awards will be hosted by Jacqueline Bracamontes and Danilo Carrera. Additionally, the following artists were announced as presenters for the awards show on Thursday, Oct. 5: Eslabon Armado, Beéle, Christian Chávez (RBD), De La Ghetto, Danny Lux, La Materialista, Maite Perroni (RBD), Elena Rose, Alex Sensation, Mar Solis and Christopher Von Uckermann (RBD).
Latin music revenues hit record high
U.S. Latin music revenue increased 15% to a record high of $627 million in the first half of 2023, according to the RIAA’s mid-year Latin music report released Wednesday (Sept. 27). The new milestone for the genre follows Latin music revenue hitting an all-time high last year, exceeding the $1 billion mark with 24% growth that outpaced the overall market.
“U.S. Latin music revenues reached an all-time high in 2022, and the growth has continued mid-year into 2023. This has been driven by both the vitality of classic hits and chart-topping new releases that have influenced broader culture and society,” said RIAA senior vp of public policy & industry relations Rafael Fernandez in a statement.
Purchase tickets to the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Week here.
From a rapper to a reggaetón-pop hitmaker, Becky G‘s musical journey has been nothing short of eclectic. On Friday (Sept. 29), the artist unveiled a new chapter in her ever-evolving career, as she dropped the mesmerizing Mexican music album Esquinas — a sincere exploration of her identity as a proud “200 percenter”: 100% Mexican, 100% American. Her third studio album is a tribute to her roots, and a celebration of her identity.
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Growing up in Inglewood, Calif., Becky G found inspiration in the rich tapestry of regional Mexican music, a source of deep connection since childhood. Her musical tastes, spanning from R&B to country to rancheras, led her to declare herself a genre-defying artist. “Music is a universal language — it feels limitless, it feels like I can create with intention, no matter the sound, no matter the language,” she tells Billboard Español.
With Esquinas, she embarks on a journey of rediscovery, delving into her Chicana roots, a tribute influenced by her abuelitos who encouraged her to explore regional Mexican music. It’s a full-circle moment where her diverse influences coalesce into a heartfelt homage to her heritage.
Featuring classic música mexicana covers, and an impressive cast of guests including Yahritza y Su Esencia, Ivan Cornejo, DannyLux, Peso Pluma and more, the album beautifully encapsulates her identity— a convergence of cultures, languages, and flags — at the crossroads of her rich and diverse experiences.
Becky G sat down with Billboard Español to discuss this new project.
You debuted as a rapper, then you became a reggaetón-pop hitmaker. Today you released a regional Mexican music album.
It’s been quite the journey, girlfriend. Para mí desde niña la música regional siempre me inspiraba (Since I was a little girl regional Mexican music always inspired me). I grew up listening to all kinds of music in English and Spanish: from R&B, country, reggaetón and rancheras — and everything in between. I consider myself a genre-less artist, and I love that about my creativity. I’ve even done a K-pop fusion.
Music is a universal language. It feels limitless — it feels like I can create with intention, no matter the sound, no matter the language, si es en español, o si es en inglés (be it in Spanish, or be it in English.)
How did you come up with the title, Esquinas?
I’ve always felt like I’m not this side or that side of the street. I am literally la esquina (the corner). La esquina is where those cross streets meet — where those two languages, those two flags, and the two cultures [reside.] When I close my eyes and I think of what I experienced in my culture growing up, to capture that essence as close as I can to when I was a little girl is really important to me. Even the city that I grew up in is changing so much. So it’s a very intentional body of work, from the visuals and song selections to all of the collaborators. [Producer and songwriter] Edgar Barrera is family to me, and he really helped create a sound that represents me in this space. I feel like you can really hear me and see me in this album.
You’ve pulled up some amazing guests on your new album: Peso Pluma, Gabito Ballesteros… How do you select who to collaborate with?
Going back to creating something of our own as 200 percenters… There is this wave of fresh and authentic artists in the regional space, and we’re not necessarily erasing our traditions; we’re embracing tradition as well as giving it our own new school flair. I had my heart set on artists who interpret regional music in their own way, because I think that’s really how we’re going to continue to evolve and introduce it to the world. Obviously, it’s been around forever, but that was my intention.
When I worked with Peso y estuvimos en el estudio (and we were at the studio), we didn’t really have intentions. It was just to introduce each other. Then Edgar [Barrera] whips out a guitar, and next thing you know, we wrote [“Chanel”] in 45 minutes, así de la nada (just like that out of nowhere). It was instant chemistry between Peso and I. One of my favorite memories is working with Ivan Conejo on our song [“2ndo Chance”]. He almost canceled the studio session, ¡le tocó los nervios! (He got nervous!) He’s like, “I feel a little bit of pressure. I want to do a really good job. I’m going to be going on my first tour, and I just don’t want to let you down.” I was like, “Bro, you could literally come and we can eat In-N-Out and just hang. We don’t have to write anything. Let’s just vibe.” Then one thing leads to another and you start creating these beautiful friendships.
There are also a few Mexican oldies but goodies in the album.
Like any traditional regional project, you want to have some covers on there. I personally selected the covers that I did for the album. They either take me to a point in time in my life that remind me of my childhood or have such a deeper significance, even before I ever existed. One of those is “Cruz de Olvido.” It’s a song that my papi (grandpa) dedicated to my grandma when he was crossing over from Mexico to the United States. My grandma had her sons, she was left behind by the love of her life, so he could hopefully establish a better life for them — and to eventually cross them over as well.
“Cruz de Olvido” is one of the first mariachi songs that I ever learned. I have a video of me singing it to my papi on his birthday. I’m 12 years old, singing it in the front of my papi’s house in Inglewood. He is no longer here.
Stepping into this project, what did you rediscover? How did you reconnect with your heritage?
The essence of me being Chicana, born and raised in Inglewood, and being very proud of my Mexican roots, that’s always been there. Maybe it wasn’t at the forefront of my [creative work] or aesthetics. But as far as my essence and my being, I am who I am because of the culture that raised me. I’m very lucky to have had my abuelitos. All four were very present in my life for most of my childhood. Two years ago, when I lost my papi, my abuelito… he was kind of the catalyst as to why I decided it was time to do the project, because it has been a dream of mine since I was little. Yo siempre hablaba con ellos, they would be like, “mija, ¿y cuándo [harás] música regional? Es que cantas muy bonito cuando cantas con mariachi” (sweetheart, when will you [make] regional music? You sing very beautifully when you sing with mariachi). My grandma would make fun of me because when I would rap, she was like, “Ay mija, ¿por qué tan enojada?” (why so upset?) I’d be like, “Because I got s–t to say, grandma.” It’s so beautiful now. It feels very full-circle. It definitely feels like it’s a part of my soul when I sing música regional mexicana.
I remember watching you live at a Mexican festival a few years ago, and you said something beautiful: “I love my life in between two worlds representing two flags.” You are a proud 200 percenter. What does that mean?
I remember there was a moment in my life when I was like, “Man, 50/50 doesn’t cut it. Why do I have to give up half of myself to be accepted here, and then vice versa?” It doesn’t do what I feel in my heart justice to just cap it at 50% here, and 50% there. I’m 100% proud to be from Inglewood, but I’m also 100% proud to be Mexicana, to be Latina. I want to consider myself 200%. I feel like it’s something that a lot of youth who grew up in mixed ethnicity households can identify with.
I have friends who are Asian-American, African-American, and they’re like, “Girl, I hear all the time, I’m not enough this, or I’m not enough that.” [I wanted to] create a space for ourselves to be who we are, authentically. And as time goes on, hopefully the next generations can get more inspired to understand that nunca es tarde, it’s never too late to learn more about where we come from. For me, ser latina es más que hablar el idioma (to be Latina is more than to speak the language). I am so pocha (Mexican-American), and probably forever will be, but I’m going to own my pocha power. The fact that I can think in hybrid is really cool.
Becky G talks about why she wanted to name her new album Esquinas; her inspiration for stepping into regional Mexican music; collaborations with Peso Pluma, Gabito Ballesteros and other regional Mexican artists; going on her first headlining tour; continuing to embrace her Mexican-American heritage and more.
Becky G:We’re not necessarily erasing our traditions, we’re embracing tradition as well as giving it our own new school flair. Que paso familia? It’s your girl, Becky G, and you are watching Billboard News.
Isabela Raygoza:So you’ve had quite the evolution you know, musically, as a rapper, to a pop reggaeton hitmaker, now you’re stepping into regional Mexican music. Talk to me about that evolution.
Becky G:Yeah, it’s been quite the journey, girlfriend. Honestly, even since I was little music has always inspired me. I grew up listening to all kinds of music in English and Spanish. I consider myself a genreless artist.
Isabela Raygoza:What did you rediscover? Or how did you reconnect with your heritage? Or what’s one thing that you learned?
Becky G:You know, what’s so interesting is that I feel like that essence of me being Chicana, born and raised in Inglewood, and obviously being very proud of being my you know, my Mexican roots, like, I think it’s always been there. Two years ago, when I lost my my papi, my abuelito Miguel, que descanse un paz, he was the kind of the catalyst as to why I decided it was time to do the project because it was a dream of mine. I definitely feel like it’s a part of my soul when I sing musica regional.
Isabela Raygoza:Talk to me more about the title Esquinas. Where did you come up with the title?
Becky G:For me, I think I’ve always felt like I’m not this side of the streets that raised me or this side of the streets, I am literally la esquina now like I’m at la esquina now, where those cross streets are of, like, I always say those two languages, those two flags, the two cultures. It’s a very intentional body of work from all the visuals and all the song selections and all of the collaborators. You know, Edgar Barrera is like, you know, family to me, and he really helped kind of create a sound that I think represents me in this space. And so it’s been a … it’s been a lot of hard work, but I feel like you can really hear me and see me in this, in this album.
Watch Becky G’s interview with Billboard above.
Regional Mexican music, or música mexicana, isn’t a trend, it’s a movement that has only grown stronger in the past few years.
A new generation of artists such as Peso Pluma, Eslabon Armado, Fuerza Regida, Natanael Cano, Grupo Frontera, Yahritza y Su Esencia, among others, have helped usher a new global era for the legacy genre, which has been around for more than 100 years. The new generation continues to honor the music of their parents and grandparents by putting their on spin on the traditional sound — either by fusing it with other genres, such as hip-hop, modernizing the lyrics for a more Gen Z approach and/or collaborating with non-regional Mexican artists for a wider reach.
According to Luminate, regional Mexican music consumption in the United States jumped 42.1% year to date through May 25, outpacing gains in the Latin genre overall, as well as country, dance/electronic, rock and pop. Only K-pop — up 49.4% year to date — has performed better this year than regional Mexican. About 99% of regional Mexican consumption comes from streaming.
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With Peso Pluma at the center of it, to date, he has over 700 million on-demand official streams in the United States, according to Luminate, and 22 entries on the Billboard Hot 100. In June, he became the first artist to ever lead both the Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. U.S. lists simultaneously with different songs: the sierreño anthem “Ella Baila Sola” with Eslabon Armado and his Bizarrap-produced track “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 55.” His album Génesis debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 (dated July 1) — the highest rank ever for a música mexicana album on the chart.
The latest episode of Billboard Explains looks into what it is about Peso Pluma and other more newer artists that are are catching everyone’s attention. Check it out above.
Watch the latest Billboard Explains above. After the video, catch up on more Billboard Explains videos and learn about the role record labels play, origins of hip-hop, how Beyoncé arrived at Renaissance, the evolution of girl groups, BBMAs, NFTs, SXSW, the magic of boy bands, American Music Awards, the Billboard Latin Music Awards, the Hot 100 chart, how R&B/hip-hop became the biggest genre in the U.S., how festivals book their lineups, Billie Eilish’s formula for success, the history of rap battles, nonbinary awareness in music, the Billboard Music Awards, the Free Britney movement, rise of K-pop in the U.S., why Taylor Swift is re-recording her first six albums, the boom of hit all-female collaborations, how Grammy nominees and winners are chosen, why songwriters are selling their publishing catalogs, how the Super Bowl halftime show is booked and why Olivia Rodrigo’s “Drivers License” was able to shoot to No. 1 on the Hot 100.
Purchase tickets to the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Week here.
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 Paola Jara, Becky G, Enrique Iglesias and Feid, to name a few.
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Feid, Becky G and Colombian newcomer Venesti, all released new albums this week. Feid’s MOR, No Le Temas a la Oscuridad (Love, Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark) is easily his most eclectic production yet, with 15 songs that dabble in genres including Afrobeat, techno, funk and his signature Medallo reggaton. With a mix off ranchera, corridos and ballads, Becky G’s Esquinas (Corners) celebrates her two cultures and pride of being a 200 percenter (100% Mexican, 100% American). Rising act Venesti delivered his debut album De La Nada (Out of Nowhere), in which he showcases his vocal range backed by dancehall, bachata, electronica, reggaeton and more.
A notable single that was released this week is Enrique Iglesias and Maria Becerra’s first collaborative effort, a romantic bachata called “Asi Es La Vida.” This doesn’t mark their first bachata rodeo; Becerra previously joined Prince Royce in “Te Espero” and Rusherking in “Antes de Ti,” and Iglesias released “El Perdedor” featuring Marco Antonio Solis, “Loco” with Romeo Santos and “Cuando Me Enamoro” with Juan Luis Guerra.
Other must-hear tracks include Bad Bunny’s “Un Preview,” Paola Jara and Chiquis’ ultra powerful “Lo Que No Sirve, Estorba” and Nio Garcia and Anuel AA’s infectious “Oh Na Na.”
Last week, Ricky Martin and Christian Nodal’s “Fuego De Noche, Nieve De Día” won the poll with more than 67 percent of the votes. What’s your favorite new Latin music release of the week? Vote below!
Purchase tickets to the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Week here.
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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Enrique Iglesias & Maria Becerra, “Así Es La Vida“ (Sony Music Latin)
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In just two minutes and 49 seconds, Enrique Iglesias and Maria Becerra take us on an emotional journey in this sensual bachata about a tumultuous relationship that cannot go on. “That’s life, divine treasure/ Like a game of poker where you bet everything/ That’s how our love was, with its ups and downs,” Iglesias sings with resignation, while Becerra replies: “That’s life, in the end what do we have left?/ You chose the road and I chose the path/ We still love each other in different ways.”
The first single from Iglesias’ upcoming album Final (Vol. 2) — a follow up to his Final (Vol. 1) from 2021 — the song was produced by Carlos Paucar. It is not the first bachata from the pop superstar, whose love affair with the Dominican genre includes hits like “Loco” and “El Perdedor.” “Bachata is a rhythm that captured my heart from the moment I heard it,” Iglesias says in a press release. “I am delighted to return to this powerful genre, accompanied by the great talent of Maria, who is one of a kind.”
The release comes with a lyric video but, according to a press release, the official music clip for “Así Es La Vida” will be available soon. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Becky G, Esquinas (Kemosabe Records/RCA Records)
Becky G’s Esquinas is a heartfelt exploration of her dual identity as a proud 200 percenter. The title translates to “corners,” symbolizing the meeting point between two cultures. Celebrating her Mexican and American roots, the Inglewood native weaves a vibrant musical tapestry that spans corridos, rancheras and baladas while showcasing her deep reverence for her heritage. For instance, “2ndo Chance,” featuring Ivan Cornejo’s haunting vocals, kicks off the album with a dreamy, nostalgic ballad that sets the tone for an introspective journey through her bicultural upbringing. Then there’s the cheeky “Cries in Spanish,” a whimsical duet with fellow Mexican-American DannyLux, that’s set to sad sierreño. The album’s latest single, “Querido Abuelo,” stands as a touching tribute to her late grandfather, a gut-wrenching balada which honors the sacrifices made by our ancestors as children of immigrants. Becky’s vocals are at their most poignant here, manifesting her maturity and emotional depth. Also starring Yahritza y Su Esencia, Chiquis, Angela and Leonardo Aguilar, Peso Pluma, and Gabito Ballesteros, her third studio album is a testament to her growth as a “genreless” artist, she claims, and her commitment to representing her bloodline proudly. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Juanes, “La Versión en mi Cabeza” (Universal Music Latino)
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Colombian rocker Juanes has released “La Versión en mi Cabeza” as part of the deluxe version of his successful album Vida Cotidiana, which earned him four nominations for the Latin Grammy 2023. The new song begins with soft chords from an electric guitar and the singer’s melodious voice, followed by soft percussion that unleashes the rock ballad. Written primarily by Venezuelan singer-songwriter Joaquina, the protagonist reflectively accepts and understands the fact of not being able to change his partner to meet his expectations. He finally realizes that the time has come to let go of that relationship: “I come back every time, even if I don’t want to/ To the version of you that only exists in my head/ I know you never wanted to hurt me/ But what do I do, ask you to change/ It’s too much,” goes the chorus. — LUISA CALLE
Paola Jara, Chiquis, “Lo Que No Sirve, Estorba” (Naeku)
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Paola Jara and Chiquis unite their potent voices to give life to a new girl-power anthem. “Lo Que No Sirve, Estorba,” which loosely translates to “what doesn’t work gets in the way,” is a hard-hitting norteña powered by accordions, trumpets and prickly acoustic guitars. The lyrics are defiant and bold, as Jara and Chiquis sing confidently about not only overcoming heartbreak but becoming a total boss along the way. “I was left alone with kids and yet I’m standing here as firm as ever,” Chiquis sings, to which Jara adds, “la otra (the other one) will wash your dirty clothes, I’m sure you’ll want to come back.” Jara and Chiquis’ collaboration brings together the best of both worlds: regional Mexican music and música popular, Colombia’s take on música mexicana. — GRISELDA FLORES
Venesti, De La Nada (AP Global Music)
For his debut studio album, Venesti has opted for a clever title: De La Nada, which translates to “Out of Nowhere.” But that’s precisely the point: the artist born Faiber Stiven Caicedo Castro is a rising Colombian artist from Cali who’s unexpectedly making waves in the music industry with his feel-good and refreshing 14-track set that’s influenced by many rhythmic melodies such as Afrobeat, dancehall, tropical and urban. Venesti is tall, dark and handsome, with a chiseled smile and suave vocals, best reflected in tracks such as “Culpables,” “Cuentale” and “Tú.” Off the bat, the Colombian newcomer is showcasing his versatility, also delivering infectious reggaetons (“Necesidad”), bossanova/trap fusions (“Sin Limite”), and even an electronic-bachata (“Cero Ilusiones”). De La Nada includes notable collaborators Jay Wheeler, Nacho, Maffio, Rios, and Randy of Jowell y Randy.
Venesti is confirmed for the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Week En Vivo concert series, where he will perform at the official kickoff party presented by AP Global Music. For tickets and information, click here. — JESSICA ROIZ
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The growing popularity of Calle 24’s riveting corridos number “Qué Onda” with Chino Pacas and Fuerza Regida caught him by surprise — particularly because he didn’t initially intend for it to be his own track.
Born Diego Millán, he recalls that he wrote the foundation of the song for another group (who he declines to disclose), but when it ultimately didn’t work out for the band, he decided to keep the song for himself. He then showed the song to Fuerza Regida frontman Jesús Ortiz Paz (better known as JOP), and the two immediately decided to grow it even further with the addition of singer Chino Pacas.
The track’s horn-blaring, upbeat feel narrates a rendezvous both passionate and filled with debauchery, which has quickly resonated with listeners. Following its release on Aug. 30, “Qué Onda” has quickly become Calle 24’s biggest hit to date: it debuted at No. 61 on the Billboard Hot 100 dated Sept. 16, marking his first entry on the chart, and has reached a No. 8 high on Hot Latin Songs.
At just 20 years old, the Chihuahua, Mexico-born musician is signed to Street Mob Records — JOP’s record label (which recently inked a deal with Cinq Music) — and is now performing as a solo act, after Calle 24 first formed as a group of four. “The name stayed with me, but my friendship and camaraderie with the others continues,” he says. He’s also quickly becoming an extremely sought-after songwriter within the booming regional Mexican music scene, with credits on Fuerza Regida’s “Sabor Fresa” and “Igualito a Mi Apá,” featuring Peso Pluma. He’s involved in the San Bernardino band’s upcoming work as well.
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Below, Calle 24 tells Billboard about the success of “Qué Onda,” working as a solo artist, his relationship with JOP and more.
What’s your reaction to your first Hot 100 hit?
I’m very excited. I didn’t think this was going to happen to me, but thank God it did. I hope it’s not the [last] time.
How did the song come together?
[Another group] asked me to do the song. Me and my [writing] partner Miguel Armenta, who is also a co-writer for “Bebe Dame,” started working on the song about a month or so ago in California, and midway through it, we said, “It’s coming along very well.” That same day we recorded it, and it was something very impressive. Now that regional Mexican music is expanding, you know when songs are on another level — we thought this could go worldwide because of the lyrics, the rhythm, all of that.
So, the other project didn’t happen, and I was like, “Well, I’m going to take my song,” because I wrote it. [JOP] told me we should do it together, so we uploaded a Reel to Instagram, promoting the song. That day, we added the voices, and we did not imagine [the results]. That night it accumulated several million [streams]. It was something crazy.
Tell me about the other people that worked on the song.
Cristian Humberto, and Jonathan Caro, who is a co-writer on “Sabor Fresa.” JOP also participated a little bit in the lyrics. We are a team. We’d rather work together: they say that more heads think better than one, so we set out to do that. That’s how we come out with more quality work. We are like a family, really. It’s better when people get along well because things come out much better with more enthusiasm.
How did Calle 24 form?
I am now a solo artist. We used to be a group, but it disintegrated because I believe that my colleagues had their own visions and work plans — and it is understood. Calle 24 started here in Cuauhtémoc, where I live in Chihuahua, with me, Ezequiel Rodriguez, Santiago Castillo and Angel Rivera. When I started four years ago, I was a solo artist like now. But they knew how to record at home, and I was impressed because I had gone to record in a studio and my song sounded worse than theirs. I was one of the first ones who approached them, and we started working together. The name stayed with me [now that I’m a solo artist]. I am Calle 24. But my friendship and camaraderie with the others continues.
How did you meet JOP?
Me and Ezequiel were in Chihuahua, and [JOP] was looking for underground artists from California or Texas. He contacted a colleague called Güero X to do a song and we began talking. We didn’t know that Güero X had just signed with JOP, [but] we did the song we were going to release, and out of the blue Güero X said, “I just signed with Street Mob and Jesús wants to connect with you”. So I sent him a load of songs, and after a week, he said, “Sign them!” I was over the moon. That was in July 2020. Imagine, I was 17 years old at the time. It was this great opportunity. In January 2021, I wrote [Fuerza Regida’s] “¿Qué Está Pasando?”
Since 2021, you’ve done extremely well on streaming platforms.
The truth is that it has been very nice. It’s difficult, but little by little, people are accepting more of what we do. Since the first song we released, which was “¿Qué Está Pasando”, the reception has been very good and we try to improve every day. It has been an incredible process.
Did you always think you would do corridos or regional Mexican music?
Never. In my childhood, I never listened to corridos. My mom was more into country and pop, so I listened more to Luis Fonsi, Caballo Dorado, things like that. One day, when I was about 8 years old, a friend came and told me, “Check out this song,” and it was a corrido. I got that little itch for that music, and from then, I never let it go. I made my first song when I was 11 years old with the help of my parents. To this day, they still support me — that’s what motivated me the most. When I was 13, they bought me my first guitar on my birthday. I knew it was going to be something. The truth is that I always had that hunch. You have to believe in yourself. Now I see that it was not in vain.
A version of this story originally appeared in the Sept. 23, 2023, issue of Billboard.
Cheetos will leave its mark on Billboard Latin Music Week 2023 with plenty of star power and Cheetle dust. With less than a week until the festivities begin in Miami, Billboard and the iconic snack brand are preparing a string of programming as part of the all-Latin celebration and Deja tu Huella campaign. To kick […]
After weeks of teasing fans on social media, Feid officially unleashes his new studio album, MOR, No Le Temas A La Oscuridad, today (Sept. 29).
Translated to “Love, Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark,” the set’s title is a tribute to the renowned ‘90s Nickelodeon show “Are You Afraid of the Dark?” and its concept is meant to remind us that everyone shines in the darkness. On a personal level, Feid told Billboard earlier this year that its “whole concept has to do with how I went from being in the shadows as a composer to everything I am achieving now [as an artist].”
Home to 15 tracks, including the previously-released singles “Niña Bonita” with Sean Paul, “Vente Conmigo,” and “FERXXO 151” with Icon, which is rapidly gaining virality on TikTok, MOR is easily Feid’s most eclectic production yet.
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The set kicks off with a chill, one-minute piano melody, where Ferxxo (his alter-ego) summarizes all the fame and success he’s living now. “I always wanted to sing/I never wanted to be a bad boy/I don’t like to show off but music has me living like a gangster,” he chants.
If his latest singles, including the Spanglish Afrobeat “Bubalu” with Nigerian artist Rema, are any indication, the Colombian artist is experimental as ever. This time around, he dabbles into electronic music (“Luces de Tecno”), futuristic perreo (“Romanticos de Lunes”), and lacing funk and indie-pop (“Privilegios”).
On other notable tracks, such as the Ryan Castro-assisted “Ritmos de Medallo” and “Hey Chory,” Feid (real name: Salomón Villada Hoyos) keeps his essence by singing romantic lyrics using his Medallo slang and distinct reggaeton sound.
MOR, No Le Temas A La Oscuridad follows Feliz Cumpleaños Ferxxo, Te Pirateamos el Album, which after being leaked online, peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Top Latin Albums chart in 2022.
Feid is a confirmed speaker at the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Week, where he will be joined by his team in a panel called “The Marketing Of FERXXO.” Latin Music Week — the longest running and biggest Latin music industry gathering in the world — returns to Miami from Oct. 2 to 6, featuring star-studded panels, Q&A conversations, workshops and the En Vivo concert series. Buy tickets here.
Stream and listen to MOR, No Le Temas A La Oscuridad below:
Colombian hitmaker Sebastián Yatra has been pushing the boundaries of Latin pop. As part of Billboard Latin Music Week, fans will get to see a star-on-star interview with Yatra, moderated by Lasso. The live Q&A will take place on Tuesday (Oct. 3) at the Faena Forum Main Stage at 11:45 a.m. ET.
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In his upcoming interview with the Venezuelan singer/songwriter, the two South American artists will discuss Yatra’s creative process, his foray into the film industry, and how a multi-hyphenate artist manages success in a highly demanding Latin pop world. Topics will range from what inspires him and sparks curiosity, planning vs. flowing, mental health, tennis, and the power of one’s voice. The “Tacones Rojos” singer will also reveal what’s next for him.
Yatra continues his skyward ascent this year. Amid releasing a string of viral singles like “Vagabundo” with Manuel Turizo and Beéle and his latest solo hit “Energía Bacana,” Yatra was selected as the official musical opener for the 2023 U.S. Open tennis tournament. He also received 2023 RIAA Honors for “driving the rise across American music, culture and society,” alongside global icon Gloria Estefan.
Currently, the Medellín artist is in the running for two 2023 Billboard Latin Music Awards: Latin Pop Artist of the Year, Solo (in which he will compete against Rosalía, Shakira, Enrique Iglesias and Becky G) and Latin Pop Song of the Year for “Una Noche Sin Pensar.” Last year, Yatra achieved a No. 36 slot on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 for “Dos Oruguitas” from Disney’s Encanto and has positioned himself multiple times on Billboard’s Global charts.
In 2022, the moderator and Yatra collaborated on the pop-rock ballad “Ojos Marrones.” Lasso’s “Ojos Marrones” is nominated for three Latin Grammys: record of the year, song of the year, and best pop/rock song. The song also became the Venezuelan artist’s first entry into the Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. US charts.
Below watch Lasso and Sebastián’s duet.
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The Billboard Latin Music Awards ceremony will broadcast live from the Watsco Center in Coral Gables, Fla., on Thursday (Oct. 5) and will air on Telemundo. It will also broadcast simultaneously on Universo, Peacock, the Telemundo App, and throughout Latin America and the Caribbean on Telemundo Internacional.
Purchase tickets to the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Week here.