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The Barbie movie continues to celebrate its massive success following its grand premiere on July 21st. Billboard previously reported that the Warner Bros. film directed by Greta Gerwig “claimed the top spot with a massive $155 million in ticket sales from North American theaters from 4,243 locations, surpassing The Super Mario Bros. Movie (as well […]
René Pérez Joglar, better known as Residente, is walking to lunch in Madrid as he chats on the phone with Billboard in the U.S., and every 30 seconds or so, someone stops him to ask for a photo.
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It’s been a couple of days days since he released his very buzzy and provocative “Quiero ser baladista” — nine minutes, seven seconds of seeming anarchy captured in a black and white music video. It begins as a diss track against Latin urban music overall, and then devolves into a series of scenes that include, among other things: Residente singing ballads, Ricky Martin rapping (synched to Residente’s vocals), Residente shooting Sony Music Latin Iberia chairman Afo Verde dead, and then Ricky Martin shooting Residente dead. Since its release last Thursday on Sony Music, the video has nearly four million views on YouTube.
It’s a lot, especially in the wake of 2022’s “Reisdente: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 49,” where Residente famously dissed J Balvin, and his more recent “Bajo y batería,” where he goes hard against Puerto Rican reggaetonero Cosculluela.
So we asked Resdiente himself to unpack “Quiero ser baladista” for us — in what is, to date, the only interview he’s done on the topic. Along the way, he also let us know a new album is coming out this fall. See our discussion below.
What did you want to say with this track?
The song was born because I wrote a song called “Bajo y batería” (Bass and Drums, released two weeks ago). I don’t like diss tracks. It would seem I do, but I don’t. I like them as a writing exercise, a literary exercise. They made more sense before, but now they feel like bullying. But, when I wrote “Bajo y batería” last year, I was really bothered by this one person, and in that sense, I was at least throwing a diss at someone who deserved it.
In the end, when I recorded that song, “Bajo y batería,” and it came from my soul — I thought, “F–k, I’m tired. I want to be a balladeer like Ricky Martin.” I told the engineer, “Save that thought.” And that’s where the song was born. I did it like a tryptic, where I want to get away from diss tracks. The balladeer is a way for me to retire from doing diss tracks, and the person who “retires” me is Ricky Martin. Not only does he kill that personality, but he even ends up rapping.
So, this is the end of Residente’s diss tracks?
I thought that was a nice way to end all this. This started with an interview with you for Billboard [during Billboard Latin Music Week in 2017, where Residente said a lot of Latin music was starting to sound like junk food]. From that point until three days ago, it’s been relentless. Obviously, I wasn’t only dissing during that time. I made songs like “This Is Not America.” But, that’s it. And what better way to close this stage than speaking with you, who I started it with, more or less. And closing it with Ricky Martin, who’s also a friend of mine and was amazing in everything he did here. He really got into that character and he learned all those lyrics and it was cabrón.
“I don’t like diss tracks. It would seem I do, but I don’t. I like them as a writing exercise, a literary exercise.” Residente
Even though Ricky Martin is a friend, the things he did in your video are pretty risqué for him — from shooting you, to rapping, to peeing on you. How did you convince him?
I explained the concept and he was down. In fact, in the beginning he thought he would actually be rapping, and he was down for that. I told him, “No, you’ll be lip synching, and you’ll do this and that.” He trusted in the visual idea from the onset. And when Ricky “sings,” it sounds real. It has gravitas. He was very cool.
You also “kill” Afo Verde, the chariman/CEO of Sony Music Latin Iberia, who actually plays himself in the video. How did you convince him?
I called him and said, “Hey Afo, I want to kill you in a video.” And he said, “OK, if you want.” I think it’s beautiful to see Afo there because it shows …. man, this is a song that we know isn’t for radio, even if radio is not as important as before. It’s a nine-minute song. And the fact that Sony, Afo, 5020 are all supporting what I want to do is great. Having the president of label on a set, going through everything that happens in that video, is not something you see every day. And it speaks to how open they are with me. Obviously, it’s all absurd and surreal and that’s what the video is — and that’s why it’s allowed within the aesthetic and the storyline.
So, you’re not throwing shade at the label?
No, no, no. Quite the opposite. I kill him because I don’t agree with him there and I feel he’s canceling my balladeer dream. But things don’t go well for me.
You told me you have a new album coming out in the Fall. Tell me more!
We’re talking all new music. The album will come out October, November. The date depends in part on a video I’m shooting with an actress I like very much. I’m going to include [already released singles] “René” and “This Is Not America,” but those are the only ones. The album will have 20, 21 tracks and they’re all like that, big songs. And there will be no diss tracks in there. You can diss me 15 million times and I won’t diss [back].
You’re really brilliant in your diss tracks. Is it simply fun for you, or do you take them very seriously?
I take it seriously, but it’s more like competing with myself. Trying to do something better than what I did before. Which is what you normally do with music overall, but with tiraderas the same thing happens to me. This has been a process of about six years, since I started.
Does it bother you when others write diss tracks about you?
At the beginning it did. But then it stopped bothering me, and it became more of a writing exercise. For example, I have a tiradera called “La Cátedra” which is a total writing exercise. I play a game on my phone called “2048” which is a numbers game; kind of like Tetris with numbers, where you start adding and multiplying numbers. That game is like 50% of what diss tracks are to come. It’s like coming up with a phrase for every prompt, but maintaining the narrative going. For me tiraderas are more technical. It’s like a writing exercise. But it’s not something that comes from the soul. It’s not the way René writes.
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.
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Farruko’s Youth Faithstival
Puerto Rican star Farruko held his first-ever Youth Faithstival in Puerto Rico on July 23, which kicked off with a faith-based march dubbed the Youth for Jesus and ended with a free concert, attended by 15,000 people, according to a press statement. Throughout the march, people could stop at several booths featuring guest speakers and presentations by groups such as the Christian Youth of Puerto Rico.The day ended with a handful of performances by artists such as Gabriel José Rodríguez, better known as Gabriel EMC, Onell Díaz who collaborated with Farruko on “Misericordia” and Jaime Barceló — former member of the band León de Judá — among many more artists.
Prior to the event, Farruko posted on social media: “I’m going to make it easy totally free we will dance, jump, sing and feed the spirit that we need so much in these difficult times, if we unite for sometimes stupid causes let’s unite for peace, for the youth and for God.”
Anuel AA Surprises Fan
Anuel is making dreams come true. The Puerto Rican hitmaker was spotted gifting one of his sparkly necklaces to a young fan who couldn’t hold back the dears as his idol gave him this special gift. In the video shared on social media, you can see Anuel put the necklace on a little boy, who is of course recording on his phone every second of this moment. Then, Anuel gives him a hug and tells him to behave and never to take the necklace off.
On the Radar (July)
If you missed our On the Radar picks for July, it’s never too late to start listening to these hidden gems. This month, Billboard’s Latin and Español editors highlight 11 emerging acts, from Jasiel Nuñez – who scored his first entry on the Hot 100 thanks to “Lagunas” with Peso Pluma – and K-efe from Chile who performed at the Latin Alternative Music Conference earlier this month.
See all the picks for On the Radar here.
Colombia Team on Top
The Colombia team celebrated their first win at the Women’s World Cup 2023 in a big way. Following their victory over South Korea on Tuesday (July 25) at the Sydney Football Stadium, the team returned to the locker room where they got a surprise visit from the Colombian hitmaker J Balvin, who hyped them as they blasted and sang along to one of his early hits, “Ay Vamos.” Before the game, they were bumping to Karol G’s “Amargura,” to which Karol G responded with “Reinotas (Queens).”
Rosalía sends emotional message post-Motomami World Tour
Before reports of her engagement ending with Rauw Alejandro, Rosalía was celebrating a milestone as she wrapped her first-ever global tour. The Motomami World Tour, a nearly 70-date global trek, ended with a last performance at Lollapalooza Paris and later posted an emotional message on social media to mark the end of an era. “Motomami has anded but my gratitude with God, my family, my team and all those that support me is forever. Motomami has been a hurrican that has brought but also taken many things from my life that I don’t even know where to start. Thanks to all the Motomamis of the world for giving me so much love during this time,” she wrote.
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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Darell, Everybody Go to the Discotek (Sony Music Latin)
If the album’s title is any indication, Darell has just dropped an album that’s meant to dance and perrear, not all night long, but year-round. Everybody Go to the Discotek, named after his signature phrase, is home to 18 tracks that are not only crafted for a good time at the club but also showcases Darell’s musical versatility. At the core of each track is his distinct, deep, raspy vocals, but while some songs are hard-hitting perreos (“Deshidratado,” “Ponte Bonita,” and “Me Dice Daddy,” to name a few), the Puerto Rican act is as experimental as ever. “Lollipop” is a sensual merengue-bachata fusion, “Rulay” is a tribute to Dominican dembow “Funka” is a saucy Brazilian funk number and focus single “Wait Deh Man,” a reggae-infused collaboration with Nicky Jam, Wisin, and Luar La L. Other collaborators on Everybody Go to the Discotek include Ozuna, Myke Towers, Sech, Jory Boy, Maffio, Omar Courtz and Omar Montes. — JESSICA ROIZ
Kany García & Carin Leon, “Te Lo Agradezco” (5020 Records)
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Kany García starts her new song with an imposing tuba beat that then gives space to a requinto-driven melody, with both instruments ultimately fusing to give life to this powerful pop ballad. For “Te Lo Agradezco,” the Puerto Rican singer-songwriter reels in regional Mexican star Carin Leon, whose signature vibrant vocals complement Kany’s equally potent voice, as they sing about being better off after ending a toxic relationship. “This love was too big for you, and you would say that I couldn’t live without you and now you’re looking for any reason to talk about me, oh love, you still have that urge to hurt my heart,” they sing, obviously striking a chord. — GRISELDA FLORES
Grupo Firme & Pipe Bueno, “Entre Botellas” (Music VIP Entertainment)
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Pipe Bueno teamed up with Grupo Firme to create the ultimate heartbreak anthem, “Entre Botellas.” The unique vocals and fresh perspective of Pipe, along with the distinctive sound of Firme, reaffirms regional music’s ongoing success throughout the world, as “Entre Botellas” marks the debut collaboration between a Colombian artist and a renowned regional Mexican group. The song was penned by Eduin Caz and Abraham Hernández of Grupo Firme and narrates the tale of two friends who are catching up over drinks. As they discuss their recent love interests, they discover they have both fallen for the same woman. The duo then reminisce about their lost love while drowning their sorrows with a few more bottles. “Between bottles and already drunk, I don’t even remember that I love you and that I would like to be the owner of your kisses,” they sing in the chorus. — INGRID FAJARDO
Caloncho, “Wacha Checa” (Universal Music Mexico)
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Caloncho brings us a romantic mid-tempo indie pop song with hints of reggae and folk that’s as “refreshing as mint,” to quote part of the lyrics. In “Wacha Checa,” the Mexican singer-songwriter invites us to open our eyes and appreciate the good things in life. “Let go of everything that weighs you down/ Leave behind everything that happened/ The occasion is so perfect, wacha, checa/ Where are you today,” he sings in his characteristic laid-back style, in Spanish. “[This song] is an attempt to make someone else see everything that is around them that it is beautiful, and that for some reason they are not seeing it from the correct angle,” the press notes say. The music video, starring Caloncho and his wife sharing everyday moments in their home, is just as sweet and serene. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Kurt, “Luz Prendida” (Universal Music Mexico)
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Armed with an acoustic guitar and honest lyrics, Mexican singer-songwriter Kurt presents his new song “Luz Prendida.” Without embellishments or pretensions, Kurt describes the virtues and particularities of the muse of his inspiration that make him fall in love, creating a beautiful romantic ballad. “I didn’t think I would find you and that, instantly, you would teach me so many ways to love you/ You are the true proof, that love is not a waiting room/I want to be closer to you, seeing you already makes me happy/You are the true proof, that love takes time, but it always arrives,” he sings throughout the song. The video, set in an eclectic home where vintage and contemporary elements converge, shows the artist in his essence, accompanied by his instrument and his beloved. The song comes at a good time, as a friendly reminder not to lose hope and to keep believing that love can be found at the right time, even when breakup news takes over the headlines. — LUISA CALLE
Luiza Lian, 7 Estrelas | quem arrancou o céu? (ZZK Records)
Buoyed by psychedelic-leaning electronic music and experimental pop, Luiza Lian concocts a highly imaginative album on 7 Estrelas | quem arrancou o céu? (or 7 Stars | Who Ripped Out the Sky?) that twists and turns in unexpected ways. With unpredictable drum patterns, courtesy of longtime collaborator French/Brazilian producer Charles Tixier, and her ethereal voice (which can turn stormy in an instant), Lian’s fourth studio album puts a spotlight on her unflinching approach at making soul-stirring art. Languorous beats with occasional subtle distortions take the lead on “A Minha Música É,” while “Tecnicolor” displays a range of sound with vibrant vocal effects. “My music is a landscape for you to enter your own journey,” she sings in Portuguese on the intro track. As the press release notes, the album is “a profound reflection on how we distort our lives based on false reflections we see both digitally in our use of social media and materially in an increasingly consumerist society.” — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Check out more editor’s picks in the weekly playlist below!
Shakira crosses off a new milestone, becoming the first artist to occupy the top three ranks on Billboard’s Latin Pop Airplay chart in a single week.
On the survey dated July 29, “TQG,” with Karol G, holds strong at No. 1 for a 10th week; Shakira’s own “Acróstico” rises 3-2, returning to its best rank; and the Colombian superstar’s latest single “Copa Vacía,” with Manuel Turizo, advances 4-3 for a new high.
(The Latin Pop Airplay chart, which began in 1994, reflects weekly audience impressions from a panel of over 150 Latin-formatted U.S. radio stations, as monitored by Mediabase, which provides Luminate data for Billboard charts.)
Despite “TQG” dipping 7% in audience impressions to 8.6 million in the latest tracking week, ending July 20, the team-up’s 10 weeks at No. 1 mark the second-most of 2023 – trailing only another Shakira song: Her Bizarrap collab “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53” dominated for 12 weeks beginning in February (and currently holds at No. 7).
As “Acróstico” and “Copa Vacía” ascend to Nos. 2 and 3, respectively, radio airplay continues to grow for the songs. “Acróstico” takes the runner-up slot with a 2% gain in audience impressions, to 5.7 million, while “Copa” rises with a 33% boost, to 5.4 million, procuring the track the week’s Greatest Gainer honor.
Previously, Shakira and 16 other acts had held the top two on Latin Pop Airplay simultaneously. The full list of such artists: Rauw Alejandro, Bad Bunny, Camilo, Daddy Yankee, Luis Fonsi, Juan Luis Guerra 440, Enrique Iglesias, J Balvin, Juanes, Karol G, Maluma, Nicky Jam, Don Omar, Ozuna, Pitbull, Shakira and Tainy.
Even while being chased by dinosaurs, Ramón Vega and Christian Nodal can’t get the girl that broke their hearts out of their minds. For their first collaboration “dEsANiMao :(,” the pair trade verses of heartbreak over a wistful pop tune. In the music video, premiering exclusively on Billboard, the two navigate different terrains, from the […]
Gabito Ballesteros was only 10 years old when he unearthed his musical talent. He formed part of a children’s mariachi at a local church in his native Cumpas, Sonora, Mexico, where he learned how to play the guitar and discovered his singing capabilities. It was his own family members and the people from his small town that let him know he had a gift.
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Further exploring his talents, a then 15-year-old Ballesteros — whose models to follow are Joan Sebastian, Remmy Valenzuela, and Julion Alvarez — created a Facebook account to post videos of himself performing. His first taste of virality came when he covered “Apagaré La Luz” by Los Hermanos Vega Jr., and the group reposted his video.
“Nowadays, social media can open doors for you, and that’s what happened to me,” he tells Billboard. “But this was just a hobby for me. I couldn’t dedicate myself fully to music, because my parents wanted me to finish school first, and then I could dedicate myself to whatever I wanted.”
Just last year, Ballesteros finished his studies and entered the Música Mexicana realm. His first big supporter was Natanael Cano, whom he met years ago in Hermosillo, and who later invited him to collaborate on his “AMG” track with another then-newcomer: Peso Pluma. Ballesteros is also signed to Cano’s record label Los CT.
“All the songs represent something, but ‘AMG’ was a very big springboard for us,” he elaborates. “It was the song that took us to another step. I am happy and excited — but with a very big commitment, because once you hit a song you already want to have another 10 hits. That’s where the pressure is felt, but it’s nice.”
“AMG” marked Ballesteros first-ever Billboard chart entry, peaking at No. 6 on the Hot Latin Songs listing dated Feb. 25 and at No. 37 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 dated May 13. In total, the Mexican artist has four entries on Hot Latin Songs and two top 40 tracks on the Hot 100, including “Lady Gaga,” in collaboration with Peso Pluma and Junior H.
Ballesteros has since been nothing but in-demand, recently even teaming up with artists outside of the genre, like Becky G on “La Nena” and Piso 21 on “Me Libere.”
“I am proud to be living this moment,” he says. “Natanael opened the doors for us. At the time it was difficult for him, with all the criticism and bad comments, but he was able to do it — and today it’s our turn. I feel happy to be able to open a new path for the talents that come after me. Just as I have my idols, I would like to be that for the artists who come along the way.”
Below, learn more about July’s Latin Artist on the Rise.
Name: Gabriel Ballesteros Abril
Age: 24
Recommended Song: “AMG,” Natanael Cano x Gabito Ballesteros x Peso Pluma
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Major Accomplishment: “It’s all of them. Every step I take is an achievement for me. A year go, I had smaller goals, now I have bigger ones … but I feel that every one of my goals and achievements, since I began my career, has a lot of value.”
What’s Next?: “I have a tour with Natanael Cano that is about to start in Mexico. My first album is coming too, which hopefully we can release at the end of this year. Collaborations are coming that I can’t mention at the moment, but yes, many projects and surprises are coming. I work daily for all my fans.”
It’s Rosalía’s turn to say her piece following her shocking breakup from fiancé and fellow Latin music superstar Rauw Alejandro.
Taking to Instagram Stories, the “Hentai” singer posted a brief message to fans, marking the first time she’s spoken out since news broke earlier this week that she and Rauw have ended their engagement. “I love, respect and admire Rauw very much,” she wrote in Spanish on Thursday (July 27). “Not paying attention to the movies, we know what we have been through. This moment is not easy so thanks to everyone for understanding and respecting.”
Rosalía’s message follows one day behind Rauw’s own statement, in which he confirmed their split via social media and denied rumors that either of them had cheated. “There are thousands of problems that can cause a breakup but, in our case, it was not because of infidelity or a third person,” he wrote in Spanish.
“During this time that I’m taking to assimilate everything,” he continued, “There have been false public allegations, and because of the respect I have for her, our families and all we ever lived, I couldn’t stay quiet and continue to see how they try to destroy the most real love story God has ever allowed me to live.”
News of their breakup came earlier this week, just four months after the power couple announced their plans to tie the knot. They were together for three years, meeting in Las Vegas in 2019 during the Latin Grammys.
In March, Rosalía and Rauw joined forces to release RR, a three-song EP that served as a public and passionate exploration of their love, which they discussed in their joint Billboard cover story. The music video for one of the tracks, “Beso,” doubled as their engagement announcement.
“I’m lucky to be your partner, and I want to be there for you, sabes?” Rosalía told Rauw while speaking to Billboard in March. “And I feel you’re there for me, independent of the careers. For me, our relationship is first, and then there’s everything else. Of course my career is super important in my life, but at the same time, in my life, you’re my companion, and everything else comes second.”
Prince Royce picks up his 16th No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay chart thanks to “Me EnRD,” which ascends 4-1 on the July 29-dated ranking. With the new champ, Royce matches Carlos Vives for the second-most No. 1s by a tropical act, both with 16. “Wow, happy with another No. 1 on Latin Airplay filled […]
Rauw Alejandro issued a lengthy statement Wednesday (July 26), just a day after it was reported that he and fiancé Rosalía had ended their relationship after three years together. “Throughout all these years, you’ve been part of my professional accomplishments, as well as all the happy moments I lived with my partner,” Alejandro wrote in […]