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Carin León, the artist born Óscar Armando Díaz de León Huez, is one of the most prominent and influential figures in Regional Mexican music today, known for his rich storytelling and dazzling instrumental skills. On Thursday (May 18), the singer/songwriter releases Colmillo de Leche, an 18-track studio album titled after the Mexican analogy of a milk tooth — which for him means that sometimes we may think we are experienced in life, but unexpected events can quickly change our perspective.
Over a phone call from Los Angeles, the Mexican superstar reflected to Billboard about his new project as he prepared to announce his first U.S. arena tour, the Colmillo de Leche Tour, presented by AEG, hitting 27 arenas beginning Aug. 10 in Rosemont, Ill., and wrapping up Oct. 8 in Charlotte, N.C.
“It’s a new era for me, definitely in all aspects,” León tells Billboard. “In my way of thinking, I want to convey what I want in my music. In all the connection between what happened in my personal life and a person’s maturity, it is also noticeable and influences your music.”
The album is being released during the same week he performed for the first time at one of the most significant venues in Mexico, Mexico City’s Auditorio Nacional, fulfilling one more dream in his career.
It’s a love letter to music for which León collected compositions from other songwriters over the past two and a half years, songs that connected with him at a time when the lyrics told him more about himself. “I didn’t feel like I was in the circumstances of wanting to express myself, of being able to say what I had at that moment,” León says. “But, more than anything, these songs connected with me, and apart from the production, they told me how they wanted to dress and show themselves on this record, and I think I like to see this record that way. It’s like transforming the songs into how you want to express yourself.
Te set navigates through various rhythms, including soul, flamenco, pop and salsa, incorporating perfect Mexican regional blends made by Sonora musicians. “Ninety-five percent of the musicians on this record are Sonorans, and those who are not are people from somewhere else who live in Hermosillo,” the Sonora-born singer adds.
Below, León shares the significance of five essential tracks on Colmillo de Leche, in his own words.
“No Es Por Acá“
When I heard it, it was a song without any complexity, but it touched me a lot. We decided to do it like this style with a little sierreño blues but minimalist with some instruments. God allowed this song to be a success, and when we sing it onstage, it’s a total success.
“Ni Me Debes Ni Te Debo” (Carin León x Camilo)
The song with Camilo comes out the day the album is released. It’s a very beautiful song, and when I heard it, I was even imagining the production at the same time; I wanted to put some strings. I wanted to make a string quintet of something a little more intimate, and what Camilo did is incredible to me, and we are delighted with that song.
“De Piedra a Papel” (Carin León x Pablo Alborán)
I have been working on a song with Mr. Pablo Alborán for quite some time now. We’ve put a lot of effort into it, including the production, which involved working with a mariachi band and incorporating some interesting elements. We added a touch of flamenco and a sound reminiscent of ’90s Italian pop, similar to artists like Eros and Laura Pausini. Through this song, I aimed to showcase my musical influences and experiences.
“Vete Yendo” (Carin León x Ángela Aguilar)
It is a collaboration that we did with Ángela Aguilar, who is like the language spoken amid flamenco rumba, salsa, and Latin. And we try to do it with our regional sound, a very Mexican theme, and lyrics that resemble Spanish flamenco.
“Primera Cita“
It is a significant song, which today is giving us some exciting surprises that people are connecting a lot with this song. I had wanted to make a soul of doing this mid-century theme for a while. The guitars have all been through amplifiers with a slightly dark sound. More focused on feeling with some lyrics by Mr. Alejandro Lozano, proudly Hermosillense and who has a very northern theme.
Argentine producer Federico Vindver and Yahritza Martinez, singer of Yahritza y Su Esencia, are set to receive special honors at the upcoming SESAC Latina Awards 2023.
SESAC will award Vindver with producer of the year and 16-year-old Martinez with the breakthrough songwriter award. During the ceremony, which will take place June 27 in Los Angeles, the song of the year, publisher of the year and songwriter of the year — for both regional Mexican and pop/Latin rhythm — winners will also be announced.
“We love every opportunity to recognize our talented affiliates within the Latin songwriting community and l look forward to bringing everyone together for a night of celebration,” said Sam Kling, chief creative officer, SESAC Performing Rights. “The songs and spirit at the SESAC Latina Music Awards always make it a wonderfully special and unique evening.
Vindver has worked with artists such as Jennifer Lopez, Ricky Martin, Marc Anthony and, most recently, Christina Aguilera for her Spanish-language album Aguilera, which was nominated for album of the year at the Latin Grammys 2022.
“Vindver is a one-of-a-kind versatile producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist that has worked with some of the biggest names in music,” said Celeste Zendejas, VP of SESAC Latina. “Additionally, we are recognizing all that Yahritza has done in her career at such a young age — she has broken several records not only as an artist but as a songwriter as well.”
With “Soy El Único,” Yahritza y Su Esencia’s debut single, Martinez made chart history as the youngest Latin performer to enter the Billboard Hot 100 when the track debuted at No. 20 last year. Subsequently, their seven-track debut EP, Obsessed, peaked at No. 1 on the Regional Mexican Albums chart (dated May 7, 2022). Martinez is just one of the two women (the other being Karol G) who have reached No. 1 on the Latin Songwriters chart.
Yahritza Martinez
Rita Feregrino
Colombian star J Balvin is going full speed in the music video for “Toretto,” which is part of the Fast X soundtrack. The three-minute clip starts off with Balvin receiving a set of keys from a man who doesn’t appear on screen, but his deep and hoarse voice gives him away.
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“Let me show you how I ride,” the hitmaker tells Vin Diesel. “Buckle up,” the action star responds. “Watch me,” Balvin says before taking off for a ride.
At the end of his drive, the artist boasts to Diesel, “Told you I’m good!” Responds the impressed actor, “Not bad!”
According to a press release, in “Toretto,” Diesel makes his first music video appearance in the 22-year-spanning Fast & Furious films. The video pays homage to the franchise’s history and affinity for cars, speed and family bonds. Balvin’s fast-paced track is part of the soundtrack for Fast X, the tenth film of the series, which is set to arrive in theaters Friday, May 19.
The Fast X soundtrack includes songs by other artists such as Maria Becerra, Myke Towers, Ludmilla, YoungBoy Never Broke Again, Jimin of BTS, Kodak Black, NLE Choppa. The soundtrack will also be available May 19 via Artist Partner Group.
Most recently, Balvin — who in total has 35 top 10 hits on Billboard‘s Hot Latin Songs chart — officially joined Roc Nation as a management client, where he will be overseen directly by Jay Brown and Chris Knight. Over the summer, he’ll kick off a series of European tour dates, mostly festivals, beginning with a June 24 performance at the Solydays festival in Paris. You can see the dates here.
Watch J Balvin show Vin Diesel what he’s got in the “Toretto” video above.
Grupo Frontera achieves a feat unseen on Billboard’s Latin Airplay chart in more than a decade, becoming the first act to place two regional Mexican songs at No. 1 in a single year. The group claims the first such double win since Banda El Recodo de Cruz Lizárraga in 2009.
Grupo Frontera’s “Un x100to,” with Bad Bunny, hits No. 1 on the Latin Airplay chart (dated May 20) thanks to a 20% boost in audience impressions, to 10.7 million, in the United States in the week ending May 11, according to Luminate.
The quintet secured its first champ on Latin Airplay as “Bebe Dame,” with Fuerza Regida, capped the March 25-dated ranking.
The last regional Mexican act to post two No. 1s on the tally in the same year was Banda El Recodo de Cruz Lizárraga, whose “Te Presumo” and “Me Gusta Todo de Ti” ruled for six and five weeks beginning the Feb. 28 and Dec. 26, 2009-dated lists, respectively.
Since Latin Airplay launched in November 1994, Grupo Frontera logs just the fifth instance of an act notching two regional Mexican No. 1s in a single year. Marco Antonio Solis first achieved the feat in 1996 and is the only artist to have earned the honor twice.
Find the full list below:
Acts With 2 Regional Mexican No. 1s on Latin Airplay in a Single Year:Grupo Frontera, 2023: “Un x100to,” with Bad Bunny, “Bebe Dame,” with Fuerza RegidaBanda El Recodo de Cruz Lizárraga, 2009: “Me Gusta Todo De Ti,” “Te Presumo”Conjunto Primavera, 2007: “Basta Ya,” “Ese”Marco Antonio Solis, 1997: “La Venia Bendita,” “Así Como Te Conocí”Marco Antonio Solis, 1996: “Recuerdos, Tristeza Y Soledad,” “Que Pena Me Das”
Bad Bunny, meanwhile, captures his 21st Latin Airplay champ, the seventh-most among all acts since the chart’s inception in 1994. J Balvin leads with 35 No. 1s, followed by Enrique Iglesias and Ozuna (32 each), Daddy Yankee (28), Maluma and Wisin (22 each).
Regional Mexican Throughout the Decades: Expanding on the regional Mexican genre’s momentum, as Grupo Frontera reached the No. 1 slot with “Bebe Dame” in March, the quintet brought back the format to Latin Airplay’s top spot following a three-year gap, after La Adictiva Banda San José de Mesillas’ “Escondidos” crowned for one week on Jan. 18, 2020.
This decade, so far, four regional Mexican songs have secured a spot at No. 1. “Escondidos” succeeded Alejandro Fernández’s “Caballero,” which began its two-week reign on the Jan. 4, 2020, chart, prior to Grupo Frontera’s two leaders this year.
Looking back to the Latin Airplay chart’s 1994 inception, the ’90s dispensed the most regional Mexican chart-toppers in a single decade: 18 (despite the chart debuting nearly halfway through the decade), led by the likes of Solis, Rocio Durcal, Alejandro Fernández, Juan Gabriel, Los Tigres del Norte and Selena. Almost as many – 17 – ruled during the 2000s, while nine led in the ‘10s, continuing a rich legacy for the genre.
The 2020s are on pace for around 12 regional Mexican No. 1s by the end of the decade, although the genre’s unprecedented heights on the Billboard Hot 100, led by “Un x100to” and Eslabon Armado and Peso Pluma’s “Ella Baila Sola” – the first regional Mexican top 10s ever on the chart, where they currently rank at Nos. 7 and 4, respectively – suggest an even greater ceiling. A new wave of acts is fusing mariachi, norteño, banda, sierreño and corridos, as well as collaborating with artists, such as Bad Bunny, generally outside the genre.
J Balvin and Bad Bunny have each locked in their 13th video entry in YouTube’s Billion Views Club, the video platform announced Wednesday (May 17). The two stars have now tied the record Ozuna previously held on his own. All three reggaeton acts have become the artists with the most entries in the Billion Views […]
On Tuesday (May 15), Nicky Jam showcased his hitmaker status when he took the stage at the 2023 Telemundo Upfront Celebration, a private concert held in New York City. Spanning two decades of hard-hitting reggaeton bangers like “Hasta El Amanecer,” “X,” and the classic “Travesuras,” the singer-rapper — who arrived donning athletic clothes covered by a fly trench coat — held down the sweltering house for nearly two hours.
Born Nick Rivera Caminero, the half Puerto Rican, half Dominican artist is considered one of the pioneers of reggaeton with over 20 years in the space. The 13-time Latin Billboard Music Award winner is known for his Hot Latin Songs No. 1 hits such as his Enrique Iglesias-assisted “El Perdón,” which topped the chart for 30 weeks in 2015, and “Hasta El Amanecer,” which ruled for 18 weeks. Currently, he’s making the rounds with his first regional Mexican song with Luis R. Conriquez, “Como El Viento.”
Ahead, he’ll star in the upcoming Peacock Original Reggaeton: The Sound that Conquered the World, executive produced by Daddy Yankee. According to a release, the doc will tell the story of “a grassroots music movement that grew from a local sound born in the barrios of Puerto Rico, into a global force heard around the world.”
“All I did was just sit down and talk about the years that I’ve been in the music industry and everything I know about reggaeton, the beginnings and the evolution and everything,” says Nicky Jam. “I just feel like a proud dad, like if I had a little baby and I was trying to make my baby be somebody, and my baby finally is somebody.”
Billboard Español sat down with the reggaeton rockstar at The Glasshouse in New York to discuss his starring role in the genre’s evolution and global takeover, stepping into regional Mexican music and more.
You are a pioneer of reggaeton and still at the forefront of it. How has that journey been, from seeing it in the streets to now being a global sound?
It’s a blessing to be one of the guys that knocked on doors for this genre to exist, and to see where it’s at today. I just feel like a proud dad, like if I had a little baby and I was trying to make my baby be somebody, and my baby finally is somebody. I’m happy that I have made a big contribution to this music industry, and I’m still here today. Young kids respect me, they respect my career, all I’ve been through and all [reggaeton] went through to be where it is today.
I was fascinated by your recent regional Mexican feature with Luis R. Conriquez. What do you think about the rise of regional Mexican music?
I love what they’re doing. I love their music. I connect with their music because it’s kind of like urban music. They come from where we come from. They talk about the same things we talk about. [Luis R. Conriquez] is a very humble guy. I enjoy doing music with him. When I did this song, it was before the phenomena [“un x100to”] with Bad Bunny [and Grupo Frontera] and everything that’s going on with Peso Pluma. I’m just happy for them. It’s something that’s growing. It’s like reggaeton at the beginning, that type of regional music. Regional music has been going on forever, but [now there’s] this new color of it.
It’s nice to see. It makes us learn about Mexican culture more, about that version of Mexico, because we all know different parts of it, telenovelas, their music, boxing… But this is like a whole new Mexico for us.
How was it, vocally, to sing regional?
Well, I’m very melodic, so for me, it’s not hard to get into any type of music because I can sing. Just having a feeling, studying what they do and just putting my vibe to it. The best way you could collab with different types of music is by giving it your own color.
You also have The Rockstar Show, where you’ve interviewed key players in Latin music, including Billboard‘s own, Leila Cobo. What led you to host your own show and what’s in store for its future?
I think it was the pandemic. I needed to work, so I started creating all these things, like with restaurants and hospitality [like La Industria Bakery & Café in Miami]. Apart from that, I wanted to do a show where I interview singers, colleagues and people from the industry. That’s why I came out with The Rockstar Show. We’re coming up with the third part of it, so we’re just happy. We’re starting heavy with a lot of heavy hitters. We have J Balvin, and a couple more.
What else are you working on now?
A new movie coming out with Universal and Westbrook, Will Smith’s company. I’m the main actor in this movie. We’re working on it, but we’re not done. It’s going to be my main act. A new album, two songs coming out soon, and the new chapter of The Rockstar Show.
You’re also set to headline a bunch of international festivals: Sueños, Baja Beach Fest and the Milano Latin Festival in Italy. What do you look forward to the most when you travel to these?
I just enjoy working and singing my songs in front of people. I make people reminisce about the reggaeton from back in the days and what’s going on today. A lot of people can’t go on stage and sing you songs from 20 years back and make you enjoy it like it’s 2001. That’s Nicky Jam.
On another note, you have some of the fliest tattoos in the game. Which was your last tattoo and what does it mean to you?
This one [pointing to a hummingbird on his thigh]. To be honest with you, I like being free, and the bird represents freedom for me. That’s why I did this one. I just love tattoos. I can’t stop. I’m going to keep getting more.
Bad Bunny is at it again, teasing fans with more new music for 2023.
In a one-minute video posted on his TikTok account Monday night (May 15), the Puerto Rican artist is in a vibrant room, rocking an all-black leather outfit and his natural curls. “Check this out,” he says in Spanish before pressing play.
A dramatic melody then begins, backed by Bad’s signature deep vocals. “Baby, tell me the truth if you forgot about me/ I know it was only one night, that we’re not going to repeat/ In you I wanted to find what I lost in someone else/ Your pride doesn’t want to speak to me, so we’re going to compete,” he passionately chants in the opening verse.
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Then, the rhythm transitions to a Jersey Club-inspired beat (a hybrid of house and hip-hop), where he continues, “I don’t like to lose, tell me what you’re doing to do.”
In the caption, he asked his over 31 million followers, “Tell me if you like it and I’ll send it to you via WhatsApp :)”
The upcoming single comes on the heels of his collaboration on Grupo Frontera hit “un x100to,” which marked his first time dipping his toes in the norteño-cumbia realm. The song earned Frontera its highest debut on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart, entering at No. 3 on the April 29-dated ranking, and later hitting No. 1 on both the Latin Airplay chart and Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart.
Last year, the artist born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio told Billboard his plans of taking a break in 2023, but would still release music.
“I’m taking a break. 2023 is for me, for my physical health, my emotional health to breathe, enjoy my achievements,” he said. “We’re going to celebrate. Let’s go here, let’s go there, let’s go on the boat. I have a couple of sporadic commitments, and I’ll go to the studio, but there’s no pressure. Remember yourself, cabrón. You’ve worked your a– off.”
Listen to the preview of his next single below:
Shakira gifted moms a new anthem for Mother’s Day. “Acróstico,” released May 12, is a powerful open letter to her children, Milan and Sasha.
The song is a poetic composition constructed so that the initial letter of each line of lyrics, taken consecutively, spells out the names of her two sons. Co-written by Shakira, Keityn, Lexuz and other contributions at La Creme, “Acróstico” is about a mother who can turn her pain into strength through the love of her kids.
On Monday (May 15), the Colombian star — who was crowned Woman of the Year the first-ever Billboard Latin Women in Music on May 6 — released the ballad’s official music video, which features Milan and Sasha singing and playing the piano alongside their mother.
Read the full “Acróstico” lyrics translated into English below:
You taught me that love is not a scam, and that when it’s real it doesn’t endI tried to stop you from seeing me cry, that you didn’t see my fragilityBut things are not always as we dreamSometimes we run, but we never reach our destination Never doubt that I will be hereTalk to me and I’ll listen to you
And even though life treated me like thisI will be strong just for you
All I want is your happinessAnd to be with youYour smile is my weaknessLoving you serves as anesthesia for the painIt makes me feel betterI’m here for whatever you needYou came to complete what I am
Only one plate broke, not the entire setAlthough I don’t know how to turn the other cheekLearning to forgive is wise, only love should come out of those lipsIf things are damaged, don’t throw them away, repair themFace your problems head onYou have to laugh at lifeEven though the wounds hurt
You have to give people your whole heartEven if they hurt it for no reason
All I want is your happinessAnd to be with youYour smile is my weaknessLoving you serves as anesthesia for the painIt makes me feel betterI’m here for whatever you needYou came to complete what I am
It serves as anesthesia for the painIt makes me feel betterI’m here for whatever you needYou came to complete what I am
Jhayco has unleashed the dates, venues, and cities of his 2023 Vida Rockstar tour exclusively on Billboard today (May 16).
Presented by Loud And Live, the trek will take him to 16 major U.S. cities, kicking off Sept. 28 at the Agganis Arena in Boston and wrapping on Dec. 10 at the Hertz Arena in Ft. Myers.
In between the opening and closing dates, the Puerto Rican singer-songwriter born Jesús Manuel Nieves Cortés (formerly known as Jhay Cortez) will also visit his loyal fans in Newark, Washington DC, Chicago, San Antonio, Dallas, Seattle, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Atlanta, and Miami, to name a few.
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Fully embracing his “vida rockstar” (rockstar life) season, fans can expect the edgy reggaetón artist to perform some of his greatest and viral hits including his song “Dakiti” with Bad Bunny, which hit No. 1 on the Billboard Global 200 chart, and his latest singles “Cuerpecito” and the Quevedo-assisted “Mami Chula.”
In addition, the Vida Rockstar U.S. stint will offer VIP packages to give fans the ultimate concert experience.
Ticketmaster and AMEX pre-sale begins at 10 a.m. (local time) on Tuesday, May 16; pre-sale for Spotify and Fan Club members begins at 10 a.m. (local time) on Wednesday, May 17; pre-sale for Loud And Live and venues begins at 10 a.m. (local time); and general public on-sale starts at 10 a.m. (local time) on Friday, May 19.
For more information on tickets and VIP packages, visit www.jhayco.com.
See the complete 2023 “Vida Rockstar” U.S. tour date below:
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Latin artists have long addressed mental health issues through their music. In 2017, Juanes joined Logic, Alessia Cara and Khalid for a bilingual version of “1-800-273-8255,” the phone number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The original song, off Logic’s album Everybody, helped him score his highest charting hit on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at […]