Billboard En Vivo Featuring Fonseca and Beatriz Luengo
Atmosphere at Billboard En Vivo Featuring Fonseca and Beatriz Luengo held at Oasis Wynwood as part of Billboard Latin Music Week on October 6, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida.
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Becky G Makes Top Five Debut on Regional Mexican Albums Chart With ‘Esquinas’
Becky G debuts at No. 3 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Albums chart (dated Sept. 14) with Esquinas. The Edgar Barrera-produced album is Becky G’s first entry on the Regional Mexican Albums tally, after notching previous entries on Billboard‘s Latin Pop Albums and Latin Rhythm Albums rankings. The new set concurrently debuts at No. 7 on the overall Top Latin Albums chart.
Esquinas was released Sept. 28 via Kemosabe/RCA and launches at No. 3 on Regional Mexican Albums with 11,000 equivalent album units earned in the tracking week ending Oct. 5 in the U.S., according to Luminate. Streaming powers nearly all the album’s first week, with 10,000 of them from the consumption method. That equals to 14.1 million official on-demand streams for the album’s songs.
Esquinas is Becky G’s third full-length album and first appearance on Regional Mexican Albums. The 13-track set’s title, which translates to “corners,” references the intersection between her American style with her Mexican roots. It includes collabs by Peso Pluma, Ivan Cornejo, Gabito Ballesteros, Yahritza y Su Esencia, Chiquis and DannyLux. The album’s cover art was revealed through Becky G’s Instagram account on Sept. 12: “I could not be more excited to share the cover of my new album Esquinas…” she posted, with a baby photo of herself on braids, a sombrero, and a red bandana covering her chest.
Esquinas finds the 26-year-old artist at a crossroads of two cultures, a sketch which shows throughout her Billboard chart career spanning over a decade. The album also gifts Becky G with two top 10 albums after the rhythmic Mala Santa (No. 3 high on Top Latin Albums and Latin Rhythm Albums, 2019) which included team-ups with Bad Bunny, Sech, Natti Natasha, and others, while the pop-filled Esquemas (eight-week champ on Latin Pop Albums, 2022) added partnerships with Karol G, El Alfa and Guaynaa.
As mentioned, Esquinas also bows at No. 7 on Top Latin Albums, after Esquemas debuted and reached No. 5 high in May 2022. Meanwhile, it earns her third chart appearance on the overall Billboard 200, at No. 109.
As Esquinas lands, two songs debut across Latin charts: “2do Chance,” with Ivan Cornejo, one of two pop songs on the album, launches at No. 34 on the multimetric Hot Latin Songs tally, fueled by streaming activity; it logged 2.7 million U.S. clicks during the same tracking week. Meanwhile, “Por El Contrario,” with siblings Leonardo Aguilar and Angela Aguilar, debuts at No. 19 on Latin Digital Songs.
Kali Uchis Announces Spanish-Language Album ‘Orquídeas’ & Release Date
Colombian-American superstar Kali Uchis has unveiled the release date for her upcoming album Orquídeas. This will mark her fourth studio album and her second Spanish-language project. The full-length release is set to drop Jan. 12, 2024.
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In a statement shared with Billboard Español, Uchis highlighted the significance of orchids in Colombian culture. “The orchid is the national flower of Colombia, and we have more species of orchid than anywhere on earth,” she says. “I always felt distinctly intrigued and magnetized by the flower. This album is inspired by the timeless, eerie, mystic, striking, graceful and sensual allure of the orchid. With this vast scope of fresh energy, I wish to re-define the way we look at Latinas in music.”
In August, Uchis kicked off this new era of Spanish-language music with the album’s first single, “Muñekita,” featuring Dominican dembow singer El Alfa and JT from City Girls, who each brought their dynamic energy to kick off the season. “I love bringing artists together that you’d least expect,” the Grammy winner said then in a press release. “El Alfa is a Latino legend and JT is someone I’ve admired forever. Both of them are known for their summer hits and high energy, so I’m incredibly excited to bring them together for a fun, sexy song like this.”
Kali Uchis’ most recent album, Red Moon in Venus, released in March, received critical acclaim and reached No. 4 on the all-genre Billboard 200 chart. The album featured the RIAA gold-certified single “Moonlight” and collaborations with Summer Walker, Don Toliver and Omar Apollo.
Her Red Moon in Venus Tour included performances at iconic venues like the Hollywood Bowl, Radio City Music Hall and Chicago’s Aragon Ballroom. Additionally, she made waves at Coachella, performing alongside surprise guests Tyler, the Creator, Omar Apollo and Don Toliver. She also performed at Lollapalooza in Chile, Argentina and Brazil and Estéreo Picnic in Colombia.
Pre-order and pre-save Orquídeas here.
Myke Towers Brings The Heat To Billboard Latin Music Week 2023
Cheetos left its mark during Billboard Latin Music Week 2023 with the brand’s panel and block party programming, shedding a spotlight on influential tastemakers from various industries, including music, art and fashion.
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On Wednesday, October 4, attendees of the week-long affair were treated to the “Deja tu Huella” presented by Cheetos at the Faena Forum in South Beach. Moderated by Billboard’s Jessica Roiz, the discussion let global hitmaker Myke Towers, Project Runway champ Shantall Lacayo and artist Rob the Original, speak to how they’ve given back to their communities. “The mark I want to leave is rather how to show,” the Puerto Rican rapper said during the 30-minute conversation. “Not only to those who want to be singers. You could be an athlete. You can be what we are, what we are doing. It is someone who pursues his dream. There are people who are a phenomena that can make it overnight but mine was a little different; I had to, instead of entering through the main entrance, I entered through the window. So what I mean by that is that I kept insisting until I got it and that is the mark that I want to leave as it is not easy, but it is not impossible either, and you have to make it look easy.”
Meanwhile, Lacayo, who came out victorious as the season 19 champ of the Bravo reality show, spoke about her special formula in making an impact. “Throughout my career, together with my team, I think the main thing we have discovered is that the DNA of our brand is our cultural roots, how we can keep alive those indigenous traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation and that, unfortunately, are getting lost in this world of fast fashion,” she explained. “We all want to leave a mark; part of my work seeks to do so through the reinterpretation of the work of artisans.”
Multi-disciplinary artist Rob the Original, who was previously a barber and tattoo artist, has pushed the boundaries of his work with different mediums to provide a limitless perspective of art and culture. “Thank God, I have been able to share with people what my culture is, right? It is what I do and since I was very young my dad, my parents always taught us that you have to be you and represent what you are, right?” he told the crowd. “And that is what has really helped me a lot and I have also had the opportunity to travel, thank God, the world and get to know other cultures and see how beautiful they are, how beautiful other cultures are and learn from them, too.”
Jessica Roiz, Mike Towers, Shantall Lacayo and Rob The Original speak onstage at Billboard Latin Music Week held at Faena Forum on October 4, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida.
Christopher Polk for Billboard
Mike Towers and Shantall Lacayo speak onstage at Billboard Latin Music Week held at Faena Forum on October 4, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida.
Christopher Polk for Billboard
Jessica Roiz, Mike Towers, Shantall Lacayo and Rob The Original speak onstage at Billboard Latin Music Week held at Faena Forum on October 4, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida.
Christopher Polk for Billboard
Mike Towers, Shantall Lacayo and Rob The Original onstage at Billboard Latin Music Week held at Faena Forum on October 4, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida.
Christopher Polk for Billboard
Mike Towers onstage at Billboard Latin Music Week held at Faena Forum on October 4, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida.
Christopher Polk for Billboard
Two days later, Towers brought that dream-turned-reality to Wynwood Marketplace for a block party performance presented by Cheetos. Preceded by performances from Polimá Westcoast and the Miami Heat dancers, the reggaeton chart-topper kept the crowd (and the brand’s Chester Cheetah mascot) dancing to songs, including “Piensan,” “Whiskey y Coco,” “La Jeepeta,” “El Cielo” and his current smash, “LALA.” In front of the jam-packed audience, Towers showed love to the audience by singing directly to fans, taking a selfie with the crowd and even brought a young boy on-stage to sing with him. When the concert-goers weren’t jamming along to Towers, they were treated to plenty of Cheetos samples, a live art display by muralist Bobby Alvarado, Cheetos-inspired lawn games, tunes by DJ Mr. Pauer and more.
Celebrated for more than 30 years, Billboard Latin Music Week is the longest running and biggest Latin music industry gathering in the world, and coincides with the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Awards, which will be broadcast live on Telemundo on Thursday, Oct. 5, from the Watsco Center in Miami.
Atmosphere at the Cheetos Daytime Party and Neighborhood Market held at Wynwood Marketplace as part of Billboard Latin Music Week on October 6, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida.
David Cabrera for Billboard
Atmosphere at the Cheetos Daytime Party and Neighborhood Market held at Wynwood Marketplace as part of Billboard Latin Music Week on October 6, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida.
David Cabrera for Billboard
Dj Pauer at the Cheetos Daytime Party and Neighborhood Market held at Wynwood Marketplace as part of Billboard Latin Music Week on October 6, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida.
David Cabrera for Billboard
Atmosphere at the Cheetos Daytime Party and Neighborhood Market held at Wynwood Marketplace as part of Billboard Latin Music Week on October 6, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida.
David Cabrera for Billboard
Bobby Alvarado at the Cheetos Daytime Party and Neighborhood Market held at Wynwood Marketplace as part of Billboard Latin Music Week on October 6, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida.
David Cabrera for Billboard
Atmosphere at the Cheetos Daytime Party and Neighborhood Market held at Wynwood Marketplace as part of Billboard Latin Music Week on October 6, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida.
David Cabrera for Billboard
Atmosphere at the Cheetos Daytime Party and Neighborhood Market held at Wynwood Marketplace as part of Billboard Latin Music Week on October 6, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida.
David Cabrera for Billboard
Heat Dancers at the Cheetos Daytime Party and Neighborhood Market held at Wynwood Marketplace as part of Billboard Latin Music Week on October 6, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida.
David Cabrera for Billboard
Atmosphere at the Cheetos Daytime Party and Neighborhood Market held at Wynwood Marketplace as part of Billboard Latin Music Week on October 6, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida.
David Cabrera for Billboard
Myke Towers at the Cheetos Daytime Party and Neighborhood Market held at Wynwood Marketplace as part of Billboard Latin Music Week on October 6, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida.
David Cabrera for Billboard
Ivy Queen Performs Reimagined Versions of Her Reggaetón Anthems in NPR Tiny Desk Concert
Ivy Queen performed her reggaetón anthems for NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts on Wednesday (Oct. 11). And, she wasn’t alone; backed by a live orchestra including a violin, cello, viola, double bass and a piano, the Puerto Rican superstar sang from “La Vida Es Así” to “Menor Que Yo” and “Quiero Bailar.”
“Let me take you to my motherland — Puerto Rico, that is,” she said at the beginning of her 24-minute set. She went on to belt out the lyrics to her first song, “Reza Por Mí,” and afterwards added: “I’m more nervous than you are, believe me. Singing here isn’t the same as singing in the studio. There are songs that transcend time and my songs have always been a message for us all. And there are songs we didn’t dare dedicate to anyone. Sing this one with me if you know it.”
She was talking about her ultra-empowering “La Vida Es Así.” Later, after explaining that the lyrics she writes narrate her life, she delivered a poignant message any women listening to her intimate set. “We have the right to be happy, we have the right to change, to take care of ourselves, to protect ourselves.” She wrapped her set with “En Que Fallamos” and “Quiero Bailar.”
Ivy Queen’s Tiny Desk concert comes just days after being honored with the Icon Award at the Billboard Latin Music Awards on Oct. 5. “I’m so happy, but at the same time I’m feeling so many emotions,” the reggaetón star told Billboard after accepting her special award. “There’s a lot of things going through my mind because it’s been a long journey. God has blessed me with so much stuff; with work, people that love me and talent has no expiration date.”
Other Latin stars that have recently recorded Tiny Desk concerts include DannyLux, Yahritza y Su Esencia, Kany García, Karol G, Carla Morrison, Carin Leon, Farruko and Tokischa, among others.
Watch Ivy Queen’s Tiny Desk concert above.
Best Quotes from “The Rising Star Q&A with Manuel Turizo” at Billboard Latin Music Week 2023
Three-time winner at the Latin Billboard Music Award, Manuel Turizo joined the stage with Billboard Latin Assistant Editor, Jessica Roiz, as part of “The Rising Star Q&A” presented by Delta and LATAM Airlines at the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Week on Wednesday (Oct. 4).
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In a moderated discussion, Turizo talks about his Colombian heritage, making his permanent move to Miami to grow his career and the influences of global collaborations.
Below, see some memorable quotes from the conversation:
On collaborating with Marshmello on his now Latin Grammy-nominated summer hit, “El Merengue:”
“Days before we [Marshmello] met, I was listening to all the work he did, and it’s typically Anglo pop. But when we met, we sat down and started talking, also understanding the idea he had of coming and collaborating with me and with more Latin artists. It was to get him into Latin a little bit and understand it. We started to think, let’s really get him into something that IS Latin — to take advantage of the fact that he was with me and to show his audience something that they didn’t consume or listen to. To show them something that, ‘they don’t know how to do.’ Merengue is something totally Latin. So that’s how the idea was born and that’s how we decided to do it.
On his move to Miami from Colombia in 2019 to further pursue his music:
“When I came here, Juan Diego El Ciego, my manager, was on top of me all the time. For like a year, he’s been saying “Move to Miami,” so I said, okay I’m going to rent an apartment and come, but I’m not going to stay. I’ll stay for a week if I have to and then I’ll go back. But I don’t know, the lockdown, I got used to being here, I liked the rhythm of the work. It also got me out of my comfort zone and I feel it helped me meet new people, see another environment, and see another atmosphere. I feel that here in Miami, there are also many people making music that what I had back in Colombia. Here, you go to a studio, and you meet different producers, composers, singers, everything. So there is a lot more movement, and I like that too, so I stayed.”
On what he misses most about leaving Monterilla, Colombia:
“The food, it will never be the same. I love it here, but the food in Colombia will never be topped. I also feel that you develop your palate according to where you grow up, wherever you are from, you go where you are from and you are going to miss your seasoning.”
On the success and creative process of “La Bachata:”
“I wanted to release that song [“La Bachata”] but my team told me ‘no, that I wasn’t the right song. First, you are not a bachatero, second, you are not Dominican.’ But I was like ‘I like it, why can’t I release it?’ So now, if I am not Dominican, with a lot of respect to the Dominican culture because at the end of the day, if I am doing a bachata being Colombian, it is because of all the influence and the inspiration of the Dominican musical culture that has also reached my country [Colombia].
It’s important to follow your gut instinct. What I feel I have already achieved with my team, and with most of the people who follow me and are connected with my music, is that I am not necessarily rooted to a single musical sound, or a single musical style. On the contrary, I like to try different things all the time in my music.
On his collaboration with Grupo Frontera on “De Lunes a Lunes:”
The song is a vallenato. I wanted to do something related to Mexican culture several months ago, because after I started branching out from Colombia, Mexico was the first country that connected with me and my music, and I am very grateful. So, I wanted to do something that would blend what I do with the culture of Mexican music. Edgar Barrera introduced me to the guys of Grupo Fronter, and we started to put the song together. The truth is, I loved it, I fell in love with the song. That’s exactly why it was going to be a vallenato – the feeling that song has, I personally find it very strong, and it reminds me of that too. The vallenato of my country, the lyrics of Colombia…and with that musicality, we also combine it with the cumbia norteña that Frontera is doing right now.”
On why collaborating with other artists is so important to his creative development:
“I feel that you can learn and absorb information about how each person sees the music. There are people that when you hear them singing, you say ‘wow, that’s amazing,’ and there are others who have incredible production and musical ideas. You can absorb something from each one of them.”
Shakira & Nicky Jam’s ‘Perro Fiel’ Music Video Hits 1 Billion Views on YouTube
Six years after its release, Shakira and Nicky Jam‘s “Perro Fiel” music video scored a new milestone. The three-minute clip has officially reached one billion views on YouTube. The music video is both Shakira and Nicky Jam’s seventh entry in the Billion Views Club as a lead, featured artist or collaborator, according to the video streaming platform.
The track, released in 2017, marked the first collaboration between the Colombian star and the reggaetón hitmaker. “Perro Fiel” is part of Shakira’s El Dorado, which peaked at No. 1 for five weeks on Billboard‘s Top Latin Albums chart. Meanwhile, the song peaked at No. 6 on the Hot Latin Songs chart.
The track thrives on an electronic production that serves as a canvas for Shakira and Nicky Jam’s vocals throughout the track — laced with reggaetón drums and thumping beats. As for the video, both appear on their own at times but come together on a motorcycle track that is as intense as their feelings and emotions towards each other.
Most recently, both artists took center stage at the Billboard Latin Music Week 2023 in Miami. Nicky Jam hosted two editions of his popular The Rock Star Show featuring interviews with Ivy Queen and Fuerza Regida’s frontman, Jesús Ortiz Paz. As for Shakira, the superstar artist spoke candidly with Billboard’s Leila Cobo about her creative process, making history as one of the most successful Billboard chart-toppers and what comes next. (Read the Q&A here.)
Revisit Shakira and Nicky Jam’s “Perro Fiel” in the video above.
Edén Muñoz Signs With Sony Music México: ‘He Is a Visionary’
Mexican singer, songwriter and producer Edén Muñoz has signed a record deal with Sony Music México in partnership with Sony Music Latin, Billboard Español can exclusively announce today (Oct. 11).
Muñoz, the former leader of the group Calibre 50, has had a fruitful solo career in recent years. His hits include “Chale”, “Consejos Gratis”, “Como Quieras Quiero” and “Mi Caída En Los Excesos,” and his collaborations with rock-pop artists such as Maná and Matisse have demonstrated his versatility to innovate in other areas, where he can also move with ease. Alejandro Fernández, Pepe Aguilar, Christian Nodal, Carlos Rivera, Banda MS, Yuridia and La Arrolladora Banda El Limón are some of the acts who have recorded his songs.
“I am more than happy,” Muñoz, previously signed to Sergio Lizárraga’s Lizos Music, said in a statement. “I am excited about this family that we have formed for a long time and that today we materialize,” “I knew the day would come when my music and my art would find a home where it would be seen with the love it deserves. Today begins one of those stories that rarely happen.”
“The signing of Edén Muñoz fills us with joy and pride,” added Roberto López, president of Sony Music México. “Edén, whom we have always admired, is one of the greatest artists and creators of Mexican music of the moment. With unparalleled enthusiasm and creativity, I am sure he will continue to leave an indelible mark.”
Alex Gallardo, president of Sony Music U.S. Latin, was also pleased to have Muñoz in the company’s ranks. “Eden is a 360 artist, not only does he shine on stage, but he is also an extraordinary musician, producer and composer,” he said. “His work shows that he is a visionary and one of the most versatile artists that Mexican music has known.”
At 33, Muñoz is one of the regional Mexican music figures with greatest presence on digital platforms, with over 1.5 million subscribers on YouTube and videos that together exceed 1.1 billion views. He also has 17.4 million monthly listeners on Spotify, and 4.6 million followers on TikTok. On the Billboard charts, he’s placed seven albums at No.1 on Regional Mexican Albums, in addition to 22 No. 1s on the Regional Mexican Airplay with songs of his own performed as a soloist and by artists such as Caliber 50, Banda MS, and La Arrolladora.
Currently, Muñoz is on tour with Consejos Gratis, named after his latest album, with shows in Mexican cities such as Mexicali, Oaxaca, Pachuca, Morelos, and dates in the U.S. including Reno, Camarillo, Phoenix, El Paso and Denver.
Edén Muñoz with part of the team of Sony Music México, management and A&R.
Courtesy of Sony Music Mexico
10 Latin Songs Raising Mental Health Awareness
Over the years, music has provided an outlet for Latin musicians to address mental health issues through their songs. For example, Puerto Rican rapper Residente released his autobiographical “René” in 2020, where he frankly opened up about depression and the dark moments in his life.
Bad Bunny’s 2018 “Estamos Bien,” on the other hand, is about putting your mental health first. In the homemade music video, he brings the important message to life, where we see the Puerto Rican singer taking bathroom selfies with an old video camera, painting his nails purple, packing his swimwear, picking up some friends, road-tripping in La Isla del Encanto, and hanging out with locals and tourists at the beach.
To mark World Mental Health Day (observed on Oct. 10), we’ve compiled a list of songs that raise mental health awareness or bring forth any personal struggles — plus, songs about finding the light at the end of the tunnel after inner turmoil.
According to the official World Health Organization’s website, “the overall objective of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health.” The day is meant to “provide an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.”
From Aterciopelados’ “Luz Azul” to Diego Torres’ “Color Esperanza” to Residente’s “René,” and beyond, see the inspirational list of songs below:
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Aterciopelados, “Luz Azul”
Image Credit: Victor Chavez/WireImage In “Luz Azul,” Colombian rock band Aterciopelados sing about seeing the positive things in life when everything is going wrong: “If you stayed without gas/ If they robbed you in the corner/ If they stabbed your soul with a thorn/ If things get bad, remember that life is colorful/ The sky is blue and space is full of light.”
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Bad Bunny, “Estamos Bien”
Image Credit: Courtesy Photo Bad Bunny released his empowering anthem “Estamos Bien” with a special message on social media: “Many times we’re sad and we don’t know why and it’s simply because we forget about the simple things in life. I’m human just like you! And even though I’ve done many big things there are smaller ones that I have yet to achieve. And it’s those smaller things that give happiness.”
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Diego Torres, “Color Esperanza”
Image Credit: MLADEN ANTONOV/AFP/Getty Images “I know that the windows can open/ Changing the air depends on you and it will help you and it’ll be worth it,” sings Diego Torres in “Color Esperanza,” which has become an anthem of hope and resilience.
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Francisca Valenzuela, “La Fortaleza”
Image Credit: Jesus Soto Chilean singer-songwriter Francisca Valenzuela released the diary-style La Fortaleza album in 2020, positioning its title track as the closing cut to the set. “Everything that has happened has gotten me to where I am now/ I look forward and bury the guilt/ I leave, pack my bag and take a deep breath/ I don’t look back,” she sings. The song is about knowing self-worth and understanding you are enough.
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Jarabe de Palo, “Bonito”
Image Credit: Miguel Tovar/LatinContent via Getty Images “Bonita la vida, respira, respira, respira,” is the simple message that Jarabe de Palo send in their 2003 single, reminding fans about the beauty of life and the importance of breathing. The song is an up-tempo, feel-good alternative track that speaks about enjoying the simple things in life.
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Kany García feat. Natalia Lafourcade, “Remamos”
Image Credit: Jason Koerner/Getty Images The Puerto Rican singer-songwriter García teams up with Natalia Lafourcade for the beautiful and powerful “Remamos,” which talks about a new beginning, leaving behind what has brought you down or hasn’t allowed you to be your true self.
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Kendo Kaponi, “Resistencia”
Image Credit: Fernando Lugo Kaponi’s “Resistencia” takes listeners on a journey about his life in prison and the depression he suffered behind bars. “Court didn’t understand my position and they sentenced me to prison/ Christmas in depression and segregation,” he raps.
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Logic & Juanes feat. Alessia Cara & Khalid, “1-800-273-8255”
Image Credit: Alexander Tamargo/Telemundo/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images Juanes joined Logic for the Spanish remix of his powerful track. The song’s title is the phone number of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. “There are people in this world that are trying to get through difficult situations and most of them probably are alone — probably they don’t know what to do,” Juanes told Billboard. “Music is always going to be that way to connect with ourselves and the rest of the world, and just find some help through art, because art is such a powerful weapon.”
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Pedro Capó & Farruko, “Calma (Remix)”
Image Credit: Courtesy Photo Not only does the chill, reggae-infused “Calma” bring to the forefront the beauty of Puerto Rico, and tell the story of a tropical kind of love in its lyrics, but it’s also about “going to the beach, disconnecting, and being present,” Capó previously said to Billboard.
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Residente, “René”
Image Credit: Courtesy Photo The Puerto Rican singer-songwriter and rapper released an introspective song with raw lyrics about depression and dark moments in his life. Writing the personal track was “therapeutic,” he previously told Billboard. “When I fall into depression, I tell my problems to the window of the plan/ Stress has me sick, I haven’t slept in 10 years,” he sings.
Enrique Iglesias Returns to Tropical Airplay With Maria Becerra Collab ‘Así Es La Vida’
It’s been more than seven years, but Enrique Iglesias returns to the top 10 on Billboard’s Tropical Airplay chart with his first collab with Maria Becerra, as “Así Es La Vida” debuts at No. 7 on the Oct. 14-dated list. The song marks Iglesias’ first entry and top 10 since 2016 — and highest debut since 2013. Becerra secures her second top 10.
“Así Es La Vida” debuts in the upper region on Tropical Airplay with 2 million in audience impressions earned in the U.S. in the week ending Aug. 5, according to Luminate. The song (and its music video) was released Sept. 28 via Sony Music Latin. It was produced by Carlos Paucar, Iglesias’ longtime collaborator, and arrives as the first single from Iglesias’ forthcoming album, Final Vol. 2.
“Así Es La Vida” is the second top 10 for Argentinian Becerra, who dominated Tropical Airplay for four weeks through another bachata duet, “Te Espero” with Prince Royce, in 2022. The latter held in the top 10 during 25 weeks of its 26-week chart run.
“Vida” gives Iglesias his 28th top 10 on the tropical airplat ranking, following the No. 9-peaking “Duele El Corazón,” featuring Wisin, in 2016. Prior, “El Perdón,” with Nicky Jam, took the Spanish singer-songwriter to No. 5 in 2015.
The new single is not the first time Iglesias has hit the chart with a bachata single. He landed his first foray on the chart within the genre with “El Perdedor,” featuring Marco Antonio Solis, for one week in charge in 2014.
Notably, “Vida” marks the first team-up with a female artist among 13 collabs, 10 that reached the top 10. Here’s the recap of the tenfold:
Peak, Peak Date, Title, Artist, Weeks at No. 1
No. 1, Dec. 19, 2009, “Gracias A Ti,” with Wisin & Yandel, one
No. 1, Sept. 11, 2010, “Cuando Me Enamoro,” featuring Juan Luis Guerra, six
No. 2, March 19, 2011, “No Me Digas Que No,” featuring Wisin & Yandel
No. 8, April 30, 2011, “Tonight (I’m Lovin’ You),” featuring Ludacris & Dj Frank E
No. 2, Nov. 16, 2013, “Loco,” featuring Romeo Santos
No. 1, March 22, 2014, “El Perdedor,” featuring Marco Antonio Solis, one
No. 1, July 5, 2014, “Bailando,” featuring Descemer Bueno & Gente De Zona, four
No. 5, May 30, 2015, “El Perdón,” with Nicky Jam
No. 9, Aug. 27, 2016, “Duele El Corazón,” featuring Wisin
No. 7, Oct. 14, 2023, “Así Es La Vida,” with Maria Becerra
Elsewhere, “Vida” starts at No. 9 on Latin Digital Song Sales, an equal launch for Becerra’s last two top 10s there, and the 17th top 10 for Iglesias, after “Me Pasé,” featuring Farruko, took him to No. 2 in 2021.
