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Bad Bunny has been hit with a $40 million lawsuit by an ex-girlfriend who alleges he used a voice recording of her uttering the now-famous catchphrase “Bad Bunny Baby” in two of his songs without her consent.
The lawsuit, filed by Carliz De La Cruz Hernández in Puerto Rico, claims that she never legally agreed for her voice recording to be used in Bad Bunny’s songs, live performances, radio, television or any other form of media. She alleges that his use of the recording constitutes a violation of moral rights under U.S. copyright law — under which sampling any amount of a sound recording requires a license — and a similar law in Puerto Rico known as Ley de Derechos Morales de Autor. She also claims that it violates the Ley del Derecho sobre la Propia Imagen, or right to self-image, with De La Cruz Hernández arguing that the unauthorized use of the recording commercially exploits her voice and identity.
According to the filing, De La Cruz Hernández and Bad Bunny (born Benito A. Martinez Ocasio) began their relationship in 2011 when they both worked at the Econo Supermarket in Vega Baja, Benito’s hometown in Puerto Rico. At the time, the then-aspiring artist was constantly churning out tracks — and according to De La Cruz Hernández, he often asked for her opinion on his music. She would offer feedback in addition to helping him organize his performances, rundowns and contracts, according to the complaint.
In 2015, at Benito’s request, De La Cruz Hernández says she recorded the phrase “Bad Bunny Baby” via the voice memo app on her phone. The future tagline first publicly appeared on the 2016 track “Pa’ Ti” featuring Bryant Myers, on which De La Cruz Hernández argues that her voice was used without her legal authorization and without credit. Her voice can be heard at the start of the Latin trap song and again at the 2:40 mark.
De La Cruz Hernández’s voice is again featured on the track “Dos Mil 16″ off Bad Bunny’s blockbuster 2022 album, Un Verano Sin Ti, also without her authorization, the complaint states. She claims that Bad Bunny’s representatives sent her a contract on May 5, 2022, the day before the record’s official release, offering her $20,000 for the use of her voice. The next day, before reaching any settlement, the album dropped with “Dos Mil 16” on the tracklist, she alleges.
“Dos Mil 16” peaked at No. 55 on the Billboard Hot 100 and at No. 16 on the Hot Latin Songs chart. The track has more than 60 million views on YouTube.
De La Cruz Hernández is also suing Rimas Entertainment, the label that released both “Pa Ti” and Un Verano Sin Ti.
Billboard reached out to Rimas and Bad Bunny for comment but did not hear back at press time.
If her Instagram account is any indication, LALI is living her best touring life.
Most recently, the Argentine singer-songwriter — who’s on her Disciplina trek — made history with a sold-out concert at the Velez Sarsfield Stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in front of more than 45,000 people, becoming the first singer to sell out a show at that soccer stadium.
“It’s impossible to express what I feel after this sold-out show,” she wrote on social media. “Thanks to all who vibed with me. I am so proud of my dream team that is always by my side and made this happen. I’m also proud of myself for working hard to give you the best of me. A dream, that was once just a dream, came true.”
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LALI owes this career milestone, and others like it, to her female-led team that backs her up. “For me, empowerment is a collective thing,” she tells Billboard. “It’s not so individual or personal, it’s more what I learn from others and what I can spread to others.”
In honor of Women’s History Month, Billboard kicks off its “Las Poderosas” series featuring a select number of powerful Latinas who get real about the word “empowerment,” their space in Latin music, and more. The series launches Monday (March 20) with LALI. Read our exclusive Q&A below:
What does empowerment mean to you as an artist and as a woman?
Being able to develop freely and with that freedom generate a contagion effect on other colleagues. For example, not only those of us who are at the forefront of a project but also those who are working behind our projects. [Empowerment] means generating that feminine synergy in a work environment that not only embraces one as the main artist but also all the people who participate in the project, mainly the women who promote the artist. For me, empowerment is a collective thing. It’s not so individual or personal, it’s more what I learn from others and what I can spread to others.
What does empowerment NOT mean to you?
The opposite of what I just said… looking at empowerment as an egoic matter and of personal success. Using your role as a woman in the industry and if you only achieve it as your own success or for yourself, then I think it doesn’t make sense to talk about empowerment.
Lali Esposito during a performance of the Argentine national anthem ahead of the FIFA World Cup final at Lusail Stadium, Qatar. Picture date: Sunday December 18, 2022.
Nick Potts/PA Images/GI
What is the best advice you have received as a woman in music?
I don’t know if it was advice but I think that thanks to other women who set the trends, I realized that in the end, they had told us that there is always a guy behind the success of certain women. But finding out on my own by being behind my idols, I realized that no. That the ideas are generally theirs, that they have defended positions, and that to break structures you have to stand up as a woman and your vision, and for that, you need others on your team to elevate that.
Which woman has served you as a mentor or role model? Who do you admire and why?
Artistically, I feel that for me in my teens Beyoncé was very important because I realized that my dream was to do 360 of everything. There was content, there were lyrics, there was dancing, well… singing like her, but without a doubt, she was a woman who marked me a lot. And of Argentine national rock, there are many women who have marked my childhood, thanks to my mother who has made me listen to a lot of music such as Celeste Carballo and Fabiana Cantillo. They were women who at the time have been pioneers and came to occupy a place in a very difficult environment where normally it was all male.
Have things changed for Latin women in music in the last five years and how?
I don’t know if things have changed, I think there is a bit of everything. It was about time that there was a real force of women to occupy a leading role, to compete with men on the charts, or see that there really are Latina women today No. 1 in the world. That is incredible, it is necessary, and it also speaks of an audience that she has understood. Not only would it be possible for women to do a good job and place themselves there, but the public understood that women can occupy those spaces, and the public has re-educated itself and pushed women where they should be. I think it’s a collective effort.
What is your favorite “girl power” song?
Wow! They are a lot. I think Beyonce’s “Formation” could be it. It lifts me up!
It’s the time of the season when flowers bloom and the sun shines a bit brighter. With more luminous days on the horizon, Billboard Español selected a variety of songs to lift our spirits and prepare us for longer days of sunshine.
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From “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus to Natalia Lafourcade’s “De Todas Las Flores,” these 23 songs honor springtime and reflect a variety of genres from different eras, in English and Spanish, all pastel hued and with a dash of poptimism.
“La Primavera” (2001) by Manu Chao still sounds as refreshing as spring rain even after more than two decades after its release. Then there’s Nirvana’s 1991 “In Bloom,” of their breakthrough Nevermind, which marked a generation of insouciant rebellion. With Kali Uchis’ recent Billboard 200 chart-topping Red Moon in Venus, she introduces her album with careful orchestration of birds chirping and flower bugs buzzing in the intro track “in My Garden…” which is followed by the languorous “I Wish you Roses.”
With Café Tacvba’s seminal “Las Flores” from their 1994 album Re, the mercurial four-piece band introduced a jubilant song filled with invigorating jaranas and an irresistible rhythm that induces smiles every time it plays. Last year’s Natalia Lafourcade “De Todas Las Flores” sees her continue her exploration of Mexican roots in an elegant and dolce way, boasting acoustic guitar strums over a subtle dream-pop backdrop. And of course, the list wouldn’t be complete without Selena’s tejano classic “Como La Flor,” Miley Cyrus’ groundbreaking pop kiss-off “Flowers” and the Billboard No. 1 feel-good song “Mañana Será Bonito” by Karol G.
And, of course, the list would not be complete without the Tejano classic “Como La Flor” by Selena y Los Dinos, and “Dónde Estará Mi Primavera” by Ario de Rosales native Marco Antonio Solís.
Listen to the playlist below:
Just minutes before going stage for her Lollapalooza Argentina set on March 17, Rosalía gave her dancers the ultimate pep talk.
The Spanish star’s microphone inadvertently turned on just minutes before going on stage and her sweet words were heard by attendees. “This is the first show we’re doing and I hope you guys feel very proud of this [and] that you enjoy the show,” she said in English before going on stage to sing her hits “Saoko,” “Bizcochito” and “La Fama.”
“You know that I cannot do this without you. And I feel very happy, very blessed that you’re here. And I really, really, really hope that you enjoy this set tonight on stage. I learn a lot from all each one of you during this process. I want you to know that I admire you and I love you. I’m grateful for your presence. We’re gonna kill this s–t! Okay? Let’s go!”
Lollapalooza Argentina took place Friday-Sunday at the Hipódromo de San Isidro, with Drake and Rosalía headlining the first night; the “Despechá” singer also performed at Lollapalooza Chile over the weekend.
Most recently, Rosalía’s Motomami logo became the first to be featured on both FC Barcelona’s men’s and women’s teams home kits as part of the team’s partnership with Spotify. The limited-edition shirt will also be available for fans to purchase.
On Friday (March 24), Rosalía and Rauw Alejandro will drop a three-song project titled RR. The EP is comprised of three tracks: “Beso,” “Vampiros” and “Promesa.” It marks the first time that the couple has recorded songs together.
Nearly a year after Menudo Productions announced they were on the search for new members to form the next generation of Menudo, the band has officially unveiled the five boys that will comprise the group.
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On Monday (March 20), Nicolas Calero (10), Gabriel Rossell (13), Andres Emilio (14), Alejandro Querales (15) and Ezra Gilmore (12) were announced as the new faces of the eternally youthful boy band. And, in celebration of the announcement, the group also released their very first single “Mi Amore,” the first song off their upcoming debut album.
The process to find its new members kicked off in August when Menudo Productions, along with television personality Mario Lopez, began virtually auditioning talent between the ages of 12 and 16. The new members are multi-talented performers with experience in acting, singing and songwriting.
“Deciding on the final five was harder than we ever imagined because there was so much great talent to choose from,” Lopez said in a statement. “The five boys we selected gelled together instantly, and the music they’ve created have exceeded all of our expectations. I think we have several massive hits, and I’m more excited than ever to introduce these boys to the world in less than three weeks.”
According to a previous statement issued to Billboard, “unlike previous group incarnations,” the new Menudo members will be “sharing in all concert, merchandise, and music revenue.” Menudo’s management will be Miami-based.
The most successful Latin boy band of all time, Menudo was originally established in Puerto Rico in 1977 by Edgardo Diaz, releasing a handful of hit songs such as “Quiero Ser” and “Claridad” and launching the music careers of Ricky Martin and Draco Rosa, among many others.
Watch the “Mi Amore” music video below.
Mexican singer and saxophonist Rodolfo “Fito” Olivares has died. He was 75 years old.
Olivares passed away at his home in Houston on Friday (March 17), according to his wife, Griselda Olivares, The Associated Press reports. He was diagnosed with cancer in 2022.
Born in Tamaulipas, Mexico in 1947, Olivares spent the last 50 years as a musician making back-to-back hits that soundtracked households from weddings to quinceañeras and multigenerational households in Latin America and the U.S.
He was best known for his saxophone-powered cumbia anthems such as “Juana La Cubana,” “El Colesterol,” “Aguita de Melón,” “Cumbia de la Cobra” and “La Gallina.” Olivares got his start in music as a teenager playing with and writing music for groups such as Duet Estrella, Tam and Tex. He later formed his own band called Fito Olivares y su Grupo La Pura Sabrosura in Houston in 1980.
With his band, he scored 10 entries on Billboard‘s Hot Latin Songs chart, including one top 10. “El Colesterol” peaked at No. 4 on the tally (dated Dec. 24, 1994). Fito Olivares y su Grupo also entered seven titles in the Top Latin Albums chart.
Mexican norteño singer Ramón Ayala took to social media to honor Olivares with a heartfelt post.
“It is with great lament that I am finding out about your passing, my dear colleague, but more than anything my friend The King of Cumbia. Thank you for your music, your dedication and professionalism onstage. La Pura Sabrosura as your unique rhythm with your saxophone, with which you’re now serenading God. From king to king, rest in peace my brother. Light to your soul and your eternal rest.”
In the comments, fans reacted to the news with comments such as “only good memories thanks to his music” and “childhood memories, in all parties and in all homes we’d listen to cumbia by Fito Olivares.”
See Ayala’s tribute below.
One of Feid‘s first-ever performances in the U.S. was at a South by Southwest (SXSW) festival about five years ago. “I went to different bars, tents, and venues asking people to let us perform,” he previously told Billboard. “I played everywhere we could and now being part of Billboard’s stage is awesome and it’s beautiful.”
Fast forward to 2023, the Colombian singer-songwriter — alongside Puerto Rican trap star Eladio Carrión and Austin-based DJ Gabby Got It — now headlined “Billboard Presents THE STAGE at SXSW,” which took place Friday (March 17) at the Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park in Austin.
Billboard officially returned to South by Southwest with three nights of star-studded concerts. Electronic music titans Kx5 (Kaskade and deadmau5) will close the event on Saturday (March 18).
Check out the best moments from Feid & Carrión’s show below.
A Packed House: Rain or Shine
From chilly days to severe thunderstorms, the weather in Austin has been a bit wonky but in true Billboard fashion, the show must go on — and fans showed up no matter what. Doors opened at 7 p.m. local time but just hours before, a long line of eager fans wrapped around the Moody. In honor of Feid’s show, which just so happens to fall on St. Patrick’s Day, the majority of fans dressed in green (his signature color) and rocked the white Ferxxo sunnies. A lot of fans also brought homemade posters and their county’s flag. The Moody was at capacity with nearly 5,000 concert-goers in attendance and a couple more watching the show from a parking garage afar.
A Mini Reggaetón Carnival
As some fans made their way to the pit, others took advantage of the fun activations found in the outdoor venue. Think of a mini carnival with food, drinks, free candy, cute photo spots, and even a fun slide. Notably was Austin’s own Gabby Got It (real name: Gabriela Alma Lopez-Bucio), who kept the crowd entertained and on their feet with her reggatón-heavy DJ set including bangers from Wisin y Yandel, Karol G, and many more.
Eladio Brought the Heat to Austin
It was 50 degrees outside but Carrión made sure to turn up the heat with his 45-minute set that kicked off with “Flores en Anonimo” and continued with his trap hits “Sin Frenos,” “Tata” and “Kemba Walker,” to name a few. “Hace un frío cabron!” (it’s cold as f—), he expressed at one point but nonetheless, the Boricua act removed one of his shirts and continued to perform some of his most commercial bangers like “Mi Error,” “Me Gustas Natural” and “No Te Deseo el Mal.” Carrión then wrapped his SXSW performance with tracks “Ele Uve,” “North Carolina” and “Biza.”
Feid Fulfilled His SXSW Dream
Rocking his go-to outfit (shorts, sneakers, a sweater and glasses), Feid hopped on stage at 9:35 p.m. and kicked off his hour-long set with “Castigo,” followed by “Chimbita” and “Belixe.” He then greeted his faithful crowd and let them he was living a dream. “Austin, how are you, mor? This is a special night because five years ago we performed at SXSW and now we’re here,” he gushed. Joined by two DJs and an energetic guitarist on stage, the Colombian act performed hits such as “Mojando Asientos,” “Friki” and “Normal,” before gifting fans with a streak of bangers that went viral on TikTok: “Ultra-Solo,” “Yandel 150,” “Hey Mor,” “Chorrito Pa’ Las Animas” and “Feliz Cumpleaños, Ferxxo,” to name a few. Though he often hopped from one side of the stage to the other, there were a few times Feid would bust out with the social media dance challenges. “¡Que chimba esta noche!” he expressed, which translates to “what an amazing night!”
From career milestones and new music releases to major announcements and more, Billboard editors highlight the latest news buzz in Latin music every week. Here’s what happened in the Latin music world this week.
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Maná and Alejandro Fernández for a Good Cause
Alejandro Fernández and Maná have joined forces to support the victims of the recent flooding in Northern California’s Pajaro Valley. Partnering with Live Nation, the Mexican acts will be donating a portion of the proceeds from their forthcoming Bay Area shows to the Community Bridges organization.
“At the heart of Maná is the belief that our music can be a vehicle for social good,” said lead singer Fher Olvera in a press statement. “When we heard about the devastating storms and saw our people in Pajaro suffering, we knew we had to help.”
“My heart breaks thinking of the people of Pajaro who are displaced by these storms,” added Fernández. “I’m honored that my music and concerts can be a catalyst to bring comfort and aid to this hardworking Latino community.”
Maná will be performing on March 17 at the SAP Center and on March 18 at the Oakland Arena; Fernández will be performing at the SAP Center on Sept. 9.
For donations and more information, click here.
Alejandro Fernández and MANÁ
Caro de Luna
Karol G Takes Over La Isla del Encanto
Over the previous weekend, Karol G had three historic concerts at the Estadio Hiram Bithorn in Puerto Rico, where she not only performed songs from her historic Billboard No. 1 album Mañana Será Bonito, but she also had star-studded guests including Romeo Santos, Sean Paul, Feid, Mariah Angeliq, Justin Quiles, Eladio Carrión and many more. “I felt at home and both I and my country will always be grateful for that unconditional love!!!” the Colombian superstar expressed on Instagram.
… and So Will Romeo Santos
On the heels of being one of Karol’s surprise guests — where they performed “X Si Volvemos” and a couple of Aventura tracks together — Santos announced he, too, will have two concerts at the Puerto Rican stadium on May 20 and May 21. Marking the first time Santos will headline a concert at the Hiram Bithorn, the shows will take place prior to kicking off his four-day U.S. stadium trek with stops in Los Angeles (June 3), New York (June 9), Miami (June 16) and Houston (June 24). The tour is in support of Formula, Vol. 3, which peaked at No. 2 on Billboard‘s Top Latin Albums chart (dated Sept. 17).
For more information, visit www.PRTicket.com.
Romeo Santos
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A Fito Páez Series
Honoring a remarkable 30-year trajectory, Netflix unveiled this week the first look and release date of the Fito Páez biographical series El Amor Después Del Amor. Produced by Juan Pablo Kolodziej and Mariano Chihade of Mandarina Contenidos, the eight-episode series chronicles the Argentine rock star’s life, from his dramatic and humble beginning to his rise to fame in the 1980s, as well as his legacy in Latin American music.
El Amor Después Del Amor will arrive April 26 on Netflix. Watch the first trailer below and revisit some of his greatest hits that Billboard Español compiled for this 60th birthday (also this week on March 14) here.
Anuel & Yailin Are Parents
This week, Anuel AA and Yailin La Mas Viral welcomed their baby girl, Cattleya (named after orchids found in Latin America). In a sweet post that shows the Puerto Rican rapper and Dominican newcomer at the hospital holding their newborn, Yailin wrote: “From the moment you arrived, our lives were forever changed. You are a blessing, a gift from God who has filled us with love and hope.”
In February, Anuel revealed that he and his wife called it quits, but assured during an Instagram Live that no matter what, he was going to be responsible for his baby. “I’m going to take care of her, and she’s going to be mine,” he added. “She’s going to live like a queen because her dad is a king.”
Emilia, Big One and Callejero Fino’s “En La Intimidad” leads the Billboard Argentina Hot 100 chart for a third week, out of its five-week run, dating to its debut at No. 9, as it tops the March 11-dated ranking.
Karol G and Shakira’s “TQG” holds at No. 2 for a second week, while Luck Ra’s “Ya No Vuelvas,” featuring La K’Onga and Ke Personajes, rebounds 7-3 in its 20th week. Plus, TINI’s “Cupido” dips 3-4, and BM’s “M. A. (Mejores Amigos)” remains at No. 5 for a fourth week.
The week’s Hot Shot Debut goes to Ecko, Callejero Fino and El Perro’s “Te Escapas de Mis Brazos,” at No. 14. It’s the highest start for Ecko, while El Perro claims his first entry.
Elsewhere on the chart, Gorillaz score their first entry on the chart as “Tormenta,” with Bad Bunny, opens at No. 43. The song belongs to Gorillaz’s latest album Cracker Island. Benito, meanwhile, adds his 56th entry, extending his record for most career entries overall.
Ke Personajes secure their seventh entry with “Pobre Corazón” at No. 54. Plus, Marshmello and Manuel Turizo’s “El Merengue” opens at No. 60, while DJ Tao and La T y la M’s “Turreo Sessions #16” bows at No. 65.
Maluma and Marc Anthony’s “La Fórmula” takes the week’s Greatest Gainer honors as the song rallies 93-69.
Lastly, Lali captures her 16th career entry with “Comprame Un Brishito” at No. 83.
What’s your favorite new Latin music release this week? Vote below!
This week, our New Music Latin roundup — a compilation of the best new Latin songs, albums and videos recommended by the Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors each week — is powered by new music from Elena Rose, Grupo Frontera and Lupita Infante, to name a few.
The list highlights Elena Rose’s first song of 2023, “El Hombre.” The Venezuelan singer-songwriter’s pop track describes an evolved man, one who isn’t scared to be vulnerable. “He’s different from the rest,” she sings. It’s not the man that opens the door for you but the one who doesn’t want to close doors for you.” Another song on the list is Luis R Conriquez and Grupo Frontera’s “Dame un Chance,” which marks their first-ever team up. The pair offer a fresh regional Mexican fusion that effortlessly combines traditional norteño sounds with the lively rhythm of cumbia.
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With a retro sound and very sweet, innocent lyrics, “Besarte Así,” written by Lupita Infante with Pedro Dabdoub, imagines what would be the perfect kiss with the perfect someone: “If I get closer, little by little, I feel my voice tremble/ When I say your name what I really want is kissing you,” she sings, in Spanish. The song is about “letting your imagination take you somewhere you’ve never been before.”
In an extended playlist, Billboard included other new Latin noteworthy releases including Peso Pluma and Eslabon Armado’s “Ella Baila Sola,” Ramon Vega’s “Everest,” Lasso’s new album Eva and Carlos Jean and Villano Antillano’s “Kriptonita,” among others.
Listen to the complete playlist here