Latin
Page: 301
This week, our First Stream Latin roundup — which is a compilation of the best new Latin songs, albums, and videos recommended by the Billboard Latin editors each week — is powered by new music from Shakira, Jhayco, Snow Tha Product and Alejandra Guzman, to name a few.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
The list includes a powerful collaboration between Yuridia and Ángela Aguilar called “Qué Agonía,” a romantic Mexican ballad about being in love long after a breakup. The track comes to life with beautiful orchestration by an all-female mariachi band among other musicians and sublime harmonies. The single is part of Yuridia’s new album Pa’ Luego Es Tarde, produced by Eden Muñoz.
Additionally, Jhayco’s new single “En La De Ella” recruits Feid and Sech for a new anthem for independent ladies; Alejandra Guzmán not only gets intimate and personal in her new single “TUYA” but also returns to her rocker roots; Colombian hitmakers The Rudeboyz managed to recruit Maluma and Adam Levine for a first-of-its-kind reggaeton dubbed “Ojalá;” and Mexican rapper Snow Tha Product dropped her first album in six years called To Anywhere. “Now that I’m growing up I realize I do deserve to be happy. And even though things are hard sometimes, you need to do what really makes you happy,” she says in the intro, setting up the vibe of the album.
Also in the poll are new releases by Shakira and Ozuna, Natanael Cano and Victor Cibrian, as well as newcomers GALE, Joonti, and Majo Aguilar.
What’s your favorite new Latin music release this week? Vote below!
First Stream Latin is a compilation of the best new Latin songs, albums, and videos recommended by the Billboard Latin editors. Check out this week’s picks below.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Yuridia & Angela Aguilar, “Qué Agonía” (Sony Music Entertainment México)
Yuridia joins forces with Ángela Aguilar for “Qué Agonía,” the fifth single from her newly released Regional Mexican album, Pa’ Luego Es Tarde, produced by Eden Muñoz. Both song and album came out Thursday (October 20). With beautiful orchestration, and sublime harmonies from these two powerhouses, “Qué Agonía” — written by Aguilar — is a romantic Mexican ballad about being in love long after a breakup. “The truth is, I didn’t forget you… and although a lot has happened, and life changed for us, the feeling is alive”, they sing. In the official video, they appear accompanied by an all-female mariachi band, among other musicians. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Jhayco, Feid, Sech, “En La De Ella” (UMG Recordings)
Jhayco has reeled in Feid and Sech for a triple-threat collab called “En La De Ella.” Produced by Sky and Jowan, the hard-hitting, edgy reggaetón song combines each of their distinct vocals, resulting in an even sultrier production. In true Jhayco, Feid, and Sech fashion, the witty lyricism focuses on empowering women with a very clear message: “Don’t even look at her, she’s doing her own thing/ Get her a bottle because that’s what she wants.” “En La De Ella” is just that, a new anthem for independent ladies. The official music video was directed by Deathofgian in Miami and stars all three acts. — JESSICA ROIZ
Snow Tha Product, To Anywhere (Snow Tha Product)
It took six years for Snow Tha Product to release a new album, but good things come to those who wait. Titled To Anywhere, her highly-anticipated second studio album finally dropped today. Packed with 14 tracks, an intro and one interlude, the album, which should be listened from top to bottom, is an autobiographical narrative where Snow details her journey in the industry as a Mexican-American rapper. “Now that I’m growing up I realize I do deserve to be happy. And even though things are hard sometimes, you need to do what really makes you happy,” she says in the intro, setting up the vibe of the album.
While Snow raps about her hustle and struggles, one thing is clear: Snow is, artistically and personally, as confident as ever. And she isn’t holding back either, calling out those who wanted to see her fail. Sonically, To Anywhere is a collection of styles, with Snow embracing reggaetón, hip-hop and trap, to name a few. Snow also brings in special guest stars like Vf7, Santa Fe Klan, Lauren Jauregui and Juicy J to join her on a few songs. — GRISELDA FLORES
Alejandra Guzmán, “TUYA” (La Reina del Rock Records)
Alejandra Guzman returns to her rocker roots in her intimate and personal single called “TUYA,” powered by ’80s-influenced electric guitars and her powerful, raspy vocals. The explicit lyrics, full of sensuality and passion, tell the story of when you can’t stop thinking about someone, but can still feel they are with you just with their memories. “I’m thinking of your mouth, in front of the mirror/ My clothes get in the way, I’m improvising here in bed alone, taking away my desire,” she sings in the chorus. — INGRID FAJARDO
Natanael Cano X Victor Cibrian, “Que Me Importa” (Warner Music Latina/JHRH)
For his new single, Natanael Cano recruits Victor Cibrian, who’s gained TikTok virality this year with his music. In “Que Me Importa,” Cano maintains his signature corrido tumbao sound and is recorded live with charchetas, tololoche, and a tuba. He’s as honest as ever in the lyrics, singing about life’s hardships but also achieving his goals. “El que perseverancia alcance, se los digo yo,” they chant. Cibrian’s deep vocals perfectly lace with Cano’s higher tones. In the track, Cibrian even shares a motivational speech about working on your goals in silence to prevent bad juju from the haters. — J.R.
GALE, “D Pic” (Sony Music Latin)
Up-and-coming artist GALE is back with her anti-pop ethos, this time with her brutally honest new track, “D Pic.” In the moody alt-rock song, the Puerto Rican singer-songwriter wants to make her point clear: Don’t cross her boundaries. “I don’t know why you think that I like getting messages in the middle of the night/ Maybe the rest don’t say anything but sorry, I’m just not that desperate/ I don’t want photos of your … put that away and go to …” About the song, GALE says, “I had gone through this experience, and consent is very important to me, so this song wrote itself; we did it in 20 minutes. This song is my way of saying, ‘If you aren’t asked for it, don’t send it,’ so I hope people will connect with it.” — G.F
Joonti X Moffa X Animal, “Tempestad” (AP Global Music)
Following the model that once worked for artists such as Ozuna, Rauw Alejandro, and Bad Bunny in their early years, the new wave of Puerto Rican artists is not holding back from collaborating together. “Tempestad” brings to light rising acts Joonti, Moffa, and Animal, in an innovative track that starts off as a pop ballad before transitioning into an EDM-trap fusion. Made to become the next big club banger, “Tempestad” is about receiving mixed signals from the person you’re interested in. The video features all the artists enjoying a night out around town. — J.R.
Majo Aguilar, “Tómbola” (Fonovisa/Unviversal Music Group México)
Majo Aguilar is treating fans with a new girl-power anthem, powered by a bright mariachi tune. “Tómbola” is traditional in a sense that it’s a heartbreak track, but Aguilar isn’t sitting around feeling bad for herself. Instead, she’s looking at the bright side: “I’m free. I’m brave. And if there’s something that gives me joy, it’s that people that laugh and bring me light.” The emerging Mexican artist, granddaughter of the great Antonio Aguilar and Flor Silvestre (daughter of Antonio Aguilar Je.), is carving a lane for herself in the regional Mexican space, and just landed her first-ever Latin Grammy nomination for best ranchero/mariachi album for Mi Herencia, Mi Sangre. — G.F.
Just days after announcing their collaboration, The Rudeboyz, Maluma and Adam Levine have released “Ojalá,” a sultry reggaeon track, on which the Maroon 5 frontman sings in Spanish for the first time.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
The new song — produced by Maluma’s longtime collaborators The Rudeboyz — finds the Colombian star and Levine trading verses about losing a girl and getting over the heartbreak. They both declare: It won’t be easy getting over them. “Ojalá” is the debut single from The Rudeboyz’s upcoming debut album.
The track arrived alongside a music video directed by Diane Martel via NEON16 & Sony Music Latin. The three-minute clip stars off with Chan El Genio and Kevin ADG (The Rudeboyz) listening to an “incredible” beat they just produced and say, “What if we can get Maluma and Adam Levine on this song, we’d kill it. Can you imagine? That would be a dream.”
The artists first announced the collaboration Oct. 14 on social media. Levine teased a 20-second clip of the upbeat track on his TikTok page, captioning the post, “#Ojala @RUDEBOYZ @Juan Luis.” Maluma shared the snippet to his Instagram Stories and as a post, writing on one Story, “What do you think about this?” Meanwhile, The Rudeboyz wrote, “A very important release for us with people we admire a lot!! Keep your eyes on this !! @maluma @adamlevine.”
Back in June, Levine had already hinted at a possible collaboration with Maluma. He posted a photo of them on Instagram of the two hanging out in a studio and wrote, “World ain’t ready.”
The Rudeboyz, who were recently signed by Tainy‘s NEON16, have produced hits for artists such as Shakira, Sech, Jennifer Lopez, Prince Royce and Sebastián Yatra, among others.
Check out “Ojalá’s” music video below:
Luis Mexia checks off a career milestone with his first No. 1 on a Billboard chart. The Mexican singer-songwriter leads the Regional Mexican Airplay chart (dated Oct. 22) thanks to his first collaboration with Grupo Firme: “Calidad” rises to No. 1 after two weeks in the runner-up slot.
“Calidad,” released via Music VIP on July 12, reigns in its ninth week on the ranking after it added 14% more in audience impressions, to 7 million, earned in the U.S. in the week ending Oct. 16, according to Luminate.
It just took a bold move from Mexia to achieve the feat: a fan of Grupo Firme, Mexia used social media to announce his interest in recording a duet with the group’s lead singer Eduin Caz. He also plotted with his followers to support the idea. After the Tijuana-based group’s social media was bombarded with requests, Caz agreed, and a music video of the song followed.
The new champ earns Grupo Firme its sixth leader. The group has achieved a steady run of chart-toppers since its first No. 1 in June 2020 (through its featured role on Lenin Ramirez’s “Yo Ya No Vuelvo Contigo”).
Mexia, meanwhile, scores his first champ on any Billboard chart. Notably, only one other entry precedes “Calidad” in his chart career: “El De Los 20 ‘El Cachorra’,” with Enigma Norteño, which reached No. 33 on Regional Mexican Airplay in December 2021.
Beyond its Regional Mexican Airplay coronation, “Calidad” climbs 11-6 for a new peak on the all-genre Latin Airplay chart. It’s a fifth top 10 for Grupo Firme, while Mexia secures his first in his first try.
Shakira, the powerful rockera singer-songwriter from Colombia who we all came to know for her heart-wrenching ballads and pop anthems, didn’t really collaborate with any other well-known artists in the first decade of her career.
It wasn’t until 2005, when she released Fijación Oral, Vol. 1 and Oral Fixation, Vol. 2, that she turned heads with superstar collaborations, the Alejandro Sanz-assisted “La Tortura” and “Hips Don’t Lie” with Wyclef Jean. The only other artists she featured in those two albums were Gustavo Cerati and Carlos Santana.
Since, Shakira has been more open to collaborations, teaming up with an elite list of partners that includes Maluma, Prince Royce, Maná and Black Eyed Peas, for songs that are also more experimental sonically — embracing urban-leaning beats and incorporating elements of reggaetón and bachata in her songs.
Her latest, “Monotonía” with Ozuna, is a quintessential Shakira song: it’s emotionally-charged lyrically. Powered by a bachata tune, Shak doesn’t hold back and is as honest as one can get singing about heartbreak and the end of what seemed to be a perfect relationship.
Released Wednesday (Oct. 19), the Colombian star starts off declaring: “It wasn’t your fault, it wasn’t my fault. It was monotony’s fault. I never said anything but it hurt. I knew this would happen.” “Monotonía” follows her Rauw Alejandro-assisted “Te Felicito,” which topped Billboard‘s Latin Airplay chart. Both songs follow Shakira’s very public breakup from her longtime partner, and father of her two children, soccer star Gerard Piqué.
In honor of Shakira’s new collab with Ozuna, below, check out Shakira’s 15 best collaborations, according to Billboard‘s Latin editors, ranked.
The release of Shakira and Ozuna‘s “Monotonía” on Wednesday (Oct. 19) has fans wondering what the title word means, and about the song’s lyrics overall. Both were trending topics in search engines on Thursday morning (Oct. 20).
“Monotonía” — the first single that the Colombian star has released since the announcement of her breakup from Gerard Piqué, and following “Te Felicito” with Rauw Alejandro — means “lack of variety in anything,” according to the Dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy. At the same time, different reference sources cite “tedium” or “boredom” as synonyms.
“It wasn’t your fault, nor was it mine; it was the monotony’s fault/ I never said anything, but it hurt/ I knew this would happen,” Shakira sings through tears in the song’s music video, which generated more than 10 million views within 14 hours of its release on YouTube.
Below, read the full lyrics translated to English:
It wasn’t your fault, nor was it mineIt was the monotony’s faultI never said anything, but it hurt meI knew this would happen
You were doing your thing and I was doing the sameAlways looking for prominenceYou forgot what we were one dayAnd the worst thing is that
It wasn’t your fault, nor was it mine.It was the monotony’s faultI never said anything, but it hurt meI knew this would happen
Suddenly you were no longer the sameYou left me because of your narcissismYou forgot what we were one dayHey hey hey
You were distant with your attitudeAnd that filled me with anxietyYou didn’t even give halfBut I do know that I gave more than youI was running for someoneThat wasn’t even walking for meThis love has not diedBut it’s deliriousNow of what there was, there is no moreI tell you honestlyYou are cold like ChristmasIt’s better that this is over nowDon’t repeat the movie to me again, I already saw itBaby, I love you, but I love myself moreIt’s a necessary goodbyeWhat was once incredible became a routineYour lips don’t taste like anything to meNow it’s all the oppositeAnd the worst thing is that
It wasn’t your fault, nor was it mineIt was the monotony’s faultI never said anything, but it hurt meI knew this would happen
You doing your thing, and I was doing the sameAlways looking for prominenceAnd you forgot what we were one dayHey hey heyOzunaHi Music Hi Flow
Shakira has dropped her new single “Monotonía” in collaboration with Ozuna, in which she opens up about the rupture of what seemed to be a perfect relationship.
“It wasn’t your fault, it wasn’t my fault/ It was monotony’s fault/ I never said anything but it hurt/ I knew this would happen,” she chants.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Though the song — which marks Shakira’s first single post-breakup with longtime partner and soccer star Gerard Piqué — reveals a very heartbroken singer, the music video also references her ex.
In the first minute of the emotionally charged clip — co-directed by the Colombian star and designer Jaume de la Iguana — a teary-eyed Shakira has an encounter with a man in a grocery store where he blows up her chest and her heart is ejected from her body.
Fans on social media were quick to discover that the man in the video is wearing a white hoodie and gray joggers similar to one of the outfits Piqué wore for Shakira’s 2017 video “Me Enamoré,” in which the couple is seen enjoying the puppy-love stage of their romance, and furthermore implying that the man who shoots at Shakira in the new “Monotonía” clip is meant to represent Piqué.
In June, the former couple announced their split. “We regret to confirm that we are separating,” the two said in a joint statement released by Shakira’s public relations firm. “For the well-being of our children, who are our highest priority, we ask that you respect our privacy. Thank you for your understanding.”
Shakira, 45, met the Barcelona defender while she was promoting her 2010 World Cup anthem, “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa).” The couple share two children, Sasha and Milan.
“Monotonía” follows the singer-songwriter’s Latin Airplay chart-topping song “Te Felicito” with Rauw Alejandro, in which she calls out her significant other and congratulates him on a stellar performance for making her believe he truly loved her.
Watch the “Monotonía” and “Me Enamoré” music videos below.
Billboard has two new elevations within company in the Latin and Events departments. On Thursday (Oct. 20), Billboard announced that Leila Cobo has been promoted to the chief content officer of Latin/Español and Mary Rooney to vp, head of events, effective immediately.
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
The promotion will see Cobo continue her oversight of Billboard Español and its newly created team, in addition to providing her expertise in all Latin content and programming. Under her leadership — she previously held the role of vice president of Latin and Latin industry lead — Billboard.com’s Latin vertical has earned nearly 2 million unique visits a month, and saw her extend her talents to programming Latin Music Week, the world’s longest running gathering in the Latin music industry. In Cobo’s new role, she will report to Hannah Karp, Billboard‘s editorial director and Mike Van, Billboard president.
“There is no other mainstream media company more committed to covering and celebrating Latin music than Billboard, and with the launch of Billboard Español we’re more committed than ever. It’s an honor to work with this amazing team and keep growing and building!” Cobo said.
Rooney’s promotion will see her continue her oversight of Billboard‘s signature business events and strategizing for the growth and development of the brand’s identity, including consumer-facing programs and event production across the country. Rooney previously led as the executive director of events at Billboard, and had a large hand in conceptualizing Billboard‘s Women in Music and Latin Music Week, as well as creating The Stage at SXSW. In her new role, she will report to Dana Droppo, Billboard‘s chief brand officer.
“I am thrilled to continue working alongside this talented team, and to represent the Billboard brand as we continue to grow the events business producing best-in-class events across the country,” Rooney said in a statement.
Van added of the two promotions: “We could not be more grateful and proud to be elevating two key executives to essential roles that will continue to propel the Billboard brand globally.”
Omar Apollo has signed a global publishing deal with Concord Music Publishing. The new partnership comes after the Latin singer-songwriter’s major label debut album, Ivory (2022) via Warner Records, and a juggernaut soulful single “Evergreen (You Didn’t Deserve Me At All),” which recently landed at No. 51 on the Hot 100.
The contract with Concord will cover his complete music catalog, which includes Ivory and future works.
“Omar has already proven himself to be one of the most exciting artists, pushing music forward,” Jeremy Yohai, senior vp of A&R at Concord, said in a statement. “It’s been amazing working Omar together with Dylan [Shanks, management] and his current music success is only the beginning.”
“Working with Jeremy and the Concord Music Publishing team has been great,” adds Apollo.
The independent music publishing company also houses the works of acclaimed songwriters like The 1975, BIA, Daft Punk, and Duff McKagan, and represents the catalogs of legends such as Benny Blanco, Phil Collins, and Joan Sebastian among others.
Prior to Ivory, the Mexican-American artist was already a force to be reckoned with. He carved out a space as a prolific, millions-streaming SoundCloud creator; entered the top 20 of Heatseekers Albums for both 2019’s EP Friends and 2020’s mixtape Apolonio releases; and earned two Latin Grammy nominations in 2021. Plus, he’s been building a fervid, cult fan base that’s now ready for a mainstream breakthrough.
With a heady mix of pop-punk (“Talk”), delectable funk (“No Good Reason”), Spanglish trap (“Tamagochi”), and plenty of bluesy cuts in the new album, Apollo further testifies his genre-spanning prowess and song-crafting eminence and that’s equipped for global consumption. Proof? For starters, Ivory debuted at No. 1 of the Heatseekers Albums chart, and singles like “Evergreen” racked up about 66 million plays across streaming channels.
This year, the bilingual star made memorable appearances in major festivals like Coachella, Lollapalooza, and ALC Fest. He also guested on Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and is preparing for another headlining tour Stateside that includes stops at Brooklyn’s King Theatre and Los Angeles’ Greek Theatre.
Shakira isn’t holding back and is as raw and honest as one can get singing about heartbreak and the end of what seemed to be a perfect relationship.
In her new Ozuna-assisted single, titled “Monotonía (Monotony),” a bachata track that released Wednesday (Oct. 19), the Colombian star starts off declaring: “It wasn’t your fault, it wasn’t my fault. It was monotony’s fault. I never said anything but it hurt. I knew this would happen.”
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Marking the first collaboration between Shakira and Ozuna, “Monotonía” follows the singer-songwriter’s Latin Airplay chart-topping song “Te Felicito” with Rauw Alejandro, where she calls out her significant other and congratulates them on a stellar performance making her believe he truly loved her.
In the music video — which Shakira co-directed with longtime collaborator Jaume de la Iguana — she has an encounter with the ex at a grocery store where he blows up her chest and her heart is ejected from her body. She then runs around with her beating heart in hand until she hands it over to Ozuna, who takes it from her and puts it in a safe box.
“Monotonía” and “Te Felicito” follow Shakira’s very public breakup from her longtime partner, and father of her two children, soccer star Gerard Piqué. In an interview with Elle, she addressed the split, calling this moment one of the “most difficult” of her life. “I’ve remained quiet and just tried to process it all. Um, and yeah, it’s hard to talk about it, especially because I’m still going through it, and because I’m in the public eye and because our separation is not like a regular separation. And so it’s been tough not only for me, but also for my kids. Incredibly difficult.”
Stream “Monotonía” below: