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Baby Rasta earns his first No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Rhythm Airplay chart thanks to “Punto 40,” his collaboration with Rauw Alejandro, which rises to the top on the Jan. 28-dated ranking.
“Punto 40” is the second single from Alejandro’s Saturno that debuted at No. 2 on Top Latin Albums last November. The song climbs from No. 6 following a 26% gain in audience impressions, to 7.6 million, earned in the U.S. in the week ending Jan. 19, according to Luminate.
“Punto 40” gives Baby Rasta his first chart-topper among 20 career entries. The new champ outdoes the Puerto Rican’s highest ranking to date, “Amor Prohibido,” with Gringo, which reached a No. 6 high in 2014. With its ascent, “Punto 40” also sends Feid’s “Normal” to No. 2 after one week in charge (6 million in audience, down 20%).
Alejandro, meanwhile, captures his 10th leader, all dating back just to 2020 with the two-week ruler “TBT,” with Sebastián Yatra and Manuel Turizo. Plus, “Punto 40” arrives eight months after his last, “Te Felicito,” with Shakira, in May 2022. Here’s a look at the hitmaker’s leaderboard:
Peak, Title, Artist, Weeks at No. 1June 27, 2020, “TBT,” with Sebastian Yatra, & Manuel Turizo, twoSept. 12, 2020, “Tattoo,” with Camilo, oneJan. 23, 2021, “La Nota,” with Manuel Turizo & Myke Towers, oneMarch 27, 2021, “Baila Conmigo,” with Selena Gomez, oneMay 29, 2021, “Vacío,” with Luis Fonsi, oneJuly 3, 2021, “Todo De Ti,” sevenMarch 5, 2022, “Cúrame,” oneJuly 2, 2022, “Desesperados,” with Chencho Corleone, oneMay 7, 2022, “Te Felicito,” with Shakira, oneJan. 28, 2023, “Punto 40,” with Baby Rasta
Over on the all-genre Latin Airplay chart, “Punto Rasta” ascends to a new No. 4 high. With the lift Baby Rasta ensures his highest peak to date.
All charts dated Jan. 28 will update on Billboard.com Wednesday, Jan. 25.
Amid the current musical reign of Bad Bunny, Colombian pop star Sebastian Yatra leaps forward with 10 nominations to the 35th edition of the Premio Lo Nuestro awards. Univision announced on Monday (Jan. 23) the complete list of nominations and hosts for the show, which will air live from the Miami-Dade Arena on Feb. 23.
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Sebastian Yatra’s nods include the coveted all-genre artist of the year, song of the year and album of the year categories. He is also nominated for tour of the year — which returned this year by popular demand, according to the organizers — and other pop categories. His PLN-nominated album Dharma (2022) peaked at No. 2 on Latin Pop Albums and No. 13 on Top Latin Albums, among other Billboard chart achievements.
He is closely followed by Bad Bunny, Camilo, Becky G and Grupo Firme, who each garnered nine nods; urbano household names Maluma, Daddy Yankee and Ozuna take eight each. Beloved couple Rauw Alejandro and Rosalía tie with seven, as well as Carin León, Karol G and J Balvin.
Aside from topping the list, Yatra will co-host the longest-running Latin music ceremony alongside TV presenter and actress Alejandra Espinoza, Mexican pop superstar Paulina Rubio, and Adrián Uribe of Univision’s late-night show De Noche Pero Sin Sueño.
In total, 192 artists across diverse musical backgrounds are nominated within 39 categories. The nominations for Premio Lo Nuestro are based on Uforia radio airplay during the eligibility period of Oct. 1, 2021 through Sept. 30, 2022. Streaming counts and the assessment of a committee of music and entertainment experts also factor in this list.
Starting today, fans can vote for their favorite artists on PremioLoNuestro.com, until Sunday, Feb. 5.
This year’s theme is “El Mundo Es Lo Nuestro” (or The World is Ours), and the 35th annual award show will broadcast live on Thursday, Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. ET. It will simulcast on Galavisión in the U.S. and Canal 5 in Mexico.
See the complete list of nominees below:
Premio Lo Nuestro Artist of the Year Ángela AguilarBad BunnyBecky GCamilo Christian NodalGrupo Firme J BalvinKarol GPrince RoyceSebastián Yatra
Song of the Year“Ahí Donde Me Ven” – Ángela Aguilar“Cada Quien” – Grupo Firme & Maluma“Como Lo Hice Yo” – Matisse & Carin León“Envolver” – Anitta“MAMIII” – Becky G & Karol G“Medallo” – Blessd, Justin Quiles & Lenny Tavares“Moscow Mule” – Bad Bunny“Sus Huellas” – Romeo Santos“Tacones Rojos” – Sebastián Yatra“Una Nota” – J Balvin & Sech
Album of the YearCumbiana II – Carlos VivesDe Adentro Pa Afuera – Camilo Dharma – Sebastián YatraEsquemas – Becky GForajido EP1 – Christian NodalLegendaddy – Daddy YankeeMe Siento A Todo Dar – Banda Los RecoditosMotomami – RosalíaPa’lla Voy – Marc AnthonyUn Verano Sin Ti – Bad Bunny
Remix of the Year“Entre Nosotros (Remix)” – Tiago PZK, Lit Killah, María Becerra & Nicki Nicole“Envolver (Remix)” – Anitta & Justin Quiles“Gracias (Remix)” – Pedro Capó & Farruko “La Ducha (Remix)” – Elena Rose, María Becerra, Greeicy, Becky G & TINI“Sal y Perrea (Remix)” – Sech, Daddy Yankee & J Balvin
New Artist MaleBizarrapHumbreLassoLit KillahMaldyMario PugliaMoraQuevedoRyan CastroTrueno
New Artist Female Bad GyalCorina SmithElsa y ElmarKim LoaizaLa GabiLas VillaLola IndigoTokischaVillano AntillanoYoung Miko
Regional Mexican – New ArtistAldo Trujillo Carin LeónDannyLuxGera MXIvan CornejoJunior HLos Del LimitLuis R ConriquezUziel PayanYahritza y Su Esencia
“Crossover” Collaboration of the Year“La Fama” – Rosalía & The Weeknd “Nostálgico” – Rvssian, Rauw Alejandro & Chris Brown“SG” – DJ Snake, Ozuna, Megan Thee Stallion & Lisa“Sigue” – J Balvin & Ed Sheeran“Sin Fin” – Romeo Santos & Justin Timberlake
The Perfect Mix of the Year“Cada Quien” – Grupo Firme & Maluma“Cumbia Del Corazón” – Los Ángeles Azules & Carlos Vives“Ella Qué Te Dio” – Ángela Aguilar & Jesse & Joy“El Pañuelo” – Romeos Santos & Rosalía “Llorar y Llorar” – Mau Y Ricky & Carin León“Loquita” – Reik & Rauw Alejandro“Mariposa Traicionera” – Maná & Alejandro Fernández“Oh Na Na” – Camila Cabello, Myke Towers & Tainy“Santo” – Christina Aguilera & Ozuna“Te Espero” – Prince Royce & María Becerra
Tour of the YearDe Adentro Pa Afuera World Tour – CamiloDe Iztapalapa Para El Mundo Tour – Los Ángeles AzulesDharma World Tour – Sebastián YatraEl Último Tour del Mundo & World’s Hottest Tour – Bad BunnyEnfiestados Y Amanecidos Tour – Grupo FirmeLa Última Misión World Tour – Wisin Y Yandel La Última Vuelta World Tour – Daddy YankeeMotomami World Tour – RosalíaPapi Juancho World Tour – Maluma$trip Love Tour – Karol G
DJ of the YearAgudelo 888BizarrapCaleb CallowayDímelo FlowDJ BashDJ PopeDJ Tao DJ TornallFer PalacioPablito Pesadilla
Pop – Male Artist of the YearCamiloCarlos RiveraChayanneEnrique IglesiasLuis FonsiMalumaPedro CapóRicky MartinSebastián YatraTommy Torres
Pop – Female Artist of the YearCamila CabelloChristina Aguilera Ednita NazarioGloria TreviKany GarcíaLaura PausiniPaulina RubioShakiraSofía Reyes Yuri
Pop – Song of the Year“Como Tú Decías” – Tommy Torres“DPM (De P*ta Madre)” – Kany García“Espacio En Tu Corazón” – Enrique Iglesias“Pedir Perdón” – Ednita Nazario“Pegao” – Camilo“Tacones Rojos” – Sebastián Yatra“Te Amo Y Punto” – Chayanne “Volver a Casa” – Pedro Capó“Yo Soy” – Paulina Rubio
Pop – Collaboration of the Year“A Veces Bien Y A Veces Mal” – Ricky Martin & Reik“Contigo” – Sebastián Yatra & Pablo Alborán“Estar Enamorado” – Carlos Rivera & Raphael“Índigo” – Camilo & Evaluna Montaner“Intenciones” – Mario Puglia & Renee“Muero” – Kany García & Alejandro Sanz“Si Pudiera” – Vanesa Martín & Jesse & Joy“Te Felicito” – Shakira & Rauw Alejandro“Vacaciones” – Luis Fonsi & Manuel Turizo“Wow BB” – Natti Natasha, El Alfa & Chimbala
Pop-Urban – Song of the Year“Buenos Días” – Wisin, Camilo & Los Legendarios“Envolver” – Anitta“Experimento” – Myke Towers“Fiesta” – Farina & Ryan Castro“La Funka” – Ozuna“Mama Tetema” – Maluma ft. Raywanny“MAMIII” – Becky G & Karol G“Te Felicito” – Shakira & Rauw Alejandro “Toa La Noche” – CNCO“TV” – Sebastián Yatra
Pop-Urban/Dance – Song of the Year“Baila Así” – Play-N-Skillz, Thalía, Becky G & Chiquis“Bailé Con Mi Ex” – Becky G“Bendecido” – El Alfa & Farina“Berlin” – Zion & Lennox & María Becerra“Despechá” – Rosalía“El Incomprendido” – Farruko, Víctor Cárdenas & DJ Adoni“El Teke Teke” – Carlos Vives, Black Eyed Peas & Play-N-Skillz“Hot” – Daddy Yankee & Pitbull“Mujeriego” – Ryan Castro“Quevedo: BZRP Music Sessions, Vol. 52” – Bizarrap & Quevedo
Pop/Ballad – Song of the Year“A Veces Bien Y A Veces Mal” – Ricky Martin & Reik“Ahora Sé” – Sin Bandera“Caja” – Laura Pausini“Contigo” – Sebastián Yatra & Pablo Alborán“El Día Que Me Quieras” – Ricardo Montaner“Ensayando Cómo Pedirte Perdón” – Gloria Trevi“Estar Enamorado” – Carlos Rivera & Raphael“Muero” – Kany García & Alejandro Sanz“Nuestra Balada” – Luis Fonsi“Respira” – Jesse & Joy
Pop – Group or Duo of the YearCNCOHa*AshJesse & JoyManáMatisseMau y RickyMoratPiso 21ReikSin Bandera
Pop – Album of the Year777 – Piso 21Clichés – Jesse & JoyDe Adentro Pa Afuera – CamiloDharma – Sebastián YatraEl Amor Que Merecemos – Kany GarcíaIsla Divina – Gloria TreviLey de Gravedad – Luis FonsiLeyendas (Edición de Lujo) – Carlos RiveraPlay – Ricky Martin XOXO – CNCO
Urban – Male Artist of the YearBad Bunny Daddy YankeeDon OmarFarrukoJ BalvinJhaycoNicky JamOzunaRauw Alejandro Wisin
Urban – Female Artist of the YearAnittaBecky GElena RoseFarinaKarol GMaría BecerraNatti NatashaNicky NicoleRosalíaTokischa
Urban – Song of the Year“Deprimida” – Ozuna“Desesperados” – Rauw Alejandro & Chencho Corleone“Dos Tragos” – Jay Wheeler“Envolver” – Anitta“Moscow Mule” – Bad Bunny “Nivel De Perreo” – J Balvin & Ryan Castro“Ojos Rojos” – Nicky Jam“Provenza” – Karol G“Remix” – Daddy Yankee“Sensual Bebé” – Jhayco
Urban – Collaboration of the Year“Bendecido” – El Alfa & Farina“Emojis de Corazones” – Wisin, Jhayco, Ozuna & Los Legendarios“Friki” – Feid & Karol G“Lo Siento BB:/” – Tainy, Bad Bunny & Julieta Venegas“Mayor Que Usted” – Natti Natasha, Daddy Yankee & Wisin y Yandel“Medallo” – Blessd, Justin Quiles & Lenny Tavárez“Me Porto Bonito” – Bad Bunny & Chencho Corleone“Nos Comemos” – Tiago PZK & Ozuna“Problemón” – Álvaro Díaz & Rauw Alejandro“Una Nota” – J Balvin & Sech
Urban – Album of the YearEnvolver – AnittaEsquemas – Becky GLa Última Misión – Wisin y YandelLas Leyendas Nunca Mueren – Anuel AALegendaddy – Daddy YankeeLyke Mike – Myke TowersMotomami – RosalíaSauce Boyz 2 – Eladio CarriónThe Love & Sex Tape – MalumaUn Verano Sin Ti – Bad Bunny
Tropical – Artist of the YearCarlos Vives Gente de Zona Gilberto Santa RosaJuan Luis GuerraLuis FigueroaMarc AnthonyOlga TañónPrince RoyceRomeo SantosVíctor Manuelle
Tropical – Song of the Year“La Cantante (Salsa)” – Yahaira Plasencia ft. Ator Untela“Lao’ a Lao’” – Prince Royce“Mala” – Marc Anthony“Sus Huellas” – Romeo Santos“Todavía Te Espero” – Luis Figueroa
Tropical – Collaboration of the Year“Baloncito Viejo” – Carlos Vives & Camilo“El Negrito” – Gente de Zona & Carlos Vives“Señor Juez” – Ozuna & Anthony Santos“Si Yo Estoy Loco” – SanLuis & Fonseca“Te Espero” – Prince Royce & María Becerra“Vamo’ A Ver Si El Gas Pela” – Víctor Manuelle, Miky Woodz & Marvin Santiago
Tropical – Album of the YearCumbiana II – Carlos VivesDe Menor A Mayor – Gente de ZonaDe Trulla Con El Combo – El Gran Combo de Puerto RicoDebut T Segunda Tanda, Vol. 1 – Gilberto Santa RosaLado A Lado B – Víctor ManuelleLuis Figueroa – Luis FigueroaMi Muchachita – Elvis MartinezPa’lla Voy – Marc AnthonyResistirá – Milly QuezadaTañón Pal’ Combo Es Lo Que Hay – Olga Tañón
Regional Mexican – Male Artist of the YearAdriel FavelaAlfredo OlivasCarin LeónChristian NodalEden MuñozEl FantasmaGerardo OrtizJoss FavelaLenin RamírezPepe Aguilar
Regional Mexican – Female Artist of the YearAída CuevasAna BárbaraÁngela Aguilar Carolina RossChiquisFlor de ToloacheLas MaríasLupita InfanteMajo AguilarYuridia
Regional Mexican – Song of the Year“Ahí Donde Me Ven” – Ángela Aguilar“Cómo Te Olvido” – La Arrolladora Banda El Limón de René Camacho“Esta Vida Es Muy Bonita” – Banda El Recodo de Cruz Lizárraga“Mis Problemas” – Chiquis“No Paras De Hacerme Feliz” – La Fiera de Ojinaga“Ojos Cerrados” – Banda MS de Sergio Lizárraga & Carin León“Otra Noche” – Los Ángeles Azules & Nicki Nicole“Ya No Somos Ni Seremos” – Christian Nodal“Ya Solo Eres Mi Ex” – La Adictiva“Ya Supérame (En Vivo)” – Grupo Firme
Regional Mexican – Collaboration of the Year“Amores Van y Vienen” – La Nueva Estrategia & La Maquinaria Norteña“Con Un Botecito A Pecho” – Adriel Favela & Carin León“En Tu Perra Vida” – Grupo Firme & Lenin Ramírez“La Sinvergüenza” – Christian Nodal & Banda MS de Sergio Lizárraga“Tus Desprecios” – Pepe Aguilar & El Fantasma
Regional Mexican – Grupo o Duo of the YearBanda Los RecoditosBanda Los SebastianesBanda MS de Sergio LizárragaEdwin Luna y La Trakalosa de MonterreyGrupo FirmeLa AdictivaLa Arrolladora Banda El Limón de René Camacho La Fiera de OjinagaLos Ángeles AzulesYahritza y Su Esencia
Regional Mexican – Norteño Song of the Year“Chale” – Eden Muñoz“Gato de Madrugada” – Joss Favela“Míranos Ahora” – Calibre 50“No” – Alfredo Olivas“No Paras de Hacerme Feliz” – La Fiera de Ojinaga“Si Me Duele Que Duela” – Intocable
Regional Mexican – Banda Song of the Year“Cada Quien” – Grupo Firme & Maluma“Cómo Te Olvido” – La Arrolladora Banda El Limón de René Camacho“Esta Vida Es Muy Bonita” – Banda El Recodo de Cruz Lizárraga“Quiero Amanecer Con Alguien” – Chiquis“Ya Solo Eres Mi Ex” – La Adictiva
Regional Mexican – Mariachi/Ranchera Song of the Year“Ahí Donde Me Ven” – Ángela Aguilar“Amor Ilegal” – Majo Aguilar“Con Un Botecito A Pecho” – Adriel Favela & Carin León“Me Hace Tanto Bien” – Yuridia & Eden Muñoz“Triste” – Chayín Rubio“Ya No Somos Ni Seremos” – Christian Nodal
Regional Mexican – Sierreña Song of the Year“Como Antes” – Nathan Galante“Descansando” – Fuerza Regida “Híbrido” – Virlán García“Soy El Único” – Yahritza y Su Esencia “Un Día Menos” – Grupo Los de Chiwas
Regional Mexican – Album of the YearA La Medida – Pepe Aguilar Abeja Reina – ChiquisAclarando La Mente – Joss FavelaEnfiestados Y Amanecidos – Grupo FirmeEsta Vida Es Muy Bonita – Banda El Recodo de Cruz LizárragaForajido EP1 – Christian NodalJalas O No Jalas (Edición Deluxe) – La Fiera de OjinagaMe Siento A Todo Dar – Banda Los RecoditosPrefiero Estar Contigo – La Arrolladora Banda El Limón de René Camacho
Kali Uchis‘ new song “I Wish You Roses” has topped this week’s new music poll.
Music fans voted in a poll published Friday (Jan. 20) on Billboard, choosing the Colombian-American singer’s latest single as their favorite new music release of the past week.
“I Wish You Roses” brought in 79% of the vote, beating out new music by Måneskin (Rush!), Trippie Redd (Mansion Musik), The Kid LAROI (“I Can’t Go Back to The Way It Was (Intro)),” Mac DeMarco (Five Easy Hot Dogs), and others.
Uchis proves yet again with “I Wish You Roses” that her lush production and vocal delivery never fail. The genre-bending singer-songwriter bids her subject a fond farewell, all while showcasing her power as a masterful hook creator and proving that this year may be when she firmly steps into the spotlight of mainstream pop — that is, if her billing on this year’s Coachella lineup wasn’t already an indicator.
“This song is about being able to release people with love,” Uchis said in a statement. “It could be a friend, a lover, or someone else, but the point is to celebrate releasing people from your life without being resentful or bitter.”
Trailing behind Uchis on the fan-voted poll was a tie between Måneskin’s third album, Rush!, and Redd’s surprise release, Mansion Musick, an ode to Chief Keef’s 2018 mixtape Mansion Musick. Both sets brought in 4.91% of the vote.
See the final results of this week’s new music release poll below.
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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A Star-Studded Paris Fashion Week
Spanish-language artists were present at the 2023 Paris Fashion Week, starting with Rosalía, who served as the musical curator at the Louis Vuitton Men’s Fall-Winter 2023 Fashion Show and was also the first woman to ever perform live on the coveted runway. Rocking an outfit from the new collection, the Spanish singer performed some of her biggest hits at the top of a vintage car including “Despecha,” “Saoko,” and “Candy” from her Latin Grammy-winning album Motomami, to name a few. Additionally, J Balvin, who’s kept a low profile on social media as of late, was also present at Paris Fashion Week, where he was spotted at various events, interacting with his fans, and having dinner with industry friends and artists such as Spanish artist Omar Montes.
Courtesy of Imagine It Media
Live with Billboard Latin
Billboard kicked off its first “Live with Billboard Latin” episode of 2023 with guests Grupo Frontera and Fuerza Regida. In a nearly 25-minute conversation, Billboard’s Jessica Roiz caught up with the two Regional Mexican acts who, for the first time in their careers, hit No. 1 on the Hot Latin Songs chart this week with their viral hit “Bebe Dame.” During the Instagram Live, the groups reflected on their successful track, how they met and began working together, and future projects for 2023. Watch the complete video below:
Maffio’s “Better Than Wonderful” Initiative
With his foundation “Better Than Wonderful,” Maffio—alongside film director Jessy Terrero, former basketball player Luis Felipe Lopez, and journalist Bolivar Valera—headed to the barrios of his beloved Dominican Republic to give children free basketball balls and sports uniforms. Through the initiative and his “Make a Child Smile” campaign, the Dominican artist and hitmaker hopes to offer the correct resources to motivate, inspire, and encourage kids in the barrios to dream big and follow their dreams.
Anuel AA Makes Late-Night TV Debut
Anuel AA kicked off the year by making his late-night TV debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon this week. The Puerto Rican trap star performed a live medley of his tracks “El Nene” and “Sufro” from his latest album Las Leyendas Nunca Mueren 2. That same day, he announced his next collaborative effort will be with Dominican artist Messiah and expressed of their song that “it’s for all the women who work hard and don’t need anyone.” Watch Anuel’s performance on Fallon Tonight below:
Romeo Santos’ Baby Announcement
In the new music video for “Solo Conmigo,” part of his latest album Formula, Vol. 3, Romeo Santos, who’s known for keeping an ultra-private life, surprised fans in two different ways. First, he finally unveiled his longtime girlfriend as the model of his music video, and then, he announced they were expecting a baby—all in the same video clip! Directed by Fernando Lugo, the video starts off with a steamy love-making scene and ultimately shows off the baby bump. This will be the couple’s third child together and Santos’ fourth.
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 Nicky Jam, Myke Towers and Eddy Herrera, to name a few.
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The list includes some urban selections like Myke Towers’ three-song EP Sweet & Sour, which he dropped as a surprise on his 29th birthday (Jan. 15). Hinting at what could possibly be the first part of an album in 2023, following his 2021 set Lyke Mike, the EP encompasses the Puerto Rican rapper’s creative versatility, navigating from saucy drill (“Pauta & Flow”) to R&B-tinged hip-hop (“Los Angeles”) to a hard-hitting reggae plena (“El Joseo”).
Nicky Jam also dropped his first single of the year called “Toy a Mil,” where he laces reggae beats with Dominican dembow and sings about a girl he was waiting to be single. Colombian reggaetonero Andy Rivera, on the other hand, turns bad boy in “No Pinto Pajaritos,” a midtempo, sensual reggaeton track, in which he assures that he doesn’t sugarcoat things — and that he is, in fact, only interested in having a fling.
Additionally, we spotlighted newcomers Ivonne Galaz and Tania Dominguez (both of Rancho Humilde) on their soulful collab “No Puedo Olvidarte,” backed by dreamy requintos, soft drum beats and a howling bass; the enigmatic electro-pop self-titled debut album of Astronomía Interior, the latest musical configuration of Jesús Báez and Ángel Mosqueda, better known respectively as the keyboardist and bassist of Zoé; and an infectious merengue song that finds Eddy Herrera, Felipe Peláez, and Omar Enrique, drinking their heartbreaks away.
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.
Myke Towers, Sweet & Sour (Warner Music Latina/One World International)
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On his 29th birthday (Jan. 15), Myke Towers dropped a surprise EP called Sweet & Sour with three new tracks. It kicks off with “Pauta & Flow,” a saucy drill jam where he raps over a potent bass beat about those artists who are lacking promotion and swag in the game. “Los Angeles” comes next, a smooth, R&B-tinged Hip-Hop song about crushing hard on a girl and always being available for her. In “El Joseo,” which loosely translates to “the hustle,” the ever-versatile Towers drops a hard-hitting reggae plena about following his vision, his everyday hustle, and ultimately achieving his dreams. “I’m headed to the streets/ To work because if not, no one will do it for me/ The hustle doesn’t stop, I don’t plan on sleeping/ I miss the warmth of my country and my people but I’m going to continue/ There’s more goals and dreams to chase,” he chants. With the three-track set, the Puerto Rican artist also hints that a new album might drop this year, following his 2021 release Lyke Mike. — JESSICA ROIZ
Nicky Jam, “Toy a Mil” (Sony Music Latin)
Let’s give it to Nicky Jam for releasing a full-on summer jam in the midst of Winter. The Caribbean-packed “Toy A Mil” finds Jam meshing Jamaican reggae beats with Dominican dembow, while belting sensual and playful lyrics full of Dominican slang. An invitation to start the party, the Jorge Milliano-produced track focuses on a girl Jam was waiting for to be single. The just-as-vibrant music video captures the veteran hitmaker having a “boys night out” with perreo duo Jowell & Randy — who doesn’t shy away from doing the signature Dembow dance, holding a party foam cup in one hand and swaying the other side to side to the thumping rhythm. — INGRID FAJARDO
Ivonne Galaz & Tania Dominguez, “No Puedo Olvidarte” (Rancho Humilde)
Ivonne Galaz kicks off 2023 steering away from her signature corrido tumbado sound and joining forces with Tania Dominguez — Rancho Humilde’s newest signee — on “No Puedo Olvidarte” (I Can’t Forget You). Backed by dreamy requintos, soft drum beats, and a howling bass, the two Mexican newcomers soulfully and wistfully harmonize about a long-lost love. “The more I try, I can’t forget you, you’re constantly in my mind/ I think of you every day, I dream of you every night/ I want something with you, otherwise it seems reproachful,” Dominguez’s dulcet vocals and Galaz’s deep-toned voice lace together on the chorus. — J.R.
Astronomía Interior, Astronomía Interior (Universal Music Mexico)
Enter the enigmatic electro-pop of Astronomía Interior, the latest musical configuration of Jesús Báez and Ángel Mosqueda, better known respectively as the keyboardist and bassist of Zoé. On their eponymous debut side project, the imaginative pair continue reworking their electronic-leaning productions with a more New Wave and poppier feel. For instance, “Movimiento” embarks on a synthwave journey with an insatiable beat that evokes the freestyle era. However, they shoot for the stars throughout — as evinced on “Estrella Fugaz” and “Un Mundo Raro,” songs that glimmer with brilliant arrangements. The Mexican duo will be touring the U.S. this year and are confirmed to perform at Vive Latino (March 18) and Pal Norte (March 31) in Mexico. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Eddy Herrera, Felipe Peláez & Omar Enrique, “A Beber” (Intermusic)
Eddy Herrera, Felipe Peláez, and Omar Enrique unite on a new merengue gem called “A Beber.” Beyond being an infectious tropical bop, the song penned by Enhgel Mota and produced by Isaías Leclerc spotlights the unmistakably powerful vocals of “The giant of Merengue” (Herrera), “The Prince of Merengue” (Enrique) and one of “The greats of Vallenato” (Peláez). The melody is a fiesta but the lyrics, are about not being able to overcome a past relationship and drowning the sorrows away. — I.F.
Andy Rivera, “No Pinto Pajaritos” (Sony Music Colombia)
For his first single of 2023, Andy Rivera drops what seems to be a sequel to his Yandar & Yostin-assisted hit “Te Pintaron Pajaritos,” released in 2012. The decade-plus-old track is about a guy questioning his ex about her failed new relationship: “What happened with the person who said they loved you?” he chants. But now, the tides have turned. In his new single, a mid-tempo, sensual reggaetoó track, the Colombian artist is the bad boy, assuring that he doesn’t sugar-coat things — and that he is, in fact, only interested in having a fling. The beginning of the music video samples the classic “Te Pintaron Pajaritos.” — J.R.
It’s been a little over a year since the Dec. 15, 2021 plane crash that killed Puerto Rican producer Flow La Movie along with his partner Debbie Von Marie Jimenez García and their children, aged 21, 18 and four.
Born José Angel Hernández, Flow La Movie was 38 at the time of the crash and is survived by a daughter, Keigelyan Hernandez.
He also left behind a catalog of hit recordings released under his indie label, AH Entertainment, including the star-studded “Te Boté,” which topped Hot Latin Songs for 14 weeks, and the entire catalog of rapper Nio García, including “AM” and viral hit “La Jeepeta.”
Those songs, along with García’s recording contract, have been ensnarled in a complex legal battle that has prevented García –at the cusp of his career– from releasing any further material.
Until today, with the release of “Yeska”, his first single in more than a year.
The track is out on Glad Empire, the Orlando-based indie entertainment company that used to distribute AH Entertainment, and also works with artists like Anuel. Glad is now in the process of negotiating a new distribution deal Garcia.
“For a while, I thought this moment would never come,” García said in a press release. “I was crazy to release new music for my fans.”
But García could not release music because his recording contract was tied to AH and Flow La Movie, aka Hernandez.
According to García’s lawsuit, filed last year, the problems started when Hernández’s mother, Ilianes Ruiz, claimed to be the sole heir to Hernández’s estate, via a will allegedly signed by Hernández. Because she controlled the estate, Ruiz did not allow García to release new music, as his recording contract was part of Hernández’s estate.
However, the signature on Hernández’s will was determined to be suspect. As a result, Hernández’s only living child, Keigelyan Hernandez, claimed the inheritance as hers, and joined the lawsuit that García had already filed against Ruiz.
Hernández’s estate went into probate, and all contracts and music tied to it came to a screeching halt until Dec. 13, 2021, when all parties signed a global settlement agreement that names Hernández the personal representative of her father’s estate. The agreement, shared exclusively with Billboard, also released García from any obligation with AH, allowing him to enter a new recording agreement with Glad Empire.
“The only thing we wanted to do was continue to release music and carry out Flow La Movie’s wishes and legacy,” says Camille Soto, CEO of GLAD Empire, who late last year, after the agreement was signed, released a compilation of Flow La Movie’s top hits, titled Flow Movie Remixes.
“I am so happy his music can live on.”
Brazilian powerhouse singer-songwriter Ludmilla has inked a new management deal with WK Entertainment and Central Sonora. The alliance arrives after she won a 2022 Latin Grammy for her album Numanice #2, and after making history as the first Afro-Latina artist to reach one billion streams on Spotify.
“[This deal] is a very important step in my career,” Ludmilla tells Billboard Español. “WK Entertainment/Central Sonora, together with my company Sem Querer Produções, will add structure and they will assist in enhancing my musical work, which is my focus. I am very happy and excited about this partnership and I am sure it will yield many results.”
Together, the teams will work to further amplify Ludmilla’s global artistic development. Central to this growth is Central Sonora’s CEO Cesar Figueiredo, who is leading this new stage in the artist’s career. He will oversee all management functions of the project. Walter Kolm, who is the founder and CEO of WK Entertainment and WK Records, will also provide support while helping develop key relations for Ludmilla’s continued growth.
“Ludmilla reflects the true sonority that exists in Brazil today. She is ready to conquer the world by exploring our Brazilian culture,” Figueiredo said in a statement shared with Billboard Español. “Our alliance began a few years ago as a friendship and has since blossomed, giving us the opportunity to finally work together professionally. It is truly an honor for me as a manager to represent a highly regarded and iconic artist such as Ludmilla.”
“This is a phase in my career that is very diverse and different from anything I’ve ever done, a phase that accompanies my current state and the work I propose, which has 100 per cent my truth and [aligned with] my artistic vein,” the artist adds.
With her propulsive pop and funk formula, Ludmilla has become a force to be reckoned with in her native Brazil and beyond. And her ever-expanding fan base further testifies her rise to prominence — she currently has 28.8 million followers on Instagram and 10.5 million on Twitter. The singer-songwriter navigates stylistic configurations with ease, whether she’s soulfully singing an R&B ballad (“Quem é Você”), spitting some funky carioca bars (“Tic Tac”) or charming listeners with sweet samba songs (“Maldivas”). Her gritty trap features equally intrigue, like on “Tanto Faz.”
“I think of funk as an agent of change, especially in the lives of so many peripheral people who don’t have opportunities,” she says. “Funk embraces and elevates, it makes is claim our place in the world.”
Ludmilla is poised to drop her next singles “Sou Má,” featuring funk MCs Tasha and Tracie, as well as “Nasci Pra Vencer” on Feb. 2. “The lyrics [to the latter trap song] tell my story, which is similar to the story of those who come from a place without [economic] gains, but with talent and hard work, we can reach places we never thought possible. It’s about me, but it’s also about others who I hope feel represented,” she says.
Last week, Billboard Español exclusively announced WK Record’s Brazilian operational expansion, which began quietly running last year. It will function to develop the careers of local talent with global appeal, while creating international opportunities for them.
“I am delighted to welcome Ludmilla to our family of artists and join her in this exciting new journey, in partnership with Central Sonora,” Kolm stated. “Our companies look forward to amplifying Ludmilla’s career around the world and to consolidate [her] position as one of Brazil’s top artists.”
Ludmilla is currently working on an eclectic album which, she mentions, will span genres like pop, R&B, funk, trap and more.
Not many artists or bands have moved masses like RBD did back in the early 2000s when they performed sold-out shows at stadiums and arenas across the globe. Twenty years later, they’re poised to do it all over again with a newly announced world tour slated to kick off later this year, which will mark their highly-anticipated reunion since disbanding in December 2008 after their last show in Madrid.
The Mexican pop band — comprised of Anahí, Dulce María, Christian Chavez, Maite Perroni and Christopher von Uckermann (Alfonso Herrera will not join his bandmates) — is set to visit Mexico, Brazil and the U.S. In total, the 26-date stint will tour 10 stadiums and 16 arenas. The Live Nation-produced trek will kick off in El Paso, Texas, at the Sun Bowl Stadium on Aug. 25 and will make stops in key U.S. cities such as Chicago, New York, Miami and Los Angeles.
“It’s a new era that makes us really excited and it’s a new opportunity to share the stage once again and feel a unique energy,” Perroni tells Billboard. “There’re cycles in life and each one of us had to focus on our careers as actors and musicians and that meant we had to give those projects time, energy and a lot of dedication. It also allowed each one of us to grow professionally and personally. Now, the time [for the reunion] is perfect because we’re now more conscious, more mature, we’ll enjoy it from a different perspective now as adults.”
The comeback tour announcement comes a month after the band’s social media accounts shared a minute-plus video, captioned “Soy Rebelde,” which combines a scene from the telenovela Rebelde and recent footage of the current five group members at an intimate dinner.
Conversations for a live, in-person tour had been happening sporadically but nothing ever came to fruition because of conflicting schedules. It wasn’t until late last year that the conversations became serious after all members attended Perroni’s wedding in October. “When I was planning the wedding, the DJ asked me which songs not to play and I strictly said, ‘No RBD songs,’” Perroni remembers. “I explained that I didn’t want my bandmates, who were my guests, to feel pressured into having to sing.”
Then, something unexpected happened: The day of the wedding, RBD members went to ask the DJ to play “Rebelde” and “Sálvame” and they all started singing in unison. “It was an incredible moment. A few days later we started a group chat, and all agreed it was time to have that reunion tour. We planned it all in a month and a half and here we are.”
When RBD last toured, in total it grossed $72.5 million and sold over 1.5 million tickets, according to figures reported to Billboard Boxscore. On the Billboard charts, RBD had a total of seven entries on the Billboard 200 chart including Rebelde, Celestial and Nuestro Amor, and eight entries on Top Latin Albums with six hitting the top 10. Over on Hot Latin Songs, the band had 10 total entries and out of those, five hit top 10.
“20 years later, we’re closing a cycle of our lives that was so important and so spectacular. Our intention this time around is to enjoy it to the fullest, to share, thank everyone and have some sort of closure that I don’t think we had last time around. We had a goodbye tour back then, but it didn’t feel like we really said goodbye.”
This time around, Anahí, Dulce María and Perroni will be touring as mothers. Anahí has two kids, Dulce María one and Perroni recently announced she’s expecting her first child. “I’m preparing myself physically and mentally for this new stage in my life, which will be challenging but a great opportunity as well. My friends, Dulce and Anahí, who already have experience in motherhood will be there to guide me and give me tips. It will be a very special year for all of us.”
Tickets for RBD’s Soy Rebelde Tour are set to go on sale Jan. 27 at 10 a.m. See the tour dates and details here.
—Additional reporting by Jessica Roiz
Through a raunchy video that pays homage to her 1991 Truth or Dare documentary, Madonna announced that she’ll be hitting the road with her global Celebration Tour, honoring her 40-year career.
The 35-city trek, produced by Live Nation, is set to kick off in North America on July 15 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, B.C., and will hit Detroit, Chicago, New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Dallas and San Francisco before wrapping up in Las Vegas on Oct. 7. Madonna will then visit fans in Europe with confirmed dates in London and Amsterdam, to name a few.
The Queen of Pop will be joined by Bob the Drag Queen as a special guest on all the dates.
However, wouldn’t it be an extra treat for her loyal fandom to have some of her past collaborators as surprise guests as well, such as Maluma and Tokischa? Neither have been announced, but with the former, Madonna dropped “Medellín” in 2019, which hit No. 1 on the Dance Club Songs chart and No. 18 on the Hot Latin Songs chart. With the latter, she dropped a new remix to her 2005 hit “Hung Up” called “Hung Up on Tokischa.” The original track peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2005.
With the Celebration Tour happening this year, we’re hoping for yet another bonafide collab between Madonna and a Latin act. From Rosalia to Bad Bunny to Shakira, and more, who should she hit the studio with next? Vote below!
