Latin

12 Oct 2022

Farina, Miky Woodz & More Weigh In on Controversy Over Reggaeton Lyrics for New ‘Cultura Clash’

Farina, Miky Woodz, Juhn and Dimelo Flow gathered to discuss reggaeton lyrics and the genre’s evolution in a new episode of Billboard’s “Cultura Clash” (watch above).

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

“Music doesn’t have rules. That’s the easiest way to put it,” Panamanian producer Dimelo Flow says. “You can make of music whatever you want.”

The four artists came together to bring to the forefront their thoughts on whether there’s a lack of depth in some Latin music, if artistry is missing in lyricism, and if some are underestimating the uniqueness of certain songs and genres. 

“Before it was a taboo to speak badly in the songs, and right now you have the No. 1 artist in the world, Bad Bunny, who speaks badly in all his music and makes them global,” former Billboard Latin Artist on the Rise Juhn notes. “It kind of doesn’t matter anymore. Back then, when albums and records were sold, the lyrics were more conservative, but not anymore.”

“If you are not a fan of my music, it is totally respectable, but you have to understand that we musicians are inevitable,” Colombian rapper Farina explains. “In my case, I had many examples when I was a child. I had drug-addict uncles. I heard a lot of music about drugs and stuff but I have no addictions. It’s about the education they give you [at home] and the examples they give you in your family.” 

“If you don’t want your kids to hear that type of music, don’t put it on,” Puerto Rican trap star Miky Woodz elaborates. “And even if you hide it from them, they will hear it. I prefer that they listen to it with me than to listen to it secretly. That depends on the trust you have in your children. But if mine have a question, they can ask me. Their dad is a reggaeton singer.” 

“We’re entering 2023. The times have changed. It’s something else now,” Juhn adds.

Now in its second season, Cultura Clash — hosted by Latin executive AJ Ramos — spotlights Latin artists and influencers who discuss trending topics within Latin culture and music. A new episode airs every Wednesday on Billboard.com, social media and Billboard‘s YouTube channel.  Watch this week’s episode above.

12 Oct 2022

Manuel Turizo’s ‘La Bachata’ No. 1 on Billboard Argentina Hot 100 Chart for a Fifth Week

Manuel Turizo’s “La Bachata” spends a fifth week at No. 1 on the Billboard Argentina Hot 100 chart (dated Oct. 8).

With a fifth week at No. 1, “La Bachata” ties with Tini’s “La Triple A” and Paulo Londra’s “Plan A” for the third-most weeks atop the tally in 2022. (“Entre Nosotros” by Tiago PZK, Lit Killah, Nicki Nicole and Maria Becerra still leads with a nine-week domination this year. Meanwhile Bizarrap and Quevedo’s “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 52” ranks second with eight weeks in charge.)

While the songs between No. 2 and No. 7 hold their rankings, Quevedo and Rei’s “Fernet” rises 9-8. Meanwhile, TINI rejoins the top 10 as “La Triple T” rebounds 11-10 after its five weeks in charge.

Chileans Pablo Pesadilla, Polimá Westcoast, Nickoog Clk and Fran C earn the week’s Greatest Gainer honor as “Baby Otaku” rallies 75-37. Argentinian La Joaqui scores the next notable ascent as “Butakera” surges 62-29.

Plus, the week’s highest debut goes to Wisin & Yandel and Rosalia’s latest collaboration, “Besos Moja2” at No. 47.

Finally, five other debuts hit the Argentinian Hot 100 chart this week: Rusherking and Dread Mar I’s “Perfecta” at No. 61, La Joaqui and Dj Alex team-up with “Tu Amor E7” at No. 73, Sam Smith and Kim Petras’ “Unholy” at No. 75, FMK’s “Buscando un Amor” at No. 88, while Natti Natasha and Maria Becerra’s “Lokita” starts at No. 89.

12 Oct 2022

Colombian Singer Andres Cuervo Dies

Andrés Cuervo, the Colombian artist behind the hit single “La Receta,” died last week in Paris, according to a statement that his publicity agency JAQUE shared with Billboard on Tuesday (Oct. 11).

According to the agency, headquartered in Colombia, the 40-year-old singer died of a heart attack Wednesday (Oct. 5) in his apartment in Paris, where he had been residing. A few weeks ago, the singer and model had participated in New York Fashion Week, where he walked the runway for fashion designer H.cubel. “Closing the runway and representing Colombia with great pride ,” he captioned a carousel of photos he posted on Instagram.

Born in Barranquilla in 1982, Cuervo began to sing at a very young age, influenced by pop and rock music, and had a knack for songwriting. At 20 years old, he released his first studio album, Tras De Ti (2008), which put him on the map not only in his native Colombia, but across Latin America. With Este Soy Yo, released five years later, he had a breakthrough in Mexico and other countries. His latest production, Historias de Amor (2015), was packed with pop-rock ballads.

His first No. 1 on Billboard was thanks to “La Receta,” which topped the Tropical Airplay chart in 2015. His second entry on the Tropical Airplay tally was “Vivirla Bien” with Osmani García, which peaked at No. 15 in 2018. He also collaborated with Colombian pop star Fanny Lú on his single “No Pidamos Perdón.” Most recently, he had released songs such as “Creo En Ti” and “My Sexy Girl.”