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Rising música mexicana star Xavi has signed a management deal with WK Entertainment, Billboard Español can exclusively announce Tuesday (Feb. 18).
The Latin music management firm — home to superstars Carlos Vives, Maluma, Emilia, and more — and helmed by CEO/founder Walter Kolm, is expanding its superstar roster with the inclusion of Xavi, 2024’s breakout star.
“Xavi is a once-in-a-generation talent whose artistry is reshaping música mexicana,” said Kolm in a statement. “His success so far is just the beginning, and we are honored to welcome him to the WK family. With our team’s expertise and global reach, alongside Nir and his team at Interscope, we look forward to taking his career to even greater heights.”
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“I’m excited for this new stage with the new addition to my team,” added Xavi.
Known for his signature tumbados románticos and an unmatched voice, the Mexican-American singer-songwriter has captivated a new generation of listeners. His hit “La Diabla” not only topped the Hot Latin Songs chart but also tied for the second-longest reigning title of the year, dominating for 14 weeks. Additionally, “La Víctima,” Xavi’s first chart entry, reached an impressive No. 2 peak. Additionally, the star reached No. 1 on the Year-End Top Latin Artist – New chart. Xavi signed with Interscope Records in 2021.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Walter and his incredible team to Xavi’s universe,” added Nir Seroussi, EVP of Interscope. “As Xavi continues to push boundaries and reach new audiences, together we will help solidify his status as one of the most influential artists in Música Mexicana today and beyond.”
WK Entertainment is also teaming up with with Fabio Gutierrez, Xavi’s father and manager, and Latin Lifestyle Entertainment, the company that has been pivotal in developing Xavi’s career from the start. “I’m very excited about this great opportunity to work hand in hand with WK and help take Xavi to the next level in his career! I’m very grateful for everything that is happening at the moment,” Gutierrez added.
Moreover, Xavi’s booking agency, WME, will maintain its role in managing his touring, brand partnerships, and film projects in conjunction with WK and Latin Lifestyle.
“Rata inmunda, animal rastrero, escoria de la vida, adefesio mal hecho.”
Loosely translating to “filthy rat, creeping animal, scum of life, shoddy monstrosity” in English, these are the opening lyrics to one of Paquita la del Barrio’s most popular songs, “Rata de dos Patas.”
Whether the lyrics to her songs — most penned by other composers, including Manuel Eduardo Toscano — were poetic is subjective, but they were very much the essence of Paquita. She was refreshingly honest, which made her one of the most unique artists of her generation.
It was announced on Monday (Feb. 17) that the great and oh-so-blunt Paquita la del Barrio had died at age 77, leaving behind a hefty catalog of female anthems that have soundtracked Spanish-language households in Mexico and beyond for decades.
“With deep pain and sadness, we confirm the sensitive passing of our beloved ‘Paquita la del Barrio’ at her home in Veracruz [Mexico], being a unique and irreplaceable artist, who will leave an indelible mark in the hearts of all who knew her and enjoyed her music,” reads a statement posted on her official Instagram account. “In this moment of great pain, we respectfully ask all media and the public to give us space and understanding so that her family can experience their mourning in privacy and peace.”
Paquita la del Barrio was a force to be reckoned with in regional Mexican music, a genre historically and still dominated by men. Her perspective and take on rancheras — often calling out the macho culture — was not only unique, but extremely important. No one was else was singing what Paquita la del Barrio was singing about, and for that, she will go down in history as one of the most iconic singers in Latin music.
Injecting pathos into her delivery, Paquita made women feel seen. Our point of view mattered, too, she proclaimed, singing about the peaks and valleys of womanhood and, more often than not, singing directly to the men who disrespected her. “I should shut up like a lady would,” she sings in “Taco Placero.” “But now they will know that you are a dud in bed.”
While most of Paquita la del Barrio’s songs became anthems, here are five emblematic ones (in no particular order).
“Rata de dos Patas”
Back in September of 2021, during the Billboard Latin Music Awards in Miami, Paquita la del Barrio — all 4 feet, 11 inches of her — struggled to reach the too-high microphone set up for her to accept her Lifetime Achievement Award.
It was one of those totally impromptu TV moments, and for a few seconds, the stage and the audience froze, uncertain of what to do. Then, Bad Bunny bounded up from his front row seat, climbed onto the stage, lowered the microphone and held it up for Paquita as she delivered a teary thank you.
There was a one-foot height gap between Paquita at 4′ 11″ and Bunny at 5′ 11″, and a 47-year age gap between Bunny, 27 at the time, and Paquita, 74. But standing side by side — Bunny, in an elegant cream suit, and Paquita, resplendent in a pink evening gown adorned with sequins — they were both unicorns in their respective worlds.
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By now, of course, the whole world beyond our Latin corners knows all about Bad Bunny, superstar. But they were just starting to wake up to the exploits of Paquita la del Barrio, the diminutive ranchera singer who died today (Feb. 17) at 77 years old.
Although she released more than 30 albums throughout her career, and performed thousands of shows, the life of the woman born Francisca Viveros Barradas in Veracruz, Mexico, was little-known outside the Latin realm until last year, when Netflix released a series memorializing a hard-scrabble, colorful life.
Born poor, and married young to a man 18 years her senior — who, as it turned out, had another family — and pummeled by life and hardship, Paquita rose against all odds, thanks to a powerful voice and an impervious stage presence.
That alone would have garnered fame. But Paquita became legendary because she loudly and publicly excoriated men with extraordinarily harsh songs whose titles, like “Rata de dos Patas” (Two-Legged Rat) and “Piérdeme el Respeto” (Lose My Respect), often said it all. Paquita knew what she sang. She’d given her heart to a two-timing scoundrel, after all, and in every song that voiced her anger and the deceit (“Horrible rat, crawling animal, scum of life, misshapen monster”), she voiced the anger and deceit experienced by legions of fans.
But she could also sing of love and lust: “Lose my respect,” she begged in “Piéerdeme el Respeto.” “Stop being coy and ask of me, I beg you, the most indecent proposals.” She was also sweet and emotional, often breaking down in tears during interviews.
In the realm of Latin music, where women so often have to fit into a glamorous, beautiful mold, Paquita defied convention. Her nickname was literally Paquita from the barrio, of the people. She was a portly, elegant matron who notched her biggest hits — including “Taco Placero” and “Rata de Dos patas” — when she was well in her 50s.
Many of those hits were written expressly for her by songwriter Manuel Toscano, who once told Billboard: “I write specifically for each artist. Particularly what I write for Paquita la del Barrio. Through her songs, women love me, but men hate me!”
Except, they didn’t. Paquita triumphed in the world of regional Mexican music, which continues to be a notoriously tough nut to crack for women. But Paquita didn’t care about tradition or niceties. She just let it all out, and men loved her for it. In the vastly male-dominated live concert circuit of Mexican music, she was often the headliner, and men flocked to her shows.
On the charts, however, Paquita struggled as an unconventional woman. She placed eight releases on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums charts, but none of them made the top 10. She never had a top 10 on the radio charts, either.
Paquita eventually found her love. Her second marriage lasted 30 years, until her husband’s death. And her power and influence was such that in 2021, Billboard honored her with its Lifetime Achievement Award.
That night, Bad Bunny couldn’t figure out how to lower the microphone stand for Paquita. “You’re useless,” she deadpanned, referencing the famous line in “Rata de dos patas,” in which she shouts, “Are you listening to me, useless one?”
Bunny shrugged, and valiantly held that mike. Coming from Paquita, he knew this was the ultimate compliment.
Mexican singer and songwriter Paquita la del Barrio, known for denouncing macho culture and attitudes in rancheras and boleros like “Tres Veces Te Engañé,” “Rata De Dos Patas” and “Las Rodilleras,” has died, it was announced on her Instagram account. She was 77.
“With deep pain and sadness, we confirm the sensitive passing of our beloved ‘Paquita la del Barrio’ at her home in Veracruz, [Mexico] being a unique and irreplaceable artist, who will leave an indelible mark in the hearts of all who knew her and enjoyed her music,” says a statement posted on Monday (Feb. 17). “In this moment of great pain, we respectfully ask all media and the public to give us space and understanding so that her family can experience their mourning in privacy and peace.”
A representative of the artist in Mexico informed Billboard Español that she died of a heart attack while she was sleeping.
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With a career spanning over five decades, Paquita la del Barrio was an idol in popular music. In 2011, she received the Billboard Regional Mexican Music Award “La Voz,” and 10 years later, in 2021, she was recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Billboard Latin Music Awards for her exceptional career.
Born in Veracruz, Mexico, Francisca Viveros Barradas (her real name) discovered her powerful voice as a child while singing at school festivals. In the 1970s, she formed the duo Las Golondrinas with her sister Viola, and in 1984, she released her debut album, El Barrio de los Faroles, as Paquita la del Barrio.
Since then, she recorded over 30 albums, which sold more than 30 million copies, with hits that also include “Las Mujeres Mandan,” “La Última Parada,” “Me Saludas a la Tuya,” “Soltero Maduro, Chiquito” and “Hombres Malvados,” among others.
On the Billboard charts, she had eight entried on Top Latin Albums, two songs on Regional Mexican Airplay (“Piérdeme el Respeto” and “Si Yo Fuera Varón”) and one (“Pobre Pistolita”) on Tropical Airplay.
She was married twice, to Miguel Gerardo and Alfonso Martínez, and had three children.
Fuerza Regida is preparing to debut in Latin America with their Esto No Es Un Tour, Billboard Español can exclusively announce. The seven-date tour begins March 28 and includes stops in arenas and stadiums in Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico and Colombia. In Colombia, the group will perform in two cities, Bogota […]
Shakira has been hospitalized in Lima, Peru, and will postpone the show she was slated to perform Sunday (Feb. 16) as part of her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran tour.
In a statement in Spanish posted in her Instagram Stories, the global superstar wrote she had to go to the emergency room due to an “abdominal” condition and was currently hospitalized.
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“The doctors who are taking care of me have informed me I’m not in condition to perform a concert tonight,” Shakira wrote, referring to the show scheduled for Sunday (Feb. 16) at Lima’s Estadio Nacional.
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“I’m very sad to not be able to get onstage today,” the singer added. “I’ve been full of excitement and anticipation to see my beloved Peruvian fans again. I hope to be better tomorrow and to be discharged as soon as possible to be able to give you the show I’ve prepared for all of you.
“Our plan is to do this show as soon as possible. My team and the promoter are working on a new date to provide you.”
“Thank you for understanding,” she concluded the note. “I love you very much.”
Shakira launched her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran tour on Feb. 11 in Rio de Janiero, then played a second show Feb. 13 in Sao Paulo. Lima was slated to be her next stop. She is still scheduled to perform in Colombia, beginning Feb. 21 in her native Barranquilla.
Check out the full Latin American tour dates below:
Feb. 11: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Estadio Nilton Santos)Feb. 13: São Paulo, Brazil (Estadio MorumBIS)Feb. 16: Lima, Peru (Estadio Nacional)Feb. 21: Barranquilla, Colombia (Estadio Metropolitano)Feb. 23: Medellín, Colombia (Estadio Atanasio Girardot)Feb. 26: Bogotá, Colombia (Estadio El Campín)March 2: Santiago, Chile (Estadio Nacional)March 7: Buenos Aires, Argentina (Campo Argentino de Polo)March 12: Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico (Estadio BBVA)March 16: Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico (Estadio Akron)March 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, 30 : Mexico City, Mexico (Estadio GNP Seguros)
Bad Bunny will soon be soothing babies to sleep with Rockabye Baby!’s upcoming album release, Lullaby Renditions of Bad Bunny. The set, featuring instrumental lullaby versions of 14 Bad Bunny songs, is due out on Friday, Feb. 21. Some of Bad Bunny’s biggest hits are on the track list, including the Hot 100 No. 1 […]
From career milestones to new music releases to major announcements and those little important moments, Billboard editors highlight uplifting moments in Latin music. Here’s what happened in the Latin music world this week.
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Gente De Zona and Guaynaa Perform at We Love Foundation
The We Love Foundation celebrated its 12th annual gala, bringing together personalities across the world of entertainment; from fashion to music. The gala took place Feb. 12 at the Rubell Museum in Miami.
Puerto Rican hitmaker Guaynaa and Cuban duo Gente de Zona performed at the event. In addition, the foundation presented its Spirit Award to Venezuelan comedian George Harris, who was part of the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Week.
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Funds raised during the gala will go towards humanitarian initiatives, including support for Venezuela, Mission:Brain in Mexico, the Guiribitey Foundation in the Dominican Republic and the Agrolibano Foundation in Honduras, according to a press release. “These organizations work tirelessly to improve the quality of life of vulnerable communities by providing access to health, education and welfare.”
Shakespeare, Spiced Up: Amor with No B.S.
Amor with No B.S., an off-Broadway production staged at The Flea Theater in Manhattan on Valentine’s week (Feb. 11), showcased a Gen-Z Latin cast’s reinterpretation of Shakespeare’s timeless works. This ambitious rendition, featuring Diego Echeverria, Sofía Vilches, Eli Vazquez, and Bralmarys Batista, highlighted modern love and identity issues, bringing humor and heart to classic pieces such as Romeo and Juliet, Twelfth Night, and Hamlet. A standout moment featured Vilches masterfully delivering Bad Bunny’s hit “Tití Me Preguntó” into Shakespearean prose, demonstrating the connection between historic themes and the current experiences of young Latin audiences.
Through its 45-minute runtime, Amor with No B.S. fused traditional drama with modern cultural nuances under the stewardship of producer Roberto Sneider, director Estefanía Fadul, and playwright Matt Barber, with a backing from Chispa, the Latin-centric dating app. “Reimagining Shakespeare from a Latine perspective isn’t merely about modernizing a classic — it’s a testament to how young Latino singles can own their cultural identities, be proud of their roots, and still push the boundaries of love,” Julia Estacolchic, head of brand and marketing at Chispa, said in a press release. “Our Amor with No B.S. campaign champions the idea that real love flourishes when you cast off stereotypes and embrace who you truly are.”
Amor with No B.S. cast (left to right: Eli Vazquez, Sofía Vilches, Bralmarys Batista, Diego Echeverria)
Courtesy of Arxna
Carlos Vives Celebrates His Mom
Carlos Vives celebrated his mom’s 90th birthday with a big hoorah, accompanied by mariachi and all. The Colombian singer-songwriter shared with his more than eight million followers on Instagram photos and videos of the birthday party, expressing his love for his mother.
“We celebrate the 90th birthday of my mom, the woman who has taught me to love my land so much and to whom I owe my life,” the “Fruta Fresca” singer wrote on an Instagram post. “Love you mommy, you deserve all the love and all the most beautiful songs in the world.”
Rosalía Joins Euphoria
Spanish hitmaker Rosalía will join the cast of HBO’s hit series Euphoria for its third season, set to premiere in 2026. The news of her casting was announced on Friday (Feb. 14).
“If there’s anything that excites me as much as creating a good melody or writing a great lyric, it’s becoming a better performer every day,” Rosalía said in a statement shared on Instagram. “Euphoria has been my favorite series over the last few years and I couldn’t be happier and more grateful to be acting alongside all of these incredibly talented people that I admire so much and contributing my ‘granito de arena’ to bring Sam [Levinson’s] vision to reality to make magic. I can’t wait to share what we’re doing!!! Besitos, Rosi.”
Additional reporting by Isabela Raygoza.
New Music Latin is a compilation of the best new Latin songs and albums recommended by Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors. Check out this week’s picks below.
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Ha*Ash & Thalia, “Amiga Date Cuenta” (Sony Music México)
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Thalia and Ha*Ash celebrate those sincere friends capable of telling us things straight, even in the most painful moments. In “Amiga Date Cuenta” (which loosely translates to “My friend, open your eyes”), the Mexican superstar and the sisters duo join forces to make a heartbroken friend see that she is not alone and that she deserves better. “If to forget him you need to drink all night/ I am here by your side, far from that jerk/ Friends are for that,” they sing in part of the song, a fresh fusion of Ha*Ash’s characteristic pop-country style with touches of mariachi written by José Luis Roma. Featuring beautiful harmonies from all three artists, who shine both together and separately, the release arrives with a music video filmed outside of New York City that reinforces its message of female solidarity. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Kevin Kaarl, Ultra Sodade (Kevin Kaarl)
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In a world where everything seems to moving at light speed, Mexican folk star Kevin Kaarl invites listeners to slow down with Ultra Sodade, a body of work that encapsulates an intimate and heart-wrenching journey to healing after a heartbreak. The 13 songs on the albums — all penned by Kevin and produced by his brother Bryan Kaarl — seem more like short stories with Kevin’s lyricism and knack for storytelling taking centerstage.
Kevin’s deep and raspy vocals are accompanied by moody guitars for a stripped-down approach, while also incorporating subtle elements of dream pop and electronic, adding nuances to the production. “Ultra Sodade is the story of a relationship’s end,” Kevin explained in a statement. “It’s the internal struggle to move on, to leave those memories in the past and not let them keep affecting you.” — GRISELDA FLORES
DannyLux, “Ya No Estás” (Warner Music Latina)
With the tender strumming of acoustic guitars, DannyLux unfurls a melancholic yet beautiful song suited for a contemplative day of love with “Ya No Estás,” the first single from his upcoming album. Drawing inspiration from the jazz classic “Misty,” he captures the essence of heartbreak and longing in his lyrics: “Y aquí estoy yo, deseando que otra vez sienta tu amor,” the Mexican-American singer-songwriter croons. The melody gently transitions into somber piano chords, echoing the finality of goodbye and the internal battle between clinging to the past and forging ahead. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Chris Lebrón, En Honor Al Que Ama (Rimas Entertainment)
Dominican singer-songwriter Chris Lebrón released his highly anticipated debut album, En Honor Al Que Ama, which serves as a heartfelt gift to his fans just in time for Valentine’s Day. This collection not only showcases his exceptional skills as a composer and producer but also signifies a transformative phase in his evolving musical career. With 17 tracks, the album feels more like a collection of love letters. The album’s lead single “Bandido” stands out as a powerful manifestation of heartbreak. Through evocative lyrics, Lebrón expresses his emotional tempest: “I saw the most honest man lie at the altar, and since then, I lost faith in love,” he sings in the Mexican music-inspired track.
En Honor Al Que Ama artfully weaves together a diverse palette of modern and classic rhythms, effortlessly transitioning between genres such as reggaeton, pop, ballads and Afrobeat. Lebrón reflects on the creative process, stating in a press statement, “More than just an album, this was a self-discovery journey that taught me to value every step of my path.” For the set, Lebrón recruits Cosculluela, Farruko, Justin Quiles, Natti Natasha, Manuel Turizo and El Alfa, among other acts, showcasing a blend of musical influences and styles. — INGRID FAJARDO
Ozuna & Kapo, “Mas Que Tú” (Nibiru Internacional/Sony Music Latin)
Ozuna continues to bet on Latin Afrobeat with his new release “Mas Que Tú” in collaboration with Kapo. Produced by Elcreadorhenry and co-written by both artists, the song is a soft and sensual Afrobeat with affirmative lyrics of falling in love. “Nobody kisses better than you/ Nobody has it more than you,” they sing in the chorus, also highlighting the simple and authentic beauty of that special girl. This is not the first time that the Puerto Rican hitmaker has bet on Afrobeats. In 2023 he released his EP Afro, fusing Afrobeats rhythms with his characteristic urban-Caribbean sound. Last year he also teamed up with Key Key for the remix of “Tengo un Plan” and Beéle on “Frente al Mar (Remix),“ both viral hits of the genre. He now continues to solidify the vibes alongside Kapo, one of Billboard’s Artists to Watch in 2025. — JESSICA ROIZ
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After delivering successful songs as a songwriter to big stars of the new regional Mexican genre — and after making it onto the Billboard charts with hits like “Si No Quieres No” with Luis R. Conriquez, “La Patrulla” with Peso Pluma, and more recently “Loco” — the corrido singer-songwriter Netón Vega presents his debut album, Mi Vida, Mi Muerte.
Released on Friday (Feb. 14) under Josa Records, the 21-track set includes collaborations with Peso Pluma, Luis R Conriquez, Gabito Ballesteros, Oscar Maydon, Victor Mendivil, Chino Pakas, Juanchito, Xavi, Tito Double P, and Aleman. He arrives with “Morena” with Peso Pluma as the focus track, and brings the first single, “Loco,” which earned Vega his fourth top 10 hit on the Hot Latin Songs chart.
“This album is very personal and represents the mixture of all the influences that have marked my career and my life,” Vega tells Billboard Español about this production — which, in addition to corridos tumbados, adds some rap and reggaetón.
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Netón Vega (real name: Luis Ernesto Carvajal) was born in La Paz, Baja California Sur, and at the age of 12 went to live in Culiacán, Sinaloa, the birthplace of corridos, where he began writing songs. His first musical references were the traditional regional Mexican artists, such as Grupo Intocable, one of his favorites. Along the way, he delved into corridos tumbados, until he became a hit maker for the great stars of the genre.
“My songs gained momentum and first reached Hassan (Peso Pluma), who recorded ‘La Patrulla,’ ‘Rubicón,’ and ‘La People,’” Vega recalls. “Then they were picked up by Luis R. with ‘Si No Quieres No’ and ‘Chino,’ followed by Tito Double P with ‘El Gabacho,’ and then by Código FN and Gabito Ballesteros, among others.”
Now, at 21, he is releasing his debut album with the collaboration of many of these colleagues — a union to which he credits the growth of this movement. “It makes us stronger,” he notes. “Even though this is a business, we help each other.”
Below, Netón Vega breaks down five essential songs from his debut album Mi Vida, Mi Muerte in his own words. To listen to the album in its entirety, click here.
“Morena” (feat. Peso Pluma)
It is a corrido with classic requinto and a lot of ambiance. This song was born at a live event where I intended to record with Tito Double P, but for one reason or another, I couldn’t do it with him. I wrote this song while I was in a car. Later I showed it to Peso, who liked it from the first moment. At first, the song had a different direction, but it turned out very good. Peso asked me to make it the focus track of my debut album — and of course, I agreed.
“CDN” (feat. Luis R. Conriquez)
It’s a corrido that carries the hallmark I’ve always loved, with classic guitar picking, flawlessly executed. Honestly, this song was created because I knew it would be perfect for Luis R. Conriquez, and it turned out just right. It’s exactly the style that he and I share — and from the moment we made it, we knew it was going to be a hit. It’s one of those corridos that feels authentic, with real power.
“Chiquitita” (feat. Tito Double P)
Initially, “Chiquitita” was meant for Tito’s album. I sent it to him to record quickly because it needed to be submitted. However, in the end, I asked for it back and decided to keep it for my own album because I felt it needed a change, to have my own stamp on it. Honestly, I really liked how it turned out. “Chiquita bonita, déjate querer” (Pretty little one, let yourself be loved), that phrase is key in the song. It’s a romantic corrido that brings that touch of emotion with a distinctly marked requinto.
“Me Ha Costado” (feat. Alemán & Víctor Mendivil)
“Me Ha Costado” is a track with Alemán that came together in a crazy way. I remember sending him a video with the idea, and he liked it so much that he stopped eating and went straight to the studio. I mean, he really liked it — one of those times when you say, “This is a hit!” Then I invited Víctor Mendivil, and honestly, he did a great job on it. This song talks about effort, about everything it has taken for me to be here because I’ve been working since I was a kid, and everyone knows that. It’s a trap song with a really good beat.
“Cuando Me Ocupes” (feat. Xavi)
“Cuando Me Ocupes” came out very naturally, and was the last one to be recorded. With Xavi, we made two tracks, one for him and one for me. Everything was put together in two intense days in Guadalajara. Josa, my manager, arranged everything, and we got down to recording. It’s a love corrido, but with that style that makes it feel real. It’s one of those songs that brings a lot of emotion.
Netón Vega
Josa Records