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True to form, Marko (also known as Marko Música) has gone viral on social media—this time, poking fun at reggaetón artists who act like bad boys on their songs when, in reality, they are good-hearted people.
In a nearly two-minute skit titled “The rapper who’s pure malignant in his album but in real life he’s a great guy,” the Venezuelan comedian and influencer is seen mimicking an urban artist recording music in a studio.
Marko—in full character—is aggressive in his rap bars, delivering a full-out tiraera where he chants about owning weapons, hurting people, burning houses, stealing girlfriends and being an atheist because he’s the one and only “el maldito del flow” (the one with damn swag).
Then, in a funny but very relatable twist, Marko is seen taking off his headphones, toning down his voice, and praying for everyone he attacked in the tiraera and bringing out a priest to bless his album. He’s also seen acting as a full-out mama’s boy, a loving father and dog lover.
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Fans did not hesitate to leave their opinion in the comment section, saying that the video reminded them of real-life reggaetón giants such as Daddy Yankee, Wisin, Kendo Kaponi and Farruko, to name a few.
The comedian first shared the video back in September 2023 on his official TikTok account @Marko, but resocialized it on his second account @LiberenAMarko on Monday (Aug. 12), where it has garnered over 215K views in less than 24 hours.
Marko, real name Marco Pérez, is confirmed for the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Week, returning to Miami Beach from Oct. 14 – 18 at The Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater.
Other artists announced include Bad Gyal, DANNA, Danny Ocean, Domelipa, Fat Joe, Gloria Estefan, JOP (of Fuerza Regida), Keityn, Lele Pons, Luis Alfonso, Maria Becerra, Mau y Ricky, Mon Laferte, N.O.R.E., Paola Jara, Peso Pluma, Pipe Bueno, Sophia Talamas, Yeison Jiménez and Yeri Mua, with more to be announced in the coming months.
The 35th anniversary event, which celebrates Latin music, culture and entertainment, will feature exclusive panels, conversations and performances by Latin music’s biggest stars. Tickets are available now at BillboardLatinMusicWeek.com.
Watch the skit below.
The Linda Lindas have recruited “Weird Al” Yankovic for their latest single, “Yo Me Estreso,” which is set to be featured on the group’s upcoming album, No Obligation. Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news In the fun corresponding music video, the band plays around and takes part in […]
Chucho Valdés delivered a captivating solo performance at NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert, where he showcased his profound mastery and improvisational skills on the piano. He kicked off with the classic 1978 “Mambo Influenciado,” in which he juxtaposed traditional Cuban piano rhythms on one hand with more progressive melodies in the other in six unpredictable minutes.
“This work that I’m going to perform, it doesn’t exist,” he told the crowd in attendance at NPR’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. “I am going to improvise something and when I finish, it will be a [new] song. I want to do it like that, spontaneous, natural, I don’t want to plan.” He appropriately called the song “Impromptu Desk.” This rare appearance by the virtuoso offered an intimate glimpse into his expansive musical journey and ongoing influence.
His 20-minute performance also included “Ponle la Clave,” translating to “add the clave,” a traditional percussion instrument that’s popular in his native country. “Generally, Cuban music — four by four, six by eight, the measures — are not simple ones. Many years ago, it occurred to me to make a symmetrical theme, to see how to put the clave in a seven … I composed this song when I was very young, in the ’60s,” he added.
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At 82 years old, Valdés, whose career spans six decades, continues to blend jazz, classical and Cuban musical traditions into breathtaking improvisations. On Aug. 30, he will release a new album called Cuba & Beyond.
Throughout his prolific career, the Grammy and Latin Grammy-winning artist has landed on multiple Billboard charts, including 2010’s El Último Trago at No. 8 on Latin Pop Albums and No. 40 on Top Latin Albums, and earned a total of eight entries on the Jazz Albums chart.
He is scheduled to headline the 20th annual Silver Spring Jazz Festival on Sept. 7.
Watch Valdés’ “Tiny Desk” performance below:
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Fuerza Regida continue to make significant waves in the industry with their most recent album, Pero No Te Enamores, an audacious genre fusion that has captivated a diverse audience and propelled them up the Billboard charts. Explore Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news Billboard Explains traces the Mexican […]
Kim Loaiza and Codiciado’s “QuesoXTE” has topped this week’s new music Latin poll. In a poll published on Friday (Aug. 9) — in support of the weekly New Music Latin roundup and playlist, curated by Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors — music fans voted for the Mexican artists first collaborative effort as their favorite […]
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.
Sebastián Yatra scholarship goes to …
The Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation awarded the Sebastián Yatra Scholarship, or Prodigy Scholarship, to Cuban double bass player Leo Luna Roblejo during a ceremony in Miami on Aug. 7.
“Music has the power to change lives and unite cultures, and I am excited to see how these young people, like Leo, will carry forward the legacy of Latin music with passion and dedication,” Yatra said in a statement. “I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to their education and artistic development.”
The scholarship holds a maximum value of $250,000, allowing Luna Roblejo to pursue a bachelor’s degree at Berklee College of Music in Boston starting this fall.
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“Music has been my calling and my passion ever since I was a young child, and to have the opportunity to pursue my dream thanks to the support of Sebastián Yatra and the incredible Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation is beyond anything I could have imagined,” said Roblejo. “I am committed to making you all proud, and I will take full advantage of this opportunity, working hard every day to make the most of this gift.”
Los Ángeles Azules to receive special award
Los Ángeles Azules will receive the 2024 Hispanic Heritage Award for the Arts Award during the 37th Annual Hispanic Heritage Awards at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts’ Opera House on Sept. 5, which will be featured on the PBS broadcast, online and PBS video app.
“Los Angeles Azules have literally moved audiences around the world through their music and messages for decades,” Antonio Tijerino, HHF president and CEO, said in a statement. “We are thrilled to honor this remarkable group of musical giants with our Arts Award, and we look forward to sharing our collective cultural pride, achievement and vision, along with the other Honorees, at the Kennedy Center and on PBS with all of America and beyond during Hispanic Heritage Month.”
The iconic Mexican cumbia group added, “We are very grateful to the Hispanic Heritage Awards for this great recognition of our long artistic career. We also want to thank all our followers and those who have supported us throughout this time. It is thanks to them and to those who enjoy and dance to our songs that we will continue building this great career.”
Coldplay confirms collab with Tini
Mark your calendars: Coldplay is set to drop “We Pray” on Aug. 23, which features Argentine star Tini, along with other international artists such as Palestinean-Chilean artist Elyanna, Burna Boy from Nigeria and British rapper Little Simz. “This is so exciting,” Tini commented on the post shared by Coldplay on social media.
Listen to a preview of the song below:
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Lele Pons’s IG Live with María Corina Machado
Lele Pons, the Venezuelan influencer and singer with the most followers on social media (53.3 million on Instagram alone), had Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado as a guest on an IG Live on Friday (August 9) to talk about the current situation in their country, where tensions and repression by the government have increased since the presidential elections of July 28.
Almost two weeks after the Venezuelan electoral authority declared Nicolás Maduro the winner and the opposition published records according to which its candidate Edmundo González won with close to 70% of the votes — something that has been widely recognized, even by the U.S. — Machado reiterated her message that they will continue to press through peaceful means and her faith that they will get “to the end.” She also answered questions from Pons’ followers and said that in the coming days they will be announcing a massive event in which the international community will be able to participate.
Announced just three hours in advance in a post shared by Pons and Machado, the Live attracted some 135,000 people and received mostly positive messages. Watch it below.
Celia Cruz gets her coin
The image of the legendary singer Celia Cruz is now depicted on a U.S. quarter. The late Cuban artist, known as the Queen of Salsa, was chosen along with four other women from history to be featured on the U.S. quarter as part of the American Women Quarters Program this year. She also makes history by becoming the first Afro-Latina to appear on the coin.
The four-year American Women Quarters Program “celebrates the accomplishments and contributions made by women of the United States,” states the U.S. Mint’s website, which also sells the coins individually and as a set. The other 2024 honorees are Patsy Takemoto Mink, the first woman of color to serve in Congress; Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, a women’s rights advocate and Civil War era surgeon; poet, activist, and lawyer Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray; and Native American writer, composer, educator and political activist Zitkala-Ša.
—Additional reporting by Sigal Ratner-Arias.
This week, Billboard’s New Music Latin roundup and playlist — curated by Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors — features fresh new music from artists such as DannyLux, Morat, Kim Loaiza, and more. Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news In a first collaborative effort, Kim Loaiza and Codiciado […]
New Music Latin is a compilation of the best new Latin songs and albums recommended by Billboard’s Latin and Billboard Español editors. Check out this week’s picks below.
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DannyLux & 8onthebeat, “Soltera” (Warner Music Latina)
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DannyLux wasn’t sure how his fans would react when he released his first EDM track, “House of Lux,” as part of his 2023 album DLUX. But once it was out, the sierreño artist previously told Billboard he was surprised to see just how much his fanbase had embraced his experimental song. Now, he’s keeping the momentum going with “Soltera,” featuring producer 8onthebeat, an EDM-powered, club-ready track that has summer anthem potential. The head-bobbing tune showcases DannyLux’s chameleonic ability to feel right at home with this style, which is completely different from his guitar-led sierreño ballads. “Soltera” is just a preview of his forthcoming house music project. — GRISELDA FLORES
Pj Sin Suela, “Nunca Es Suficiente” (El Efecto Secundario)
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In an ode to self-love, PJ Sin Suela unleashes “Nunca Es Suficiente,” produced by David B and penned by the artist himself. The track laces bolero music with lo-fi beats, and transitions into a smooth hip-hop melody, while shedding light on the importance of embracing who you are and what you have to offer. “It’s never enough/ If you shine with your own light/ Don’t compare yourself, there’s no one like you,” the Puerto Rican singer chants in the chorus, reminding listeners that not everything you see on social media is true and that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side… but nonetheless, life is beautiful and every soul is unique. “Nunca Es Suficiente” is the third single off of PJ’s upcoming studio album Toda Época Tiene Su Encanto set for Sept. 6. — JESSICA ROIZ
MORAT, “Antes de los 30 (En Sueño Desde Madrid)” (Universal Music Group)
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Colombian band Morat releases sentimental ballad “Antes de los 30,” the sequel to their track “Antes de los Veinte.” The song was recorded live at the start of their Antes de Que Amanezca Tour in Madrid on June 21. In the lyrics, the group reflects on the passing of time and the inevitable existential crisis that comes with the arrival of a new decade of life, while they themselves are in need of finding meaning and purpose. “We decided to update ‘Antes de los Veinte’ and create ‘Antes de los 30’ to make it more relevant to what we are doing and experiencing today, hoping that many of our fans can relate to it as well,” the band says in a statement. — LUISA CALLE
Tiago PZK, Anitta & Emilia, “Alegría” (Warner Music Latina)
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Tiago PZK continues to demonstrate his musical versatility by dabbling in baile funk, alongside Brazilian superstar Anitta and Argentine sensation Emilia. Living up to its name, “Alegría” (which means joy or happiness) includes fun lyrics in Spanish and Portuguese (and even some English) and an irresistible drum beat that invites you to dance. The captivating collaboration is a great complement to Tiago PZK’s eclectic album GOTTI A, released on July 4, with rhythms including merengue, salsa, cumbia, hip-hop and R&B — and the song, which had previously been unavailable to listen to on streaming services, has now officially joined the album’s tracklist as a playable song on DSPs. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
ARON, “Especial” (UMG Recordings)
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After releasing his first single “Invisibilidad,” actor and singer-songwriter Aron is honoring a special love with his new single “Especial.” The high-energy track showcases the Spanish-German Elite star in a rock-inspired mood, combining his raspy vocals, electric guitars and a strong drum beat. In the song, he reflects on a love that has moved on by singing, “It seems like I don’t even know what ‘I love you’ means/ This song is especially for you,” repeating the sentiment throughout the track. — INGRID FAJARDO
Kim Loaiza & Codiciado, “QuesoXTE” (Space Music / Warner Music Latina)
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Brimming with conviction and brash energy, Kim Loaiza and Codiciado fuse their talents in the defiant corrido, “QuesoXTE,” a clever twist on “Qué Soporte.” The track erupts with an invigorating blend of guitars and brass, setting the stage for a narrative steeped in resilience. In a brisk two and a half minutes, the pair swap bold lyrics about ephemeral success and handling envy (“Me queda claro que la envidia es una enfermedad/ Y de verdad espero que se mejoren,” the YouTuber quips), supported by robust arrangements that amplify the song’s confrontational vibe. Codiciado’s seasoned voice alongside Loaiza’s cheeky sass forge a dynamic interplay, crafting an anthem that celebrates overcoming adversity and seizing the moment. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Listen to more editors’ Latin recommendations in the playlist below:
“Life has shown me that pauses are necessary for human growth,” J Balvin wrote last month on social media, which almost served as a prelude to what seems like a momentous event in his career: releasing his first album in three years. “I’m here again, recharged with energy, grateful and enjoying music like I did […]
Maluma solidifies his status as a winner on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay chart thanks to “Por Qué Será,” his first partnership with Grupo Frontera, as the song jumps from No. 3 to rule the Aug. 10-dated survey.
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“Por Qué Será” was released May 9 as the fourth single from Grupo Frontera’s album Jugando a Que No Pasa Nada, its second studio album, which earned the Texas group a first top 10 debut (among two top 10s overall) on both Top Latin Albums and Regional Mexican Albums in May, at No. 10 and at No. 6, respectively.
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On Regional Mexican Airplay, “Por Qué Será” lifts from No. 3 in its eighth week after a 23% gain in audience impressions, to 7.4 million, in the tracking week of July 26-Aug. 1, according to Luminate. The move sends Becky G and Oscar Maydon’s “Mercedes” to No. 4, with 4.9 million impressions, which translates to a 23% decline from the prior week.
With the new champ Frontera captures its 10th No. 1 on Regional Mexican Airplay, and ties with Grupo Firme for the ninth-most among groups since the chart launched in 1994. The song follows and equal winner, “(Entre Paréntesis),” with Shakira, which earned the pop icon her first leader on a regional Mexican tally (May 18-dated list).
The ranchera “Por Qué Será,” meanwhile, gifts Maluma his third champ. The Colombian singer topped the tally twice before, through “Cada Quien,” with Grupo Firme, for two weeks in charge in 2022, and with Carin León on “Según Quién” in Dec. 2023.
“Por Qué Será” joins one other song from its parent album Jugando a Que No Pasa Nada, that reached the summit on Regional Mexican Airplay: “Ya Pedo Quién Sabe,” with Christian Nodal, topped the radio ranking for one week in May.
Further, “Por Qué Será” also gains terrain on the overall Latin Airplay chart, pushing 5-2.