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Maintaining a long-lasting and loving relationship in the music industry is not an easy task. Just recently, Christian Nodal and Cazzu — one of Latin music’s most beloved couples — called it quits recently after a nearly two-year relationship, and after having their first child in 2023. The unexpected split was confirmed on their social media […]
Taylor Swift transformed the renovated Santiago Bernabéu Stadium into a musical party on Wednesday (May 29), performing to a euphoric crowd of approximately 65,000 fans. It wasn’t only a night full of music and excitement but a triumphant return for Swift, who had not played in Madrid since 2011, with only about 4,000 people in attendance […]
A decade ago, Banda MS decided to become independent after ending its contract with Ferca Producciones, the company that managed the group distributed by Universal Music. The conditions to continue working directly with the transnational company did not convince Sergio Lizárraga, the Mexican band’s musical director, so he decided to venture out and create his own company.
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It was then that Lizos Music was born as an independent label with offices in Mexico (Mazatlán) and the United States (San Diego) that over time would become an inspiration and example for others. Currently, a large number of solo artists and groups of the genre are managed on their own terms.
Launching his own label has had a positive outcome. Banda MS became the highest-grossing band in Mexico, having sold out some of the most important venues in the country. On the Billboard charts, it has 34 entries on Hot Latin Songs, including 10 in the top 10; 16 entries on Top Latin Albums; and 45 on Regional Mexican Airplay chart, the same as the iconic Banda El Recodo, which has an 80-year career.
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The successful solo release of Edén Muñoz (formerly the frontman of Calibre 50) was also one of the company’s achievements, as well as the development of new artists such as Los 2 de la S and Plan de Escape.
Lizárraga, the CEO of Lizos Music, spoke with Billboard Español about the company’s milestones, major accomplishments and challenges, and what’s to come.
How did you decide to create Lizos Music?
The truth is that it was not something planned, it was the circumstances that personally made me think about launching a record label. I remember that Universal put us under very harsh conditions as if we were a band that was just starting out and we had already come a long way, and that motivated me to start my own label.
What were the expectations when you started?
The expectations were very high, very optimistic. We developed the company as we went along. We did not know many things, but all the doubts were dispelled along the way. One thing leads to another, and you discover more and more things, more tools — and people join us to help the project grow. There is no doubt that everything starts by taking the first step.
Since Lizos’ success, do you feel that regional artists have followed your example?
It was an example of life, that it is possible to be independent both musically and as a company. Before it was unthinkable to do an independent project in regional Mexican music. Generally all the artists of the genre had to have someone to do the technical and administrative part and we broke with that.
At the record label level we also proved that it was possible. I don’t want to sound pretentious but I believe in teamwork — and there were key people for that. I am a producer, and people with knowledge of the digital world joined me. And in effect, we were an example for many record labels that were born later on.
At any time did you think about giving up?
We never thought of throwing in the towel, because we did very well in every way — economically, musically. We had the independence of being able to record the songs we wanted, the day we wanted, and to give it the promotion we wanted. So that part makes the artist have control of its content, when to release it, when to leave it or when to remove it.
What have been your main challenges and how did you overcome them?
There have been many challenges since the formation of the company. First, to compete with bands that were already established and with a long trajectory. Then, to find something that made us different — and we achieved it with romantic songs. The public liked that kind of lyrics, and to this day it is something that distinguishes us.
What do you consider to have been the greatest achievements?
One was definitely the launching of Edén Muñoz as a solo artist after his departure from Calibre 50. With his first song “Chale,” it was a success; his career was shaped over the course of two years. We are also proud of what has happened with Los 2 de la S — we started from scratch and they have advanced steadily in their career. We are now working with developing artists, such as Plan de Escape.
Does being independent have limitations?
We made an alliance with Sony Music for Snoop Dogg’s track [“Qué Maldición” from 2020] with the intention of reaching other territories and learning how the major labels do things, as well as knowing if we are doing things right. In the end, the result was very positive, and we realized that we are not far from how they work internationally. So it was a good decision.
How do you see Lizos Music a decade after its creation?
Nothing is easy, but at the moment I see a solid company in every sense: solid departments with people who already have roots in the company at the marketing level, at the distribution level. We are getting better and better positioned, we are doing very well without saturating ourselves with many artists — in order to give time to each one, especially to those who are in development.
What are the plans for the future with the company?
Definitely the plan is that there is no plan. We must continue to make our artists great, we must continue with the idea of continuing to grow. In order not to fall, we have to keep on climbing, as the saying goes.
Cris MJ’s love for reggaetón was instilled in him by his parents. “I didn’t watch cartoons growing up, I watched reggaeton music videos,” he tells Billboard — admitting that when he was eight years old, he would imitate urban artists at his school talent shows.
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Inspired by old-school reggaetón acts, such as Daddy Yankee, Jory and Ñengo Flow, as well as American Trap artists Travis Scott, Drake and Lil Baby, the emerging Chilean artist decided to teach himself how to make music.
His first creations were music videos recorded on his iPhone and songs uploaded by himself on DistroKid— ”it was difficult for a reggaetón artist to get support here,” he explains, especially in his hometown of La Serena (located on the coast of Chile). However, he intended to make a name for himself by uploading Spanish covers of some of his favorite English rap and trap songs on social media.
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At one point of his career, Cris — who has spent seven weeks at No. 1 on the Hot Latin Songs chart with his FloyyMenor-assisted “Gata Only” — fell into a depression, and almost quit music. He explains that he didn’t believe in his project because of negative comments he heard on the streets.
But his leap of faith arrived in 2020, when he moved to the capital of Santiago, and unleashed his first official single called “Como Tú Ninguna,” a catchy urban-mambo that locally put him on the map. “I like doing all styles of music, but overall with futuristic beats or beats that I can vibe with,” he says.
The song that ultimately opened all doors for him, however, arrived in 2022: “Una Noche en Medellín” — a hard-hitting perreo that highlights the vibrant Colombian nightlife. After going viral on TikTok, it landed on Karol G’s radar, who later jumped on the remix, invited fellow Colombian Ryan Castro to join in, and even included it on her Mañana Será Bonito (Bichota Season) album.
The powerful collaboration — which Karol & Cris first performed together at the 2023 Viña del Mar—earned the Chilean act his first Hot 100 entry, when it debuted at No. 68 last year in August.
Cris MJ “Una Noche En Medellín”
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Now, following his debut albums Welcome to My World (2022) and Partyson (2023), Cris continues to herald the Chilean reggaetón movement with “Gata Only.” Similar to “Medellín,” the infectious reggaetón track — about going after an attractive girl — skyrocketed on the charts after building virality on social media.
The seven-week No. 1 on Hot Latin Songs marks the first time any Chilean artist has entered the top 10 since La Ley and Ednita Nazario’s “Tu Sabes Bien” peaked at No. 8 in 1999. Prior to that, it was Myriam Hernández’s “Huele a Peligro,” which peaked at No. 5 in 1998.
“For us, this is very important. It’s a pride for all Latinos to be on that chart,” Cris said to Billboard in a previous interview. “In fact, before we released the song, I knew it was going to be a global hit. I’m proud because it’s not only helping my career, but also the one of my colleagues.”
Cris is currently making the rounds with his latest track “Si No Es Contigo.” Below, learn more about this month’s Latin Artist on the Rise.
Name: Christopher Andrés Álvarez García
Age: 22
Recommended Song: “Una Noche en Medellín”
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What’s Next?: Following an extensive tour in Mexico, the Chilean artist is headed to Europe, where he will spend nearly two months touring. He also plans on releasing new music, including a collaboration with Junior H and Bryant Myers.
Biggest accomplishment: Cris MJ says his biggest career accomplishment so far has been to be able to buy his car and own a home in Santiago. In addition to making history on the Billboard charts, he’s also nominated at the 2024 Heat Latin Music Awards (Premios Heat).
After nearly a decade at Universal Music Latino, Colombian superstar J Balvin is moving to Interscope Records. Sources tell Billboard that Balvin’s much anticipated new album will be released via Interscope Capitol Miami, the newly-minted division headed by Nir Seroussi in Miami.
Balvin’s album is expected to be released some time this year, with a date still to be announced.
Balvin is the second high profile artist to move from Universal Music Latin to sister label Interscope in the past year. Last year, Karol G, who had also long been signed to Universal Music Latino, signed to Interscope Capitol, which is also home to rising regional Mexican stars Xavi and Iván Cornejo and is run by Seroussi. Now, that division has been renamed Interscope Capitol Miami after Interscope and Capitol merged earlier this year.
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Interscope Capitol declined to comment, but sources say Balvin’s project will be worked by the Interscope Capitol Miami team together with Tom March’s Capitol team.
For Balvin, it’s a full circle moment. At the beginning of his career, he was originally signed to Capitol EMI, which was acquired by Universal, triggering his shift to Universal Music Latin, under which he soared to international stardom. In 2017, Balvin’s “Mi Gente” became the first-ever Spanish song to top Spotify’s global charts and rose to No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, aided by a remix with Beyonce. In 2018, he hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with “I Like It,” his bilingual collaboration with Cardi B and Bad Bunny.
It’s also a big change moment for the Colombian star, who hasn’t released an album since 2021’s José. Now, after a brief management stint as the first Latin act on Scooter Braun’s roster, he signed last year to management with Roc Nation and, after performing an acclaimed set in Coachella this year, is currently touring Europe.
Earlier this month, another Universal Music Latin artist, acclaimed Chilean singer/songwriter Mon Laferte, signed with Sony Music US Latin.
As a child, Vivir Quintana thought she could aspire to be anything but president of Mexico. “Back then I thought it was a job for men,” recalls the Mexican singer-songwriter, who now sings to the woman who could become on Sunday (June 2) the first female president of the Latin American country, framed for years by its machista culture.
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“Compañera Presidenta” is the song that Quintana composed in honor of Mexico’s potential first female president, a respectful letter to the two women leading the polls: candidate Claudia Sheinbaum, of the ruling Morena party, and Xóchitl Gálvez, the standard-bearer of the opposition alliance formed by the PRI, PAN and PRD parties.
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“Que no te duermas sin deberle la justicia a las madres que ahora buscan por ahí a sus hijas entre fosas clandestinas,” reads a fragment of her song, translating to “That you do not go to sleep without owing justice to the mothers who are now searching out there for their daughters among clandestine graves.” Released Monday (May 27) night, the song honors the tireless work done by Mexican mothers searching for their missing children among the nearly 100,000 unaccounted for since 1962, according to official figures.
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“The mothers who fight are the ones who have touched my life and my heart the most. I have been with them in public and intimate moments, feeling pain for all of them and crying out for justice,” Quintana tells Billboard Español.
The song arrives just days after the artist, originally from Coahuila, in northern Mexico, posted a message on her X account addressing both candidates where she asks them for empathy for causes such as gender violence. The response from the presidential hopefuls came just hours later on the same social network.
“Dear Vivir, dear companion. Your music moves and inspires me. Your call to work together gives me the certainty that Mexico can be a different country. A country where going out on the street is not a risk for women. A country where equality is not a claim but a palpable reality,” tweeted Galvez.
On the other hand, Sheimbaum responded: “Vivir, thank you for your letter. It is clear to me that I do not arrive alone, we all arrive; with our ancestors, with our mothers, with our daughters and our granddaughters. I will be a companion, with responsibility and sensitivity. I will be at the service of our generous and wonderful people.”
“I didn’t expect the response so quickly,” Quintana tells Billboard Español about the May 24 exchange. “The truth is that I was very hopeful about the response from both of them, and I hope that whoever is elected, I will accompany her with my music. Yes, I am being a supporter, but I also hope that it is a commitment on their part.”
The social-justice corridos singer explains that “Compañera Presidenta” (roughly translating to “Dear Madam President”) is her own composition, featured in the book Presidenta, by journalist Yuriria Sierra. In the book, Sierra brings together a hundred women from various fields including culture, politics, activism and economy, to share their hopes for the nation’s future with the next leader of the Federal Executive.
“My way of communicating with people, with my parents, with my friends, is through music,” explains Quintana. “That’s where the idea came from.”
With one album to her name, 2023’s Te Mereces Un Amor, Vivir Quintana has become a benchmark for social corridos, a fusion of traditional Mexican music with lyrics about societal issues. Her song “Canción Sin Miedo” (2020), inspired by the femicide of a friend, became the feminist anthem that accompanies all marches and demonstrations against gender violence in Mexico, and the struggle of searching mothers and defenders of human rights and the environment.
In addition, the song “Árboles Bajo el Mar,” which she performs as a duet with Mare Advertencia Lirika, was included in the soundtrack of the 2022 film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. And her song “Te Mereces un Amor” was part of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s playlist to confront corridos tumbados, which he believes glorifies the opulent and eccentric lifestyles of drug traffickers to the youth.
Mexico will hold the largest general election in its history on Sunday, when more than 97 million Mexicans will go to the polls to vote for the renewal of just over 20,000 elected officials, including the country’s presidency.
Quintana says she will also make her vote count as a Mexican citizen. In addition to Sheinbaum and Gálvez, the standard-bearer of the Movimiento Ciudadano party, Jorge Álvarez Máynez, also aspires to be president of Mexico.
“I feel that Xóchitl (Gálvez) and Claudia (Sheinbaum) serve as referents, showing that there have been other female candidates before them, and that we are not far from it being achieved,” she says. “My 16-year-old niece can now dream of becoming a woman president. Let it not be seen as unattainable.”
Every month, Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors spotlight a group of rising artists whose music we love. Think “diamantes en bruto,” or “diamonds in the rough.” These are newcomers who have yet to impact the mainstream — but whose music excites us, and who we believe our readers should make a point to discover.
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Our latest edition of On the Radar Latin includes a wave of emerging artists, who we discovered by scrolling on social media, networking, or coming across their music at a showcase, for example. See our May 2024 recommendations below.
Artist: Alex Ponce
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Country: Ecuador
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: Hailing from Cuenca, Ecuador, emerging artist Alex Ponce has put himself on the radar for the quality of his voice and emotional performance, earning a place on the NEON16 artist roster. Among his most popular songs on Spotify are “Plan”, with more than 70 million plays, as well as “Traición”, “Fuiste,” and “Cerrando Ciclos.” On his latest EP Ruido, released this month, Ponce delves into contemporary pop, acoustic balladry and regional Mexican, showcasing the versatility of his voice and his adaptability to various genres. “Daría Todo,” a song with regional Mexican elements, stands out as one of the highlights of the EP. Alex Ponce is poised to become one of the outstanding voices in Latin pop. — LUISA CALLE
Song for Your Playlist: “Daría Todo”
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Artist: Delilah
Country: Mexican-American
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: In the chaos of Sueños’ festival day two on May 26 — which was ultimately canceled due to severe weather — Delilah offered an oasis for disgruntled festival-goers who really just wanted to enjoy good music. After a lineup shuffle, the 16-year-old corridos tumbados singer — who released her first single, titled “Amor Perdido,” earlier this year — ended up taking the stage at 4:00 p.m. (instead of her original time of noon), just as doors were opening.
While extremely short, her 10-minute set showcased why she represents the future of regional Mexican music. The Mexican-American artist, who is signed to Natanael Cano’s Los CT label, combines prickly guitar notes — signature to the Mexican subgenre — with emotive lyrics, which she sings with such pathos in her delicate yet puncturing vocals. At Sueños, it’s safe to say that those in attendance got just a preview of Delilah’s full abilities, as she is definitely one to watch. — GRISELDA FLORES
Song for Your Playlist: “Modelo”
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Artist: Fabiola Roudha
Country: Guatemala
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: I first discovered Fabiola many years ago in Guatemala. I will never forget that little girl who came on television to sing with a sweet smile but with a grown-up, deep voice during her interview with Telehit’s Black and White TV series. She never gave up and has done significant work over the years, performing at festivals, gaining recognition. She was also the first Guatemalan artist to win a reality competition series (El Desafío de Estrellas in 2009). Her voice is a blend of blues, soul-pop, and Gospel that matcher her sweet and humble charisma. Her most recent release is her first collaboration with one of Mexico’s icons, Daniela Romo. The harmony of both voices and the depth of the lyrics are a testament to her unwavering talent. — INGRID FAJARDO
Song for Your Playlist: “Nada” (with Daniela Romo)
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Artist: Lismar
Country: Dominican Republic
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: Dominican lyricist and rapper Lismar dropped not one but two Bizarrap sessions last week. Both “BRRP Music Session Vol 60” and “Subió La Temperatura” premiered at the Argentine producer’s show in New York on May 23. I first heard her previous single, “Delincuente Con Traje,” through her publicist and was amazed by her powerful, rapid-fire, compelling rap verses. The swag in her voice and storytelling make her unique and help her stand out — even Bizarrap says she’s the future of music. Honing her skills as a freestyler during the pandemic lockdown, she developed a unique skill that allowed her to create concise and relatable writing material around personal challenges. — I.F.
Song for Your Playlist: “BZRP Music Sessions #60”
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Artist: Nino Augustine
Country: Panamanian-American
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: Nino Augustine arrived on my radar from the underground Latinx scene bridging Atlanta and New York, and he stood out for numerous reasons. His intriguing blend of Afro-Latin beats with the soulful vibes of the Georgian capital, his hometown, has resonated within his musical creations. Influenced by his Panamanian roots, he began releasing a string of singles in 2017, culminating in his debut album Me Toca a Mi in 2019, a project that solidified his distinct sound. With subsequent albums, the singer/rapper continued to evolve, leading to his fourth LP, 100%, released this month — a melting pot of Afro-Caribbean rhythms and soul-stirring lyrics in Spanish.
The opening track, “Encendido,” is a powerful display of the singer’s prowess, seamlessly transitioning from dancehall to reggaetón and amapiano. Another track, “Nirvana,” captivates instantly, glimmering with the luscious terrain of Afrobeats. “100% showcases me fully, encompassing everything I hold dear”, the artist says in a press release. “It’s a reflection of my current journey in life, authentically representing who I am and reflecting the sounds I love.” — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Song for Your Playlist: “Sóltate” feat. Bomby, Landa Freak, Robbie Vida & Buay Press
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Artist: Yellow Outlet
Country: Dominican Republic
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: From the Dominican Republic, the pop-rock duo Yellow Outlet, formed by singer-songwriter María Taveras and producer Cristian Guillen Santillan, offers a perfect combination of talents that captivates from the first listen. The unique color of Taveras’ voice and her ethereal performance, coupled with Guillen’s futuristic pop sound with electronic elements, create an experimental but well-structured mix that results in a magnificent contrast. His debut album, No Es Muy Tarde (2022), includes standout songs like “Sueños Sobre Ti” and “Lluvia Eléctrica”, which serve as a good introduction to their music. They recently released their new album Carrusel, which features songs like “222”, “Donde Empieza,” and the album’s eponymous track. Yellow Outlet proposes a sound that is urgent to know to break the stereotypes of Latin pop and draw a broad panorama of creativity. — L.C.
Song for Your Playlist: “Lluvia Eléctrica”
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Los Tigres del Norte aren’t mincing words in their new single, “Aquí mando yo” (I’m in Charge Here). The track, which they are releasing on Thursday (May 30) along with an EP of the same name, talks about the legendary Mexican group’s struggles as immigrants, as well as the price of fame, with verses that may — or may not — refer to the current state of Mexican music and its new stars.
“Aquí mando yo, y este colmillo no lo tuve que comprar […] Ya veníamos de la tienda cuando tú ibas por el pan (I’m in charge here, and I didn’t have to pay for this fang […] We were already back from the shop when you were going in for bread),” they sing in the chorus.
But group leader and lead singer Jorge Hernández, who spoke with Billboard from his home in California, says the words aren’t meant for anyone in particular.
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“I saw this theme as the story of so many immigrants who come from their towns with nothing. That was my first reaction,” says Hernández. “Then, the sentiment in other parts of the lyrics is that suddenly those of us who tell the truth are judged and those who lie are the heroes […] Also suddenly there are people who don’t quite see the roots of the tree. And many of these new elements today, I don’t know if they ignore this — or if this is an example so they can see who came before them, just as we’re also thankful for those characters who were interesting in their time.”
“Aquí mando yo”, with its clear message of empowerment as well as advice (“Many students have been swallowed by money; they forgot their roots and became arrogant”), is released as Los Tigres announce the rest of their world tour, including their first date at legendary Madison Square Garden, set for May 24, 2025.
After playing what will be more than 50 dates between the United States, Mexico, and South America — with stops including Foro Sol in Mexico City, three nights at the Movistar Arena in Bogotá, and dates in Spain — 12 months of touring will culminate for Los Tigres with their MSG date, their first ever in that venue.
Details of the concert, presented by Zamora Entertainment, which is producing the group’s tour, will be announced May 30 at a press conference at MSG.
“I never imagined I would be in that place, and I think it’s very important for our career and for our style of music,” says Hernández — noting the group have been ambassadors of norteño for over five decades. “We have fought to dignify this music, and to carry it and showcase it around the world. We’ve managed to visit large and small towns in the United States, and now we travel the world dignifying this music in the best way. And it has been a very big job, ensuring the music endures and and it’s looked at with good eyes.”
Also on Thursday night, Los Tigres will release their new five-song EP, also titled Aquí Mando Yo, on Fonovisa. The album includes songs by various writers, including Héctor Guerrero, who penned the title song. As has historically been customary for Los Tigres, the group listens to a lot of music, from many writers — even new ones — before choosing what to record. Guerrero, whom Hernández had never met, presented 15 songs to the group.
“I always listen to them all,” says Hernández, who unlike many current artists, does not put his name as a composer unless he’s actually participated in the songwriting. “You know we respect everyone and all our colleagues,” he adds. “I don’t try to compare myself to anyone […] I always say that when music does well, there is a great opportunity for the music movement to continue, and that makes me very happy. If someone is successful, somehow I will be successful. The selfish never succeed.”
Here are the complete lyrics of “Aquí mando yo,” available beginning Thursday (May 30).
Singing to our peopleFelt like an incoherent dreamWe broke a thousand barriers, starting from the bottom Without a dime, that was tough.
In the world of mythLies finally floatAnd there’s a lot of students eaten up by moneyThey forgot their roots and became arrogant.
I think many students won’t liketoday’s classThere’s several names missing from the list, their run is overand what was strong starts to crumble.
I’m in charge hereI didn’t have to pay for this fang. It’s years of trajectory, we’ve tasted glory We were back from the store when you came in for the bread. You have to face the truth.
(SPEAKS)These verses I speak todayWere made for many now running their mouthsin a hypocritical world, those who speak the truth becomes villains,Loose lips full of fake wordstelling stories they never lived, but in this jungleThe crown isn’t passed around, and the TIGER is respected, his head held higheven if you look own on me, know that I’M IN CHARGE HERE
Lying is common I’ll refresh your memory, now that you’re sitting down,when it comes to the boss of bosses, you never talk down.
I think many students won’t liketoday’s classThere’s several names missing from the list, their run is overand what was strong starts to crumble.
I’m in charge hereI didn’t have to pay for this fang. It’s years of trajectory, we’ve tasted glory We were back from the store when you came in for the bread. You have to face the truth. I’m in charge here!
Ryan Castro won a multimillion-dollar lawsuit in an arbitration process against King Records, owned by fellow Colombian artist Kevin Roldán, for breach of contract. According to a resolution by a Colombian judge, the arbitration tribunal ruled that King Records must pay Castro an amount exceeding $2 million. In addition to this, the ruling grants the […]
It’s a sunny May afternoon in Miami’s lush Coral Gables neighborhood, and Camila Cabello greets me at her family’s one-story home accompanied by a small menagerie: four dogs — including her golden retriever, Tarzan, and German shepherd, Thunder — along with her rescued cockatoo, Percy. Cabello is home “to recharge” amid a hectic few days […]