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“One of the many memories I have with what the word grease evokes in me was when I was a little girl, my old man always had greasy hands because he worked at a gas station,” reflects Nathy Peluso while discussing the title of her upcoming third studio album, set to release on Friday (May 24), with Billboard. “For me it is very poetic and beautiful, as well as the symbol of people who work their backs to the bone.”
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This sense of nostalgia and respect for hard work permeates Grasa. The title, with its gritty connotation, captures the bold and ballsy essence of the Spain-based Argentine star. Known for her gritty rap style, Peluso’s album is a hodgepodge of genres and emotions.
“I wanted a word that had many meanings, something rough and strong that people could take ownership of, even redefine after listening to the album,” she adds. “Something that also seemed ironic to me, with a touch of humor, is that in Argentine slang, grasa means something very concrete and vulgar.”
This vision is evident throughout the album’s 16 tracks, which seamlessly blend elements of rap, salsa, soul and acoustic melodies. Her approach to creating it was driven by intuition and a desire to capture raw emotion. “The collaborations on this album came from the heart,” she explains. “I never strategize these things; it’s always about the connection and the feeling.”
This authenticity shines through in the ballad of “El Día Que Perdí Mi Juventud” featuring Blood Orange, and the glitchy, electronic-driven “Todo Roto” with Ca7triel & Paco Amoroso, where the synergy between artists enhances the impact of the music.
Beyond the collaborative efforts, Grasa holds a deeply personal significance for Peluso, who delves into themes of mental health with unapologetic honesty. “All humans have to take care of our minds,” she insists. “It is our pillar, what anchors us and what makes us be better every day.”
“There is a very important message in the album which is ‘Aprender a Amarse’ (learn to love yourself), which is something we all deserve, because in the end of the day, you have to be your best friend and best companion,” she continues. “For that, you have to be brave and face things that are very difficult. [I wanted to] shed a little light and energy so that people who maybe don’t find that strength in their daily lives, maybe they can put on some music on and feel encouraged. Because music has saved me many times.”
During her chat with Billboard, the artist also shares what it was like to perform with Karol G in during the Mañana Será Bonito Tour in Peluso’s native Argentina. “She is very generous. She invited me to play in Buenos Aires, which meant a lot to me,” she says. “[It was] the first time we sang ‘Gato malo,’ the song we have had together for years. We had never played it together in person, and it was super special.”
Watch the full interview above.
Artists are taking important strides towards changing the narrative around mental health by sharing their personal journeys and launching initiatives that support the emotional well-being of their communities.
Historically, mental health struggles were private battles for many — including performers, who appeared cheerful and undisturbed in public. This trend is shifting, as artists from various musical genres are now using their influence to shed light on mental health, demonstrating their personal struggles and coping mechanisms to normalize and destigmatize such conditions.
Among those making a difference are a bevy of Latin stars — such as Karol G, who, with her Con Cora Foundation, introduced “Rincón de la Calma” (Calm Corner), an initiative aimed at fostering mental health awareness in Latin American schools. J Balvin stepped into the arena with OYE, a bilingual app focused on creative wellness, launched in 2022 to serve the Latin community. The app offers resources on managing anxiety, depression, crisis, grief, and more.
Mexican singer/songwriter Carla Morrison used her platform and music to publicly address her mental health. Having taken a break from the limelight, she returned with a powerful message in her 2022 single, “Ansiedad (Anxiety),” reflecting her lifelong struggle with anxiety. Residente also contributed to the conversation in the Latin urban scene with his introspective song “René,” which delves into his personal mental health experiences.
These artists are just a few examples of those in the Latin music industry leading by example, using their platforms and talents to support and encourage the multitude of fans who admire them. Read our list of 15 such artists below, presented in alphabetical order.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and Oct. 10 is World Mental Health Day. If you or anyone you know is struggling with mental health or substance abuse disorders, reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration‘s national helpline 24/7 at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for confidential treatment referrals and information. For those who are experiencing suicidal thoughts and/or distress, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255. You can also call or text 988 to get connected to trained counselors.
Alejandro Sanz
Image Credit: JAVIER TORRES/AFP via Getty Images
Camila Cabello and Kali Uchis will be honored at the 2024 Billboard Latin Women in Music, Billboard and Telemundo announced on Thursday (May 23). The show will air exclusively on Telemundo on Sunday, June 9, at 9 p.m. ET, and will be simultaneously available on the Telemundo app and Peacock.
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This celebration, which highlights the efforts of Latin women musicians who are “proactively working for positive change, inclusion and gender parity in the music industry,” will see the megastar of Cuban and Mexican roots receive the Global Impact award, and the Colombian-American singer the Rising Star award.
“Singer-songwriter Camila Cabello’s success and contributions have earned her the honor of Global Impact, which recognizes female artists who have an exceptional ability to connect with audiences worldwide, not only through their music but also by positively influencing popular culture, as well as serving as ambassadors of Latin culture on a global scale,” reads the official press release, noting that the singer of “Havana” and “Señorita” has used her voice not only to create great hits worldwide, but to promote important issues that she is passionate about such as immigration, diversity, mental health and female empowerment.
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Among other projects, Cabello has partnered with This Is About Humanity and Miami Freedom Project to host community events for new immigrant families in Miami, and has raised half a million dollars with Equality Florida and Lambda Legal to combat harmful legislation in Florida targeting the LGBTQ+ community. She also launched the Healing Justice Project to provide mental health resources to BIPOC organizers across the country advancing racial, immigrant, and environmental justice.
Uchis, meanwhile, “has quickly climbed the charts since releasing her first album in 2018,” the statement continues, “earning her this year’s Rising Star honor, a recognition and celebration of an emerging talent’s success in growing their musical prowess and solidifying their place in the industry.”
The singer, songwriter and record producer has successfully alternated between English and Spanish-language projects, while defying music genres with music that blends elements of R&B, neo-soul, pop, and Latin rhythms. Her smash hit “telepatía” from her debut album Isolation has amassed over 2 billion streams and is the Billboard Hot 100 longest-running Spanish song by a solo act this decade with a 23-week streak.
Cabello and Uchis join a list of previously announced honorees for this year that include Gloria Estefan (Legend award), Ana Bárbara (Lifetime Achievement award), Ángela Aguilar (Musical Dynasty) and Kany García (Spirit of Change).
In the coming weeks, additional honorees and details will be announced for the second annual Billboard Latin Women in Music ceremony, which will be hosted by actress Jacqueline Bracamontes.
On Wednesday night (May 22), Bizarrap electrified Terminal 5 with his debut headlining performance in New York City. Commanding the stage from behind the decks, the Argentine sensation wowed the audience with his dynamic show. Highlighting the momentous night, he surprised attendees by introducing Dominican rapper Lismar to perform their newest collaboration, “Lismar: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 60,” live.
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“I just released a song a few minutes ago. Are you ready to hear it for the first time live or not?!” shouted Biza to the ecstatic crowd. “I brought a special guest. Her name is Lismar from the Dominican Republic. We didn’t just release one song, we released two!” Donning his signature BZRP-emblazoned black cap, his sunglasses and an Adidas windbreaker jacket, he launched into the whirling melody to “Vol. 60.”
The newcomer made her way to the main stage sporting a white strapless crop top paired with black sparkly-net long sleeves and baggy cargo pants. Bizarrap’s Run DMC-esque hip-hop beat filled the air as Lismar spat her rapid-fire rhymes to the roaring crowd. Meanwhile, the song’s music video, illuminated with Biza’s staple blue-hued lighting in his studio, played in the backdrop.
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“She is only 18, she is the future,” the Argentine producer said at the end of their song. Right away, they premiered their second song “Subió La Temperatura,” a funky rap jam with riveting breakbeats accompanied by a quirky video game-styled visual.
Other standout songs performed included “Vol. 53,” famously featuring Shakira, whose lyrics the crowd sang word-for-word. Villano Antillano, Quevedo, Residente, Snow Tha Product, Peso Pluma, and Arcángel where also among the mega hits the Latin Grammy-winning producer also spun.
On Saturday (May 18), Bizarrap unveiled his newest collaboration in the form of a sci-fi-themed seven-minute short film. On May 25, he will also perform at the Sueños Music Festival in Chicago, IL.
Watch Bizarrap and Lismar perform “Vol. 60” at Terminal 5 below:
In the wake of a falling out between RBD and its ex-manager and business partner Guillermo Rosas — a split made public in January when Billboard reported that the two had parted ways — the Mexican band has shared an official statement addressing the ongoing dispute.
In a statement issued Wednesday (May 22), RBD responded to previous claims made by Rosas and his company, T6H, to People En Español that there was “no financial mismanagement” tied to the band’s ultra-successful Soy Rebelde Tour. Hitting back at that characterization, RBD members Anahí, Christopher Von Uckermann, Dulce María, Christian Chávez and Maite Perroni claim that there were in fact “significant irregularities” revealed in a forensic accounting investigation led by Critin Cooperman, alleging that nearly $1 million remains unaccounted for after T6H began receiving funds related to the tour in December 2022.
According to the official statement issued by RBD’s lawyers and shared with Billboard, T6H and Citrin Cooperman — a services firm that acted as a business manager for the tour and also conducted the financial audit — were the “only entities responsible for the tour payments.” None of RBD’s members “had access to manage the money or make payments,” the band claims.
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Furthermore, the band says, T6H has “hindered the process” by not signing “key” documents necessary for the resolution of payments and the tour, which marked RBD’s grand return to touring after splitting in 2008.
Billboard reached out to T6H for comment but did not hear back by press time.
“Given the considerable amount of money involved and the discrepancies found, all our projects are currently on hold. We have had to pause this shared dream with you, including a possible continuation of the tour,” the statement continues. “Our goal has always been to resolve these discrepancies professionally. We remain committed to cooperating with all parties involved to achieve a fair and transparent resolution. Our integrity and the trust of our fans are paramount, and we will not rest until these matters fully resolve.”
In December, RBD wrapped its massive world tour, which, as of Nov. 30, had grossed $197.1 million since launching in August. Rosas also worked with the band as a concert promoter from 2006 to 2008.
Under a new business model designed for RBD’s comeback tour, the five members and Rosas were deemed equal partners in a new joint venture. The deal had the band splitting all new revenue, including for music, with Rosas, who in 2020 helped clear the rights to the group’s catalog. He also brought Live Nation on board as the promoter for the reunion tour and CAA for global representation of the band.
Omar Geles, the Latin Grammy-nominated vallenato singer, songwriter and accordionist who rose to fame in the ’80s with the group Los Diablitos, died on Tuesday (May 21) at Clínica Erasmo in Valledupar, Colombia. He was 57.
On May 18, Geles appeared as a guest artist at Silvestre Dangond‘s concert at El Campín Stadium in Bogotá, where he took the stage alongside Karen Lizarazo, Gusi, Elder Dayan, Rafa Peréz, Penchi Castro, Churo Díaz, and Diego Daza.
The Colombian newspaper El Tiempo noted that Geles had already suffered a “decompensation” on April 27 after a show in Miami, where he was treated at a hospital and successfully recovered.
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“Being grateful is the most precious gift and I have no way to repay you because you were attentive to my health,” Geles tweeted on April 28. “To God be the glory because he is the owner of life and everything. I still have a big handful of songs to give you. I love you. Here I am, strong as an oak!”
The news of his death led stars such as Carlos Vives and Miguel Morales, his former bandmate in Los Diablitos, to express their sorrow on social media.
“It’s not easy to accept that an artist like Omar Geles, with so much talent, so much joy, so many stories to tell, so much love for people has suddenly left,” Vives wrote on X, where he also posted a series of photographs of the many moments they shared, including in the TV series Escalona, in which Geles portrayed Simón Salas. “I could tell you many stories of a truly fraternal, unselfish artist that was loved by all. I will miss you dear Omar. Rest in peace.”
“The paths of life are like this… OMAR GELES, today my heart expresses with my tears of pain your departure. You were my partner, my brother, my friend, colleague, and my source of what I am today,” Morales expressed on his Instagram account, making a reference to their hit “Los Caminos de la Vida,” which means “The Paths of Life.”
The Vallenato Legend Festival highlighted on X that “in his musical career as an accordionist and composer [Geles] achieved great triumphs and knew how to give glory and honor to the music he loved until his last days.”
Geles became known in 1985 when he and Morales created the group Los Diablitos, releasing hits such as “Los Caminos de la Vida” and “Cómo le Pago a mi Dios.” In 2004, after separating from Morales, the artist changed the name of the group to La Gente de Omar Geles and remained active.
In the last decade, he received two Latin Grammy nominations for best cumbia/vallenato album: in 2010 for Prueba Superada, and in 2012 for Histórico – A Dúo Con Los Grandes.
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Watch a snippet shared by El Tiempo of his last performance at Dangond’s show over the weekend below.
@eltiempo Sobre las 8 de la noche de este martes 21 de mayo se conoció que el reconocido compositor y cantante de vallenato Ómar Geles falleció en la Clínica Erasmo de Valledupar. Aunque las causas de su fallecimiento no han sido confirmadas, de manera preliminar se informó que presentó una falla cardiaca. La noticia ha causado sorpresa entre compositores, amigos y fanáticos del artista, pues este fin de semana se estuvo presentando como parte de los invitados al concierto de Silvestre Dangond @Silvestre Dangond en Bogotá. Créditos @Angelica Daza Garrid ♬ sonido original – EL TIEMPO
Pitbull is always up for a party, especially if it involves people getting down to his music. That’s why Mr. 305 couldn’t help commenting when the new season of Bridgerton used one of its signature instrumental classical takes on his iconic 2011 hit “Give Me Everything” to score a window-fogging make-out carriage scene between Colin […]
On June 26, SESAC Latina will mark its 30th anniversary of representing top-tier songwriters globally with its annual SESAC Latina Music Awards Gala at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles, Billboard Español can exclusively announce.
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The event will recognize the exceptional talent and achievements of its affiliated songwriters and publishers, awarding honors such as song of the year, publisher of the year, and more.
Additionally, the SESAC Legacy Award will be presented to Latin Grammy-winning songwriter/producer Luciano Luna, celebrating his illustrious career and significant contribution to Latin music. “I am very grateful for this distinction; it motivates me to continue dedicating myself to writing stories with my songs and being a good example for new generations of songwriters,” Luna said in a press release.
The Sinaloa creator has recorded over 250 productions, mostly in the regional Mexican music genre, with iconic acts such as Julión Álvarez, Gerardo Ortiz, Banda Los Recoditos, Banda MS, Régulo Caro and more. As a co-author, his collaborations include Joss Favela, Edén Muñoz, and others.
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“We’re thrilled to celebrate the magnificent and vibrant talent within the Latin songwriting community,” remarked SESAC’s CCO, Sam Kling. “The SESAC Latina Music Awards always showcase exceptional songs and songwriters, making it an unforgettable evening.”
Celeste Zendejas, senior vp of SESAC Latina, added, “SESAC Latina’s 30th anniversary is a celebration of continued growth, endless creativity, and the global success of the exceptional talent behind the music. On this milestone year, we honor all our incredible songwriters who continue to inspire us with their profound lyrics and soulful melodies,”
She continued, “We are thrilled to present the Legacy Award to one of the most distinguished songwriters of our generation, Luciano Luna, who has sustained a remarkable career throughout the years.”
The award ceremony is sponsored by City National Bank and Rossi, P.C.
Twenty-five years after leading the list of nominees to the first edition of the Latin Grammys, Carlos Vives will receive the highest honor from the Latin Recording Academy: the Colombian artist has been named the 2024 Person of the Year.
Vives — winner of 18 Latin Grammy Awards, two Grammy Awards and a Billboard Latin Music Awards Hall of Fame inductee — “will be honored for his more than three-decade career as a multifaceted singer and composer, as well as for his continued commitment to environmental and social initiatives,” according to an official statement released Wednesday (May 22) morning.
“Carlos Vives is one of the most prolific and beloved artists of our time, whose commitment to Latin music and support for the new generations truly personifies the values of our Academy,” said Manuel Abud, CEO of The Latin Recording Academy. “We honor him as our Person of the Year for his vast contributions to our musical heritage and for his many philanthropic initiatives.”
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“It’s still surprising to me,” Vives told Billboard Español this week in an exclusive interview. “It’s like a message that the Academy gives at the end, because 32 years ago I chose a path [that was unconventional]. To be successful, to be commercial, there was one way. This other path that’s cultural or has to do with your identity, that doesn’t work, [they would say].”
In Wednesday’s press release, he added: “I am honored and moved to have been chosen as the 2024 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year. It is the reward for an authentic journey, for a wonderful team and, above all, it is the recognition of the musical spirits of our Latin American diversity. These spirits taught us to love and enrich our language, to take care of it and to respect it in order to exalt humanity with it.”
Born in Santa Marta, Colombia, Carlos Vives is one of the most respected artists in Spanish-language music and a pioneer of a new Latin American sound, redefining traditional Colombian vallenato by incorporating to it pop and rock sounds. With No. 1 hits on the Billboard charts such as “Volví a Nacer,” “Fruta Fresca” and “La Bicicleta” with Shakira, among others, has become an ambassador of Colombian and Latin American culture around the world.
His commitment to good causes transcend the musical realm. In 2015, he created the Tras La Perla initiative to promote the sustainable development of Santa Marta and its ecosystem. In addition, he created the Escuela de Música Río Grande to offer artistic experiences to children and young people, and founded the record label Gaira Música Local to promote new Colombian talent. He’s also been a strong advocate and generous supporter of the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation since its inception, the Latin Recording Academy highlights, and sponsored its annual Prodigy Scholarship in 2018.
His latest album, Escalona: Nunca Se Había Grabado Así, earned him his 18th Latin Grammy when it was crowned best cumbia/vallenato album in 2023. This year he was also recognized with the ASCAP Founders Award from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP).
Vives will be feted as Person of the Year at a special star-studded gala and tribute concert where an array of artist and friends will perform renditions of his renowned repertoire. Details of the event, to be presented in November during the 2024 Latin Grammy week in Miami, will be announced at a later date.
The Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year honors musicians and their artistic achievements in the Latin music industry as well as their humanitarian efforts. Past honorees are Laura Pausini (2023), Marco Antonio Solís (2022), Rubén Blades (2021), Juanes (2019), Maná (2018), Alejandro Sanz (2017), Marc Anthony (2016), Roberto Carlos (2015), Joan Manuel Serrat (2014), Miguel Bosé (2013), Caetano Veloso (2012), Shakira (2011), Plácido Domingo (2010), Juan Gabriel (2009), Gloria Estefan (2008), Juan Luis Guerra (2007), Ricky Martin (2006), José José (2005), Carlos Santana (2004), Gilberto Gil (2003), Vicente Fernández (2002), Julio Iglesias (2001) and Emilio Estefan (2000).
Café Tacvba officially dropped “La Bas(e)” on Wednesday (May 22), marking their first release in seven years following their eighth studio album, Jei Beibi. The new track was co-produced by the Mexican band and their longtime Grammy-winning collaborator Gustavo Santaolalla.
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The single showcases invigorating Latin rock rhythms paired with a Fender electric and a resonator guitar, creating a unique electric-twangy sound that clashes brilliantly with dynamic drumming. Its socially conscious lyrics voice solidarity with immigrants. “Rolling and rolling/ Looking for some place to work/ Night and day, day and night/ No one is illegal, the world is our home,” frontman Rubén Albarrán sings.
According to a press release, “La Bas(e)” champions themes of “unity, liberty, brotherhood, and a safe way of life for immigrants, eliminating borders,” while it “dreams of a world where all humans are watching out for each other.” The chorus (“1, 2, 3 por ti, 1, 2, 3, por mí”) is inspired by a popular Mexican children’s game.
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Serving as a preview to their forthcoming U.S. tour with Caifanes, the song will lead the band to iconic venues such as the Hollywood Bowl and Central Park SummerStage. For complete U.S. tour dates, click here.
Bassist Quique Rangel shared with Billboard Español the impacting message of the song. “Over the years during our U.S. tours, we have connected with people from our homeland and other Latin countries who sought opportunities to thrive by relocating with their families,” Rangel explains. “Our concerts become a celebration with our music, accompanying them in lands that are no longer so foreign.”
As longstanding advocates for cultural diversity and social justice, band members Albarrán, Emmanuel del Real, Enrique and Joselo Rangel use their music and public presence to fight against inequality and stand up for the marginalized.
This year, they celebrate their 35th anniversary. Stream the song below:
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