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Puerto Rican reggaetón stars Anuel AA and Justin Quiles took the stage to support Donald Trump during a rally in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, on Friday night (Aug. 30). Both reggaetón stars were called to the podium by Trump, who introduced them as “two amazing Puerto Rican musical legends,” and then added: “Every Puerto Rican is going to vote for Trump.”
Wearing Make America Great Again red baseball caps, Quiles and Anuel walked up to the podium and firmly shook Trump’s hand before Anuel took the mic and introduced himself to a crowd that clearly was not familiar with the two Latin artists and initially was subdued in its cheering.
“Thank you, Mr. President, for having us here,” said Anuel. “For me, it’s a real blessing to be here. I’m from Puerto Rico. Since Trump hasn’t been around, it’s not a secret, we’ve been going through a lot as a country. Biden always promised, promised. A lot of politicians promised through the years. All of us know … the best president the world has seen, this country has ever seen, his name is President Trump. So, all my Puerto Ricans, let’s stay united. Let’s vote for Trump. I personally spoke with him, he wants to help Puerto Rico grow and succeed as a country. He wants to keep helping Latinos in the U.S. Let’s keep doing things the right way and let’s make America great again,” said Anuel, this time to louder cheering.
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Then Quiles took the podium and added, reading from a sheet of paper: “I’ll also say a few words. Mr. President, I’m beyond honored. Mr. President, above all, I like you because, I’ve always said this, you’re not a puppet. I back you because I feel you’re the most honest president we ever had. That’s true!,” Quiles said, looking up at the now more energized crowd as Trump smiled behind him. “Saying things how they are, not what you think people want to hear, and that’s very important. A lot of Latinos, we stand strong next to President Trump. Thank you for sharing back there how important building Puerto Rico up again is, and not just Puerto Rico — let’s make America great again!”
Quiles and Anuel then shook Trump’s hand again and walked out to cheers, as Trump reclaimed the podium and said, “Wow, that’s great.”
Latin artists have been largely muted during the U.S. presidential campaign, and no major Latin artist had shown up at any rally until Friday night. Anuel and Quiles’ endorsement of Trump is the most prominent endorsement of the Republican candidate so far. Prior to the rally, Anuel and Quiles both posted videos to their respective Instagram stories of Trump’s campaign plane. Quiles also posted a photo of a white baseball cap emblazoned with the words “Make Puerto Rico great again.”
Watch Anuel and Quiles’ speeches at the rally below:
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This week, Billboard’s New Music Latin roundup and playlist — curated by Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors — features fresh new music from artists including Luck Ra, Nicki Nicole, Elsa y Elmar, Jhayco and more. Sebastián Yatra returns with his new ballad “Los Domingos,” marking his first solo release since early 2023. This romantic acoustic pop song captures the initial stages of […]
El Alfa will soon hit the road for his 2024 U.S. trek “El Mejor Del Planeta,” which translates to “the best on the planet.”
The 16-city stint, presented by Loud and Live, kicks off Sept. 12 at Mesa, Arizona, and wraps Dec. 8 in Fairfax, Virginia. In between, he will make pit stops in Chicago, Atlanta and Miami, to name a few.
“Making dembow, putting people to dance and having fun, we’re the best at that,” El Alfa tells Billboard. “At a show level, El Alfa has no comparison. Whoever goes to one of my concerts, repeats. It’s a lot of fun. When El Alfa is at an arena, the arena moves a lot because of everyone jumping at the same time. It’s an unforgettable experience.”
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Ahead of his U.S. tour, the Dominican artist is enjoying the viral success his single “Este” is having—a catchy dembow with playful lyrics about “this or that.”
“It’s hard for urban music to have success right now […] I had gone about 12 months without having a strong hit like I do now,” he admits. “I’m enjoying the process and seeing how the industry is changing. I’m completely happy.”
With hits such as “Este,” “4K,” “Singapur,” and “La Mamá de la Mamá,” El Alfa has managed to become one of the most successful Latin artists on TikTok, but he assures he releases music without an actual budget or strategy plan. It’s all been organic. “I just do music so that everyone else can dance. I do things from the heart,” he notes.
Currently, the artist born Enmanuel Herrera is making the rounds with “Pararara” in collaboration with Chimbala. He also teased future collabs with artists from Mexico and Argentina, because “nowadays what is working is the freshness and genuineness with which a song is made,” he notes.
El Alfa
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With two concurrent viral hits right now, “Ohnana” and “UWAIE,” Kapo is having a moment.
Far from an overnight success, the Colombian newcomer has been hustling in the music industry for 15 years. In fact, his first approach to music was at the age of 12, with música popular (Colombia’s version of regional Mexican music).
“I lived at a gas station in a small town called El Cabuyal, where that’s the only type of music that was heard,” he tells Billboard. “I sang at the small stores and parking lots near the truck stop, that’s how I debuted, and people would give me coins. I wanted to become a global artist.”
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At 13, Kapo recorded his first urban song, “Yo Tengo Un Sueño” (I have a dream), which became popular among his school friends. At 16, he sold his motorcycle, and with the money he moved to the capital, Bogotá, invested in a music video, and in a promo tour. He pursued a brief career in mass communication, but always with the itch to follow his dream as a singer.
The first person to support him was an artist from Cali called Big Daddy “El Negro,” who would take him to his shows to sing and connected him with other artist and producers in the industry. In search of extra income, Kapo participated on the reality show Yo Me Llamo, where he would imitate Puerto Rican rapper Cosculluela. For two years, he was also the background vocalist for Dominican-born, Panamanian-based artist Mr. Saik.
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In 2019, he inked a record deal with La Industria, Inc.,—home to Nicky Jam and Manuel Turizo, to name a few—and released songs such as “Pelinegra” with Nánpa Basico and “Bulevar” with Esteban Rojas and Pirlo, which gained traction locally. Still, Kapo was behind his global hit.
“I realized that I didn’t have to do what worked, but what moved me,” he notes. “I made romantic music all my life, but I kept it to myself. I have a very bohemian vein, an old soul. My mother always spoke to me about very beautiful things. She is a very humble lady, her vocabulary is not very advanced because she always worked in a restaurant, but she raised her son and her son looked for alternatives to succeed with the correct morals and principles.”
He analyzed the music industry, other artists, the songs that made him known locally — and realized that there was a lack of feel-good, reflective, romantic music. He changed the way he dressed and talked, he focused on his health, read books, and took yoga classes. But it was one precise trip to Jamaica, and a heartbreak, that changed his fate.
“Ohnana,” released this June, was born during a music camp where he was joined by dancehall artist Lion Fiyah and Colombian hitmaker Gangsta. “After I visited The Bob Marley Museum, I worked on the song, I was in a vibe, and in another tune with my vocal tones. ‘Ohnana’ means ‘trust everything will be fine.’”
And the suave Afrobeat with poetic lyrics earned Kapo his first global hit — one that he manifested for 15 years. “Ohnana” peaks at No. 21 on the Hot Latin Songs chart this week, and rises to a new peak on the Billboard Global 200, at No. 60. Plus rises to its No. 30 high on Global Excl. U.S.
Simultaneously, his recent single “UWAIE” — which means “I’m in love with you” in his very own “Kapito Language,” and is an ode to the women in his life — debuts at No. 35 on Hot Latin Songs and at No. 138 on Global 200 and at No. 81 on Global Excl. U.S. The song also counts over 1 million video creations on TikTok at the time of publishing.
“I started to declare everything. I started to talk positively to myself. I started to love myself, and not go where all the sheep go,” he concludes.
Below, learn more about this month’s Billboard Latin Artist on the Rise:
Name: Juan David Loaiza Sepúlveda
Age: 27
Recommended Song: “UWAIE”
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Major Accomplishment: “Loving what I do and expanding what I do in music to nourish my life and my family. My mother is calm and can count on a son who is moving forward and giving love to the world. More than having hit songs, my mother feels comfortable that I can trust in me and not doubt my creativity. My voice is imperfect musically but in the end it transmits and reaches people. That is what makes me happiest, that through my gift I was able to support my family and connect with people in the best way possible… by being myself.”
What’s Next: “The ‘Ohnana’ remix and a salsa version of the song are coming. I would also like to do an English version with artists from Africa, but that’s a project I have in mind. I’m going to be on the remix of Greeicy’s ‘A Veces a Besos,’ and I’m going to release music with Maluma and J Balvin, but also a song of mine called ‘Sonrie’ (smile) that reflects everything I’m feeling at this moment.”
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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Lenny Tavárez, Brillar (Kristoman/Warner Music Latina)
Lenny Tavárez has unleashed his sophomore studio album, Brillar, three years after his debut set, Krack. With 16 tracks, Tavárez reeled in longtime collaborators Wisin, Feid, Prince Royce, Chencho Corleone, Ryan Castro, and Piso 21, to name a few. In true Tavárez fashion, and for the most part, the production delivers hard-hitting perreos and saucy reggaetóns, such as “Empelotica,” “Ojos Chinos” and “Mentí.”
Brillar also showcases the Puerto Rican artist’s ability to navigate other genres outside of the Latin urban space. In “Tu Feo,” he teamed up with Prince Royce for a romantic bachata; “Pushi Pashi” and “Tu Piel” are back-to-back electronic tunes; and the Sergio George-assisted “El Yate” is a heartfelt salsa song.
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“I feel like I’m at a balanced moment,” Tavárez said in a press statement. “Doing what I want, writing what I want, without following anyone or anything. Trusting that every day I’m striving to be the best version of myself.” — JESSICA ROIZ
L-Gante, Celda 4 (Warner Music Latina)
As a reflection of his time in prison last year, Argentinian rapper Elian Ángel Valenzuela, artistically known as L-Gante, presents his ultra-personal and emotionally charged debut album Celda 4—the cell where he wrote and recorded music during the 100 days he was locked up. In 2023, Valenzuela was accused of making threats with a weapon and kidnapping a neighbor of his family after a fight at a nightclub, as reported by El País. Celda 4 is a captivating fusion of hip-hop, cumbia, reggaeton and trap, with old-school musical influences.
This 13-track solo album is a fascinating immersion into the emerging ‘RKT’ genre, a local movement that seeks to merge cumbia with reggaetón. His lyrics vividly describe Argentine culture and life in marginalized neighborhoods: “For some, it’s nothing, but for others, it is a lot; we change the game, create a musical movement from the depths of the neighborhoods,” he reflects on the intro track “Sin 0.” The album’s focus track, “MVP,” showcases his exploration of hip-hop, a unique blend that L-Gante has coined as HHS or Hip Hop Sudaka, and sets the tone for the rest of the set. — INGRID FAJARDO
Luck Ra, Nicki Nicole, “Doctor” (Sony Music Latin)
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In a first collaborative effort, Argentine rapper Nicki Nicole and her fellow compatriot Luck Ra drop “Doctor.” Co-produced by Ramky and Tatool, the infectious track laces cumbia villera with norteño elements, backed by heavy percussion and a weeping accordion. In “Doctor,” Nicki and Luck reflect on a relationship that ended and has no chance of returning — but they still miss each other. “I don’t think of anyone who’s not you/ And there’s no doctor who can heal this pain,” goes the short-and-sweet chorus. The music video, filmed in the colonial streets of Buenos Aires, features the two artists, and an adorable old couple, flaunting their best cumbia-dancing skills. — J.R.
Elsa y Elmar, “Drogada de Emociones” (Sony Music México/Elmar Presenta)
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In her latest single “Drogada de Emociones,” Colombian artist Elsa y Elmar explores the universe of emotions that love awakens. The song, included in her new album PALACIO, combines the delicacy of her lyrics with a vocal interpretation that moves between vulnerability and charm. In the lyrics, Elsa offers us an intimate window into her emotional world, laying bare the euphoria and confusion of falling in love. “I’m drugged with emotions / With a laugh that I don’t know why / My heels bend / It’s that I look at you, and it can’t be me,” she sings, while the minimalist production allows her voice to shine in every note. — LUISA CALLE
Ambik, Origen (Grand Move Records/Warner Music Argentina)
Just four months after being featured in Billboard’s On the Radar Latin, Ambik releases a six-track EP in which she skillfully fuses poignant lyrics with experimental sounds. At only 16, the Argentine singer-songwriter — the younger sister of star Tiago PZK — at times can remind of a young Billie Eilish in songs like the piano led “A Tu Espera” and “Cuidar de los Dos,” which offer vulnerable lyrics and an evocative sound with haunting vocals.
On the focus track “Tenerte Otra Vez,” she sings over melancholic guitar melodies and a progressive bass line about a past relationship marred by her own insecurities. With lyrics that show a maturity beyond her years, she addresses themes like fear, destruction and loneliness in the more electronic “Caos,” before closing with the melancholic pop song “Gestos de Amor.” Origen is a solid debut EP in which Ambik demonstrates a clear vision of who she is as an artist.— SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Andrea Bocelli feat. Karol G, “Vivo Por Ella” (Decca Records/Sugar Music)
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Andrea Bocelli and Karol G team up to present a new duet titled “Vivo Por Ella,” reimagining one of his most celebrated songs, “Vivo Per Lei” (“I Live for Her”), originally featuring Spanish singer Marta Sánchez. In this revamped version, the classic piano is replaced with a mix of bowed (arco) and plucked (pizzicato) violin notes, lending a fresh pace that is slightly quicker than its ’90s predecessor.
This dynamic version expertly merges Bocelli’s powerful tenor with the vivid vocals of Colombian superstar Karol G, creating a compelling rendition that’s both fresh and nostalgic. Produced by David Foster and Ellis, this single is a highlight of Bocelli’s forthcoming album, Duets, due out Oct. 25. The album marks his 30th anniversary in music. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Listen to more editors’ Latin recommendations in the playlist below:
Andrea Bocelli has joined forces with Karol G for a new duet called “Vivo por Ella,” which arrived Friday (Aug. 30) via Decca Records/Sugar Music. The new single reinvents one of the Italian tenor’s most iconic tracks, “Vivo Per Lei” (“I Live for Her”), which originally features Spanish singer Marta Sánchez. The single is part of Bocelli’s upcoming album, Duets, which is slated to release on Oct. 25 and celebrates his 30th anniversary in music.
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Switching out the original piano for a blend of bow-stroked (arco) and plucked (pizzicato) violin notes, the newly reimagined version of the song adopts a slightly faster pace than the ’90s version. This powerful rendition features the passionate tenor of the Italian paired seamlessly with the vibrant vocals of the Colombian superstar. The song is produced by David Foster and Ellis.
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“This song holds a very special place in my heart, and it’s a great honor to reimagine it with one of the most talented and exciting new artists in the world, Karol G,” Bocelli said in a statement. “Her beautiful voice helps create a timeless celebration of love and music that will find new fans and resonate across generations.”
Karol G added in the press release, “I discovered Andrea when I was a teenager. I was super connected to his music, the power of his voice and his unique way of creating music. This song is a huge honor for me – it’s a song I’ve always loved, and when I was invited to sing ‘Vivo por Ella,’ it felt like coming home. It’s a song I really feel inside myself, it feels like it’s going to be a special point in my career.”
The original “Vivo Per Lei” achieved success in numerous countries when it was released in 1995 on his album Bocelli, including on the Billboard charts, peaking at No. 16 on Hot Latin Songs, No. 8 on Tropical Airplay and No. 9 on Latin Pop Airplay.
This career-spanning 32-track collection of Duets also includes duets with Ed Sheeran, Celine Dion, Sarah Brightman, Dua Lipa, Jennifer Lopez, Giorgia and Luciano Pavarotti, as well as Shania Twain, Chris Stapleton, Gwen Stefani, Marc Anthony, Hans Zimmer and more.
Stream the song below:
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Duets tracklist:
CD11. “Time To Say Goodbye” (Sarah Brightman)2. “Vivo Por Ella” (Karol G)3. “Quizás, Quizás, Quizás” (Jennifer Lopez)4. “Fall On Me” (Matteo Bocelli)5. “Perfect Symphony” (Ed Sheeran)6. “Da stanotte in poi (From This Moment On)” (Shania Twain)7. “Holding On” (Gwen Stefani)8. “Il mare calmo della sera” (Chris Stapleton)9. “The Prayer” (Céline Dion)10. “La vie en rose” (Édith Piaf)11. “E più ti penso – from ‘Once Upon A Time In America’” (Ariana Grande)12. “If Only” (Dua Lipa)13. “Somos Novios” (Christina Aguilera)14. “Return To Love” (Ellie Goulding)15. “Rimani qui” (Elisa)16. “Vivo per lei” (Giorgia)CD21. “Dare To Live (Vivere)” (Laura Pausini)2. “Can’t Help Falling In Love” (Katharine McPhee)3. “Hallelujah” (Virginia Bocelli)4. “Amazing Grace” (Alison Krauss)5. “Moon River – from ‘Breakfast At Tiffany’s’” (Sofia Carson)6. “Canto della terra” (Lauren Daigle)7. “La voce del silenzio” (Marc Anthony)8. “Canzoni stonate” (Stevie Wonder)9. “Un amore così grande” (Veronica Berti)10. “Notte ‘e piscatore” – Live in Modena (Luciano Pavarotti)11. “Io ci sarò” (Lang Lang)12. “Pianissimo” (Cecilia Bartoli)13. “The Pearl Fishers Duet” – Live in Central Park (Bryn Terfel)14. “Bambina mia ricordati” (Virginia Bocelli)15. “What Child Is This?” (Mary J. Blige)16. “Time To Say Goodbye” (Matteo Bocelli, Hans Zimmer)
Warner Music Brazil has introduced a series of measures aimed at boosting its impact across a range of local music genres, the company announced today (Aug. 29). These initiatives demonstrate a strong commitment to widening the company’s presence in the competitive music market.
“As we elevate our regional approach to be closer to our global leadership, expanding our presence in Brazil, the world’s ninth largest music market, is crucial to the company’s growth,” Alejandro Duque, president of Warner Music Latin America, said in a press release. “We’ve always had a strong presence in the country, but we know we need to do more to support its diverse musical genres.”
In an effort to support that vision, Leila Oliveira, president of Warner Music Brazil, has strengthened her leadership team by appointing Tatiana Cantinho as general manager and Mariana Frensel as director of marketing. Both appointees have commenced their roles and will be based at the company’s headquarters in Rio de Janeiro.
“Warner Music Brazil is reinventing the role of the record company in our rapidly changing industry. We need to be more nimble than ever when it comes to connecting artists with fans and building a wave of support for our talent that can be turned into a sustainable career,” Cantinho said. “Music can travel further and faster than ever before and we want to help artists from different backgrounds take their place centre stage.”
Cantinho brings over two decades of industry experience to her role. Her career includes regional positions at Sony Music and leadership at the independent label Som Livre (since purchased by Sony), before she founded her own music company, Stamina Musical, in 2022.
Meanwhile, Frensel returns to Warner Music Brazil, where she previously served as international label manager from 2011 to 2015. Her latest role comes after an eight-year tenure at Match Group, where she most recently held the position of director of revenue and growth for new verticals.
“I’m super pleased to be returning to Warner Music at this key moment in its development,” Frensel said. “Leila has a vision for how a modern music company should evolve and the importance of artist narratives is at the heart of it. I want to bring my experience to bear as our new genre-focused teams get to work supporting Brazil’s most vibrant talent.”
“This is a key moment for Warner Music Brazil,” Oliveira said. “The arrival of Tatiana and Mariana strengthens my leadership team and together we’ll rewrite the rules about how the industry operates here. Our new genre-specific teams mean that we’ll be able to superserve artists better than ever and help all types of Brazilian talent connect with fans here and around the world.”
At the same time, Warner Music Brazil is restructuring its A&R and marketing departments to better focus on key Brazilian genres such as sertanejo, forró, samba, funk and urbano music. Marcos Kilzer will continue to lead the A&R team as its director, collaborating closely with Cantinho.
Additionally, the newly-formed Creative Services team, led by Thiago Abreu who reports directly to Oliveira, will support both marketing and A&R departments while being heavily involved with brand partnerships and live music projects.
These adjustments are among several significant initiatives undertaken by Oliveira since she became the first female label head in Brazil in 2022. Just last month, following the establishment of the new Warner Music Space headquarters in Rio’s Barra da Tijuca, Oliveira facilitated an investment with ADA Brazil in Sua Música group, blending efforts to nurture regional talent.
According to the latest IFPI figures, Brazil ranks as the ninth-largest recorded music market globally, valued at $573.6 million and growing at 13.39% last year, with “87.1% of industry revenues coming from streaming channels,” according to a press release.
Warner Music Brazil is home to artists like IZA, Pedro Sampaio, Ferrugem, MC Hariel, MC Ryan SP, Kayblack, MC IG, MC Don Juan, Azzy, Marvvila, Thiago Freitas, US Agroboy, João Bosco & Vinícius and Clayton & Romario.
Mexican-American singer-songwriter Jacqie Rivera has signed a global deal with Virgin Music Group, Billboard can announce exclusively today (Aug. 29). Her first single under this new partnership, “Si Pasa Una Mosca,” will be released on Friday.
Daughter of the late “Diva de la Banda” Jenni Rivera and sister of fellow singer Chiquis, Jacqie Rivera is best known for her participation in reality shows about her family like The Riveras and I Love Jenni. In 2018, she released a version of a classic love song in Spanish, “Qué Ganas De No Verte Nunca Más,” which her mother had previously recorded, and between 2020 and 2021 she put out a series of singles independently, including “La Razón,” “When It Hurts,” “Existo Yo” and “Hurt.”
This is her first record deal and will include “multiple albums,” her publicist tells Billboard.
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“Being a part of the Virgin team is an answered prayer,” Rivera said in a press release. “It feels so good to have people on your side that believe in your dreams. This is just the beginning for us. Thank you Virgin for being part of my history.”“Everyone at Virgin is so happy to partner with Jacqie on this next phase of her career,” added Victor Gonzalez, President of Latin America and Iberian Peninsula, Virgin Music Group. “Jacqie has made an incredible album, and we can’t wait to share it with the world.”
No further details about the deal were provided.
As for her first single under the label, “Si Pasa Una Mosca” (which means “If a fly passes by”) was written by Salvador Aponte and Leslie Laraim, and produced by Carlos Alvarez. According to the release, the song combines melancholic sounds with a moving narrative that explores the pain and resignation of a relationship that is coming to an end.
“The first time I heard the song, I was driving my car and immediately felt a lump in my throat and started to cry,” Rivera said. “The lyrics are powerful, and I felt connected to them.”Jacqie Rivera is the executor of her mother’s estate, whose latest posthumous releases have been under Sony Music Latin.
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 either by networking or coming across their music at a showcase, and beyond. See our recommendations this month below:
Deny K
Country: Colombia / Italy
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Why They Should Be On Your Radar: Born in Colombia, but residing almost his entire life in Italy, Deny K (real name: Jhon Daniel Castro) is an artist and producer whose main mission is to shed more visibility on the global reggaetón scene in Europe. At only 23 years old, Deny K is already signed to Empire Records and has released a number of singles that flaunt his experimental versatility, from reggaetón to corridos to urban fusions with Middle Eastern rhythms.
His charming and boy-next-door personality, backed up by his dulcet vocals, can be heard on his most recent collaboration “WOA,” a flirty dembow with Dominican artist Angel Dior. Deny — who fluently speaks English, Spanish, and Italian — lived in the Dominican Republic during the pandemic, where he was able to secure collaborations with key local acts such as Kiko El Crazy and El Cherry Scom, to name a few. — JESSICA ROIZ
Song For Your Playlist: “WOA,” Deny K & Angel Dior
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Doble Sentido
Country: Venezuela
Why They Should Be On Your Radar: The Venezuelen pop group is not entirely new, but it has only recently started to make noise internationally. Doble Sentido started out two decades ago as a family business, playing covers at fairs, weddings and local parties. Over the years, it evolved into an independent band writing its own songs, with a different lineup. Now based in Panama and made up of brothers Ray (voice and keyboard) and JuanMa (voice and guitar) Yepez, Gustavo Calvo (percussion), Erick Reyes (bass) and Fernando Colmenarez (drums), Doble Sentido made its official debut in 2019 with the single “Magia,” produced by Emmanuel Briceño (musical director of Juanes). Since then, they’ve been perfecting their sound in songs like “Mala Vida” and “Para Los Dos.”
“We are influenced by Latin pop, we sing songs of love and heartbreak, combining between ballads, merengue, urban and a little pop rock,” they tell Billboard Español. Their latest single is “No Quiero Perdérmelo” with Argentine rock band Los Rancheros. Released on Aug. 8, it’s an exhilarating breakup anthem about still being in love with the one that got away. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Song For Your Playlist: “No Quiero Perdérmelo,” Doble Sentido & Los Rancheros
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EMMA
Country: Venezuela
Why They Should Be On Your Radar: As a Latin American trans woman, Venezuelan singer Emma has something to say, and she does it in an honest and eloquent way. “Being myself has been a challenge, but I face it with a lot of dignity and a lot of strength,” she tells Billboard Español, and that is evident in her songs. From the smooth reggaeton “Tantito” in 2020 to 2022’s “Me Puse Mami” to the bachata “No Era Yo” released in January, Emma presents herself as she is, addressing her challenges and professing the importance of self-love.
Living in Mexico for seven years — where she began her career as a singer-songwriter, and also her physical transition — Emma is dedicated to music, “wanting to transform people with my message” and collaborate as a writer with other artists. Last week, she released “Como a Una Mujer,” an emotional pop ballad about how she lives (“locked in a room, hidden”) and the illusion of wanting to live it in freedom (“as every person deserves”). Co-written by Emma with her Venezuelan compatriots Sara Schell and Juan Vegas, it is the first single from a five-song EP titled HEMMATOMA that she plans to release in March 2025. — S.R.A.
Song For Your Playlist: “Como a Una Mujer”
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Little Homie
Country: Dominican Republic
Why They Should Be On Your Radar: Originating from Santo Domingo, Little Homie is carving out a niche in the realm of Spanish-language rap while helping boost drill in his native island. His breakout hit, “Bailando Drill” with fellow rappers Carlos Trvp, Blacky Drippy, Keyviem and Nelly Nellz, established him as a key player in popularizing the menacing trap subgenre.
Known for integrating gritty textures of old-school samples, his latest track “Tengo Eso” interpolates the merengue classic “Suavemente” by Elvis Crespo, blending traditional rhythms with hard-hitting beats. Tonight, he debuts his next single, “X ENCIMA,” through Roc Nation, featuring a soul-stirring sample of Nancy Sinatra’s “Bang Bang (You Shot Me Down)” entwined with punchy 808 drums and fluttering guitar riffs. A vital member of the young rap collective 4TG, with artists like Lismar and Keyviem, Little Homie is definitely a promising star to keep an eye on.— ISABELA RAYGOZA
Song For Your Playlist: “Tengo Eso”
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NSQK
Country: México
Why They Should Be On Your Radar: A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to meet NSQK in Miami during the listening session of his latest album ATP (acronym for “Aún te Pienso,” which means “I still think of you”). While he passionately explained the album’s creative process, I discovered that the Monterrey-born artist has an avant-garde vision of music. His marketing plan played with nostalgia and created an “imaginary world” that transports his listeners to “Radio ATP.”
With features such as Álvaro Díaz, Paopao, Easykid, El Malilla, and Nina Mínguez, NSQK’s latest set boasts collaborations that boost his project to an international level. The singer-songwriter and producer skillfully navigates through diverse musical genres, including rap, pop, reggaeton, R&B, and even regional Mexican music. These songs serve as melodic vehicles for expressing hope and positive messages through their lyrics. — INGRID FAJARDO
Song For Your Playlist: “Tarde o Temprano”
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Young Miko took the stage at New York’s The Theater at Madison Square Garden for two back-to-back performances on Tuesday and Wednesday (Aug. 27-28), captivating the audience with a one-and-a-half-hour show. As part of her XOXO Tour 2024 across the U.S. in support of her new album, Att., Young Miko delivered numerous highlights on her second day to her eager fans, including appearances from two special surprise guests: Villano Antillano and Tokischa.
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Dressed in a pastel-hued, shimmery BMX racing jersey set and with her brown hair slicked back, the rising hitmaker performed through her hits including “Wiggy,” “Lisa” and “Classy 101” originally featuring Feid, as well as “Fina,” originally with Bad Bunny.
The excitement peaked when Villano Antillano entered the spotlight, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Dressed in high leather boots, a black top and a thong, with her long black hair reaching her lower back, Villano exuded a fierce demeanor. The two Puerto Rican rappers teamed up to perform “Madre,” with Villano owning the catwalk across the stage, while Miko showcased some ballroom-style rave moves.
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“We have a legend in the house today, New York. She is la foking Villano, baby. Viva PR, queen!” Young Miko commanded, then turned her attention to the guest star. “You know how much I love you. This woman collaborated with me when no one knew who the hell I was. And now I have the honor to call her my sister. I adore you! Te amo, mi amor.”
Villano replied, “I love you, my love,” returning the affection.
Later in the evening, as the hard-hitting reggaetón banger Bad Gyal’s “Chulo pt. 2” started, both Miko and the audience amped up the energy. The crowd went wild as Tokischa hit the stage unexpectedly. Dressed in a short, sporty white skirt and a strapless black halter top, with her hair slicked back in a braid, the Dominican dembow rapper-singer flawlessly delivered every verse, adding some twerking with the night’s star for good measure.
The stage décor was tantalizingly playful. Miko first appeared in a setting resembling perhaps her childhood bedroom — dominated by pink, her favorite color, with a giant tamagotchi beside her on a bed. Later, the scenery shifted to a pixelated outdoor field where she sang atop a log surrounded by plants and flowers, looking exceptionally adorable. She also got naughty — at one point she made a sexual innuendo with her microphone, and briefly showed off her toned abs — sparking screams from her fans.
The Puerto Rican singer-rapper’s NYC performance not only showcased her rapidly ascending career, but also was packed with invigorating moments, including plenty of laughter. At one point, she paused to read some clever and hilarious cardboard signs brought by fans. “When I play with my kitty and think of you, I get a happy ending,” Young Miko read out loud. “I honestly love that for you. We all love a happy ending.”
Watch Young Miko perform with Villano Antillano and Tokischa below: