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Tickets for RUMBAZO 2024 — the two-day event taking place Sept. 13-14 and headlined by Nicky Jam, Luis R Conriquez, Arcángel and Codiciado – are now on sale. Announced earlier this week, the third edition of RUMBAZO, this year in partnership with Billboard, is set to take place at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center, […]
It’s International LGBT Pride Day (June 28th), and to celebrate, we have created a playlist with great music from LGBTQ artists who have broken barriers and conventions, paving the way for others to present themselves to the world as they are. With songs like “FruityBoy” by Villano Antillano (from their new album Miss Misogyny, released […]
On June 20, the official first day of summer, Karol G unleashed her first-ever merengue single, “Ai Antes Te Hubiera Conocido” (which translates to “if I would’ve met you before). Co-produced by Edgar Barrera, Sky Rompiendo, and Karol, the new bop is vibrant, feel-good, and optimistic. Beyond its flirtatious lyrics — about crushing on a […]
After a five-year hiatus from the U.S. due to a visa revocation over a minor marijuana possession charge, Mexican musician Codiciado made a striking comeback. Barred from entry just as his career began to ascend, the Tijuana-born artist didn’t let this setback slow his momentum. He had already co-founded Grupo Codiciado in 2015 and rapidly gained industry recognition with eight full-length albums— from 2016’s Si Lo Digo Es Porque Puedo to 2022’s Cuadro de Honor via Rancho Humilde.
Undeterred by the challenges, Codiciado used this period to reinvent himself. He split from Grupo Codiciado to pursue a solo venture, a move catalyzed by both contemplation and encouragement from fans. “When we made the decision to split up, I really wanted to stop — I didn’t want to make music, because I was with the idea that we were a group and that people knew me for the group,” he tells Billboard Español. “But the people who were with me at the time gave me encouragement to say that it wasn’t over there, that it was just a stepping stone, a stumble. We had to keep going.”
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This new venture culminated in his 2023 solo debut, Golpes de La Vida, which delved into his personal and professional experiences. Rather than stalling, the separation from U.S. audiences fueled his resolve, setting the stage for a triumphant return.
Codiciado’s reentry into the U.S. market was marked by a successful five-date tour with sold-out venues and record attendance, particularly at Sacramento’s Hard Rock Live. The tour’s success not only reaffirmed his artistic presence, but also spurred him to schedule an extended second leg of the Ando Enfocado U.S. Tour. This new leg included 14 additional dates, starting in Brooklyn, New York on September 27 and wrapping up in Reno, Nevada on October 26.
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But before that, he will also be touring Mexico and performing at RUMBAZO 2024, a Latin music festival in its third edition in partnership with Billboard. Headlined by Nicky Jam and Luis R. Conriquez, the event will take place on September 13 and 14 in Las Vegas and will also feature Arcángel.
Meanwhile, the singer-songwriter has also been making the rounds on the Billboard charts. “Gabachas,” with Joaquin Medina and Sheeno, secured his first top 10 placement on the Latin Pop Airplay chart, reaching No. 9 in June. “It was merely a studio session,” he says of the creative process. “We got together in Los Angeles and spent about four or five hours hammering out the beat, the lyrics and the melodies.”
His musical influences and the roots of his passion for Mexican music were shaped by his surroundings and personal experiences in Tijuana. “The music I fell in love with [I heard] at home and in the streets of Tijuana, listening to corridos,” Codiciado explained. He cites Los Tucanes de Tijuana as a big influence, and mentions being 14 years old when he wrote his first song. “It was a corrido that I did for a…. I mean, I didn’t know about cartels in those days, just what I heard on the street, but it was a corrido for someone from Sinaloa,” he mentions.
On his stage name, Codiciado — which means “coveted” or “sought-after” — he adds, “[Codiciado] is something you want to have, something that costs. I told my former bandmates that we had to live up to the name, which was to stick so that we were actually sought-after — something that costs money, unlike any local band.”
When it comes to his style — as an artist who might be mistaken as a rapper, but also with a fashion sense that one might associate with Natanael Cano and the new wave of corridos — Codiciado was also ahead of the curve, donning urban wear before it was a thing in música Mexicana.
“I had several disagreements with older colleagues, because they thought I was [dressing this way] to look out of place. Many took it as an offense, saying, ‘No, man, we’re the same, and you’re wearing durags, caps and sneakers, while we’re here with cowboy hats and boots,’” he recalls. “I did it because I come from Tijuana. Although my parents are from Sinaloa, my culture is more urban. In fact, when Nata later broke out — and several other new young artists — everyone tried to have that image. It was a big change for the genre.”
Beyond his music career, Codiciado has remained committed to giving back to the community. His collaboration with La Fundación UFW, a foundation started by activist Cesar Chávez, underscores his dedication.
“We as a society have to be a little bit more noble and empathize more with people who don’t have,” says the artist born Erick de Jesús Aragón, who began earning money working in the Southern California fields. “It’s always good to do our bit. Even the people who work in the fields or on the streets have feelings and many times they share what they have. So, I always try to encourage others to do the same. If you have 100 pesos, give 10, 20, nothing happens. I try to have those approaches, not only with the fields, but also with children and families.”
Name: Erick de Jesús Aragón Alcantar
Age: 31
Recommended Song: “Vamos Aclarando Muchas Cosas”
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Biggest Accomplishment: “My children. A four year old son and a ten year old daughter.”
What’s Next: “The second part of my Ando Enfocado Tour. [First] we are planning touring Mexico. The upcoming album is called No Lo Intenten En Casa, Vol. 2, because when I was with Grupo Codiciado, we did No Lo Intenten En Casa. That album contains corridos bélicos. We want to give continuity to volume two. I already have it recorded — I’m just working on the vocals so we can have it ready for November.”
Just days ahead of what would have been her 55th birthday, Jenni Rivera was immortalized with the 2,783rd star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
On Thursday (June 26), the Mexican icon was honored by her five children — Jacqie, Johnny, Chiquis, Jenicka and Michael — with heartfelt speeches that celebrated the late singer’s life and legacy. Pop diva Gloria Trevi, one of Rivera’s closest friends, was also in attendance and was among the first to take the stage to share a few words.
“I think just Jenni Rivera can make me speak in English,” Trevi said. “Today is a very special today. We are honoring and celebrating the life of a distinguished woman. Today, love and talent defeat death. The daughter, the sister, the woman, the mother, the friend lives through all of us who love and admire here. For me, it is an honor to witness this recognition along with her family. She triumphed in a genre dominated by men. Jenni is unforgettable and unrepeatable, this star symbolizes her light in our hearts. Today is a day to celebrate, to celebrate the life of Jenni Rivera. Thank you Jenni, we love you,” Trevi said, visibly emotional.
Getting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame was something her children said Rivera not only dreamt with, but manifested would happen for her. “She did that sh-t, and it’s cooler to say she did it from heaven,” Jenicka said. “I thought it was impossible to get [the star] after her death but God has a way of proving people wrong.”
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Chiquis, who has followed in her mother’s footsteps forging her own path in regional Mexican music, remembered her mother’s courage. “It is an honor to be the daughter of such an amazing woman, a woman that accomplished so much but being the daughter of a woman who has left her footprint on earth and on so many people’s hearts. I see her in my siblings and all of you guys,” she told the fans who had gathered to see the star unveiled in front of Capitol Records on Vine Street, neighboring Selena Quintanilla‘s star.
Rivera’s son, Mikey, called it a “surreal” moment and compared her mother’s star to “winning a championship.” Meanwhile, her youngest honored her mother’s generosity. “She was always looking to help someone out, it filled her heart with joy. The world would be a better place if everyone else was more like my mother,” Johnny expressed.
Jacqie was the last one to take the stage and honored her mother with a beautiful speech. “This is beauty for ashes. This gives even more purpose to the life my mother lived. A single mother chasing a dream to give a better life to her children. She lived her life so openly, she inspired men and women around the world, she was able to impact many with her life and music. This is a very bittersweet moment because I wish she could be here and witness the beautiful smile on her face and hear the witty speech she’d deliver. Momma, we are proud of you, proud to be your children and will forever be grateful for everything you did for us.”
Known as “La Diva de la Banda,” Jenni Rivera was the single most successful woman in regional Mexican and on the Billboard Latin charts when she tragically died in a plane crash in 2012 at the age of 43. She entered more than 30 songs on the Regional Mexican Airplay, 15 of those hit the top 10. On the Hot Latin Songs chart, she placed a total of 25 songs, two hit the top 10: “Ahora Que Estuviste Lejos” and “La Misma Gran Señora.”
SESAC Latina celebrated its 30th anniversary with the annual SESAC Latina Music Awards, which took place on Wednesday (June 26) at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles.
The ceremony — which included heartfelt speeches and a special performance by tejano/norteño group Intocable — awarded siblings Julián and Manuel Turizo songwriter of the year, pop/Latin rhythm. Meanwhile, for the first time ever, Salvador Aponte received the songwriter of the year, regional Mexican award.
Julián and Manuel were recognized for their smash hit “El Merengue,” which won song of the year, pop/Latin rhythm. On the Billboard Latin Airplay chart, the song peaked at No. 1 last year. As for Aponte, he was honored for música mexicana songs he wrote like “La Patrona,” “Se Buscan Borrachos” and “1500 Pedas” — all of which were recognized with performance awards.
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The SESAC Latina Award for song of the year, regional Mexican went to “Frágil”, written by Yahritza Martínez and recorded by Yahritza y Su Esencia and Grupo Frontera. On the Latin Airplay chart, the song peaked at No. 2 last summer.
Mexican singer-songwriter Luciano Luna was honored with the Legacy Award. He has been previously recognized four times as SESAC Latina Songwriter of the Year for his many hits performed by a variety of acts, such as Banda El Recodo (“La Mejor de Todas”), Calibre 50 (“Tus Latidos”), Julión Álvarez (“Te Hubieras Ido Antes”), Grupo Firme (“El Reemplazo”) and Banda Los Recoditos (“Me Sobrabas Tú”).
See the main winners list below:
Songwriter of the Year – Pop/Latin Rhythm
Manuel Turizo
Julián Turizo
Publisher of the Year – Pop/Latin Rhythm
Sony Music Publishing
Song of the Year Pop/Latin Rhythm, “El Merengue“
Written by: Manuel Turizo, Julián Turizo
Published by: MTZ Publishing, Jutuza Publishing, La Industria Music Publishing, Sony Sounds
Recorded by: Marshmello & Manuel Turizo
Songwriter of the Year – Regional Mexican
Salvador Aponte
Publisher of the Year – Regional Mexican
Universal Music Publishing
Song of the Year – Regional Mexican, “Frágil“
Written by: Yahritza Martínez
Published by: Yahritza Martínez Publishing, Universal Musica Latina
Recorded by: Yahritza y Su Esencia & Grupo Frontera
Legacy Award
Luciano Luna
A Caifanes concert at the Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage in New York City was abruptly cut short due to bad weather on Wednesday night (June 26). The evening was a unique occasion for fans, who were able to see two of Mexico’s most iconic rock acts, Café Tacvba and Caifanes, together on the […]
Banda Los Sebastianes de Saúl Plata and Edgardo Nuñez celebrate the success of “El Humo De Mi Gallo,” their first collaboration, which rises from No. 3 to lead Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay chart dated June 29.
“I’m extremely happy that we are in first place with ‘El Humo De Mi Gallo’,” Armando Celis, better known as Choco and vocalist for Los Sebastianes, tells Billboard. “Thank you to all who are listening to our music.”
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The new No. 1 gives Nuñez a second leader, after the 23-year-old scored his first No. 1 on any Billboard chart just two months ago, when “First Love,” with Oscar Ortiz, ruled for one week in April.
“I feel very happy and grateful that in such a short time we have achieved two No. 1s on Billboard,” Nuñez adds. “For me it is a great honor to be in this prestigious magazine thanks to our work. I am always grateful to my friends Los Sebastianes and Oscar Ortiz for these achievements.”
“El Humo De Mi Gallo” leads with 6.1 million audience impressions earned during the June 14-20 tracking week, according to Luminate. That’s a 13% increase from the week prior. That gain dethrones El Fantasma’s “Sabor a Michelada” which falls to No. 2 with 5.4 million impressions, down 36%.
With “Humo” Banda Los Sebastianes de Saúl Plata capture their sixth leader. They last led two years ago through “Modo Incógnito” in April 2022. Since then, the Sinaloans placed three entries, including the No. 10 peaking “Promteo,” with Kurt.
“Grateful for our audience, both at radio and shows, who request our songs,” Javier Larrañaga, the latest vocalist for Los Sebastianes, shares. “We are happy with all of you and look forward to more music, great things coming ahead.”
Beyond its Regional Mexican Airplay coronation, “Humo” rises 10-6 on the overall Latin Airplay ranking, for its new peak, the highest entry for Los Sebastianes since the equal No. 6 high “Sin Miedo al Éxito” in 2021.
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Thalia Returns To The Top 10: Elsewhere on the Latin charts, Thalia makes a strong comeback to the upper region on Latin Airplay with “Te Va a Doler,” her first Grupo Firme collab, which flies 12-3 with 6.6 million audience impressions, up 23%.
The surge marks Thalia’s first top 10 on Latin Airplay since 2013, when “Te Perdiste Mi Amor,” featuring Prince Royce, reached No. 1 in 2013. Plus, the song, which ascends 4-2 on Latin Pop Airplay, marks the pop star’s best showing in over a decade and a half, following an equal No. 2 peak though “Equivicada” in Feb. 2010.
Further, Grupo Firme, who also scored their first entry on a pop radio ranking when “Te Va a Doler” debuted in the top 15 on Latin Pop Airplay in May, capture its 10th top 10 on the overall Latin Airplay tally.
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Karol G has achieved yet another career milestone with the “Provenza” music video surpassing one billion views on YouTube, just two years after it was released. The beachy music video filmed by Pedro Artola on the island of Lanzarote marks the Colombian artist’s ninth clip to enter the coveted “Billion Views Club” as a lead, […]
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:
Artist: Augusto Tamayo
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Country: Colombia
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: After more than 20 years as a songwriter, instrumentalist and arranger, with credits on productions by stars including Carlos Vives, Fito Páez and Andrés Cepeda, Colombian musician Augusto Tamayo made his debut as a performer last month with the album Perfectamente Imperfecto., released on May 29. Driven largely by piano, the 11-track set includes songs about love and heartbreak, loss and pain, performed with great sensibility and beautifully produced. Tamayo, who was trained in composition, piano, orchestration and jazz and contemporary music, seems to have poured both his soul and his two-decade experience in this work. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Song For Your Playlist: “Perfectamente Imperfecto”
Artist: Briella
Country: Venezuela
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: Urban music artist Briella, whose real name is María Gabriela Otaiza, is one of the genre’s emerging talents gaining popularity from her native Venezuela. The singer began her career in music in 2021 and has captured the public’s attention with songs like “UN BETA,” “QLQ,” and “PARTY TETEO.”
But her most successful song to date is “Coquette,” a catchy cumbia-influenced reggaetón released in February, which to date has amassed more than 18 million views on YouTube. Recently, she released the remix of this song with Argentineans La Joaqui and Yami Safdie, further increasing her reach. Briella’s musical style, which fuses urban and pop rhythms, along with her charismatic presence on social networks, has allowed her to gain followers every day. Recently, she had her first concert in Venezuela, where she also connected with her roots by performing one of her songs in joropo style. — LUISA CALLE
Song for Your Playlist: “Coquette”
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Artist: Alayn García
Country: Cuba
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: Hailing from Camagüey, Cuba, Alayn García is a percussionist-turned-singer, who this year embarked on his solo career with his debut single “Se Va.” Produced by Cuban hitmaker Mr. Vla, the tropical tune — which narrates the story of a man who’s done with girl’s who play with him — sets the tone for García’s proposal: a modern take on contemporary salsa music. As a musician, García has collaborated with multiple salsa giants including Victor Manuelle, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Andy Montañez and Tito Nieves. Additionally, García is Rey Ruiz’s longtime backup vocalist and percussionist, and is currently on tour with the Cuban-born artist. — JESSICA ROIZ
Song for Your Playlist: “Se Va”
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Artist: Lomiiel
Country: Dominican Republic
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: I vividly remember the day I discovered Lomiiel — it was at a friend’s pool party, where her neighbor next door blasted a catchy tune that immediately caught my attention. The song was fun. The voice was different. It was a refreshing take on dembow. With “Hay Lupita,” the teen Dominican artist born Marco Antonio Santana and hailing from La Romana has captured a new generation — one that’s probably discovering dembow until now. With its sped-up drum pattern and carefree energy, “Lupita” — about a girl who looks good and is moving her hips to the beat — has garnered over 800K video creations on TikTok and over 20 million views on YouTube, and has spent seven weeks in the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart, further demonstrating that Lomiiel is the new face of the Dominican urban movement. — J.R.
Song for Your Playlist: “Hay Lupita”
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Artist: MARI “La Carajita”
Country: Venezuela
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: When I first listened to the song MARI will release on June 28, I was instantly hooked. “Prioridad” is a hip-swiveling cumbia-pop that’s both sonically catchy and lyrically deep. Penned by the Venezuelan singer-songwriter, the track is a departure from what she’s previously release. Sounding right at home in her upcoming tejano-leaning song, MARI is actually most known for her reggaetón, swag-heavy tunes. It’s refreshing to see an up-and-coming artist with that versatility and confidence to dabble in different genres early on in her career. For now, check out her latest release, the reggaetón drums-powered “Facetime,” and on Friday, be on the lookout for “Prioridad.” — GRISELDA FLORES
Song for Your Playlist: “Facetime”
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Artist: SpliffHappy
Country: U.S. (of Mexican descent)
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: Corridos verdes was a vibrant subgenre, mainly flourishing predominantly in the West Coast, reaching a high in 2018 with bands like Legado 7 and T3R Elemento leading the charge. Since then, the genre has seen new buds of música mexicana sprout, with artists such as Natanael Cano, Peso Pluma and Lenin Ramirez nodding to cannabis culture — though the trend has mellowed in intensity over time.
Enter SpliffHappy, a Brooklyn-bred artist with Mexican roots, who dropped a single bien tumbado dubbed “Ando” in May. Backed by an ensemble of corridos musicians, SpliffHappy delves into the corridos scene for the first time, pouring his soul into Spanish lyrics about gray days brightened by the occasional spliff. Initially recognized for his trap tunes in English, his latest Spanish-singing venture in “Ando” showcases intriguing vocals and features a video of him and a large crew taking over the corner block, promising a new high in his musical career. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Song For Your Playlist: “Ando”
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Artist: Yami Safdie
Country: Argentina
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: Some of the strengths of talented singer-songwriter Yami Safdie, whose full name is Yamila Safdie, are her distinctive voice color and the depth of her lyrics. The Argentine singer-songwriter and influencer began her musical career in 2017 with sporadic singles, but it was in 2022 when she released her first album, Dije Que No Me Iba a Enamorar, after signing with Warner Music the previous year.
This album includes “El bolero,” her most successful song, in collaboration with rapper Milo J — which has accumulated more than 88 million streams on Spotify. She and Milo J have also collaborated on the song “Carencias de Cordura.” With reflective lyrics about love and heartbreak, and a mix of urban elements with cumbia, pop and even bolero, Yami Safdie is building a name for herself in the music scene. She also opened for Luis Miguel during his tour of Argentina. — L.C.
Song for Your Playlist: “El bolero” (feat. Milo J)
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