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Bogotá — the capital and largest city of Colombia — was founded 486 years ago today (Aug. 6), and Billboard is celebrating by spotlighting some of its musical gems. Our list (in alphabetical order below) includes a mix of renowned and emerging artists from the likes of Latin rock giants Aterciopelados to up-and-coming pop star […]
The image of the legendary singer Celia Cruz is now depicted on a U.S. quarter. Widely known as the Queen of Salsa, the late Cuban artist was chosen along with four other exemplary women from history to be featured on the U.S. quarter as part of the American Women Quarters Program this year. She also makes history as the first Afro-Latina to appear on the coin.
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“Celia received so many accolades during her lifetime that it was hard to expect a greater honor than what she had already accumulated during her legendary career,” said Omer Pardillo-Cid, Cruz’s last artistic representative and the executor of her estate, in a press release. “But to have been honored by the U.S. Mint in this way is something that would have surprised her greatly since she was a simple and humble woman.”
Celebrated for her iconic shout “¡Azúcar!” — a phrase also inscribed on the coin — Cruz is acknowledged as a cultural symbol and an influential vocalist in history, boasting nearly 40 albums. On the U.S. quarter, she is depicted in her customary Cuban attire, captured with her characteristic vivacity.
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The U.S. Mint’s other 2024 honorees are Patsy Takemoto Mink, the first woman of color to serve in Congress; Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, a women’s rights advocate and Civil War era surgeon; poet, activist, and lawyer Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray; and Native American writer, composer, educator and political activist Zitkala-Ša. The four-year American Women Quarters Program “celebrates the accomplishments and contributions made by women of the United States,” states the official website, which also sells the coins individually and as a set.
“All of the women honored have unique accomplishments that have significantly impacted the history of our nation,” said Ventris C. Gibson, director of the Mint, in a press release.
Pardillo-Cid also announced that starting on Aug. 19, Leon Medical Centers in South Florida will distribute the commemorative Celia Cruz coin in special packaging. The centers are located in Miami-Dade County, home to nearly two million Hispanics, mostly Cubans. “This recognition is a source of enormous pride for all Cubans and for all Hispanics in general,” said Benjamín León Jr., president and founder of Leon Medical Centers, in a press release.
For each year commencing in 2022 and running through 2025, the U.S. Mint will issue five new reverse designs; the head side of the coin will still feature George Washington, but with a slightly different design from the previous quarter program.
See the Mint’s celebration of the coin below:
In the early ‘90s, an unlikely Ecuadorian immigrant blasted into mainstream superstardom with his Latin pop-rap sensation “Rico Suave.” The surprising Spanglish banger by Gerardo — which peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100, No. 2 on Hot Rap Songs, and 12 on Dance Singles Sales — catapulted him into unexpected icon (and sex symbol) status, marking a significant moment in the cross-pollination of Latin music and the Billboard U.S. charts.
The then-budding star had already appeared in a plethora of big American films, like Can’t Buy Me Love and Colors, and won a national breakdancing contest. After achieving mainstream recognition, he transitioned to working behind the scenes as an A&R for several big music corporations, playing a pivotal role in Enrique Iglesias’ U.S. breakthrough, and later contributing to the rise of reggaetón in the ’00s.
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Today, Gerardo Mejía, once a dynamic performer who danced his way into the hearts of millions, has shifted rhythms — morphing from a pop sensation into a seasoned music executive for UnitedMasters, a pastor, and even a coffee entrepreneur.
In an interview with Billboard Español, Gerardo reflects on the fame that the ’90s afforded him, his groundbreaking journey into Christian rap in Spanish, and his role behind the scenes as an A&R, helping to bring FloyyMenor and Cris MJ’s No. 1 Latin Songs hit “Gata Only” to the mainstream. (Moreover, he shares insights into his latest entrepreneurial venture, launching his own coffee brand — aptly titled Rico Suave — as he leverages his legacy to brew up another kind of success.)
Looking back to 1991 when your hit “Rico Suave” reached No. 7 on the Hot 100 — what were your thoughts about achieving such significant success as a then-new artist?
At that time, I was like a kid in a candy store. I didn’t really know what was actually happening. Nowadays, we see a lot of Spanish songs that have crossed over, and you see them on the [all-genres] Billboard [charts]. In those days, there wasn’t what we call the Latin resurgence, it wasn’t worldwide. It was very regional. You had L.A. and the East Coast where you would hear some of the Latin stuff.
I recently went back and looked at when we got to No. 7. If you look at that chart [dated April 13, 1991], all the top songs were rock [or pop]. There was nothing in there that said that I had to compete with other Latinos [except Gloria Estefan]. In those days, I didn’t know that we were breaking into something new. I was just happy to have my record out there. MTV picked it up and was happy that people recognized me. I felt like Forrest Gump in this new world, walking into situations and meeting the big artists that I used to look up to. I was part of that, which I enjoyed very much.
From the left Peter Lopez, Ted Field, Jimmy Iovine, Gerardo, Sylvia Rhone, Doug Morris at the “Rico Suave” record release party
Courtesy of Gerardo Mejia
Was introducing Spanglish within the mainstream pop landscape a challenge for you?
At first, “Rico Suave” was all in Spanish. I shot the video myself and sent a big ol’ ¾ tape to MTV International. It was the hot stuff back then. I was doing a movie in Acapulco, and I hired a director to film my video. This is before I got my record deal with Interscope Records. I released that song, it got played on MTV International, and then all the labels were trying to sign me.
When I got to the label, which was an all-American label, talking to Jimmy Iovine, he was like, “Man, this song is a hit. It’s taking off. Can we do an all-English version?” I’m like, “I think you’re going to [lose] a lot of what it is if you that. I please you, you please me. Why don’t we do a Spanglish version?” We called it “the Spanglish version.” That’s the one you heard on the radio.
Prior to “Rico Suave,” as an adolescent you won a breakdancing championship. Did winning that contest kickstart your confidence?
Whenever there was something at school, my mom had me do poetry and recite these long things. Since I was little, I was used to being in front of people. I was very comfortable. Then my dad would throw parties at the house when I was young. He built me this dance studio, and he would bring all his friends, and say, “You gotta see my son [dance].” I’d be break dancing, and popping in front of them.
Gerardo Mejía
Randee St Nicholas
There was a dance contest in those days called Dance Fever, in which all the states competed. My friend and I from California won $50,000! I was 19. I was studying to be an accountant, and I remember telling my dad, “Dad, I don’t know if I want to do this anymore. I think this is an open door for me.” He said, “OK.” That’s what I love about my father. I had a big dream, and he just told me, “Listen, study. If any reason this doesn’t work out. You got this.” I guess it worked.
You moved to L.A. at roughly 12 years old from Ecuador. How did this cultural shift tune your musical style and personal identity?
In Ecuador we have a thing called pasillos. There’s a big guy named Julio Jaramillo. I grew up with that. My mom had me when she was 15 years old. When I was little, she would come in with her record player and the 45s. She would play Stevie Wonder’s “Sir Duke” and “I Wish.” She loved American music. Once we came over here [to the U.S.], it wasn’t much of a culture shock, because I was kind of living it over there through my mother. I just totally enjoyed both cultures. Mi país es súper salsero, super duper.
If you hear the “Rico Suave” song, there’s a little sample that goes, “Ahhh, rehh, ari.” That’s from an old song [“Chamo Candela”] from Venezuela by a group called Daiquirí. I used to love that song so much that I [sampled it], which became the part that people chanted. Some people might not know the Spanish lyrics to “Rico Suave,” but they always sing along with that chant.
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You appeared in the 1988 film Colors, about gangster culture in L.A. What memories do you have about being on set or behind the scenes?
Right after breakdancing, I did a movie called Winners Take All (1987), and then Can’t Buy Me Love (1987). The third was Colors. I wasn’t a gang member. I was a break dancer, but I knew every cholo. My friends always be like, “We got you homie.” I was their homeboy.
When I went in for that role, I remember Dennis Hopper and Sean Penn being right in front of me. There was a guy that used to live in my neighborhood in Pomona. They used to call him Trouble. That was his cholo name. I basically did everything Trouble was: I slicked my hair back with Vaseline and put [on] the hair net. I went to that audition, and they actually asked me what side [gang] I was from. I let them buy into it. I remember there was a scene that I improvised where I do the two, one [gang sign], when I did that, Dennis got up, and he was [like], “We gotta call your agent.” They did and I had the role.
Gerardo Mejia
Courtesy of Gerardo Mejia
You then delved into Christian rap with your album 180° (2004) and a compilation, La Iglesia de la Calle (2007). Can you walk us through what inspired this shift to Christian music?
[Making Christian music] is happening to a lot of artists right now; Farruko, Daddy Yankee… Rappers, we don’t depend on our vocal skills, we depend on our experiences. There was a time in my life that I felt like I had lost it all, and I was struggling, trying to maintain the “Rico Suave” persona, but it was just too much, and I couldn’t do it. I gave my life [to God]. I told God that I was going to serve him from then on, and I have never gone back after making that decision. That inspired me to write.
I remember my pastor always telling me, “You gotta do music again.” “Man, I don’t want to get into music again, Pastor,” I said, “They criticized me so much in music. I don’t want to get criticized again. I’m happy being back here.” He was like, “No, you gotta do this.” And out of that, I went 180 degrees. To this day, every day [I get messages from fans] from that video of a song called “Sueña,” which is very inspiring. It’s worth a lot more than these Gold and Platinum records I have in my office. That was a pivotal point of my life. God showed me what was valuable in life and what wasn’t.
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How did your collaboration with Spanish-language rap pioneer Vico C “Raperito” unfold?
He came out with an album called Aquel Que Había Muerto (1998), which inspired me. I used to cry to certain songs on that album. I used to ask God, “Lord, whatever you did with Vico, can you please do it with me?” I started writing 180° which reached the top 5 in Italy, not even “Rico Suave” did those numbers. After 180°, I wanted to do the first Christian compilation. There were a lot of compilations going on those days, and they hadn’t done anything like that. I called it La Iglesia de la Calle.
I reached out to Baby Rasta, Vico, Noriega, and a lot of other artists, and pioneers. I sent [Vico] the hook to “Raperito,” and told him, “My brother, let’s guide the up-and-coming generation that are going through it like we did.” He loved the concept. I flew up to New York to knock out the song. Then we went to Venezuela to film the video with Venezuelan director Pablo Croce. I also went to promote the video with Vico in Puerto Rico.
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Not a lot of artists have gracefully transitioned into music executive roles. How did that happen for you?
I was broke. I didn’t know how I was going to survive, but I knew music. Even when I knew it was my time to give up that “Rico Suave” persona, I went back to the same people that hired me as an artist, Jimmy Iovine and Ted Field. I said, “Listen, give me the opportunity. I know how this crossover business works.” They did. They gave me the chance. Within a year, I signed Enrique Iglesias to Interscope Records. I worked with him on Enrique (1999), where “Bailamos” appears, and then Escape (2001) with “Hero.”
Afterwards, I worked for Univision Records — which is not around anymore, it got pulled in by Universal. At Univision, I got to see the strength of what reggaetón was going to be. I got to be in a spot where I was signing artists. The song that I helped Jowell & Randy and Arcánge put together was “Agresivo” [from the compilation La Calle, Vol. 1, 2007]. I also got to work with Ivy Queen, La Caballota. From then on, I knew that reggaetón is going to grow and it’s not going to stop. After that, I leave because Univision gets bought out.
Jimmy Iovine, Enrique Iglesias and Gerardo Mejía
Courtesy of Gerardo Mejia
Enrique had just put out the song “Bailando” (2014) with Gente de Zona and Descemer Bueno. At that moment, I was going a lot to South America, and I remember Nicky Jam was blowing up in Colombia. I said to Enrique, “Bro, you gotta do something with Nicky.” I talked to Nicky’s management, and Nicky sent me the song “El Perdón” (2017). I said, “Wow, this is a hit.” They were going to put it out, and I said, “No, hold it. Let me call Enrique.” We saw how the [reggaetón] crossover began to happen through Enrique’s pop strength. All the reggeatón started becoming more [mainstream], it wasn’t so street anymore. I got to see that.
Your biggest recent achievement is FloyyMenor’s hit “Gata Only,” with Cris MJ, which impressively topped the Hot Latin Songs chart for 14 consecutive weeks. How did you discover him?
That is crazy! Listen, I don’t want to take credit for that song. Four or five years ago, you saw online rap battles in Chile, and these amazing lyricists coming out, like this guy El Menor who is an amazing battle rapper. So I was looking at [Chile] and how the music was surfacing. Three years ago, I was early on to sign a kid named Nickoog Clk, and he did great for us. I picked up the moment: I said, “Something is happening in Chile.”
When I saw Floyy, I saw a young, hungry kid who had lyrics. This is what drove me to making the deal. He had put out music that millions were listening to, but nobody knew who the heck he was or what he looked like. If you go back on YouTube to his old songs before “Gata Only,” you’re going to see a song called “pa la europa.” Look at the video. It’s a car! That makes me think, these people are loving his music. There’s something that this kid is doing. It wasn’t because he was this pretty boy or this dude with an amazing personality. It was his music. I said, “I need to go see this guy.” I did and I was sold.
Nickoog, Gerardo & Floyymenor.
Courtesy Photo
He showed me that song [“Gata Only”]. [He wanted to release it] by Christmas. “I said, Floyy, nobody’s going to listen to the song during Christmas time. They’re going to be listening to Mariah Carey.” He’s like, “No, yo lo quiero sacar.” “We’re going to waste it,” I said. We first released it in January.
Then, boom! I looked at the data and was like, “This can’t be!” It just kept growing. So I fly to Chile to sit down with him. [I told him] “We need to adapt to what’s happening.” He was very street, so I said, “You gotta do a little more turnaround. This is what’s working for you. We go with what works.” The moment when I arrived, Cris MJ calls, and he tells him, “I want to be on that song.” [Floyy] looks at me, and I said, “Bro, get going now!” He went and got the song with Cris. We took the other one down, put the new one out, and the rest is history.
You launched your own Rico Suave Ecuadorian coffee brand. What inspired that?
I went to Qatar. UnitedMasters distributed songs for FIFA [World Cup Qatar 2022]. When I went, there was a fair. I see all the flags, Mexico, Spain… And I’m looking for Ecuador. Then I smelled coffee and saw the Ecuadorian flag. We have great coffee [in Ecuador]. I sat down with the guy — I’m like, “Bro, this smells amazing. What’s the name of your coffee?” He said, “I don’t [have one]. I sell it by wholesale to brands like Starbucks.” I said, “We gotta talk.” We [eventually] became partners.
There’s no difference in how I promote an artist and my [coffee] product. I treat it just like an artist. Through Amazon, I see where I get my buyers and start pushing those areas, just like I would do a record. I see how the data dictates consumers. I have 30 years in this business, and one thing I’ve learned is I follow the people. We were in Amazon and in South America, but now we got a big distributor on the East Coast. There’s so much competition for people’s eyes nowadays. You gotta put something that takes it to the branding, un café Rico y Suave. I should have thought of that 30 years ago!
Rico Suave Coffee
Courtesy Photo
It’s a great full circle story! With such a diverse career, from a pop idol to music executive and a coffee entrepreneur, what else can we expect from Gerardo?
More artists and more music. I hope to find those stars that are home right now. Artists, oftentimes, one can see them and say, “I wouldn’t have paid a cent for them.” “Why?” “Because he didn’t look the part.” What does looks have to do with anything? Nowadays, it is about music. I listen to the culture. I love seeing how it’s evolving. I’ve been right about a lot of things pertaining to pop. I see several places that are about to boom. Puerto Rico was once the Mecca of [Latin] urban, then Colombia for a long time. Now you got Chile, Mexico, but those other places, they’re not going to stay dormant. They’re about to do the same thing. You will see.
Camila‘s first set in five years, Regresa, has topped this week’s new music Latin poll. In a poll published on Friday (Aug. 2) — in support of the weekly New Music Latin roundup and playlist, curated by Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors — music fans voted for the Mexican trio’s comeback album, Regresa, as their favorite music release of the week. Regresa generated over […]
Grupo Firme made La Última Peda Tour’s Austin concert especially unforgettable with surprise guest Demi Lovato, whom they welcomed on stage for the live debut of “Chula.” Lovato joined Grupo Firme on stage Friday night (Aug. 2) at their arena show at the Texas capital’s Moody Center, arriving to cheers and screams from the crowd. […]
From career milestones to new music releases to major announcements and those little important moments, Billboard editors highlight uplifting moments in Latin music. Here’s what happened in the Latin music world this week.
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The Rosalía Scholarship
Rosalía is fully backing a new scholarship at the Catalonia College of Music in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain (where she studied herself) to support aspiring flamenco singers and artists. The scholarship, valued at 15,000 Euros (about $16,000 dollars), will fully cover the student’s tuition and provide financial relieve during the 2024-2025 academic year. “With this financial support, we want to ensure that the student can focus as much as possible on their studies, developing their full artistic potential in an environment of stability and support,” notes an official statement. Deadline for registration is until August 27, and students who pass the entrance exam qualify. For more information, click here.
Latin Artists Show Love for Venezuela
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As tension continues in Venezuela following the presidential elections on Sunday (July 28)—when the Venezuelan electoral authority declared Nicolás Maduro the winner and the opposition denounced irregularities in the count and claimed that their candidate Edmundo González had won with almost 70% of the votes—a wave of Latin artists have shown solidarity with the Venezuelan people amid the violent protests in the South American country.
“I love you Venezuela. You hurt me too much. You don’t deserve this anymore! You deserve to be free,” Karol G wrote earlier this week and a since-deleted Instagram story. “Venezuela you are in our prayers we ask for your freedom,” wrote Mexican rock star Gloria Trevi on her Instagram feed.
Don Omar also showed support on social media, writing: “The moment is coming when the good ones overcome fear and in Venezuela, we have no fear anymore. My Venezuelan brothers and sisters, I’m with you.” Meanwhile, Dominican star Juan Luis Guerra posted a bible verse from Santiago 5:16, in solidarity with the Venezuelan community.
Sunday’s elections in Venezuela had generated expectations of change in many people, since after 25 years of the socialist government initiated by the late Hugo Chávez, President Nicolás Maduro faced “the biggest electoral challenge since he came to power 11 years ago,” as reported by The Associated Press.
Camilo & Evaluna Welcome Second Child
In other news, Latin power couple Camilo and Evaluna announced the arrival of their second daughter, Amaranto in a sweet Instagram post on Thursday (Aug. 1). “Amaranto. All the frogs came out to sing your welcome. Girl of golden velvet. Dad caught you and you painted his hands forever. Sovereign of midnight. Welcome,” reads the shared post, along with a carousel of photos that shows the couple resting on a bed: Evaluna holding Amaranto, Camilo holding their two-year-old first born, Índigo. Camilo and Evaluna married in February 2020 after five years together, and became parents in April 2022.
Billboard Announces Latin Music Week 2024
Billboard unveiled its first lineup for the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Week, returning to Miami Beach from Oct. 14 to 18. Forming part of Latin music’s biggest week, Peso Pluma, Gloria Estefan, Maria Becerra, Danny Ocean, Domelipa, Fuerza Regida’s JOP, Mon Laferte, and many more have been confirmed. Taking place at The Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater, the 35th-anniversary event celebrates Latin music, culture and entertainment, featuring exclusive panels, conversations and performances by Latin music’s biggest stars.
This year, Billboard is introducing new GA day passes providing attendees with the opportunity to join the event on specific days when their favorite stars and industry experts command the stage with thought-provoking discussions, performances, interactive workshops and other engaging events. For ticketing and more information, visit BillboardLatinMusicWeek.com.
Billboard Latin Music Week 2024
Billboard
After 14 years of making a name for himself as Carnage and helping define the EDM, trap and bass music genres during the U.S. dance music boom of the early 2010s — while bridging it with hip-hop — the artist born Diamanté Blackmon rebranded as GORDO.
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In 2022, he announced his retirement from the Carnage project — one that landed him on various Billboard charts, including Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, Hot Dance/Electronic Songs and the Billboard 200 — and introduced his new full-time house and techno project.
“What I want people to understand is that this isn’t me having a new hobby and being like, ‘Oh I want to do this too because it’s fun,’” Blackmon previously said to Billboard. “Honestly, I can’t do the Carnage stuff anymore. I wasn’t happy.”
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Now, the Nicaraguan-American artist and producer has launched his debut album as GORDO named after his real name, DIAMANTE. The album that took four years to create, and is home to 16 bilingual tracks — including notable collaborators such as Drake, T-Pain, Feid, Maluma, and Fuerza Regida.
“I wouldn’t change a thing. I guess that’s why it took me four years, to make sure that I can review it and know it’s perfect,” he said in a press statement. “This album is dedicated to my grandma, my family, friends, and loved ones. I hope everyone enjoys what I believe is the best music I’ve created.”
Below, read Billboard‘s discussion with GORDO about his new album, his collaborators and more.
Congrats on your debut album as GORDO! Can you take us back to the creative process of DIAMANTE?
It was four years of coming up with these songs and trying to get to where I’m at with it. I’m really happy, and it’s been one hell of a ride to get to where I’m at musically, and also mentally. It’s been amazing. I’m super happy with the album, super happy with the turnout, and ready for the next one.
It’s been a ride mentally. Can you describe the state of mind you were in when you would hit the studio?
You know what? I wasn’t in a certain state — because for me, really, I was just making songs whenever I had time or felt creative. Finally when I made the songs, to get to the other song it would take me about a month or two. I wasn’t in a certain state, I think. I was just trying to make the best music possible.
The starpower in the track list is crazy. Two songs with Drake, but also Maluma, Feid, Nicki Nicole, Fuerza Regida, Sech… you recruited some big Latin names.
The album is the album. I’m so happy that I was able to make a dance album that has people like Drake, T-Pain — and at the same time, you have Feid and Maluma. You’re not going to see that type of track listing [anywhere else]. Even if you do something with a Latin producer, it’s going to be way more Latin, but my Latin collabs add a little spice to it [the album].
As for Drake, he’s a great guy. He really cares about me and I care about him. He looked out for me for this album, and knew how important it was for me. He’s a big fan of this album — and yeah, I mean, that’s my boy.
Is there any other Latin artist you had your eye on for this project but the opportunity didn’t happen?
I have a crazy song with Jhayco that’s really good, but he just went ghost on me. So, Jhay, you missed out bud! There are so many artists that didn’t happen, and that’s just how it is, but everything happens for a reason.
In addition to the Fuerza track, you also had the chance to produce some of the songs on their new album Pero No Te Enamores. How did you establish that connection with the group?
JOP is like my brother. We’re mad cool. Any person that I work with, I know them personally and we have that connection that’s like friends making music with friends. It happened so smoothly. Those guys are crazy, they’re so much fun. They’re the sweetest guys, but they’re also very focused on music, work, marketing, and how we’re going to roll out the project. Everything works out in itself.
What came first: Fuerza’s collab on your album or Gordo’s collab on Fuerza’s album?
The song I have with them on the album was actually finished the day before my album came out. When I finished the album, JOP asked me “how come I’m not on your album?” and I said, “Well, because we’re working on yours.” But he sent me his vocals and I created the song literally on the plane the night before.
Now that we’re on the topic, what’s your take on the electro-corrido movement?
I mean, it’s dope. I don’t really care about what you can or can’t do, and the politics of that. Just do it. A lot of people do care about that stuff, and how things are perceived of certain collaborations and certain mixes of genres, but I think as an artist, just do whatever the fuck you want!
What do you think Latin music — whether its regional, urban, tropical, pop — brings into the EDM space?
Spanish vocals. I think that’s the most prominent thing. Right now there’s an influx of Latin vocals on dance records. Obviously, we’re getting to the point where for the longest time all you heard were English words on dance records. Now that there are superstars in different regions and countries, people want to hear that type of artist. In Argentina, you want to hear Emilia, Nicki or TINI, they don’t have to wait and listen to someone like Katy Perry or Taylor Swift. They can listen to their own hometown girls, and the music will be just as impactful or even bigger. It’s great.
To finalize, is there anything — perhaps a certain business strategy or career advice — that you took from your Carnage era into your Gordo era?
Don’t listen to what other people say. Work hard. Save your money. Never let go of the gas, meaning, don’t ever stop. Keep going! I think the number one trait that Hispanic people have is that we’re the hardest working human beings on this planet. A lot of people get comfortable with music. Imagine you come out with an album like mine, someone else would drop the album and then go on vacation… but, this is when the real work starts. That’s what I mean with “don’t let go of the gas.” It depends how bad you want it. I’m addicted to this.
This week, Billboard’s New Music Latin roundup and playlist — curated by Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors — features fresh new music from artists such as Edén Muñoz, La Doña, Justin Quiles, and more. Camila — comprised of Mario Domm, Pablo Hurtado and Samo — released Regresa, a 10-track set that marks a comeback of sorts. The last time the Mexican trio, who […]
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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Justin Quiles, Permanente (Warner Music Latina)
Justin Quiles has dropped his new studio album, Permanente, three years after La Última Promesa. The opening title intro, which sets the tone for the 11-track production, finds Quiles opening up about his place in the music industry for the past decade, admitting that he’s in love with his process, that he’s still in the game, and he will always bet on himself. Following the heartfelt intro is the focus track “Tu Ropa,” backed by a melodious reaggetón beat that best characterizes Quiles’ flow. The previously-released single “Boom Boom” in collaboration with Rawayana (and the only feat on the set) continues with its feel-good, reggae vibe.
On the set, the Puerto Rican singer-songwriter navigates electronic music and trap, in addition to reggaeton and perreo. “The idea is to return to something simpler but still disruptive, different, and attention-grabbing,” he expressed of his album in a press statement. “That’s how I want to move in my career, without fear of playing with new sounds and showing my fans my versatility. Like a vandal, I am a rebel with my writing, as you will hear in some of my songs on this album. The music is raw, bold, but fun!” — JESSICA ROIZ
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Camila, Regresa (Sony Music México)
Mexican band Camila is back with its first studio album in five years, Regresa, renewing its pop sound by playing with other rhythms while maintaining its original essence. The 10-track set includes everything from romantic ballads to rock progressions, shades of blues and even mariachi — in songs like “Diamantes y Amaranto” and the powerful “Corazón en Coma” with Eden Muñoz — and emotional lyrics in the best style of the trio. An anthem to second chances, “Por Si Me Vuelves a Querer” arrives as the focus track. “We have worked hard to create something truly special,” Pablo Hurtado, who integrates Camila with Mario Domm and Samuel “Samo” Parra, said in a press release. “This album is not only a return to our roots, but also a leap forward to the future.” — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Eden Múñoz, “NTP” (Sony Music México/EMC Music, Inc.)
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Edén Muñoz is the type of artist that likes to keep you on the edge of your seat not knowing what route he’ll take for his next project. Just last month, Muñoz had released a cumbia-norteña (“No Sabes La Que Te Espera” with Luck Ra). With his new single, titled “NTP,” he does a 180 delivering a signature norteña fused with elements of banda and tumbado, a pompous production that’s very much who Muñoz is as a producer, with a mindset that always seems to be go big or go home. “NTP (don’t worry), I’m going to be well, worse things already happened, I’d be a fool if I fall for again, she’ll really get to know me,” he sings in the chorus. “NTP” is a preview from his upcoming new album, Edén, due Aug. 15. — GRISELDA FLORES
La Doña, “Confesiones” (Empire/La Doña)
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Backed by a full banda ensemble, La Doña challenges conventional gender norms and delves into the intimate details of an infidelity fueled by mezcal in “Confesiones.” The song combines the honesty of traditional corridos with her poetic flair, while also showcasing her genre versatility — an artist who has long dabbled with reggaetón and experimental Latin pop. “I spent the first 20 years of my life singing rancheras and corridos so it feels empowering to be able to finally integrate that part of my life with my identity as La Doña,” she says in a press release. This second single follows “Mejor Que Amarte,” both of which will be part of her upcoming debut, Los Altos de la Soledad, due September 6, an album that will feature boleros, cumbia rebajada, banda, and reggaetón and cover themes of “forced migration, of falling in and out of love, of standing up against genocide, of fighting to maintain space in a as a brown girl in an inhospitable homeland,” she adds. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
JAZE, “Mil Procedimientos” (Sony Music Entertainment)
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Peruvian freestyle rapper JAZE shows his singer-songwriter side with his new single “Mil Procedimientos.” JAZE fuses rap lyricism with indie and pop elements to create an eclectic mix full of soul and funk. Musically, a strong bass line stands out that marks the song’s melody along with the piano, while the lyrics navigate between thoughts and existential uncertainties. “‘Mil Procedimientos’ lands and with it an immense liberation. “This track previews my third album, which I have been preparing for you for so long,” he shared on his social media. The song was produced by Nicolás Btesh and Diego Mema, and the video, recorded in Mar del Plata, Argentina, tells the story of a sailor who that cleverly connects with the message of the song. — LUISA CALLE
Listen to more editors’ Latin recommendations in the playlist below:
As tension continues in Venezuela following the presidential elections on Sunday (July 28), when the Venezuelan electoral authority declared Nicolás Maduro the winner and the opposition denounced irregularities in the count and claimed that their candidate Edmundo González had won with almost 70% of the votes, Venezuelan and foreign artists have spoken out about the difficult situation in the South American country.
Whether expressing solidarity with the Venezuelan people or sharing images of the demonstrations that have turned violent in the face of repression by the Armed Forces and the police, Venezuelan stars like Nacho, Lele Pons and Elena Rose, as well as foreigners like Juan Luis Guerra, Gloria Trevi and Don Omar, have shared messages of support with their millions of followers.
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One of those who has been most vocal from exile is Danny Ocean, who in recent days posted an emotional video on his Instagram account calling on the family members of the National Bolivarian Armed Forces (FANB) and police forces to make them see reason to prevent further bloodshed.
The demonstrations in Venezuela have left “at least 20 dead, dozens injured, and hundreds detained,” reports Univision Noticias. While the government has refused to make public the voting records that would show Maduro has won, opposition leader María Corina Machado and her team published theirs on the internet, with election witnesses also showing them on social media. The U.S. government has recognized Edmundo González as the winner of the elections.
Danny Ocean, who left Venezuela in 2015, feels that the only way for this to end is with the support of the militia, and that is why he insists on his call. In this “as told to” narrative, the Venezuelan musician reflects on the situation in his country and invites his colleagues to unite in a single message.
I don’t even know where to start. What is happening in Venezuela hurts me a lot. It hurts to see the number of kids who are dying right now in the streets, and I feel that the only ones who can ease this and reduce this are the National Armed Forces and the police.
I know that they must not be having an easy time either, honestly. But, I don’t know, that’s how I feel. Everything I have been talking about from my side has been from the heart, trying to be as sensible as possible. And I also don’t want to interfere with the communication that is happening right now with Venezuela; I am trying to support all the people who are trying to talk to their children, helping to pass information about the people who are inside Venezuela.
From my side, I don’t want to be putting out information like this arbitrarily; I think it’s necessary to give space to digital media so they can communicate what they want to communicate. I just want to call on the relatives of the military to please talk to them, tell them that we are really tired. They know what is happening and what is really going on and what is right and what is wrong. They are the only ones who can help the people so that there is no massacre in the streets.
If we want to get out of this mess, because this is no longer a political issue of left, right, blue, red, yellow, none of that crap. No. This is now a situation of good against evil. And about people being tired. People are really tired.
And beyond that, there are almost 8 million Venezuelans who are abroad, as I said in my post, and the region is not prepared for another massive wave [of emigrants]. And we don’t want more broken families. Enough is enough! If that number is so high, it’s for a reason. If there’s smoke, there’s fire. This is something very important for the international community to understand, because we are really tired, and the military knows it.
The game right now is on their side. It really depends on them. And I, as a spokesperson, as an artist, am trying to simply carry my message on that side.
[I would like to see Venezuela] prosperous, with chances to grow, where people don’t have to worry about their future, don’t have to worry about having to leave to seek a better future. A place where there is room for everything. Venezuela has everything for everyone to do something incredible. That’s what I hope happens at the end of all this.
But now I’m trying to focus on the present, on what is happening. Right now I think we need to all get together, guys. People are dying in the streets.
I see artists throwing crap at each other [on social media]. That doesn’t work. The messages have to be positive. I know there is a lot of pain, I know there are many things stored inside, but it’s not the time to be throwing crap at each other. It’s very important that at least the community of artists among us Venezuelans are aligned with the messages we are giving.
If all the artists got on a wave of pleading with our militia and our police to help and collaborate — because they are the only ones who can reduce that number [of victims] — that would be great. I think it would be a spectacular movement if we all united with that message.