Music
Page: 12
Drake ends the longest break of his career from the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Rhythmic Airplay chart as “Nokia” reaches the summit of the list dated May 17. The single gives the superstar his first leader since “Rich Baby Daddy,” featuring Sexyy Red and SZA, ruled for two frames in December 2023, and becomes Drake’s record-extending 40th No. 1 on the radio ranking.
Drake’s absence from the Rhythmic Airplay summit in 2024 wrapped a 15-year string of at least one No. 1 every year since his breakthrough single, “Best I Ever Had,” stormed to a 10-week domination in 2009. The streak nearly continued, as Drake’s best Rhythmic Airplay result was a No. 2 finish for “You Broke My Heart” in March 2024.
“Nokia,” released and promoted through OVO Sound/Santa Anna/Republic, advances from No. 2 to become the most-played song on U.S. panel-contributing rhythmic radio stations in the tracking week of May 2-8, according to Luminate. The track registered a 10% gain in plays for the tracking period compared to the previous frame and wins the Greatest Gainer honor, given each week to the song with the largest increase in plays.
Trending on Billboard
As “Nokia” ascends to the top slot, it unseats Doechii’s “Anxiety” after its two-week reign. “Anxiety” slides to No. 2 with a 4% drop in plays for the week.
[embedded content]
With a 40th Rhythmic Airplay No. 1, Drake continues to lap the competition for the most champs since the radio chart’s launch in October 1992. Here’s a review of the updated leaderboard:
40, Drake17, Rihanna15, The Weeknd14, Chris Brown13, Bruno Mars13, Usher13, Lil Wayne
Elsewhere, “Nokia” nears the top of multiple other radio charts. It climbs 4-3 on Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay with a 4% gain in weeky plays and 22-20 on Pop Airplay (up 21%).
Shifting to audience-based airplay charts, “Nokia” holds at No. 2 on the Rap Airplay chart – its third consecutive week in the runner-up position – though it added 6% more audience impressions than the previous frame. On R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay, the single rises 7-6 through a boost to combined 11.3 million in audience from mainstream R&B/hip-hop and adult R&B formats, up 3% from the prior week. The multi-format increases drive “Nokia” 19-15 on the all-genre Radio Songs chart, where it registered 32.4 million in total audience for the tracking week, an 11% improvement from the week before.
“Nokia” appears on $ome $exy $ongs 4 U, largely a collaborative album from PARTYNEXTDOOR and Drake. The pair share billing on 14 of the album’s 21 tracks, while Drake has six solo cuts, including “Nokia,” and PARTYNEXTDOOR has one. The set, released in February, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart and has remained in the top 10 for its first 12 weeks on the list.
Noreh has stamped some of his most personal experiences on A Film By La Vida Real, his sophomore studio album and debut set under 5020 Records after signing with the label last September.
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Home to 15 tracks, including the previously-released singles “Trailer,” “Dieta,” and “Rey” in collaboration with LAGOS, the Venezuelan singer-songwriter delivers primarily ballads (some laced with tropical music, others with electronic) that are both heartfelt and heart-wrenching—all best representing everything he’s lived in his 27 years.
“There are many varied experiences on this album, from good and bad things that have happened to me,” he tells Billboard exclusively. “I always believe that a piece of material should have that contrast and be honest enough to resonate with the people who listen to it. I had this concept of taking it through movies and TV shows because I felt it was necessary for each song to tell a story.”
Trending on Billboard
A Film By La Vida Real also includes collaborations with Corina Smith, Jay Wheeler, and Sin Bandera on the focus track “Porsi.” It also marked the first time that the 2025 Billboard Latin Artist to Watch teamed up with different composers for a project (he always wrote the songs himself).
“They made the creative process truly valuable,” he explains about his collaborators. “It was very enjoyable, very relaxed, we had a good time, and we ended up releasing these songs. Working with talented people allows everyone to contribute — they contributed with their essence, their voice, and their creativity.”
But beyond unleashing an album that is reflective, emotional, sensual, and mesmerizing, Noreh owes his potent lyricism to his identity.
“Everything starts from there,” he elaborates. “We always talk about the organic. How cool would it be to experience virality with some of the album’s songs, but we also know there’s something organic going on. I don’t downplay the value of an artist who generates virality or makes urban music. I love urban, underground, and explicit music, but I feel that everyone, based on their identity, needs to choose their niche and contribute to that. There are many people who dedicate themselves to making art.”
Below, Noreh breaks down three ultra-personal tracks on A Film By La Vida Real:
“Chao Cheo”: “It’s a love story, but the most curious thing is where it comes from and why. Basically, many years ago, I didn’t know about the person who killed my father, his life, or why he did what he did. The story is based on him and his wife. My way of expressing myself was this, and interpreting the fact that many families suffered because of this.”
“Niño”: “It’s very personal and speaks to that little child we all have inside, giving us strength and advice. I was interested in [creating a song with] this topic from the very beginning, and I had never explored it before until now.”
“Porsi” with Sin Bandera: “It’s a song that doesn’t talk about perfect love, but about a love that can fail at any moment. Just in case, this song is for you today, at 27 years old. Many songs talk about eternal and perfect love, but sometimes they don’t talk about the difficult things, and that’s precisely what I’m singing about.”
Tate McRae was in a Folklore mood ahead of her Miss Possessive Tour show in Stuttgart, Germany, with the star choosing a deep cut from the fan-favorite Taylor Swift album to cover during soundcheck on Tuesday (May 13).
In a clip taken by a fan in the audience, McRae sits casually on a stool in bright blue track pants, reading lyrics off her phone. Accompanied by a gentle acoustic guitar, the Canadian singer-songwriter softly puts her own spin on the introspective post-breakup ballad “The 1,” crooning, “I have this dream you’re doing cool sh–/ Having adventures on your own/ You meet some woman on the Internet and take her home.”
“But we were something, don’t you think so?/ Roaring 20s, tossing pennies in the pool,” she continues, adding her own subtle changes to the melody on the song’s chorus. “And if my wishes came true/ It would’ve been you.”
Trending on Billboard
Released in 2020 along with the rest of Folklore, “The 1” is the very first song on the album’s track list. It debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, and Folklore would later take home album of the year at the 2021 Grammys.
McRae’s covers have become a tradition during her soundchecks before concerts. She also performed Billie Eilish’s “Birds of a Feather,” Olivia Rodrigo’s “Pretty Isn’t Pretty” and Morgan Wallen and Post Malone’s “I Had Some Help” at various shows on her 2024 Think Later trek.
The “Greedy” singer is currently touring in support of her 2025 album So Close to What, which debuted atop the Billboard 200 — McRae’s first-ever No. 1 album. The project features Hot 100 hits “Sports Car,” “Revolving Door,” “2 Hands” and “It’s OK I’m OK.”
Following her show in Germany, McRae will next perform in Antwerp, Belgium, followed by venues in Dublin, London, Paris and more cities throughout Europe. She’ll later kick off a North American leg in August, closing out Nov. 8 at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, Calif.
The rap game could use some more posse cuts, and Red Bull is providing just that with the third season of their “Red Bull Spiral Freestyle” series.
Shot in one take, season 3 kicks off with the Midwest, West Coast and East Coast being properly represented by the likes of Detroit’s Big Sean, Carson’s Ab-Soul and Brooklyn’s Joey Bada$$, respectively.
Sean starts things off with a stellar verse taking aim at social media critics who live on the Internet. “You goin’ nowhere fast but from your view you could never tell,” he raps. “No wonder ‘cause you live your life based on a carousel/ You bums could prolly teach a masterclass on takin’ L’s/ Truth is, if you wake up hatin’ life, then you hate yourself.”
Ab-Soul then comes through and takes off his J Dilla hat to Sean before going in and addressing Joey’s back-and-forth with Ab’s friend Daylyt and TDE labelmate Ray Vaughn. “In which case, Joey, you put me in a sticky predicament,” Soulo admits. “I had to show solidarity to my syndicate/ Nah, you know anybody can get it/ In such a way that it will make any physician conflicted/ But listen, the 47’s still on my tricep/ Pass the pot, let me skillet, I’m quite the chef.”
Trending on Billboard
He added: “Pro Era the masters, that ain’t ever incorrect/ But it’s still TDE ’til 3000 and forever/ Lyt was heavy and Ray definitely stepped/ But this is hip-hop, you know we still on that.”
Joey then closes the cypher out by replying to fans suggesting that he’s been trying to ignite another East vs. West beef when he dropped the video for “The Ruler’s Back,” where he mentions a famous Jay-Z line about West Coast admiration. “Since ‘Ruler’s Back,’ they been tryna measure up,” he spits. “Look, my name ain’t Rick, but I talk Slick, don’t press ya luck/ And I ain’t taking no words back, I’m with all that/ But this ain’t gotta turn to nothin’ else, let’s keep it all rap.”
The Brooklyn rapper then brings up the heat he was taking from fans, rapping, “First off, I could never hate the West Coast/ But since n—as comin’ for Joe, f— it then, let’s go/ N—as must’ve forgot what Dot said on ‘Control’/ There’s still a buncha sensitive rappers in they pajama clothes/ I guess this ain’t no East versus West/ I just think that I’m the best, as a matter fact, I know.”
You can watch the new Red Bull Spiral Freestyle below.
Luis Alvarado, spokesperson for Los Alegres del Barranco, is defending the Mexican band’s right to perform narcocorridos freely, without being punished by authorities.
“Everyone who tells stories, whether with a pencil or an accordion, has the right to tell them,” Alvarado tells Billboard Español.
In an interview on Monday night, the group’s spokesperson rejected the actions taken against the quartet by the Fiscalía de Jalisco (Jalisco State Prosecutor’s Office), which accuses them of allegedly supporting drug trafficking. The band projected images of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho,” leader of the Jalisco Cartel – New Generation, while performing the song “El Del Palenque” on March 29 at the Telmex Auditorium in the municipality of Zapopan.
Jalisco is one of 10 out of 32 states in Mexico that have put bans on narcocorridos or any kind of expression that glorifies crime, even though it’s not a federal law. Los Alegres del Barranco is the first group officially accused of allegedly promoting drug culture, along with their manager and the promoter of their concerts.
Trending on Billboard
At a hearing held on Monday at a court in Jalisco, the judge ordered precautionary measures like showing up at the court every week, paying a bond of 1.8 million pesos (around $92,000), and staying in Jalisco, except for three previously scheduled shows outside the state, at least for the next three months. The judge did not order pretrial detention, so they’ll be able to continue their defense while remaining free.
For Alvarado, this historic criminal case is about more than just the potential legal consequences. In his opinion, it “violates freedom of expression” and goes against a tradition that dates back to the time of the Mexican Revolution (1910–1917), serving as an alternative narrative to the official history, according to experts interviewed by Billboard Español.
Alvarado talked about the steps Los Alegres del Barranco will take to face justice in Jalisco, where they have four open investigations for performances in different municipalities where they allegedly glorified criminal activity.
How is the group feeling after Monday’s hearing and the start of an unprecedented criminal case for alleged glorification of crime?
At the moment, our legal team has advised us not to share details about the judicial process, but we did want to express how the members of the group are feeling. I must say that, although this challenge has been very difficult for them, they remain strong and understand the heavy burden they carry — not only because of the possibility of being punished, but because they are defending an entire musical genre at this moment. As musicians, and alongside journalists, they are standing up for freedom of expression in democratic societies. The line between what is legal and what isn’t is still very blurred. Different government officials have varying opinions, and that’s how democracy works. That’s why they are facing this challenge with focus and determination, but always holding their heads high.
Is there trust in Mexican authorities?
This is where we are right now. They understand that this isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon. Since the judicial process isn’t immediate, it will take time, as it should, because every issue being reviewed by the judicial system and the government needs time for all voices to be heard. All the group asks is that the members of the judicial system reviewing their case remain independent. The group has faith in the process, and we have a strong legal team supporting us all the way. They will remain strong, but most importantly, they will stay positive.
In addition to Los Alegres del Barranco, other artists like Natanael Cano and Junior H have been called out in other states, although no criminal proceedings have been initiated. How do you see the outlook for corrido performers?
Los Alegres del Barranco are asking for support from all musical groups in the genre — not just those who perform corridos, but also norteño musicians and all artists working in this profession in Mexico. They are calling for unity and for all artists to have the right to freedom of expression.
Would you agree to regulation of narcocorridos without outright prohibition?
I insist, it’s still a very unclear landscape, but like any law that affects so many people, there should be a process to make things clearer and reduce confusion and problems for groups in the future. If that means there should be regulation, we’ll be able to decide what the band will support or not after we finish this proceeding.
The group won an injunction in Michoacán to temporarily perform narcocorridos. Will they attend the hearing scheduled for Thursday (May 15) in that state?
Michoacán is a perfect example of how people can have different opinions about the same issue. The process of figuring out how an artist can practice their profession can vary from state to state, and that’s where we’re working to understand the unique challenges the band faces in each state, while making sure we follow the law and still keep the audience entertained.
We will attend any hearing the government requires us to, and we do everything under the guidance of our legal team. I can’t say this with absolute certainty, but as far as I know, yes, they will travel to Michoacán for the hearing.
What will happen with the tourist and work visas that were revoked by the U.S. government for the group?
We understand from the statement made by the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, Christopher Landau, that they have been canceled. I can’t confirm it personally since the group hasn’t traveled yet, but I trust Deputy Secretary Landau’s word, and we’re treating it as a fact.
What’s next?
We are navigating this with all the necessary attention to detail to avoid any mishap that could not only impact the group but the entire music industry. Los Alegres del Barranco have never faced a challenge like the one they are confronting today.
50 Cent is getting back on the road. The G-Unit boss announced that he’ll be heading to Europe with a stop in North Africa for the Legacy Tour on Tuesday (May 13).
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
The trek kicks off across the pond in Germany on June 8 with additional stops in England, Morocco, London, Scotland, Switzerland, Paris, Denmark and the tour wraps up in Poland on Aug. 10.
It’s going to be a special tour for 50, who will be celebrating his 50th birthday on stage with a concert bash in Dublin on July 6.
“The Legacy Tour is here. I’m hitting Europe this summer to celebrate the music, the moments—and my 50th birthday. You know it’s gonna be crazy! Get your tickets now,” he wrote to Instagram. Tickets are currently available on 50’s website.
Trending on Billboard
The post is accompanied by a cinematic trailer 50 posted to his Instagram, running through various electric performances from his career spanning the last 20-plus years, filled with cameos ranging from G-Unit to Eminem and LeBron James.
The hip-hop legend is currently coming off his Final Lap Tour, which took the star around the globe in 2023 and grossed $103.6 million, with 1.05 million tickets sold across the 83 shows. At the time, he was only the second-ever headlining rapper to do so, joining Drake.
The Queens icon also took over Las Vegas for a six-show residency at Ph Live at Planet Hollywood to close out 2024 and ring in 2025.
“It’s cool. You don’t usually have artists that sustain themselves this long in our culture,” he told Billboard last year. “Hip-hop has a low attention span, and it’s out with the old and in with the new repeatedly. There’s even a point [where] they’ll create a resistance for you.”
Find all of the dates of 50 Cent’s Legacy Tour below:
Reneé Rapp is finally getting ready to sink her teeth into her next era. After two years of keeping fans waiting for new music, the singer-songwriter has revealed that she has a new song titled “Bite Me” arriving later this month.
In a saucy video posted to her social media accounts Tuesday (May 13), Rapp faces away from the camera while flexing both of her biceps, her long blonde hair falling down her bare back as she forgoes a shirt or bra. Shaking her head, the Mean Girls actress shows off a backwards baseball cap that reads, “Bite Me.”
Rapp also paired the clip with a snippet of the new song, which finds her purring over a slinking beat, “I’m a real bad girl, but a real good kisser.”
Trending on Billboard
The teaser comes nearly two years after she dropped debut studio album, Snow Angel, which debuted at No. 44 on the Billboard 200. Three months after the original LP arrived in August 2023, Rapp unveiled a deluxe edition in November.
The following December, the Broadway star teamed up with Megan Thee Stallion for “Not My Fault” for the Mean Girls musical live action soundtrack.
Since Snow Angel, Rapp has been taking her time with her next album while also touring and performing at festivals. In July last year, she opened up about her upcoming second full-length effort in an interview on Instagram’s Close Friends Only podcast, saying, “23 to 24 has been such a massive difference for me.”
“It’s about this … and to this point, a reflection on my 23rd year specifically … It was so bad, and I thought 22 was insane for me,” she continued. “I think the rawness of those emotions adds a layer of authenticity to my music. It’s like, in that moment of vulnerability, I can tap into something deeper and more genuine.”
See Rapp’s new music teaser below.
Drake has given DDG his flowers for his new album Blame The Chat and clowned Adin Ross for having not listened to it. In DDG’s latest Twitch stream on Monday (May 12), DDG and Adin Ross spent the day together, culminating in a video call with The Boy. “Congrats on your album,” Drake told the […]
Bad Bunny continues to build on the success of the chart-topping album Debí Tirar Más Fotos, as its single “DTMF” climbs 4-1 on the Latin Rhythm Airplay chart, marking his 28th ruler.
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
“DTMF” hits No. 1 in its 15th week on the chart, despite a 2% dip in audience impressions, earning 6.2 million in the U.S. in the tracking week ending May 8, according to Luminate. Meanwhile, its parent album, his sixth studio set, returns to No. 1 on the all-genre Billboard 200 for a fourth nonconsecutive week, thanks to its vinyl release, while it adds an 18th week at No. 1 on Top Latin Albums.
“DTMF” is the second song from Debí Tirar Más Fotos to reach the Latin Rhythm Airplay chart’s apex, after “El Clúb” crowned the chart for three weeks in February. Plus, it awards Benito his 28th No. 1, all within a period of seven years. Overall, he trails only J Balvin (37 champs), Daddy Yankee (35), and Ozuna (32), for the most No. 1s in the chart’s history.
Trending on Billboard
“DTMF” arrives at the summit on Latin Rhythm Airplay, as it adds a 17th week atop the Hot Latin Songs chart, of its 18 total weeks on the list (which blends streams, airplay and sales). It holds strong at No. 1 despite a 2% dip in streams, to 7.8 million, but enough to yield a concurrent 17th week atop Latin Streaming Songs.
The song remains the longest-leading track on the multi-metric tally since Eslabon Armado and Peso Pluma’s “Ella Baila Sola” concluded its 19th week No. 1 run in August 2019. Hot Latin Songs combines streaming activity, radio airplay and digital sales into its formula.
“DTMF” also gains momentum on the overall Latin Airplay chart, rising 9-5 for its new peak.
Thanks to the double vinyl release of Debí Tirar Más Fotos, the album returns to No. 1 on the all-genre Billboard 200 chart. It also extends its reign on the Top Latin Albums chart, reaching an 18th week at No. 1, encompassing its entire chart run.
This week on the Billboard 200 albums chart (dated May 17), Puerto Rican global superstar Bad Bunny‘s Debí Tirar Más Fotos rebounds 7-1 on the chart, boosted by a vinyl release of the album. Meanwhile, música Mexicana hitmakers Fuerza Regida‘s 111xpantia debuts at No. 2 in its first week of release.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Together, the pair of albums mark the first time that Spanish-language albums have ever occupied the top two spots on the Billboard 200. (No Spanish-language album had topped the chart at all until Bunny’s El Último Tour del Mundo did so in 2020.) In addition to making history on the 200, Debí also moves into sole possession of the longest run atop the chart for an album in 2025 (with four weeks), while 111xpantia scores the best chart position of Fuerza Regida’s career.
How historic is this accomplishment? And what do these latest chart wins mean for their respective artists? Billboard staffers answer these questions and more below.
Trending on Billboard
1. Bad Bunny and Fuerza Regida command the top two spots on the Billboard 200 this week with their Debí Tirar Más Fotos and 111xpantia albums, respectively – marking the first time two Spanish-language albums have held down the chart’s top two spots simultaneously. On a scale from 1-10, how historic a moment is this for Spanish-language music?
Leila Cobo: I’d call it a 9.5/10, almost on par with “Despacito” hitting No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 back in 2017. The moment is transcendent. It speaks to an audience that is open to new sounds and different languages in ways that would have been inconceivable even a decade ago. In an environment that is rife with divisiveness, having two albums that belong to distinct subgenres — these are not Latin pop — be the most consumed in the country, truly highlights that music has no borders, as corny as that may sound.
For perspective, several Latin artists have had No. 1s on the Billboard 200. But in terms of No. 1s on that chart with albums that are in Spanish, Bad Bunny was the first with El Ultimo Tour del Mundo in 2020. Since then, he’s gone to No. 1 with all his subsequent albums, so we’ve come to expect that from him.
But Fuerza Regida came kinda out of left field. While the group has long proven its worth – winning duo or group of the year at the Billboard Music Awards two straight years — the breadth of its popularity I think had not been fully grasped. The fact that a Mexican music group can do so well speaks volumes of the great acceptance Latin music has today. Mind you, Fuerza would have debuted at No. 1 had Bunny not come out with his vinyl album this week. So, in my mind, that album was also a No. 1.
Kyle Denis: Probably around 8. Honestly, I thought this already happened a few years ago, but I’m happy to see two awesome acts lay claim to this feat. Between this, Karol G’s recent dominance, and Shakira’s massive touring figures, this is a really incredible moment for Spanish-language music, especially given the sociopolitical climate of the U.S. right now.
Griselda Flores: While it would have been more impactful if Fuerza Regida’s 111xpantia topped the Billboard 200, which would have made it the first-ever regional Mexican album to rule the chart, I will give this a 10. The fact that two Spanish-language LPs are No. 1 and No. 2 is a huge feat given that just five years ago, we were celebrating the first-ever Spanish-language album to top the Billboard 200. Latin music artists have put in the work to globalize Spanish music, and this is the result of that. I also love that these albums couldn’t be more different from each other, which shows you just how nuanced Latin music can be.
Jason Lipshutz: A 4 — but in a positive way. Several chart achievements involving Spanish-language music have been broken over the past decade, as Latin pop and urban have exploded internationally and commanded more of a steady presence within the North American mainstream. This particular chart achievement would have been mind-boggling a few years ago — before Bad Bunny himself notched the first Billboard 200 chart-topper performed primarily in Spanish — and the fact that it is not too shocking today demonstrates the continued health of popular Spanish-language artists and releases at the mid-point of the decade.
Andrew Unterberger: An 8. It certainly can’t quite compare with some of the other firsts that Spanish-language artists have notched this decade, but the true sign of progress when it comes to diversity in popular music is when multiple artists are having that level of presence and success simultaneously — and it doesn’t even seem like that big of a deal. That’s where we are now, and it’s pretty important.
2. Fotos spends its fourth week total atop the chart, moving it into sole possession of the title of longest-running 2025 No. 1 album. Do you think it will go down as one of the year’s biggest (and/or most-defining) albums?
Leila Cobo: It absolutely will. Fotos has resonated with young and old audiences in ways I didn’t expect, especially from an album that is roots-based. Although we hear Bad Bunny’s reggaeton here, the foundation for a lot of the album are traditional Puerto Rican rhythms and genres. It’s an unexpected detour. And it proves, yet again, that when it comes to having huge success, the ability to sound genuine and different are key.
Kyle Denis: Yes and yes. I felt this way when Fotos first dropped; those feelings have only intensified in the months since. Nearly every day, I hear a new song from Fotos blaring through car windows or soundtracking a viral clip on social media. Right now, when I think of albums released in 2025, Fotos is always the first to come to mind.
Even though Benito doesn’t yet appear to be visiting the continental U.S. for the album’s forthcoming tour, his overall star power has been nothing less than magnetic this year. From a sizzling Calvin Klein photoshoot and a poignant album film to a snazzy MET Gala appearance and countless live performances (SNL 50, NPR’s Tiny Desk, iHeartRadio Music Awards, etc.), Bad Bunny has gone all out to cement Fotos as a year- (and potentially career-)defining album era – and it’s only been four months!
Griselda Flores: It might be too early to make that call, we still have more than half of the year to go. What I can’t say if it will be the biggest in terms of numbers, I definitely think it will go down as one of the most-defining albums. The fact that this was released in January and it’s still dominating pop culture and very much on top of mind, it proves it has staying power. And we already know that Debí Tirar Más Fotos and Bad Bunny will be in the spotlight for the remainder of this year and the next: He’s embarking on an unprecedented residency in Puerto Rico this summer and will then launch his biggest global tour yet, which will spill into next year.
Jason Lipshutz: Undoubtedly. Fotos gets dinged in the cultural conversation a bit by not being quite as ubiquitous as previous Bad Bunny albums, especially Un Verano Sin Ti, but it’s still a blockbuster, collecting hundreds of millions of streams and keeping one of the biggest stars in the world on top. And while “DtMF,” which peaked at No. 2 on the Hot 100, hasn’t shown the same staying power on the chart as Bad Bunny’s biggest hits, Fotos absolutely contains multiple album tracks that have the potential to rise during the summertime (looking at you, “EOO”).
Andrew Unterberger: For sure — as you can tell from the fact that the album was still in the Billboard 200’s top 10 nearly four months after its release. That’s a sure sign of a modern blockbuster, and so is the fact that Bad Bunny himself has remained pretty omnipresent in pop culture throughout those four months without anyone seeming to get tired of him.
3. 111xpantia is the highest-charting album by a Spanish-language group in Billboard history, and the first top 10 album for Fuerza Regida. Does this represent a significant level-up for the group in its career?
Leila Cobo: Very definitely so. Fuerza is an outlier in many regards: a homegrown group, from California, who came up the charts doing contemporary regional Mexican music — lots of corridos, banda, that sort of music, but with an urban aesthetic and look. The group is signed to an indie label, Rancho Humilde, and its marketing has always been very non traditional. The members delight in pulling stunts, like performing their new music on a freeway overpass, for example. They also never worked radio in their early years — instead climbing the charts through fan-building and streams — and they’re very connected to their fanbase and to their California/Mexican roots.
Which is all to say, this is a group that’s very much part of its generation, and has stayed extremely true to who they are as they’ve grown. Fuerza releases a lot of music, is very steady and versatile, and has built that fanbase steadily, by working hard and being patient. It’s sold out stadiums and, on the Latin charts, was already huge. But still, I don’t think its name was as recognized as that of, say, Peso Pluma. Now, it most definitely is.
Kyle Denis: Absolutely, after breaking into Billboard’s all-genre rankings with their late 2022 dual albums (Pa Que Hablen and Sigan Hablando) and truly establishing themselves with the following year’s Pa Las Baby’s y Belikeada – which hit No. 14 on the Billboard 200 – the lofty debut of 111xpantia proves that Fuerza Regida has cultivated a fanbase that will show up in droves the first week to buy and stream its new music. The band’s No. 2 debut is also a testament to the muscle of its promotional machine, from Paris Fashion Week performances to skywritten messages during Coachella.
Griselda Flores: 100%. Fuerza Regida has proven to be a juggernaut but what I love most about Fuerza Regida’s story, is that the guys have been hustling and steadily growing. It wasn’t overnight success or luck. I think it’s a combination of Jesús Ortiz Paz’s (Fuerza frontman) visionary as businessman — driven by remaining fiercely indie — and his tenacity of being a group that’s in constant evolution, to the point of pioneering his own subgenre of Jersey corridos. The San Bernardino, Calif., group really started from the bottom… and now they’re here.
Jason Lipshutz: Definitely. After previously peaking at No. 14 on the Billboard 200, Fuerza Regida’s No. 2 debut with 111xpantia is the type of chart achievement that shakes casual listeners awake to the appeal of the fast-rising Mexican music collective. After forming a decade ago, Fuerza Regida have spent the past four years enjoying an ultra-prolific streak while scooping up new fans and putting out some of their most consistently enjoyable projects to date; they’re reaching new heights commercially, and peaking at the right time creatively.
Andrew Unterberger: I think so. The biggest difference for the reason in performance between 111xpantia and its predecessors might be its initial release on physical media — resulting in 39,000 copies sold in its first week, according to Luminate — but the fact that the group is able to sell that much in its first week really shows you how far its come over the years.
4. Between the classic música Mexicana sound of Fuerza Regida and the plena and salsa grooves that permeate Fotos, neither album in this week’s top two is driven predominantly by the modern reggaetón or Latin trap sounds that dominated the Spanish-language pop mainstream for most of the late 2010s and early 2020s. Do you think it’s meaningful that these two hit albums are a little more retro in their sonics, or is it just a fluke of timing?
Leila Cobo: I think it’s very meaningful. Latin music overall has been very much looking at roots genres for the past 12-18 months. It’s not only tropical music music (in Bad Bunny’s album) or Mexican subgenres (as with Fuerza). Many artists have been mining cumbia, bachata, merengue, plena. There’s definitely an interest in exploring the past as a bridge to the future. I love this trend: It shows that regardless of where Superstar Latin artists are physically, they understand the importance of culture and roots not just for their music, but for their communities. The truly key element here, in my opinion, is that both Bad Bunny and Fuerza were able to bring in culture in a way that’s been embraced by the masses. That’s a difficult balance to achieve. To paraphrase Carlos Vives: Being local allows us to be global.
Kyle Denis: I think it’s definitely meaningful. In a way, it reminds me of this season’s soca songs feeling like more impactful hits than trap-dancehall’s offerings – or even top 40’s recent flirtations with ‘70s aesthetics (Sabrina Carpenter, Benson Boone, etc.) after kicking off the decade with ‘80s synth-pop mania. Audiences are craving something different, and they’re going to the artists who are offering them that.
Griselda Flores: It’s extremely significant that these are two regional albums. I’ve been talking about how Latin music fans for a while now have been looking for something more regional, authentic, instead of the global sound (like reggaetón) that has dominated for the past decade, which saturated the music scene. I think we got to a point where everything sounded the same, so this style of music, whether it’s regional Mexican or music from Puerto Rico, stands out and connects with fans.
Jason Lipshutz: Their success suggests that popular Spanish-language music is expanding outward, to include new sounds and creative explorations without sacrificing chart expectations. The reanimation of Mexican music has been one of the most interesting subplots in North American popular music over the past half-decade, and it’s been somewhat incorrectly lumped in with the rise of Latin pop over that same time, instead standing on its own as a singular style with a swelling young audience. Meanwhile, Bad Bunny has the leeway as a global superstar to deviate from pop trends and operate in different modes on Fotos. After Latin music’s Big Bang in the late 2010s, various stars moved in different directions with their ideas and aesthetics — and as the top of the Billboard 200 this week shows, those new paths have the potential to pay major dividends.
Andrew Unterberger: It’s meaningful in that while the sounds of these albums may be rooted in retro, they still feel as modern as the biggest reggaetón and Latin pop hits of recent years. Genres and definitions of them are expanding, and that can really only ever be a good thing.
5. Who is another Spanish-language artist who you think could be challenging for the top of the Billboard 200 for the first time in the near future?
Leila Cobo: Kali Uchis is a contender, but her most recent album (last week’s Sincerely,) is not predominantly in Spanish. Otherwise, Xavi, homegrown but managed by a Latin team, could definitely be a contender once he’s ready to release new music. And, following his arena tour, Rauw Alejandro could make the leap in his next album.
Kyle Denis: Peso Pluma or Rauw Alejandro.
Griselda Flores: Uff. This is a hard one because there’s no obvious contender — but I’m betting on Tito Double P. The música mexicana artist, Peso Pluma’s cousin, has gain momentum with his first-ever sold-out tour in the U.S. and last year he even dethroned his cousin Peso Pluma from Top Latin Albums with his debut LP. I think he’s due for a bigger splash on the charts.
Jason Lipshutz: In November, Rauw Alejandro scored the first top 10 album of his career with Cosa Nuestra, and from a sonic standpoint, I love how he’s been able to simplify his sound and maximize his charm. Depending on the project, I think he could get there in the next year or two.
Andrew Unterberger: Rauw Alejandro could absolutely get there — and don’t count out Junior H, whose Sad Boyz 4 Life II made it to just outside the top 10 a couple years ago.