Music

Alexandra Acosta Torres, also known as Alexxa ‘La Matriarca’ Kim, hails from Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, and is known for her fast-paced rapping skills, mainly about hustle and street life. La Matriarca, who has a bachelor’s degree in Political Science, gained virality on social media when she participated in a freestyle competition for Jay Wheeler’s “Pacto,” where she showed off her distinct tongue-twisters. She’s been releasing original music since 2021, and is popular in countries such as Colombia, Chile and Peru.

Song for Your Playlist: “La Anormal” (Listen to it here)

The trailblazing Montevideo, Uruguay-born rapper initially gained recognition in the mid-1990s as a member of the Argentine rap collective Actitud María Marta, which brought socially conscious themes and a feminist message to the forefront. Alika embarked on her solo career in 2000, and in 2006, she delivered the reggae-infused Educate Yourself — where she demonstrates her lyrical prowess as a vocal MC deeply connected to Rastafarian culture, in collaboration with Nueva Alianza. Since then, she’s continued to release a handful of albums, including her latest, 2022’s Sistern Songs & Dubs. Alika is widely regarded as a significant figure in both the Latin hip-hop and reggae en español scenes.

Song for Your Playlist: “Jengibre” (Listen to it here)

The Chilean-French artist rose to fame in the late ‘90s as the MC of Chilean hip-hop group Makiza. Through her alternative-rap tracks such as “No Estamos Solas,” “Antifa Dance,” and “Rebelión de Octubre,” Tijoux, whose music primarily raises awareness on social issues, has placed three albums on the Billboard Top Latin Albums charts: 1977 (2010), La Bala (2012), and Vengo (2014). As one of the first female rappers to break barriers in a predominantly male-dominated genre with her unapologetic and empowered spirit, Tijoux ranked No. 3 on Billboard’s “The 50 Most Essential Spanish-Language Rappers of Yesterday and Today: Staff Picks” list.

Song for Your Playlist: “1977” (Listen to it here)

Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Spain, Arianna Puello emerged as a trailblazing pioneer of Spanish rap. Her career took a significant turn in the mid-’90s, when she joined forces with El Meswy of El Club de los Poetas Violentos for “Mujer Chingona.” By the turn of the millennium, Arianna earned critical acclaim for her groundbreaking album El Gancho, which played a pivotal role in shaping Spain’s hip-hop landscape. In 2001, she released “Soy la Puello,” further solidifying her status as a leading female rapper. This year, she teamed up with Allmargen to star in “Pisando los Tablados.” Her legacy as a pioneering figure in Spanish-language rap continues to inspire subsequent generations of artists.

Song for Your Playlist: “Pisando los Tablados” (Listen to it here)

Although BB Tricks broke into the Spanish-language rap circuit earlier this year, her confident yet mellifluous flow is one you can’t turn a deaf ear to. Even her debut breakthrough single “Missionsuicida,” which samples the Law & Order: Special Victims Unit opening theme, sees the newcomer spitting snarky bars with a laid-back drill beat, on par with Ice Spice’s flow. BB Trickz is followed by Rosalía and Bizarrap on Instagram, and even C. Tangana shared one of her verses on social media. Her debut EP Trickstar already boasts millions of Spotify streams, and is early evidence that this new rapper is already on the rise. 

Song for Your Playlist: “Missionsuicida” (Listen to it here)

Cazzu rose to prominence as one of the more visible players shaking up the trap scene that flourished in Argentina in the mid-‘10s to global acclaim, largely led by the likes of Duki. Now a household name, the Ledesma native solidified her image as a grim-yet-punky artist, à la Harley Quinn, punctuated by her smoky coo and her numerous tattoos related to the trap lifestyle. Fundamentally a trap star, she’s dabbled in drill, a subgenre of the movement, but has also explored outward with cumbia and reggaetón, along with some of the most important players from those scenes, including Los Ángeles Azules. Visually represented by the black widow, her 2022 album Nena Trampa — produced by her longtime collaborator Nico Cotton — goes back to her genre foundations, solidifying her position as a leader in Argentine trap.

Song for Your Playlist: “Jefa” (Listen to it here)

Danay Suárez, often celebrated for her enchanting boleros, has impacted the Latin rap orbit with her dynamic fusion of traditional Cuban rhythms and hip-hop. Her 2014 debut album Polvo de la Humedad garnered critical acclaim for its live music approach and soul-stirring lyrics. Suárez’s artistry knows no bounds, as she has forged captivating collaborations with an array of artists, including the likes of Israeli singer Idan Raichel, the legendary Stephen Marley, Cuban jazz virtuoso Roberto Fonseca and many more. Through her thought-provoking lyricism, she masterfully explores themes of identity and resilience, making her a true luminary in the world of Spanish-language hip-hop and beyond. 

Song for Your Playlist: “Yo Aprendí” (Listen to it here)

Farina is known as one of the female pioneers of the Colombian rap and reggaetón movements. Though she’s gained notoriety with commercial tracks such as “A Fuego,” “Asi Asi” with Maluma and “Tick Tock” with Thalía and Sofia Reyes, Farina’s killer improvisation skills don’t go unnoticed. She’s collaborated with fellow rappers such as Blueface, Arcangel, and Miky Woodz, and was nominated for best urban song at the 2021 Latin Grammys with “A Fuego” and for best rap/hip-hop song at the 2022 ceremony with “Freestyle 15.”

Song for Your Playlist: “Farina VS Farina—Freestyle 15” (Listen to it here)

Fémina, the Argentine folk-fusion ensemble, mellifluously weaves lush harmonies with barebones percussion to capture the ethereal essence of Patagonia. Hailing from the idyllic town of San Martín de los Andes in Neuquén, Argentina, the group began as a trio, with sisters Sof Tot (Sofia Trucco) and Wen (Clara Trucco) and their childhood friend Claridad (Clara Miglioli). At one point, they relocated to Buenos Aires, where they immersed themselves in the capital’s vibrant landscape, delving into hip-hop and street dance. In 2014, they dropped their debut album, Traspasa, doused in bohemian elegance. More recently, their 2023 Tigre Den session, “Inmortales/Jenny la del Barrio,” showcased the two sisters effortlessly delivering compelling rhymes over the gentle strum of an autoharp and live beatmaking.

Song for Your Playlist: “Inmortales/Jenny la del Barrio” (Listen to it here)

Born Ángela Lucero Areyte in Chile, Flor de Rap was only 13 years old when she penned her first song “Mi Historia.” Brining the female Chilean rap movement to the forefront, Flor spits hard-hitting bars about social issues, empowerment and resilience, as heard in songs such as “Rap Killah,” “Inmarchitable” and “Resistiré.” In 2016, she won first place at the Hip-Hop Carnaval in Antofagasta (a port city in Chile) and she has since released three studio albums: Inmarchitable (2018), Gold (2020), and Mariposa (2021).

Song for Your Playlist: “Resistiré” (Listen to it here)

Hailing from Caracas, Venezuela, Gabylonia (real name Maria Gabriela Sojo) kicked off her career in 1999 as part of hip-hop group Escuadron X. Dubbing her style as “musica para reales” (music for the real ones), Gabylonia raps about being authentic without having to sexualize her image. On her 2012 breakthrough hit “Abuso de Poder,” the rapper used her talent to address political corruption and police brutality. Gabylonia was nominated at the 2014 Latin Grammys for her collaboration in Jarabe de Palo’s “Somos.”

Song for Your Playlist: “Abuso de Poder” (Listen to it here)

Singer/rapper Goyo is a force in Latin music. In the mid aughts, she arrived as the captivating voice of Afro-Colombian trio ChocQuibTown. Born in Chocó, Colombia, the poetess combines her passion for traditional music of her country with a deep love for hip-hop, as evinced in her conscious lyrics that blends soulful melodies and powerful rhymes. Her unwavering commitment to addressing societal issues makes her not only a formidable artist but a powerful advocate for inclusion and Afro-Latin culture, which earned her the Agent of Change award at the first ever Billboard Latin Women in Music. In 2022, she released her solo debut En Letra de Otro, and a slew of singles throughout the year. 

Song For Your Playlist: “Tumbao” (Listen to it here)

Ivy Queen is the undisputed Queen of Reggaetón — just go ahead and ask Siri. Thanks to her prowess as both a rapper and a reggaetón icon, La Reina has elevated the música urbana movement since the mid ‘90s, carving a space for females in a heavily male-dominated scene. Just listen to her fire delivery of “Somos Raperos Pero No Delincuentes” and “Muchos Quieren Tumbarme” as part of DJ Negro’s influential collective, The Noise. Throughout her career, Ivy Queen’s albums, such as Sentimiento (2007) and Drama Queen (2010), not only showcased her mastery of reggaetón but also highlighted her exceptional ability to seamlessly blend rap elements with infectious melodies. Her pioneering contributions to the Spanish-language rap movement deserve the highest recognition and accolades.

Song for Your Playlist: “Toma (Remix)” (Listen to it here)

Just in her teens, J Noa reveals a jaw-dropping kind of awareness of her environment that she delivers with unflinching critique. The Dominican rapper, who was featured in Billboard‘s Latin Artists on the Radar in January, has continued to demonstrate her lyrical prowess. Her Sony debut album, Autodidacta, released in May, sees the young artist making bombastic declarations: “I’m an optimist when it comes to insulting on a track/ Prove to these kids that I’m a lyricist,” she raps on “No Me Pueden Parar.” She even flowed in the presence of the hip-hop pioneer D.M.C. in the birthplace of hip-hop, the Bronx, where he’s seen bopping to her every bar. We are also closely listening.

Song for Your Playlist: “No Me Pueden Parar” (Listen to it here)

La Duraca (real name: Zuleika Marie Rodriguez) is a Puerto Rican rapper who — with unapologetic tracks such as “La Pistola,” “Envidia,” “La Vida” and “Encima” — has become known as “The OG Bichota.” Duraca’s potent rap verses rose to commercial prominence when she joined Natti Natasha’s “Las Nenas” in 2021, alongside fellow raperas Farina and Cazzu. La Duraca has also collaborated with Ñengo Flow on “Pa’ Que Bailen.”

Song for Your Playlist: “Tensión” (Listen to it here)

Hailing from the Dominican Republic comes La Ross Maria, born Rosa Maria Pineda. In her 2020 single “Mi Regalo Mas Bonito,” the rising talent flaunted her hoarse-yet-delicate vocals in an empowering rap track about respecting women and treating them like princesses. The teen MC quickly got on the public’s radar in the midst of the pandemic, later receiving a stamp of approval from Romeo Santos, who collaborated with her on “Tú Vas A Tener Que Explicarme.”

Song for Your Playlist: “Hacerte Mía” feat. Nino Freestyle (Listen to it here)

Born in Cádiz, Spain, Mala Rodriguez (born María Rodríguez Garrido) became involved in Seville’s underground hip-hop scene when she was just a teenager — adopting her stage name, La Mala, at the age of 17. She later rose to fame in the late ’90s-early 2000s with hits such as “La Niña.” Rodriguez, who has collaborated with Julieta Venegas, Tego Calderon, and Calle 13, to name a few, became the first solo female artist to win the 2010 Latin Grammy for best urban song (“No Pidas Perdón”) — and three years later, achieved the same in the best urban album category (Bruja). 

Song for Your Playlist: “Gitanas” (Listen to it here)

Mare Advertencia Lirika, originating from Oaxaca, Mexico, was told at an early age that she wasn’t suited for writing poetry due to her direct and powerful expression. Undeterred, she turned to rap, distancing herself from the romantic world of literary contests. As a rapper, Mare is a force to be reckoned with, delivering fierce and visceral rhymes. Songs like “Bienvenidx” and “Se busca” unapologetically denounce government repression, human rights violations and widespread corruption in Mexico. Her music is a reflection of her identity as a woman, a Zapotec, a migrant, and a voice from the margins.

Song for Your Playlist: “ReSURrección” with Tayhana (Listen to it here)

Melymel (real name: Melony Redondo) is known as “La Mama del Rap” in her native The Dominican Republic. Kicking off her music career in 2005, inspired by acts such as 2Pac and Lauryn Hill, Melymel became one of the first female rappers to spit bars about empowerment in the male-dominated genre. Melymel’s versatility across styles is particularly notable, as she is proficient at both fearlessly improvising and carrying a strong melodic tune.

Song for Your Playlist: “Cuando Salimos” (Listen to it here)

Mestiza’s lyrical content is raw and unapologetic. Her freestyle rap is witty and expeditious. Hailing from Caracas, Venezuela, the artist born Yoryanis Chirinos is also known as being part of the rap duo Mestiza y Neblinna. She first flaunted her slick improvisation skills at the very young age of 11, and has since climbed the hip-hop ranks, sharing stage with artists such as Ñengo Flow, Melymel, Darkiel, J Alvarez and Maldy. Mestiza has dropped two studio albums: Mi Trayectoria (2014) and Before (2022). 

Song for Your Playlist: “Alerta” (Listen to it here)

With her R&B-tinged vocals that are full of soul, unapologetically in-your-face lyrics, and killer dance moves, Argentine-born Nathy Peluso began exploring her talent when she would write street poetry and rap bars as part of the then-underground hip-hop movement in Spain. Peluso has since incorporated her rapping skills into her eclectic music, which encompasses salsa, bachata, dancehall, and of course, hip-hop. Her 2020 album Calambre won the Latin Grammy award for best alternative album.

Song for Your Playlist: “BZRP Music Sessions #36” (Listen to it here)

Nesi first gained viral recognition with her freestyle videos on Facebook before becoming the voice behind the empowering hook of Bad Bunny’s 2020 hit “Yo Perreo Sola.” She was discovered by Bad Bunny thanks to her presence on social media. The Puerto Rican rapper also has collaborations with artists such as big-name artists as El Alfa (“Mi Bom Bom”), Jowell & Randy (“S.O.L.O.”) and YovngChimi (“Drippin”).

Song for Your Playlist: “Waiting” (Listen to it here)

Nicki Nicole found the spotlight at only 18 years old thanks to her breakthrough hit “Wapo Traketero.” Her lyrical content, which is often backed by hip-hop, trap, and R&B beats, has resonated with today’s youth, as heard in her other bangers “Colocao” and “Mamichula.” The Argentine singer-songwriter and rapper has released three studio albums: Recuerdos (2019), Parte de Mi (2021), and ALMA (2023). The latter of the three is nominated for best urban music album at the 2023 Latin Grammys, and her song “Dispara” featuring Milo J is also up for best rap/hip-hop song. 

Song for Your Playlist: “Colocao” (Listen to it here)

Hailing from Monterrey, Mexico, Niña Dioz emerged as a trailblazer within a blooming musical Regio scene that experienced a renaissance over a decade ago. Ever since her second full-length Indestructible (2013), she’s cemented her voice within the rich landscape of Mexican hip-hop. With a potent blend of cheeky self-reflections and unapologetic authenticity, as heard in 2018’s Reyna, Niña Dioz is bringing in rich contributions to the genre by being unafraid to step outside the traditional confines of hip-hop. She brought in indie royalty Ceci Bastida and Lido Pimienta for “Tambalea,” and on 2021’s horn-blaring “Mezcal,” she paid homage to traditional Mexican rhythms alongside Hispana. On her latest 2023 single “Rolando,” the rapper continues to fearlessly explore her personal inhibitions, with fierce results.  

Song for Your Playlist: “Mezcal” feat. Hispana (Listen to it here)

Hailing from Las Palmas, in Spain’s Canary Islands, PtaZeta (real name: Zuleima del Pino Gonzalez) is spitting rap bars and creating music on her own terms. Through her unapologetic verses, which for the most part, reflect her queer and open-minded lyricism, the Spanish rapper “wants to normalize a woman singing to another woman and what that means to the community,” she previously told Billboard. PtaZeta — who’s signed to Interscope Records — has gained fans through her fusion rap, trap, reggaetón and dembow music, and by collaborating with artists such as Nicki Nicole, Farina and Bizarrap, the latter for his “BZRP Music Sessions #45.”

Song for Your Playlist: “No Me Jalan” (Listen to it here)

With a heady discography that includes Poesía Venenosa (2015), Alma Mestiza (2016), Obsidiana (2018) and the tropical-laden Florecer (2022), Rebeca Lane continues to bring Guatemalan rap to international audiences. As the founder of Somos Guerreras (We Are Warriors), the poet/rapper provides a space of female empowerment via hip-hop. As a sociologist, she has contributed to the study of urban cultures and youth identities, particularly within the realm of hip-hop.

Song for Your Playlist: “Lucha Como Mujer” (Listen to it here)

From Tenerife, Islas Canarias in Spain to the world, Sara Socas got on the radar with her distinct beatboxing skills. A composer and hip-hop artist, Socas discovered her passion for rap music during her University years in Madrid. Her first rap battle took place in 2017 in the streets of Madrid — it’s then that she went viral on social media, reaching countries such as Mexico. In 2019, she was one of two women (next to rapper Erika2Santos) to participate in the coveted Red Bull Batalla de los Gallos, where she was a semi-finalist. Socas will soon release her debut studio album, TFN – MAD.

Song for Your Playlist: “All Star” (Listen to it here)

Shitstem, the Argentine rapper, whose real name is Juana Passeri, began dropping singles since 2019, and is quickly becoming a compelling force within the movement. Known for her assertive performances that tackle issues such as depression, feminism, and social justice, some standout releases include “Wachas” (2020) and the horn-powered “Detox” (2021). Her most recent drop “Decime Quién” (2023) honors the spirit of old school hip-hop, where she pays respect to the pioneers of rap, including icons like Kool Herc, Canserbero and Biggie Smalls, while emphasizing the importance of staying true to the roots of rap. The song also alludes to the continued contributions of future generations of female rappers.

Song for Your Playlist: “Decime Quién” (Listen to it here)

Sky Sapiens is one of Peru’s most prominent rap artists, making her mark in the industry for over two decades. In 2010, she joined forces with fellow female rapper La Prinz to create the dynamic duo known as Las Damas, earning critical acclaim for their collaborative work. Notably, in 2021, Sky Sapiens ventured into a solo career, releasing her debut album, La Rompe Boca the Mixtape. Sky Sapiens’ contributions to the Peruvian rap scene have earned her recognition as a standout artist in the genre.

Song for Your Playlist: “Ganar o Morir” (Listen to it here)

Snow Tha Product (born Claudia Alexandra Feliciano) established herself as a force in hip-hop due to her relentless and rapid-fire vocal delivery. The Mexican-American rapper spits sharp rhymes in both English and Spanish to speak out against police brutality, immigration reform and other social issues. Snow has released the EP Half Way There…Pt. 1 (2016) and full-length album To Anywhere (2022), and has achieved prominent Billboard chart placement on the Latin Digital Songs Sales chart, while her viral “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 39” also landed her on the Billboard Global Excl. US chart.  

Song for Your Playlist: “3X4” feat. Santa Fe Klan (Listen to it here)

“Yo no soy artista, yo soy un movimiento,” howls Villano Antillano on “Precaución, esta canción es un hechizo.” Equipped with a fierce flow and saucy one-liners, Villano Antillano is helping shatter hate speech through wicked wordplay. She began dropping material on SoundCloud in the late ’10s, like her 2019 EP Tiranía, a dissonant, grim outing which sees the Puerto Rican lyricist combating demons. Villano followed up with a string of singles — some raunchy, some introspective — that led up to her bold pandemic-era release Ketaprincesa, and more recently her 2022 Sony debut, La Sustancia X. Along the way, she also placed on the Billboard Global 200 and Global Excl. U.S charts with her Bizarrap team-up, “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 51.”

Song for Your Playlist: “Precaución, esta canción es un hechizo.” (Listen to it here)

Young Miko’s laidback approach to rapping makes her stand out from the música urbana landscape of today. Unhurried and nonchalant, the Puerto Rican wordsmith spits punchy lines that are as braggadocious as they are clever. She weaves her queer identity through a kitsch aesthetic, often over trap and reggaetón beats. The pink-donning rapper went from self-releasing music on SoundCloud to making several Billboard charts, including entries on the all-genre Hot 100 for her collaborations with star artists Feid (“Classy 101”) and Bad Bunny (“Fina”). Her latest solo effort “Wiggy” brims with playfulness, which has already captured nearly 34 million views in just three months since it dropped on YouTube.

Song for Your Playlist: “Wiggy” (Listen to it here)