Music

03 Feb 2023

Banda MS Marks 20th Anniversary With ‘A Lot of Tequila‘ and Pride That ‘Most of Us Who Started in 2003 Continue Together’

This year, Sergio Lizárraga’s Banda MS marks two decades in the music business, and it’s kicking off its celebrations with “Un Chingo de Tequila,” a song featuring Mario Domm — from Mexican pop group Camila — who was eager to test the waters of the Regional Mexican genre. Written by Domm, the track debuts Friday (February 3) at 5:00 pm ET.

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“About a year ago I wrote a song and I thought it was something very different from all I had done in my life and I asked myself who was the most important banda artist, and immediately I thought of Banda MS. It’s something new for me; I’m singing something different, new, but I feel comfortable doing it. I am happy to collaborate with Alan, with Walo, in short, with the whole team that has been incredible with me”, Domm says to Billboard Español.

In recent years, the band from Sinaloa, Mexico has recorded with pop artists like Yuridia and Carlos Rivera. According to Banda MS’s singer Oswaldo “Walo” Silvas, when it comes to collaborating, the main thing for him is to admire the other artist’s career, so that there is a connection.

“Mario Domm is definitely one of my favorite artists. I’m a fan of him and Camila — so when the opportunity to do this collaboration came about, we were very excited, being aware of the quality of what was going to be done,” says Silas. “When I heard the song, I was sure it would be a hit. I think people who are experiencing a heartbreak will relate perfectly, and I assure you it will be the song they’ll listen to on many a night of leisure and enjoyment. We’re grateful to Mario and to all who made this possible.”

“Un Chingo de Tequila” is a song about heartache that combines the bravío and very Mexican style of Banda MS with Domm’s and Camila’s romantic pop. Much tequila is added to these ingredients, and though liquor is no way to heal a broken heart, according to the song, at least it helps you not think about it. “A shot of tequila to forget/ Distance, time and someone else taking your place/ So that you never forget when you lied to me/ So that you regret what you have lost,” the lyrics go, in Spanish.

But this track is just the beginning of a year of celebrations, which will include new collabs with artists as varied as Ice Cube (check out the announcement on Instagram), as well as Christian Nodal and again, Yuridia. It also includes a 35-date tour, kicking off February 5 in León, Mexico and ending on December 2 in Fort Myers, Florida. On September 2, they will return to Madison Square Garden in New York, where they’ve previously sold out two shows — the only band from Sinaloa to achieve that. (Tickets are already on sale in Mexico and the U.S.)

Over the years, Banda MS has sold more than 30 million records. It currently has 14 million monthly listeners on Spotify and its YouTube videos have amassed more than 2 billion views. On the Billboard charts, it’s had dozens of entries, including 10 top 10s on Hot Latin Songs, 23 top 10s on Latin Airplay and 18 No. 1s on Regional Mexican Airplay. Its album Que Bendición made it to the Billboard 200 albums chart, debuting and peaking at No. 71 in February 2016. It also reached No. 1 on Top Latin Albums, where it led for three weeks.

Banda MS’ story is a shining example of how an empire can be built from scratch. Thus, after more than a decade of being a part of an international record label, the group chose to create its own. Established in 2016, Lizos Music is an award-winning company that has become a benchmark for the Regional Mexican genre and among independent labels.

Below, the CEO and leader of Banda MS, Sergio Lizárraga, talks to Billboard Español about their career and the plans for this year’s celebrations.

How do you summarize what has happened with Banda MS these last two decades?

The truth is I feel proud that most of us, who started in 2003, continue to be together and continue together well. Saying what needs to be said, respecting ourselves, improving ourselves, wanting to continue innovating and moving forward. Twenty years is a life; so many things have happened that we have to celebrate it in a big way, and nothing better than celebrating it with this tour we’re now about to start. But above all, being at the Mazatlán carnival this February 18 is the icing on the cake for us. In addition, we will return to Madison Square Garden in New York in September, and on September 15 we will also celebrate the national holidays in Las Vegas with our fellow Mexicans.

How did the approach to Mario Domm for “Un Chingo de Tequila” happen?

The way I like it — organically. We met one day and talked about doing a song together; time went by and we met again in Los Angeles, and that’s when we had a deal. He went to Mazatlán and there we finished putting together the song that we’re sure both audiences will like.

Lizos Music has shown that success in the Regional Mexican genre can be achieved by being independent.

We can say that it was our job to team up and move ahead, but in this world no one is totally independent; there are many people around who have been a part of what has happened. We have worked very well as a label and as artists. This includes order and discipline, but above all, overcoming problems that arise.

How have you adapted to the new trends in music?

You have to always be aware of what’s going on, what is new — but above all you must be open to everything. That’s what we have done and it has worked. The proof is in collabs like [our song with] Snoop Dogg. Another duet with Ice Cube will happen very soon, one that will pleasantly surprise the public — and we can announce exclusively that we still have another duet with Yuridia, and a second one with Christian Nodal pending.

Banda MS 'Un Chingo de Tequila'

Banda MS ‘Un Chingo de Tequila’

Courtesy Photo

03 Feb 2023

Inside Spotify’s Star-Studded Best New Artist Party

Year after year, Spotify’s Grammy Week party delivers what no other party does: performances from every best new artist nominee on the same stage on the same night. 

And sure, with 10 nominees, that does lead to a rather long evening as the sets spread out over nearly five hours, but that hardly stopped the closing act from delivering a headline-worthy rock show, prompting the first and only mosh pit of the night.

With a guest list full of future best new artist hopefuls such as Orville Peck, jxdn, Joshua Bassett, Role Model, Yung Gravy and more, past nominee Kid Laroi was also in attendance. Plus, a handful of stars showed up, including Machine Gun Kelly, Shawn Mendes, Charlie Puth, Diplo, Tove Lo, Aly & AJ and so many more.

After turning last year’s event into a first-of-its kind best new artist brunch – held at Encore Beach Club at Wynn in Las Vegas – 2023’s edition at Los Angeles’ Pacific Design Center was a welcome return to the party guests have come to know and love. 

Below are the best moments from the night, courtesy of each best new artist nominee. 

7:32: Instrumental jazz duo Domi and JD Beck opened the night with a captivating set that not only served as the perfect entry music, but also set a high bar for the acts to follow. Drummer JD Beck joked about playing “anti-party music” while Domi later took her shoes off and jokingly declared the duo to be the “Worst New Artist.”

7:52: Emerging bluegrass artist Molly Tuttle wowed the room with her quick and vibrant strumming, amplified by a four-piece string band. Tuttle sounded crisp and cutting, briefly transporting the captivated audience – which included an attentive Orville Peck – to a setting more akin to Newport Folk Festival. 

8:11: Performing alongside a pianist, upright bassist and drummer, Samara Joy turned the sprawling tented venue into an intimate late-night club – think New York’s Blue Note. The jazz singer stunned with her soaring vocals, and caught even more of the room’s attention with her cover of Adele’s “Someone Like You.” 

8:35: Muni Long became the first performer of the night to welcome backup dancers and a prop – in the form of a silver chaise lounge – to the stage. She not only upped the ante with her production value, but delivered bar-raising vocals to match. Her voice was a force, even battling it out briefly with an electric guitar. Before her set wrapped, she wished the crowd a happy Black History Month, plugged her upcoming show and fittingly ended with breakout hit “Hrs and Hrs.” 

9:33: Following a surprise DJ set from the week’s most in-demand performer, DJ Pee Wee (Anderson .Paak), he introduced the celebrated Italian rockers Maneskin to the stage. “Hello everybody, we’re Italian rockers and we play rock n’ roll – at least, we try,” quipped frontman Damiano David. Wearing matching all white suits, the Eurovision winners shredded through “Begging,” “I Wanna Be Your Slave” and more, delivering a stadium-worthy rock show. In the absence of any pyro or other rock show staples, David settled for sprinkling water over the front row to cap off the set.

9:53: Nearly three hours in, Latto took the stage at the perfect time to bring the “big big energy,” performing her hit “Big Energy.” Supported by her DJ and flanked by backup dancers, Latto genuinely seemed to be having a blast on stage, engaging with the audience and smiling through each move. 

10:03: Opening her set in a denim trench to perform “Lobby,” Anitta soon after joked, “Good thing the votes are already counted.” Yet she still delivered an expectedly fiery set, including some signature twerking as an appetizer to “Envolver,” which continued to stand out as a party starter.

10:31: As the stage spins around to reveal Tobe Nwigwe, the first thing to stand out is the set fit for Architectural Digest, with two ivory arched structures on either end framing Nwigwe and his backup vocalists in the center. The singer-rapper treated the audience to a moment of all-consuming zen, momentarily making the otherwise fast-paced party seem to slow down and tune in.

11:03: The crowd thickened for Omar Apollo’s anticipated set, for which he asked, “Is everybody drunk right now? What’s the vibe here?” As the second-to-last performer, Apollo left quite the impression, performing fan favorites including “Go Away” and Endlessly” before warning the crowd his closer is “really f–king sad.” He told no lie, as he finished with the still-growing ballad “Evergreen.”

11:28: Following an epic flute introduction, indie-rock duo Wet Leg took the stage for the evening’s grand finale, and judging by the floor that began to shake from all the jumping, the act was a perfect choice. The rockers treated the brief set the same as their own headlining shows, letting their instruments do most of the talking. The performance included “Wet Dream” and, of course, ended with the song that started it all, “Chaise Lounge.” As a mosh pit began to pick up steam, the pair grinned, as if to say even they couldn’t believe this quirky song started it all.

03 Feb 2023

First Country: New Music From Dierks Bentley, Ashley McBryde, Shania Twain, Corey Kent & More

First Country is a compilation of the best new country songs, videos & albums that dropped this week.

Dierks Bentley with Ashley McBryde, “Cowboy Boots”

“They ain’t broke in until they’ve broke a few horses and some hearts,” Dierks Bentley sings in this sentimental ode to trusty, dusty old boots. Joining Bentley is is another superb, rootsy-warm vocalist, Ashley McBryde. Together, they bring all out the best nuances in this track, which is included on Bentley’s upcoming album Gravel & Gold, out Feb. 24.

Shania Twain, Queen of Me

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Shania Twain returns with the album Queen of Me, her followup to 2017’s Now. Here she nods to the current culture’s fervent nostalgia for ’90s music — both pop and country. With three top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 (“You’re Still the One,” “That’ Don’t Impress Me Much,” “From This Moment On”), Twain has been one of the foremost architects of the ear-catching, euphoric pop-country blend, and brings to this new project a continuation of the peppy, empowering messages (see songs such as inescapably danceable “Giddy Up!” and “Not Just a Girl”), layered over staunchly pop productions that legions of fans have come to expect. Given her battle with health issues including Lyme disease and dysphonia, Twain’s vocal does sound different than her projects from the mid-’90s, but she uses her voice’s newly gritty texture with great impact, as it lends an added toughness to her defiant, triumphant storylines such as “Brand New” and “Queen of Me.”

Morgan Wallen, “Everything I Love”

Leading up to the March 3 release of his upcoming massive, 36-track album One Thing at a Time, Wallen released three new songs this week: “Last Night,” “Everything I Love” and “I Wrote the Book.” “Everything” is the most traditional country of the three, holding on to his country/rock/hip-hop hybrid, while incorporating a ’70s Allman Brothers vibe — and the the lyrics offer a direct nod to the Brothers’ classic “Midnight Rider” on the lyric, “We were listenin’ to ‘one more silver dollar’/ Hanging out in my Silverado.”

Corey Kent, “Man of the House”

Kent follows his radio hit “Wild as Her” with this moody, autobiographical track about a boy forced to grow up a little too fast, trying to “fill shoes that ain’t my size” in order to make up for the hole left by an absent father. The memories and inner struggle tumble out as his voice runs the gamut from subdued and husky to an angsty near-scream as the memories and inner struggles tumble out, before he muses that now grown up and a father, he’s still “a boy trying to be the man of the house.” A solid showcase of Kent’s maturing acumen as a songwriter and vocal interpreter.

4Runner, “Ragged Angel”

This group first signed with Polydor in 1995, released their debut track “Cain’s Blood” and earned followup hits. Years later, they disbanded to raise their respective families. But now, they return with their first release in nearly two decades, on a reimagined version of a song they first released in 2004 — and a new baritone singer, with lead singer Craig Morris’ son Sam. In that time, it’s clear the group’s Eagles-esque, full-bodied harmonies are perfectly intact on this uplifting and buoyant track, which feels like a perfect throwback in an era filled with nostalgia for 1990s and 2000s country sounds.

Charles Wesley Godwin, “The Jealous Kind”

Godwin’s scruffy voice offers bone-baring honesty on this cover of Chris Knight’s “The Jealous Kind,” accompanied by cool piano licks and haunting bass lines. He and his band kick up the tempo, leaning into the urgency reverberating through the song’s storyline, detailing a guy outrunning the law to reach his wayward lover.

“I never drove two days through the pouring rain just stopping for coffee and gas,” he sings. “Never outrun the law on the interstate/ Didn’t know this thing’d go that fast … but there’s always a first time.”

03 Feb 2023

Depeche Mode Announces New Song ‘Ghosts Again’: Here’s When It Arrives

Depeche Mode shared the news on Friday (Feb. 3) that their new single, “Ghosts Again,” is on its way.

“Ghosts Again, the first single off Depeche Mode’s next album Memento Mori, comes out February 9th, 2023,” Martin Gore and Dave Gahan shared in a social media post featuring the album artwork as well as promo for the song popping up on murals, bus stations, subway stops and more. “Set your clocks for Feb 9, 6:00 PM CET/5:00 PM GMT / 11:00 AM ET / 8:00 AM PT.”

With its Tuesday (Feb. 9) release, “Ghosts Again” will serve as the ’90s icons’ first single since “Where’s the Revolution,” “Going Backwards” and “Cover Me” off their 2017 album Spirit. It is also the first new music to be released by the synth-pop band since the sudden death of co-founder Andy Fletcher in May 2022 at age 60. Depeche Mode announced the following month that their utility player died from an aortic dissection.

Fans of the band seemed confused by the single’s announcement after thinking the song was meant to drop as part of New Music Friday. “omg i thought it‘s coming out todaaayyyy,” one wrote. Another complained, “broooo come on I’ve been checking Spotify all morning.”

The confusion seemed to stem from a countdown clock the duo posted seven days prior, pointing to something major coming that turned out to be … another four-day wait.

“Then what was the countdown for,” one follower demanded, while another complained, “So the extraordinary announcement expected for a week is the announcement that we will have to wait another week? this story starts well..”

Depeche Mode’s “Never Let Me Down Again” received a major streaming bump last month thanks to its use in the pilot episode for the new HBO series The Last of Us. The synch even shot the 1987 classic to No. 1 on Billboard‘s LyricFind U.S. and LyricFind Global charts (dated Jan. 28).

Check out Depeche Mode’s “Ghosts Again” announcement below.

03 Feb 2023

GAYLE, Yung Gravy, Anderson .Paak & More: Music Stars at 2023 Grammy Week Events

The 2023 Grammy Awards are nearly upon us! Though the ceremony takes place on Sunday, Feb. 5, artists who are preparing to make their appearance at the ceremony have touched down in Los Angeles in advance for a series of both public and private events for the period dubbed Grammy Week. And while fans may not be able to attend them all, Billboard has you covered with this gallery of photos that features snaps of music stars who showed up to the Grammys pre-parties.

Thursday (Feb. 2) saw Warner Music Group host a star-studded party at the Hollywood Athletic Club in Los Angeles. Saweetie was among the stars to pose for photos on the carpet. During the event, Anderson .Paak — who showed up in his now-signature shiny bowl cut and sunglasses combo — gave the turntables a spin as DJ Pee Wee. Best new artist nominee Omar Apollo took to the stage to perform, and Nile Rodgers cleared the dance floor to bust a move.

The Recording Academy Honors presented by The Black Music Collective also took place on Thursday. Ciara and Lil Wayne posed for photos while sitting at the tables, Dr. Dre accepted the Recording Academy Global Impact Award that night, and attendees were treated to entertaining performances from Busta Rhymes (“Put Your Hands Where Your Eyes Can See,” “I Know What You Want”) as well as Chlöe, who dazzled with covers of songs by Aaliyah and Missy Elliott (“One in a Million” and “One Minute Man”).

Young stars such as Olivia Rodrigo, Sabrina Carpenter and GAYLE also turned up at the many Grammy Week events. See photos of the stars at the various gatherings.

03 Feb 2023

11 Grammy Duets & Collaborations You Probably Forgot About

There’s a reason the Grammy Awards are called Music’s Biggest Night. Since the first ceremony in 1959, musicians, singers, songwriters, producers, recording engineers, executives and more have united annually to celebrate and recognize outstanding achievements in the industry.

Although it’s the awards that bring everyone together, the Recording Academy’s annual ceremony has grown to become a major musical showcase of its own. Now, performances can be just as headline-making as winners — especially when two or more acts take the stage for a surprise team-up. For instance, Prince and Beyoncé stole the show in 2004 when they performed a medley of hits that included “Purple Rain” and “Crazy In Love.” Elton John and Eminem’s performance of “Stan” at the 2001 Grammys still has people talking today. And back in 1980, Barbra Streisand and Neil Diamond stole the show by singing “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” live for the first time together.

With over half a century of show-stopping sets, there are likely dozens of acts you may not remember having taken the stage together. Some pairings are more surprising than others (Metallica and Lady Gaga’s 2017 team-up surely had heads turning), but all of them captivated audiences, bringing together artists both old and new to make history live on stage.

Ahead of the 2023 Grammy Awards on Sunday (Feb. 5) — which will feature performances from Harry Styles, Bad Bunny, Mary J. Blige, Stevie Wonder, Brandi Carlile, Luke Combs, Steve Lacy, Lizzo, Kim Petras and Sam Smith and more — Billboard rounds up 11 epic duets and collaborations you may have forgotten about, in no particular order, below.

03 Feb 2023

Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, John Legend & More to Join DJ Khaled for ‘God Did’ Performance at 2023 Grammys

DJ Khaled is set to appear on the 2023 Grammy Awards telecast with collaborators Fridayy, Jay-Z, John Legend, Lil Wayne and Rick Ross to perform “God Did,” which is nominated for song of the year, best rap song and best rap performance.

DJ Khaled is also nominated for album of the year and best rap album for the album of the same name. “Beautiful,” another track from the album, is up for best melodic rap performance.

Jay’s participation in the collaboration means he is sure to be in the house for what is expected to be a big night for his wife, Beyoncé. Bey is up for nine awards, more than any other artist this year. If she wins three of them, she will tie the late classical conductor Sir Georg Solti for the most Grammys ever. If she wins four, she’ll set a new record.

Jay-Z is nominated for five awards, including double nominations for song of the year. He is nominated in that marquee category for co-writing both “God Did” and Bey’s “Break My Soul.”  If he wins even one of his five nominations, he’ll surpass Kanye West as the most-awarded rap artist in history. The two rap stars are currently tied for that distinction with 24 wins each.

This year’s Grammys will have a strong hip-hop emphasis. On Thursday (Feb. 2), the Academy announced a star-studded salute to the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. LL Cool J will host the segment, which will include performances by Big Boi, Busta Rhymes with Spliff Star, De La Soul, DJ Drama, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Missy Elliott, Future, GloRilla, Grandmaster Flash, Grandmaster Mele Mel and Scorpio/Ethiopian King, Ice-T, Lil Baby, Lil Wayne, The Lox, Method Man, Nelly, Public Enemy, Queen Latifah, Rahiem, Rakim, RUN-DMC, Salt-N-Pepa and Spinderella, Scarface, Swizz Beatz and Too $hort.

Lizzo and Mary J. Blige, the longtime queen of hip-hop soul, are also set to perform on the show. In addition, Quavo will be joined by Maverick City Music for a performance of Quavo’s sentimental ballad “Without You” to honor Takeoff, who died on Nov. 1 at just 28.

The 65th Annual Grammy Awards will air live from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles and will be hosted for the third year in a row by Emmy-winning comedian Trevor Noah. The show will be broadcast live on Sunday, Feb. 5, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on CBS, and will be available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+.

The Recording Academy made its first performers announcement on Wednesday (Jan. 25), revealing a slate of Lizzo, Bad Bunny, Blige, Carlile, Luke Combs, Steve Lacy, and Sam Smith and Kim Petras. Harry Styles was announced as an addition to the lineup on Sunday (Jan. 29) during the fourth quarter of the AFC Championship game.

On Wednesday (Feb. 1), the Academy announced that the In Memoriam segment at the 2023 Grammy Awards will include breakout tributes to three diverse artists who died last fall — Loretta Lynn, Christine McVie and Takeoff.

Kacey Musgraves will perform Lynn’s 1970 classic “Coal Miner’s Daughter” in tribute to the country legend, who died on Oct. 4 at age 90; Sheryl Crow, Mick Fleetwood and Bonnie Raitt will team to perform “Songbird” from Fleetwood Mac’s album of the year-winning Rumours to honor McVie, who died on Nov. 30 at age 79.

Earlier Friday, the Academy announced that Stevie Wonder would be performing in a spot that features his longtime Motown colleague Smokey Robinson as well as country star Chris Stapleton.

The 65th Annual Grammy Awards are produced by Fulwell 73 Productions for the Recording Academy. Kapoor serves as showrunner and executive producer, alongside Winston and Jesse Collins as executive producers. Phil Heyes joins the team for the first time as director. Eric Cook is co-executive producer with Tabitha Dumo, Tiana Gandelman, Patrick Menton and David Wild as producers.

Prior to the telecast, the Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony will be broadcast live from the Microsoft Theater at 12:30 p.m. PT and will be streamed live on live.Grammy.com. Randy Rainbow, a first-time Grammy nominee this year for best comedy album for A Little Brains, A Little Talent, is co-hosting the show. His co-host has yet to be named.

03 Feb 2023

Watch Morat & Grupo Frontera Unite for First Live Performance of ‘No Se Va’

Morat officially met and shared the stage with Grupo Frontera — nine months after the Regional Mexican group covered and released their own version of “No Se Va.”  

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The encounter happened during Morat’s “Si Ayer Fuera Hoy” tour stop in San Antonio, Texas, on Thursday night (Feb. 2) after the Colombian folk-pop group invited Frontera to perform the song live together. Lacing their individual signature sounds, both groups gave “No Se Va” a pop-meets-norteño twist.

“Thank you for being part of this craziness,” Morat shared on Instagram, while Frontera members Adelaido “Payo” Solis III and Juan Javier Cantú expressed how they “couldn’t believe” this opportunity finally happened. 

In the spring of 2022, Frontera — a six-member ensemble from McAllen, Texas — dropped its catchy norteño rendition of “No Se Va,” which was originally released by Morat in 2019. Fueled by its massive success on TikTok, the new version debuted on Billboard‘sHot Latin Songs chart in September 2022 and became only the fifth regional Mexican song in Billboard Hot 100 history. The original track has yet to appear on any Billboard charts (though Morat did reach the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart in June with “Paris,” a collaboration with Argentine rapper Duki). 

“Honestly, I think it was the seasoning that we put with the congas,” Cantú previously told Billboard of the song’s runaway success. “It doesn’t sound like your typical norteño song; in fact, it sounds like something fresh with that reggaetón vibe.”

Cantú also credits his girlfriend for suggesting they cover the track in the first place, insisting Morat deserves all the credit. “We wanted to pay tribute to a group that many of us admire,” he noted. 

Watch the exciting concert moment below: 

03 Feb 2023

First Stream Latin: New Music From Maluma & Marc Anthony, Legado 7, RaiNao & More

First Stream Latin is a compilation of the best new Latin songs, albums and videos recommended by the Billboard Latin editors. Check out this week’s picks below.

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Maluma & Marc Anthony, “La Fórmula” (Sony Music Latin)

It opens up with a subtle pop-reggaetón rhythm against a glimmering melody, as Maluma yearnfully croons about love lost. Then suddenly, “La Fórmula” transforms into an ebullient salsa banger, complete with blaring horns, anchored by the passionate wail of Marc Anthony. Produced by the two singers, as well as Edgar Barrera, Rude Boyz and Sergio George, the duet chronicles how no such formula exists for securing love and devotion with a certain someone — but there’s always that hope. The music video captures the two superstars recording their single at The Hit Factory in Miami. — ISABELA RAYGOZA

JP Saxe & Camilo, “Moderación” (Arista Records)

If there’s one thing JP Saxe and Camilo have in common is that they’re not fans of people who love in moderation: If you’re going to love, you have to love all the way. That’s the message they get across in their new collaboration “Moderación,” a sweet and spiritual bilingual ballad. “Baby, please, don’t love me in moderation/ I don’t know but I feel that you haven’t given your 100%,” they sing. About the collaboration, JP Saxe says, “I am so happy I get to sing this song with Camilo for the rest of my life.” The Colombian artist adds, “I’m so grateful that we actually had the chance to sit down and write this song together, it’s something I’m really proud.” The music video, which depicts the juxtaposition of moderation and excess, was directed by Evaluna and Ricky Montaner. Check out a behind-the-scenes clip of the making of the video here. — GRISELDA FLORES

RaiNao & paopao, “dale Play” (Sonar LLC.)

Two of Puerto Rico’s most promising female voices — RaiNao and paopao — have joined forces for the first time on “dale Play” (press play). If their individual projects are any indication, this isn’t just another reggaetón song… on the contrary, it’s a soulful-meets-futuristic perreo explosion filled with cheeky lyricism such as “rewind to get you undressed, fast forward to forget you,” with their vocals effortlessly intertwining. Penned by the two Boricuas alongside toywapo, and produced by Wiso Rivera, GIOVA, and U.P. Wilson, “dale Play” depicts a conversation between two people who want to be together again despite not being compatible. Both RaiNao and paopao were spotlighted on Billboard’s On the Radar Latin in 2022. — JESSICA ROIZ

Yeison Jimínez & Jessi Uribe, “Me Tiré al Alcohol“ (Mano de Obra)

Yeison Jiménez and Jessi Uribe join forces for the first time to release their new single “Me Tiré al Alcohol.” The Colombian artists unite in this collaboration full of sentimental melodies, acoustic guitar strings and accordion notes that are true to their signature genre música popular. This track finds Uribe and Jiménez in a story of heartbreak, where they seek to drown their sorrows in alcohol, searching for other loves to seek answers and forget. “But I threw myself into alcohol/ And to give kisses to other mouths/ I’ve slept with strangers/ And it doesn’t work for me either,” sings Jiménez in one of the verses. “Me Tiré al Alcohol” drops ahead of the artists’ Titanes Tour 2023, which will run through 12 cities and towns in Colombia. — INGRID FAJARDO

Ptazeta & Lola Índigo, “Tiki Tiki” (Interscope Records)

Ptazeta and Lola Índigo team up for a Dominican dembow-fueled frenzy, where the pair contort their tongue-twisting verbiage in riveting ways, making it sound as simple as tiki, tiki. With gripping vocal prowess to complement the amped-up rhythm, the song is an irresistible hip thruster. The visual also entices, with the Las Palmas and Madrid twosome leading a night of debauchery, filled with saucy hot dogs, poppin’ and lockin’, and mischief on the roller rink. — I.R.

Jay Wheeler, “SOS” (Linked Music/EMPIRE)

Jay Wheeler is kicking off 2023 strong with a newly announced world tour, set to kick off on Valentine’s Day, and his new track “SOS.” The high-energy and hypnotizing track finds the reggaetonero experimenting with retro sounds reminiscent of the ’80s. As for the lyrics, Wheeler sings about heartbreak, as he’s unable to forget his significant other now that their relationship has ended. “I was dying to release new music and show people all the new things that are coming,” the Puerto Rican artist shares in a statement. “‘SOS’ is a track that people will enjoy because it’s part of my essence and what my fans expect. It’s romantic, but danceable.” — G.F.

Emilia, Callejero Fino & Big One, “En La Intimidad” (Fifty One)

Emilia is not only flaunting a new era with her rosewood locks, but she’s also tapping into new genres, as heard in the latest track “En La Intimidad,” alongside Argentinean rapper Callejero Fino and Argentine producer Big One. Written by all three artists and produced by Big One, the track showcases the refreshing and innovative artistry deriving from the South American country. With its notable keytar beats, “En La Intimidad” is the perfect balance between reggaetón and cumbia villera. Its lyrics are flirtatious and daring, telling the story of two people who are having a love affair. “It is a fugitive love/ We like what is forbidden/ Without witness and punishment/ For me it is a pleasure/ In private, he says that I am his weakness/ But he becomes someone else when he has to hide,” chants Emilia with her sugary vocals. — J.R.

Legado 7, “Las Caravanas” (Columbia Records/Sony)

On “Las Caravanas,” the corridos alterados storytellers Legado 7 belt out their signature lit norteñas for the plebada. Leading with whirling accordion riffs against percussive bombast, the O.C. conjunto highlight the grim realities of the outlaw lifestyle with equal parts grit and candor. It’s their first single of 2023, leading to an upcoming album. The song was written by frontman Alex Guerra along with fellow composer/artist Noel Torres. — I.R.

Steve Aoki feat. CNCO, “Diferente” (DJ Kid Millionaire Ltd)

Before they disband (as they announced in May), CNCO continues to gift fans new anthems. This time, the boy band teams up with Steve Aoki for the upbeat and melodic “Diferente,” a dance track where the group — Christopher Velez, Erick Brian Colon, Richard Camacho and Zabdiel de Jesus — sings about a relationship changing from one day to another. “What we were before, is no longer there. Just stay and tell me everything will be different,” they croon. The song masterfully merges euphoric synthesizers and pop beats with the group’s velvety voices. — G.F.

Vale, “Algo Me Pasa” (Rebeleon Entertainment/UMG Recordings)

On their new single “Algo Me Pasa” (something happens to me), twin sister duo Vale (formed by Valentina and Valeria Pérez) delivers an enchanting pop ballad with subtle urban tones, accompanied by the pair’s ever-beautiful harmonizing vocals. Produced by Daniel “Vago” Galindo and co-written by the Colombia-based sisters, the track focuses on that “butterfly in my stomach” feeling when you begin to like someone. “You decide if you stay/ You decide if you go/ I don’t want to waste this opportunity/ You have earned my love/ In such a short time/ You got me praying/ Let time stop,” manifests Vale, who was nominated for best new artist at the 2022 Latin Grammys. — J.R.

03 Feb 2023

Here’s Latto’s Prediction for Who Will Win the Best New Artist Grammy

Latto opened up about her prediction for best new artist, who she plans to bring to the Grammys and more during her interview with Billboard News. Sporting a fire-engine red pantsuit, the “Big Energy” rapper discussed her two nominations — best new artist and best melodic rap performance — saying that despite her start in 2016, she still categorizes herself as a new artist.

“Every month I feel like I’m constantly evolving,” she explains. “Especially the content I’m about to roll out — it’s a whole fresh new me.”

Latto recently released one of her raciest leaked tracks, “Another Nasty Song,” after the snippet gained traction online and was demanded by fans, including fellow rapper Cardi B. The song came on the heels of her collaborative single “FTCU” alongside GloRIlla and late rapper Gangsta Boo.

One of 10 best new artist nominees — including Muni Long, Anitta, Omar Apollo and DOMi & JD Beck — Latto bet on herself as the winner of the category. That is, before she found out that in an earlier Billboard News interview, fellow nominee Anitta said Latto would come out on top. “I don’t want her to say that or think that,” Latto said before changing her prediction. “I think Anitta is gonna win!”

When it comes to who the burgeoning star is bringing to music’s biggest night, it’s a no-brainer. Latto, who is extremely family-oriented, recruited her mother, Misti, and sister Brooklyn Nikole to be by her side, win or lose. “My mama, she too humble. So I’m telling her take my card, go get you something, she’s like, ‘No!’” Latto shares. “I’m like, ‘Girl, this is the Grammys!’”

The rapper is understandably excited for her Grammy nominations, sharing that she’ll be documenting every moment of the night. “I’m gonna have to tell my kids about me going to the Grammys for the first time,” she adds.

The 2023 Grammys will take place at Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena, and broadcasts live on CBS while streaming live and on-demand on Paramount+ on Feb. 5 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.