State Champ Radio Music
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Dave Matthews has pulled out of two major events coming up fast this week — FireAid and the MusiCares Grateful Dead — to tend to a family emergency. In a statement posted to the Dave Matthews Band Instagram account Wednesday (Jan. 29), Matthews’ team wrote, “Due to a critical illness in the family, Dave Matthews […]
Every month, Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors spotlight a group of rising artists whose music we love. Think “diamantes en bruto,” or “diamonds in the rough.” These are newcomers who have yet to impact the mainstream — but whose music excites us, and who we believe our readers should make a point to discover.
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Our latest edition of On the Radar Latin includes a wave of emerging artists, who we discovered either by networking or coming across their music at a showcase, and beyond. See our recommendations this month below:
Artist: Alleh & Yorghaki
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Country: Venezuela
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: By the end of 2024, the landscape of social media was ablaze with the captivating sounds of “Capaz (merengueton),” a viral sensation crafted by two talented artists hailing from Valencia, Venezuela. This track quickly gained momentum in the Latin music scene, showcasing a vibrant fusion of traditional merengue rhythms and contemporary reggaeton beats, all enhanced by modern electronic elements. The playful and flirtatious lyrics of “Capaz,” which translates to “maybe,” explore the nuanced feelings of a budding romance filled with possibilities.
Following the success of their hit single, Alleh and Yorghaki launched their highly anticipated debut album La Ciudad last year. This set features 12 tracks that showcase the duo’s distinct artistic vision and musical identity. The album is an inviting journey through lively melodies and infectious rhythms that resonate deeply, allowing listeners to connect with the pair’s artistic expression amidst the vast array of musical trends that flood the industry daily. — INGRID FAJARDO
Song For Your Playlist: “El Ingeniero”
Artist: Chuwi
Country: Puerto Rico
Why They Should Be On Your Radar: Hailing from Isabela, on the northwest coast of Puerto Rico, comes the indie quartet Chuwi. Composed by siblings Lorén on vocals, Willy on bass guitar, Wester on keyboards, and family friend Adrian on the drums, the group tastefully blends traditional Caribbean rhythms (plena, bomba, salsa) with soulful alternative melodies. Sonically, the band that’s been making the rounds since 2020 is progressive, energetic and stylish. Lyrically, Chuwi is proudly rooted in its culture, mainly singing about La Isla del Encanto with some feel-good love songs here and there.
I first discovered this talented bunch last summer during an album listening session with PJ Sin Suela, who collaborated with the group on “Escúchame,” where I was instantly smitten by Lorén’s powerhouse yet warm vocals. Chuwi kicked off 2025 gaining well-deserved momentum thanks to their feature on the flirty “WELTiTA” track from Bad Bunny’s DeBí TiRAR MáS FOToS. — JESSICA ROIZ
Song For Your Playlist: “Escúchame,” PJ Sin Suela feat. Chuwi
Artist: Hamilton
Country: Colombia
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: Dubbed the Afro Rock Star of Colombia, Hamilton has stood out as a reference for Afrobeats in his country, including through collabs with artists like Ryan Castro (“A Poca Luz”), Justin Quiles and Lenny Tavárez (“Atardecer”). With a velvety voice and an Afro-tropical vibe that is pleasant to the ear both musically and lyrically, he is preparing to release his debut album, Afro Rockstar, after presenting singles such as “Besitos Dulces” and “La Favorita de mi Mamá” in recent months. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Song For Your Playlist: “La Favorita de mi Mamá”
Artist: Hendry el Mero Mero
Country: U.S. by way of Cuba
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: Hendry el Mero Mero is a name that’s making the rounds in the East Coast. I first heard about the singer/songwriter/producer through Moises Mucho Mas, host and founder of the Onda Regional Show — a podcast that showcases the emerging wave of regional Mexican music in the New York Tri-State area. Born in Cuba and shaped by a decade in Ecuador, now based in New Jersey, Hendry’s musical journey has evolved from Latin rock to reggaetón, and most recently, a corridos tumbados fusion — a style he embraced after immersing himself with “la raza,” as he puts it, in the U.S.
His 2023 single, “Malditas Ganas,” is a melodic blend of mariachi brass and pulsating hip-hop rhythms, showcasing his versatility and fusion prowess. “Pregúntale al Diablo” further showcases his captivating mix of corridos tumbados with electronic beats. Hendry’s distinctive raspy voice adds a raw, authentic quality to his music. His latest single, “Trotamundo,” encapsulates his journey, mingling reflective lyrics with a contemplative sound that invites listeners into his world. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Song For Your Playlist: “El Mero Mero”
Artist: Saul Villarreal
Country: U.S.
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: George Prajin, Peso Pluma’s manager, recently signed this 19-year-old singer-songwriter from Austin, Texas. Villarreal is one of those artists who is hard to categorize within a specific genre, which is what makes him fascinating. While joining a roster that includes mainly corrido/Mexican music hitmakers, Villarreal stands out for a far more stripped-down and mellow approach to the genre, often accompanying his songs with a piano or an acoustic guitar. Villarreal entered the scene in 2023, and has so far released a handful of songs that showcase his talents as a singer and songwriter. — GRISELDA FLORES
Song For Your Playlist: “Vete”
A crew of marquee artists will play in support of Anyma during the artist’s final dates at Sphere in Las Vegas in February and March. On Wednesday (Jan. 29), the venue announced that Bosnian German favorite Solomun and American producer Layla Benitez will open on Feb. 27, South Korean phenom Peggy Gou and German mainstay […]
Lady Gaga has some hard-earned wisdom to pass down to the younger pop stars who are following in her footsteps. In a new cover story interview with Elle published Tusday (Jan. 28), the 13-time Grammy winner gave her two cents on artists such as Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter and Charli XCX rapidly reaching superstar status […]
Post Malone is headed to New Orleans. As announced Wednesday (Jan. 29), the superstar is set to perform at the official Super Bowl Tailgate hosted this year by YouTube, taking the stage in Louisiana just before the Kansas City Chiefs take on the Philadelphia Eagles Feb. 9. Set to take place at 4 p.m. ET […]
The Contenders is a midweek column that looks at artists aiming for the top of the Billboard charts, and the strategies behind their efforts. This week, for the upcoming Billboard 200 albums chart dated Feb. 8, we look at a bunch of new albums, led by the sequel set from one of last year’s greatest chart breakthrough stories.
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Teddy Swims, I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Pt. 2) (SWIMS Int./Warner): Few artists enjoyed a mainstream breakout in 2024 like Teddy Swims, whose megaballad “Lose Control” not only topped the 2024 year-end Billboard Hot 100 after first reaching the chart in late 2023, but which still ranks in the listing’s top 10 this week. That song came from Swims’ debut album I’ve Tried Everything but Therapy (Pt. 1), which reached No. 17 on the Billboard 200 and spawned a second hit in the more uptempo No. 26-peaking “The Door.”
Now, the big-voiced Georgia singer-songwriter is back with that set’s follow-up, logically titled I’ve Tried Everything but Therapy (Pt. 2). The new album is available in eight vinyl variants, including one signed by Swims, as well as standard and signed CD editions, and a standard digital download. The set also features two more chart hits in “Bad Dreams” (No. 57) and Giveon collab “Are You Even Real” (No. 59), with Swims performing the latter on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon Jan. 23, just before the album’s release.
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Bad Bunny, Debí Tirar Más Fotos (Rimas): Speaking of Fallon: His recent co-host Bad Bunny should provide the biggest challenge to Swims scoring his first No. 1 on the Billboard 200 next week. Debí Tirar Más Fotos climbed to the chart’s apex — after debuting at No. 2 in an incomplete debut tracking week — and moved a fairly staggering 203,500 units in its second frame, as the critically acclaimed album continued to catch fire on streaming through word of mouth and through a handful of viral hits, most notably quasi-title track “DtMF,” which shot to No. 2 on the Hot 100.
This week, the set has cooled down a little from its blazing start, but remains a major force across streaming – claiming six of the top 25 spots on Apple Music’s real time chart and five of the top 25 on Spotify’s Daily Top Songs USA, including “DtMF” still reigning at No. 1. No tracks from the Swims set are currently even in the top 50 on either chart, which means it will have to sell a tremendous number of physical copies to threaten Bad Bunny’s blockbuster on next week’s chart – a big ask for such a still relatively new artist.
Kane Brown, The High Road (RCA Nashville): A longer-established hitmaker with a new set this week is country star Kane Brown, who has hit the Billboard 200’s top five with each of his top three albums, including 2018s’ chart-topping Experiment. His new set The High Road – not to be confused with recent “High Road” country hits by Zach Bryan and Koe Wetzel & Jessie Murph – features 18 tracks, including already-minted hits “Miles on It” (with EDM star Marshmello) and the Phil Collins-interpolating “I Can Feel It.” The album is available in nine vinyl variants (including signed editions), as well as three d2c-only digital album variants with different cover art, and at leat four CD variants, also including signed editions.
IN THE MIX
Central Cee, Can’t Rush Greatness (CC4L/Columbia): U.K. MC Central Cee has been one of the globe’s hottest rappers for most of the 2020s album, but is only now releasing debut album Can’t Rush Greatness – hence the title. The 17-track set features U.S. rap stars 21 Savage, Lil Durk and Lil Baby, the latter on last year’s top 20 Hot 100 hit “BAND4BAND.” The album should stream well, and has already caused a minor internet fury with its track “5 Star” — which contained rhymes perceived as a diss towards fellow U.K. hip-hop hitmaker Aitch, who responded the same day of its release with his own “A Guy Called?”
FKA twigs, Eusexua (Young/Altantic): Wildly acclaimed for over a decade now, U.K. electro-soul singer-songwriter FKA twigs is back this week with the much-anticipated Eusexua, her first LP since 2022’s Caprisongs. The album is available in six vinyl variants, signed and unsigned CDs, cassette and two digital download variants, one a d2c exclusive with a bonus track. Twigs definitely hasn’t lost her fastball as a critics’ darling, as Eusexua is already one of the year’s strongest-reviewed sets, including a rare 9.1 rating from Pitchfork.
Mexican music juggernauts Peso Pluma and Tito Double P are set to be honored with the BMI Champion Award and the BMI Impact Award, respectively, at the 2025 BMI Latin Awards, taking place March 6 at the Fontainebleau Coastal Convention Center in Miami Beach, Fla. The private event will be hosted by BMI president/CEO Mike O’Neill and BMI’s vp of creative, Latin, Jesús González.
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The special accolade will honor Peso’s rapid ascent to global fame and the significant impact he has had in bringing Mexican music to the mainstream. “Peso Pluma’s extraordinary success has not only reshaped the landscape of música mexicana but also propelled it onto the global stage,” said Jesús González, in a press release. “His innovative sound and undeniable influence have opened new doors for Latin music.”
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Furthermore, Peso’s quickly ascending collaborator and cousin, Tito, who has become a star in his own right, will be recognized for his contributions to Peso’s success and for establishing himself as one of the genre’s hottest new talents. “We are excited to celebrate [Peso’s] success alongside Tito Double P, whose dedication and talent have played a key role in Peso Pluma’s journey, while also marking the beginning of his own impressive career,” adds González. “We also look forward to honoring our BMI Familia of exceptional songwriters, producers and publishers behind the most-performed Latin songs of the past year during the ceremony.”
During the event, BMI will acknowledge the songwriters and publishers of the most-performed Latin songs in the U.S. over the past year. Awards such as the BMI regional mexican song, songwriter, and publisher of the year, as well as the BMI contemporary Latin song, songwriter, and publisher of the year, will be presented during the ceremony.
As the 2025 BMI Champion Award recipient, Peso Pluma joins a distinguished list of past honorees, including SZA, Khalid, Residente, Sebastian Krys, Inflo, Mark Ronson, Keith Urban and others. Meanwhile, Tito Double P joins Edgar Barrera, Ice Spice, Arlo Parks, RAYE, P2J and Tems, among others, in receiving the BMI Impact Award.
It’s famously difficult to win Azealia Banks‘ approval, but Taylor Swift has it. And in a series of posts on X Wednesday (Jan. 29), the rapper gave a detailed explanation why.
After previously declaring that Swifties make up one of the only fanbases she actually likes, Banks responded to a follower who asked her to elaborate. “Cause they don’t bother anybody,” she obliged. “Taylor doesn’t bother anybody. To have beef with her or over is a real sign of TRUE lack of self esteem.”
“Like Kanye Tyler charli whoever else is a f–kin lame,” the “212” artist continued, referencing Ye’s famous feud with the “Anti-Hero” artist, Tyler, the Creator’s recent clash with Swifties, and the Charli XCX’s rumored tension with Swift; the Brat artist and superstar later sang each other’s praises, debunking the rumors. “She really makes her music and minds her biz.”
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In the replies, Banks also praised the 14-time Grammy winner for promoting Nicki Minaj’s “Super Bass” back in the early 2010s before the track fully blew up and launched the Queen of Rap into superstardom. Minaj has also previously credited Swift for having a hand in the song’s success, and in 2011, the two women performed it together on the latter’s Speak Now World Tour.
“Like what other white female artist would share her platform with a black girl like that without asking for anything in return but just out of sheer f–king respect for the music?” Banks added. “Not a single one of them. They always want something in return and I really respect the way she carries herself it’s refreshing.”
Banks’ approval of Swift might come as a surprise to some knowing how many other stars the former has verbally struck down over the years. One of the “Liquorice” artist’s most recent targets was Grimes, whom she accused of “trying to paint me like the [villain]” before alleging that Elon Musk had “dumped” and “cheated on” the “Oblivion” singer; Grimes quickly fired back, “i didn’t ‘get dumped.’ I bounced.”
Shortly before that, Banks sparred with Matty Healy over comments the former made about Charli XCX. The exchange crested when the New York native said that The 1975 frontman’s fiancée, model Gabriette, looked “like Frankenstein,” after which Healy said he was “going to f—ing slap [Banks] so hard I’ll get a Guinness world record” before announcing that he was stepping back from X. “I don’t have the right kind of intelligence / emotional maturity etc for social media I literally just end up saying stuff that immediately regret,” he wrote.
See Banks’ posts about Swift below.
Cause they don’t bother anybody. Taylor doesn’t bother anybody. To have beef with her or over is a real sign of TRUE lack of self esteem. Like Kanye Tyler charli whoever else is a fuckin lame she really makes her music and minds her biz https://t.co/5s7zwfotYl— Azealia Banks (@azealiaslacewig) January 29, 2025
Like what other white female artist would share her platform with a black girl like that without asking for anything in return but just out of sheer fucking respect for the music? Not a single one of them. They always want something in return and I really respect the way she…— Azealia Banks (@azealiaslacewig) January 29, 2025
While MGM refuted reports of a $50 million gambling debt compiled by Bruno Mars last year, the superstar still had some fun with the casino rumors.
Bruno hit the jackpot to break a Spotify listener record earlier this week and he took to his Instagram Story on Tuesday (Jan. 28) to celebrate the feat and even joked about taking a chunk out of his alleged debt.
“I’ll be out of debt in no time,” the 15-time Grammy Award winner captioned the post about him becoming the first artist to eclipse 150 million monthly Spotify listeners in the platform’s history.
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NewsNation reported in 2024 that Bruno owed millions to MGM and that number was as high as $50 million from hitting the casino tables. “He makes $90 million a year off of the deal he did with the casino, but then he has to pay back his debt … after taxes (Mars makes $1.5 million per night),” NewsNation‘s source speculated.
However, MGM Grand quickly debunked the report and said that the singer had no debt with the casino.
“We’re proud of our relationship with Bruno Mars, one of the world’s most thrilling and dynamic performers,” a spokesperson from MGM Grand told Billboard at the time. “From his shows at Dolby Live at Park MGM to the new Pinky Ring lounge at Bellagio, Bruno’s brand of entertainment attracts visitors from around the globe.”
They continued: “MGM and Bruno’s partnership is longstanding and rooted in mutual respect. Any speculation otherwise is completely false; he has no debt with MGM. Together, we are excited to continue creating unforgettable experiences for our guests.”
The 39-year-old even mocked the gambling debt reports on stage during a performance last year. “Ever since those articles came out about me owing the casino money you stopped picking up my calls,” he joked. “It’s me baby — I got money.”
Bruno Mars jokes about the rumors of him being in casino debt. “Ever since those articles came out about me owing the casino money you stopped picking up my calls… It’s me baby I got money.” 😂 pic.twitter.com/aWQyd5CGhq— Rap Alert (@rapalert6) September 9, 2024
Bruno added another seven dates to his Las Vegas residency at Dolby Live at Park MGM, where he’ll kick off the summer with shows in late May and early June.
On the music side, Bruno Mars remains atop the Billboard Hot 100 with “Die With a Smile” featuring Lady Gaga holding strong at No. 1. Bruno also delivered his first single of 2025 when teaming up with Sexyy Red for their “Fat Juicy & Wet” strip club anthem.
Former MTV VJ and music industry stalwart Matt Pinfield has been placed under a temporary conservatorship following a massive stroke he suffered on Jan. 6. According to the TMZ, Pinfield’s daughter Jessica filed for the conservatorship after the stroke due to concerns about her dad’s ability to handle health and financial decisions.
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Jessica said Pinfield, 63, a onetime Columbia Records VP of A&R who has had a number of radio gigs over the past 20 years — most recently co-hosting The Power Hour on AXS TV — suffered the stroke on Jan. 6, the same day he issued his most recent Instagram post.
In the post, the rock superfan known for his gravely voice and endless, infectioous enthusiasm for talking about alternative music wrote, “Starting another week with gratitude for a life surrounded by great people, life changing music, and unforgettable experiences that I never take for granted. Here to another week-another day-open heart and open mind. Let’s rock!”
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A spokesperson for Pinfield confirmed that he remains hospitalized following the stroke and that he is under a temporary conservatorship. The legal arrangement is typically approved to provide short-term care and protection for someone who is incapacitated and needs help managing their health care, personal finances and day-to-day needs, typically for up to 90 days.
L.A. radio station KCSN hinted at Pinfield’s health issues earlier this month when it announced he would be taking a temporary leave, telling listeners in a statement, “The SoCal Sound’s legendary DJ Matt Pinfield will be taking a temporary leave of absence. We are fully supportive of Matt and hope to have his energetic knowledge of rock n’ roll back on the air soon.”
Pinfield has had a series of health issues over the past few years, including a broken leg and lacerations in 2018 after he was struck by a car and, according to an interview with the San Francisco Chronicle in 2017, an irregular heartbeat due to years of struggles with substance use; he spent time in rehab that year. “I was dealing with A-fib (atrial fibrillation, or irregular heart rhythm),” he said at the time. “Drinking on top of it wasn’t a good idea. And it turns out I was overmedicated.”
Pinfield was photographed at disgraced shock rocker Marilyn Manson’s 56th birthday party alongside Billy Corgan, Filter’s Richard Patrick and Falling in Reverse’s Ronnie Radke, the night before his most recent Instagram post.
Check out messages of support from Pinfield’s friends and peers, including singer/producer Butch Walker, Pretty Wreckless’ Taylor Momsen, music journalist Michael Azerrad, fellow former MTV VJ John Norris and Disturbed singer David Draiman.
