News

24 Jul 2023

Carlee Russell Axed From Spa Job, Questions Still Loom

HipHopWired Featured Video

Carlee Russell

Source: Hoover Police Department / Hoover PD

The mysterious situation around Alabama woman Carlee Russell has gotten more tangled as she has been fired from her job at a spa.

According to reports, the owner of The Woodhouse Spa in Birmingham where Russell was employed confirmed that she was terminated last Friday (July 21). Stuart Rome revealed that her former co-workers were “pissed” after the press conference by the Hoover Police Department casting doubts on her disappearance and resurfacing last week. “It was really devastating for them thinking a co-worker was abducted,” he stated. “The following day, Saturday, it was the busiest day of the week, and they had to plug along and work and in the off times pass out flyers and other things.”

The 25-year-old allegedly disappeared after leaving work on the night of July 13, shortly after calling 911 to report seeing a male toddler barefoot walking alongside the I-459 highway. When police arrived, they found her vehicle, cell phone and wig but no sign of her or the missing child. She would return back home two days later and initially claimed to police that a trucker had abducted her in an 18-wheeler.

Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis said in the press conference last Wednesday (July 19) that they “were unable to verify most of Carlee’s initial statement.” He revealed Russell’s Internet search history, which threw more suspicion on her story, including searches for “do you have to pay for an Amber Alert?” and the cost of a one-way ticket from Birmingham to Nashville, Tennessee. They also found no evidence of a child being at the scene. Russell’s mother, Talitha Russell, and her boyfriend, Thomar Simmons, have publicly defended her to the press.

The spa was then hit with dozens of nasty messages and reviews afterward. “Basically, we’ve spent the last day battling to get things deleted,” Rome said. “Comments. I’ve had to shut down my comment section on Instagram and Facebook page, which hurts us because we do a lot of marketing there. We’re just trying to keep the doors open.” He also said that if the situation is confirmed to be a hoax, the news may not make people more helpful if another abduction occurs. “They’re just not going to respond like they did, which is the worst part,” he said.

HipHopWired Radio

Our staff has picked their favorite stations, take a listen…

24 Jul 2023

Nortec Collective: Bostich + Fussible Bring Baja California Vibes to New York City

Nortec Collective Presents: Bostich + Fussible brought Baja California vibes to Lincoln Center’s David Rubenstein Atrium in New York City on Sunday night (July 23).

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

Organized by the Baja California Institute of Culture and the state’s governor, Marina del Pilar Avila Olmeda, the two-hour show reminded audiences why the Tijuana duo is such an important electronic outfit, taking border culture to unimaginable heights.  

“We are proud to have Baja Californians like Nortec who have been on the best stages in the world representing Baja California with their music, music that has undoubtedly made us dance in many corners of the planet,” Del Pilar told Billboard Español during the event. “Today we bring them to New York on this tour to promote our state, because Baja California is a magical place. We want to convey that music changes lives and has no borders.”

As part of an initiative to promote the beauty of Baja in a series of events highlighting Mexico’s gastronomy, wine, beer and handicrafts, Nortec’s music served as a point of reference for the originality that the region has to offer.

“We who are from Baja California are happy that [the government] is prompting these type of events,” said Fussible. “May they continue to bring more artists.”

The Nortec duo, which has a reputation performing at disparate events ranging from lavish international festivals to small dingy clubs, brought its unique fusion of Euro-style electronica with traditional norteña samples. They further enlivened the crowd with a full live band, consisting of an accordionist, a tuba and trumpet player, who got audiences to their feet.

Here are four reasons why Nortec will remain the enduring sound of border life and beyond.

Nortec made música norteña cool before it was trendy

Before the invention of trap corridos, sierreña music with an emo vibe, or the fusion of banda with rap (like Banda MS and Snoop), there was techno and norteño music, also known as Nortec. With a fascinating repertoire that highlighted more than two decades of intoxicating music, the duo proved their worth as pioneers of a genre that today deserves much more recognition.

Nortec

Gemma Luz Sanchez

Nortec is symbolic of border culture

With stunning visuals depicting symbols of everyday border life — the vibrant folklore, the fence between the U.S. and Mexico adorned with art and crosses, playful images of stereotypes (like gun-toting ranchers) — the duo’s imagery is an integral aspect of the set. It also represents that hybrid culture in its sound, and what is associated with the region, such as banda music, norteño music, tambora, mixed with cultural exports like techno.

They continue to inspire new generations

Espectro Caudillo, an electronic music producer from Tijuana based in New York, doesn’t hold back when it comes to sharing how Nortec has influenced his work. “Nortec was always the benchmark for a successful electronic music project, because at one point Tijuana was the avant-garde city for electronic music in Mexico,” the producer tells Billboard Español. “The sound of Espectro Caudillo’s music is directly influenced by Nortec. Beyond setting the tone for a career, they are emblematic of a Tijuana generation of the 2000s.” The artist, formerly of Los Macuanos, will release his debut album La Liturgia del Tigre Blanco in October via Nacional Records.

The future of Nortec: Bostic + Fussible

This year the group celebrates 15 years of “Tijuana Sound Machine,” a song that put them on the international map and which continues to sound as vibrant as ever. Nortec is also keeping busy with plans to present new music in the upcoming months. “We’re going to do versions of Nortec but with a jazz context in the spirit of Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass,” says Bostich. “We’re going to present it in September in Ensenada, and bring something we haven’t done before.”

24 Jul 2023

Watch Kany García Sing ‘Búscame,’ ‘Para Siempre’ & More in NPR Tiny Desk Concert

Puerto Rican singer-songwriter Kany García is the latest Latin star to perform for NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series. The intimate setting is fitting for García’s personal, deep lyrics which touch on love, heartbreak and beyond.

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

She kicked off her nearly 17-minute set with the gorgeous “Para Siempre” from her 2018 album Soy Yo. After that, she transitioned into “Búscame,” included on Mesa Para Dos (2020), explaining the meaning behind the song: “There’s so many songs that I wrote about relationship, sadness and all those kind of things and I never write songs about the people that I always feel like home, that people that I owe them a lot of things so this is a song for them.”

Love and heartbreak weren’t the only topics she touched on. The Latin Grammy-winning artist also paid tribute to immigrants across the world with her poignant “Mundo Inventado,” which loosely translates to an invented world. “This is a very special song for me because it’s a song that I’m talking about immigrants and as you know, they are people who have never given up in many parts of the world,” García introduced the song. “And thanks to the all the immigrants I think we make cities, countries and all these places a better place.”

After singing those songs, each one from a different album, she ended with one from her latest set, El Amor Que Merecemos. The empowering and liberating flamenco-tinged pop song “DPM (De Pxta Madre)” closed her set, which she prefaced with a few words: “It’s a phrase that we always use like for many things. Like, ‘F–k I won the lottery’ or ‘F–k I have a very bad day.’ This is song is about when you realize that all the people that are mean to you, they are no longer in your life and you’re grateful for that so you are [feeling] de puta madre.”

Other Latin stars that have recorded Tiny Desk Concerts include Karol G, Carla Morrison, Carin Leon, Farruko and Tokischa, among others. Watch Kany García’s above.

24 Jul 2023

Florida A&M Suspends Football Program Due To Rap Video

HipHopWired Featured Video

Grambling State v Florida A&M

Source: Don Juan Moore / Getty

Florida A&M’s storied football program is suspended indefinitely after the release of an unauthorized rap video filmed in their locker room.

On Friday (July 21st), head coach Willie Simmons released a statement through Twitter announcing that “all football-related activities” at the Tallahassee, Florida school would be suspended after rapper Real Boston Richey released the video for his song “Send A Blitz” on YouTube. The video was shot inside the Rattlers’ locker room at Galimore-Powell Fieldhouse without authorization. Simmons said that the video “contained graphic language that is not consistent with Florida A&M’s core values, principles, and beliefs.” The university is currently investigating.

“It is a privilege to wear the Orange and Green and as a football program, our young men have failed to live up to the standards set before us,” Simmons wrote. “They will all learn from this mishap and we will continue to work hard every day to become the best version of ourselves and continue to make Rattler Nation Proud.” He also wrote that the video involved the usage of “licensed apparel” which could be a violation of the branding and licensing agreements that the university has.

Real Boston Richey, also known as Jalen Foster, hails from Tallahassee. He performed at the team’s homecoming game last season. In the video, he’s seen sporting a Florida A&M polo shirt and wearing the team helmet. Several Rattlers players also appear in the background of the video. On Apple Music, the artwork for the song also bears the orange and green colors of the Rattlers with football diagrams. There is no discernible information showing when the video was recorded. Real Boston Richey is signed to Future’s Freebandz music label.


https://youtube.com/watch?v=XcOx7DZanNw&version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

The decision comes just four days before the Southwestern Athletic Conference holds its media day in Birmingham, Alabama on Tuesday (July 25th) and 12 days before players are to report for training camp for the fall on August 12th. FAMU is set to open the upcoming season against Jackson State University on Sept. 3rd in the Orange Blossom Classic at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida. Simmons, who’s coached Florida A&M since 2018, is looking for his fourth straight season winning more than nine games with the team.

HipHopWired Radio

Our staff has picked their favorite stations, take a listen…

24 Jul 2023

Jung Kook’s ‘Seven,’ Featuring Latto, Blasts In at No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100, Followed by Jason Aldean

Jung Kook’s “Seven,” featuring Latto, bounds in at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 songs chart. Jung Kook becomes the second member of BTS with a Hot 100 leader, after Jimin’s “Like Crazy” launched at No. 1 in April.

Latto also lands her first Hot 100 No. 1.

Plus, Jason Aldean’s “Try That in a Small Town” debuts at No. 2 on the Hot 100. The song, released in May, debuts with the biggest sales week for a country song in over 10 years, after CMT pulled its video, which premiered July 14, from rotation after three days, resulting in a surge of attention.

The Hot 100 blends all-genre U.S. streaming (official audio and official video), radio airplay and sales data, the lattermost metric reflecting purchases of physical singles and digital tracks from full-service digital music retailers; digital singles sales from direct-to-consumer (D2C) sites are excluded from chart calculations. All charts (dated July 29, 2023) will update on Billboard.com Tuesday (July 25). For all chart news, you can follow @billboard and @billboardcharts on both Twitter and Instagram.

“Seven” is the 1,151st No. 1 since the Hot 100 began in August 1958. It’s the 68th leader to debut at No. 1.

Streams, airplay & sales: “Seven” soars in at No. 1 on the Hot 100 with 21.9 million streams, 6.4 million in airplay audience and 153,000 combined digital and CD singles sold from its release July 14 through July 20, according to Luminate. (The song’s original and instrumental versions were released July 14 and its “Summer” and “Band” mixes arrived July 17; all were available for download for 69 cents. The song’s original version was also available for purchase on CD beginning July 14 for $1.99.)

“Seven” debuts at No. 2 on the Digital Song Sales chart and No. 4 on Streaming Songs. While below the all-format Radio Songs tally, it debuts at No. 30 on Adult Pop Airplay and No. 33 on Pop Airplay.

Jung Kook’s Hot 100 history: Jung Kook earns his first Hot 100 No. 1, or even top 10, following two charted songs in 2022: Charlie Puth’s “Left and Right,” featuring Jung Kook, hit No. 22 (July), after Jung Kook’s own “Stay Alive” spent a week on the list at No. 95 (February).

BTS now with 2 members with Hot 100 No. 1s: Jung Kook becomes the second member of BTS with a Hot 100 No. 1 (or, again, even a top 10), after Jimin’s “Like Crazy” debuted at No. 1 in April.

BTS – comprising j-hope, Jimin, Jin, Jung Kook, RM, Suga and V – has posted six Hot 100 leaders.

The superstar Korean septet is now among elite company, as nine groups boast multiple members with solo Hot 100 No. 1s:

  • The Beatles
  • The Black Eyed Peas
  • Blind Faith
  • BTS
  • Destiny’s Child
  • Fugees
  • Genesis
  • Hot Boys
  • One Direction

Further, with BTS having logged six Hot 100 No. 1s and Jung Kook and Jimin with one No. 1 each, BTS joins The Beatles, The Black Eyed Peas, Destiny’s Child and Genesis as the only groups with leaders and multiple members also with No. 1s.

Latto leads: Latto likewise earns her first Hot 100 No. 1 with “Seven.” She previously hit the top 10 with “Big Energy,” which rose to No. 3 in April 2022.

Jason Aldean’s “Try That in a Small Town” roars onto the Hot 100 at No. 2, as it drew 11.6 million streams (up 547%) and 7.3 million in radio airplay audience (up 17%) and sold 228,000 (up 27,625%) July 14-20.

The track debuts at No. 1 on Digital Song Sales, where it’s Aldean’s first leader, and No. 37 on Streaming Songs. While not on Radio Songs, it holds at No. 25 in its ninth week on Country Airplay.

The song scores the largest digital sales week for a country title (defined as by those that have hit Billboard’s Country Digital Song Sales chart) in over 10 years, since Florida Georgia Line’s “Cruise,” featuring Nelly, sold 244,000, as reflected on charts dated July 6, 2013.

On July 18, Billboard confirmed that CMT had pulled the official video for “Try That in a Small Town” after three days in rotation; the network declined to say why. Following CMT’s decision, Aldean posted a message to his Instagram Stories addressing the contrasting reactions that the song and video have faced.

The song’s video, released July 14, features footage of an American flag burning, protesters in confrontation with police, looters breaking a display case and thieves robbing a convenience store. The clip has prompted a firestorm of opinions about it and the song’s intent and messaging.

Aldean achieves his second Hot 100 top 10, after “Dirt Road Anthem,” which, helped by its remix featuring Ludacris, hit No. 7 in July 2011.

“Try That in a Small Town” concurrently re-enters at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, which employs the same multi-metric methodology as the Hot 100. (The single spent one prior week on Hot Country Songs, at No. 35 on the June 3-dated list, reflecting its first week of tracking.) Aldean adds his 10th Hot Country Songs champ. He first led with “Why” in May 2006 and had most recently reigned with “Burnin’ It Down” in 2014. He also notches his 37th top 10; he’s peaked in the top 10 at least once each year dating to his first such hit, “Hicktown,” in 2005 – the longest active streak of annual top 10s on the chart.

Morgan Wallen’s “Last Night” descends to No. 3 on the Hot 100 after 14 weeks at No. 1; it’s tied for the fifth-longest command in the chart’s history. It lands an eighth week atop Billboard’s Songs of the Summer chart, having ranked at No. 1 each week since the seasonal recap returned.

Luke Combs’ cover of Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car” falls to No. 4 on the Hot 100 after three weeks at its No. 2 high.

Notably, thanks to Aldean, Wallen and Combs’ hits, which rank at Nos. 1, 2 and 3, respectively, on Hot Country Songs, the top three songs on the chart place in the Hot 100’s top four spots for the first time since the rankings began using the same formula.

Rema and Selena Gomez’s “Calm Down” dips 4-5 on the Hot 100, after reaching No. 3, as it logs a fifth week atop Radio Songs (92.9 million, up 1%). It tops Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs for a 47th week, extending the longest reign since the chart began (in partnership with music festival and global brand Afro Nation).

Gunna’s “Fukumean” rises 7-6 for a new Hot 100 high – and reaches No. 1 on Streaming Songs (27.4 million, up 16%), where it’s the rapper’s second leader, after “Drip Too Hard,” with Lil Baby, ruled for a week in October 2018. “Fukumean” tops both the multi-metric Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Hot Rap Songs charts for a second week each.

Two weeks after arriving as her third Hot 100 No. 1, Olivia Rodrigo’s “Vampire” retreats 3-7; Taylor Swift’s “Cruel Summer” climbs 9-8, after hitting No. 7; Miley Cyrus’ “Flowers” backtracks 6-9, after eight weeks at No. 1 beginning upon its debut in January; and, rounding out the top 10, Lil Durk’s “All My Life,” featuring J. Cole, drops 8-10, after it debuted at its No. 2 peak.

Again, for all chart news, you can follow @billboard and @billboardcharts on both Twitter and Instagram and all charts (dated July 29), including the Hot 100 in its entirety, will refresh on Billboard.com Tuesday (July 25).

Luminate, the independent data provider to the Billboard charts, completes a thorough review of all data submissions used in compiling the weekly chart rankings. Luminate reviews and authenticates data. In partnership with Billboard, data deemed suspicious or unverifiable is removed, using established criteria, before final chart calculations are made and published.

24 Jul 2023

Spotify Launches ‘Most Necessary Live’ Regional Hip-Hop Shows: Exclusive

Spotify is launching its Most Necessary Live series of live shows highlighting regional rap scenes and rappers in various cities across the U.S., Billboard can exclusively announce Monday (July 24).

Serving as a physical extension of Spotify’s editorially curated Most Necessary playlist — dubbed as “the official voice of the next generation on Spotify” — Most Necessary Live celebrates some of the hottest emerging rappers featured on the playlist in real life and connects them with their top listeners through exclusive performances.

Most Necessary Live kicks off Aug. 2 in Houston, Texas with DeeBaby, Monaleo, That Mexican OT, Mike Dimes, KenTheMan and surprise guests.

rapcaviar, spotify

Courtesy of Spotify

“Regional rap scenes have always been the lifeblood of hip-hop, so we’re thrilled to kick off Most Necessary Live in Houston. As a physical extension of the playlist — it’s another example of how we’re continuing to support emerging artists at Spotify,” said Max Weinstein, hip-hop lead, artist partnerships at Spotify, in a statement. “A major collaborative effort across the music and marketing teams, we’re launching this showcase to highlight local artists and give fans a chance to see their favorite acts perform live. The team has been cooking this up for a while, so we’re excited to finally bring Most Necessary to life.”

Most Necessary Live will take place once a quarter and go through multiple U.S. cities. On-site experiences will also include merch and social-worthy photo moments.

24 Jul 2023

Snoop Dogg Launches Dr. Bombay Ice Cream: Here’s Where You Can Buy It

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

Snoop Dogg just dropped the perfect flavor collaboration for summer. The rap legend teamed with Happy Co. to release his very own ice cream launching in 3,500 Walmart stores on Monday (July 24).

Explore

Explore

See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

Dr. Bombay Ice Cream, named after Snoop’s NFT character, features seven flavors including Bonus Track Brownie, Cocoa Cream Cookie Dream and Iced Out Orange Cream. The ice cream retails for $4.98 at Walmart.

“Ice cream is more than just a snack to me; it’s a way to chill, relax, and get happy. That’s exactly what I want Dr. Bombay Ice Cream to do—bring a smile to your face and ease your mind,” Snoop said in a news release. “I’ve poured my heart and soul into perfecting these first seven flavors, and I can’t wait for my fans and the world to experience what I’ve created. Fans will also notice my sidekick Dr. Bombay is the name, face and persona of the brand. That’s because he’s like a son to me and you always wants your kids to be more successful than you are, that’s my goal in building a lifestyle brand — starting with ice cream.”

Additional flavor include Rollin’ In the Dough, S’more Vibes, Syrupy Waffle Sundaze and Tropical Sherbet Swizzle.

“As a company we’re always looking to develop products and partner with personalities and brands that embody authenticity,” said Happi Co. CEO Sam Rockwell. “When Snoop approached us with the idea of starting a new company with a focus on frozen treats, it became obvious that we share core values, which is a key ingredient for a strong partnership. As a fast and nimble CPG company, we have been working side by side with Snoop to create Dr. Bombay Ice Cream as true partners, using our experience in the frozen space to execute his vision. Snoop and Happi Co. share core values and brand vision and the products we’re creating fit perfectly within our expertise – it’s a recipe for success.”

Snoop spoke to Billboard about his dream of opening an ice cream shop during the opening of his Funko Pop! pop-up shop in January. While he might be a ways from opening an ice cream storefront, fans can scoop up a pint of Dr. Bombay Ice Cream at Walmart stores nationwide starting on Aug. 1.

Dr. Bombay will expand into to other retailers in the following months including Winn Dixie, ShopRite, Albertsons/Safeway and Gopuff.

24 Jul 2023

A$AP Rocky Performs Three Unreleased Songs At 2023 Rolling Loud Miami

After turning heads with his Pharrell-produced single “RIOT (ROWDY PIPE’N)” last week, A$AP Rocky dished several teasers from his forthcoming album, Don’t Be Dumb, during his headlining set at Rolling Loud Sunday (July 23). One tentatively titled “Taylor Swift” caught traction on social media because of its name and incendiary lyrics. 

Teased in 2022, “Taylor Swift” sparked questions post-performance after Rocky dished out some hard-hitting barbs leading fans to speculate about who he was addressing. “First you stole my flow/ So I stole your b—h/ Then you stole my style/ I need at least 10 percent/ All due disrespect, I hope you take offense,” he rapped in the viral clip. Fans suspect the volley of shots was aimed at Travis Scott, considering their — no pun intended — rocky history and began comparing the two artists shortly after his performance.

In an interview with Drink Champs last year, when N.O.R.E. broached the subject of Travis Scott allegedly stealing Rocky’s “whole style,” the Harlem polymath nodded and said, “Yeah.” He elaborated and said he “saw similarities, for sure. I saw that he was inspired and s–t like that, but that’s what we in it for.”

In 2016, Rocky spoke more in-depth about his influence on Scott during a chat with Hot 97’s Ebro in the Morning. “You’re hearing it from me, let shorty rock,” he stated. “And let the people decide if he a biter or if he authentic. I’m not saying everybody should be allowed to just take [from] whoever got going on. I’m not implying that. I feel like that whole situation sound petty.” 

As for the alleged stealing of a love interest, rumors swirled in 2015 about Rihanna and Travis Scott dating. Rocky and the superstar had their first child last year, and she is currently pregnant with their second. 

Check out a snippet of Rocky’s song and the fan tweets that surfaced after his performance below.

24 Jul 2023

Ed Sheeran Leads Backstreet Boys & One Direction Sing-Along at Nashville Karaoke Bar: Watch

Ed Sheeran is just like anyone else: When he has a new achievement, he celebrates with some drinks and karaoke at the bar.

Following his record-breaking attendance of roughly 73,000 at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium over the weekend, the 32-year-old superstar stopped by at a local bar he once used to frequent during his time as a Tennessee resident a decade ago. “When I lived in Nashville in 2013 I used to go to this karaoke caravan called Santa’s,” he explained in a video posted to his Instagram Sunday (July 23). “It only does $1 PBR and it does karaoke, and it’s the best.”

In the video, Sheeran leads the audience gathered at Santa’s in a round of karaoke, starting with the Backstreet Boys’ iconic “Bye, Bye, Bye.” “Let’s get f–king lit!” he cheers.

He also sang his own 2014 smash “Thinking Out Loud,” which was perfect considering a newly married bride and groom, still in their dress and tux, happened to be there celebrating their wedding. “Make some noise for the happy couple!” Sheeran instructed the crowd.

“Celebrating breaking the attendance record at Nissan stadium in Nashville tonight at Santas pub,” he captioned the video. “When I lived here this was the spot and it still is. Karaoke caravan and cheap beer, what’s not to love x.”

A TikTok video taken by someone at the pub showed that the “Bad Habits” singer also joined the newlyweds in singing One Direction’s breakout single “What Makes You Beautiful.”

Hours before his blockbuster gig at Nissan Stadium, Sheeran took the stage of another Nashville venue that’s just as famous, albeit a lot smaller. Wanting a more intimate venue to play songs from his most recent album, Subtract (stylized “–“), the Grammy winner held a show at the city’s Ryman Auditorium Friday (July 22).

And, with all due respect to Nissan Stadium, Sheeran definitely played favorites between the two Nashville stages. “I genuinely, hand on my heart, believe that this is the best venue in the United States of America,” he said of the Ryman in another video posted to his Instagram.

Watch Ed sing the Backstreet Boys and One Direction below.

24 Jul 2023

All the Times Jennifer Lopez Collaborated With a Reggaetón Star

Happy birthday, Jennifer Lopez! 

The Puerto Rican actress and singer is celebrating her 54th birthday today (July 24) and to commemorate the special day, Billboard compiled a list with some of J.Lo’s noteworthy collaborations with reggaetón artists. 

Before she joined forces with Latin acts, Lopez teamed up with some of the biggest names in hip-hop, including Ja Rule — with whom she earned her first No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2001 with “I’m Real.” Their second collaborative effort, “Ain’t It Funny,” hit No. 1 that same year, where it spent six weeks. In 2003, her collaboration with LL Cool J, “All I Have,” also hit No. 1 on the all-genre chart, spending four weeks on top.

By this time, Lopez had already joined forces with Latin acts such as Marc Anthony, Pitbull, and Fat Joe. But it wasn’t until 2012 that the New York-born star stepped into the reggaetón realm, with “Follow the Leader,” in collab with Wisin y Yandel. The track hit No. 1 on Hot Latin Songs in May 2012, spending two weeks at the top. 

Most notably, Lopez teamed up with Colombian artist Maluma in 2020, for a two-part release: “Pa’ Ti” and “Lonely.” The bilingual project formed part of the Marry Me movie soundtrack, which co-starred both artists. 

“I love singing in Spanish,” Lopez told Billboard in a 2020 cover story interview. “Honestly, I think I sing better in Spanish than I even do in English. That’s a big part of who I am. I’m always working on a Spanish album. I never finish it. But you don’t want to put anything out until you feel that it’s the right thing at the right time. I’ve been working on some songs on the album for three years, [and these two new ones], we did them and we put them right out.” 

Below, revisit the birthday girl’s memorable reggaetón collaborations: