Latin
Ruben Blades Keeps on Trailblazing: Latin Star Talks Songwriting That Stands the Test of Time, Fighting the Dead and Fighting Death
Truth be told, Ruben Blades never sought his cult icon status. And yet, here he is at 73, receiving the Latin Academy’s Person of the Year Award — reserved for superstars –and so perennially hip that Rosalía cited him as an influence on her recent Weeknd collab “La fama,” while the mere subject of him unleashed a week-long social media back and forth between J Balvin and Residente that’s garnered millions of views. Explore See latest videos, charts and news “I keep on writing what I write, documenting reality, and that’s been my saving grace,” says the Panamenian salsa star –who’s had second, third and fourth acts as turned tourism minister, presidential candidate and producer/actor for film and television (he currently plays the indomitable Daniel Salazar in Fear the Walking Dead, which i...
Shakira’s ‘Laundry Service’ Turns 20: Here Are 5 of the Album’s Best Girl Power Anthems
Shakira‘s Laundry Service was a game-changer. The Colombian star’s first bilingual (Spanish and English) album not only became her best-selling set, but it also took her career to another level. Going from Latin America’s sweetheart to a global pop star sensation, Laundry Service debuted and peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 (Dec. 1, 2001 chart), and it gave Shak her first hits on the Billboard Hot 100: “Whenever, Wherever” peaked at No. 6, “Underneath Your Clothes” peaked at No. 9 and “Objection (Tango)” landed on No. 55. The special album also came with an image change for the singer/songwriter. Ditching her black hair and “good girl” look, Shakira debuted her golden blonde locks, which came with a b...
5 Uplifting Moments in Latin Music This Week (Nov. 13)
The first episode of Face to Face With Becky G, which is set to premiere Tuesday, will feature Demi Lovato. Other guests on Becky’s Facebook Watch show will include Diego Boneta, Mickey Guyton, Tinashe, Chiquis and Sofia Reyes, among others. There are 10 episodes of the show, which will debut weekly on Facebook Watch. See the official trailer below. “Patria Y Vida” Rapper El Funky spoke to Billboard alongside Yotuel Romero and Beatriz Luengo in Miami in his first in-depth video interview since he quietly left his native Cuba, after nearly a year of much-publicized strife and retaliation from the Cuban government against him and his longtime friend and recording partner, Maykel Osorbo. Osorbo and El Funky collaborated in “Patri...
First Stream Latin: New Music From Francisca Valenzuela, Pedro Capó & More
Don Omar & Nio García, “Se Menea” (Unisono/Saban Music Group) A fusion of urban and tropical rhythms, where old-school meets contemporary, Don Omar brings back those fast, clipped merengue sounds he’s known for. In a recent exclusive behind-the-scenes interview with Billboard, Nio García tells Don Omar how he’s studied him all his life and that it was a dream to work with him. “Se Menea” finds the pair doing anything possible to conquer the woman whose moves turn heads. Pedro Capó, “Gracias” (Sony Music Latin) A grateful Pedro Capó is jumping on beds, eating cake frosting and dancing in the music video for his newly released single “Gracias.” The uplifting track — which fuses rap with rock and finds the Puerto ...
Here’s Who Will Perform & Present at the Latin Grammys Premiere Ceremony
On Tuesday (Nov. 9), the Latin Recording Academy announced performers and presenters for its 2021 Latin Grammy Premiere ceremony, where 45 of the 53 Latin Grammy Awards categories will be handed out ahead of the prime-time telecast. Hosted by Latin Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Kany García and actress Carolina Dieckmann, the first Latin Grammys of the day will be presented by nominees Roxana Amed, Pedro Capó, Sara Correia, Farina, José Gaviria, Melim, Covi Quintana and La Energía Norteña’s Adrián Zamarripa and Manuel Borrego. The Latin Grammy Premiere event — which will broadcast globally via the Latin Grammys Facebook Live and YouTube channel beginning at 4 p.m. ET on Thursday, Nov. 18 R...
Mon Laferte, Grupo Firme, Yotuel & More Set to Perform at 2021 Latin Grammys
The new group of artists join previously announced performers Bad Bunny, Banda El Recodo de Cruz Lizárraga, Rubén Blades, C. Tangana, Calibre 50, Los Dos Carnales, Alejandro Fernández, Juanes, Maná, Ozuna, Danna Paola and Myke Towers, among others. As previously reported by Billboard, five-time nominee C. Tangana is set to perform alongside Antonio Carmona, Diego del Morao, Jorge Drexler, Israel Fernández, La Húngara, Natalia Lafourcade and Omar Apollo. Meanwhile, Juanes will perform a new arrangement of Juan Gabriel’s iconic “No Tengo Dinero,” alongside Rubén Albarrán and Meme del Real of Café Tacvba. With the theme “rediscovering life through music,” the three-hour show will air live on Univision at 8 p.m. ET, preceded by a one-hour pre-show starting at 7 p.m...
5 Uplifting Moments in Latin Music This Week (Nov. 6)
The three concerts in his native Puerto Rico included surprise performances by Wisin, Arcángel, Jhay wheeler, Sech and Bad Bunny, who joined Cortez to perform their smash hit “Dákiti.” “Thank you for being part of these historic nights,” he said during one of the shows. “Puerto Rico, it feels good to be part of the new generation of Puerto Rican artists. Thank you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.” Camilo & Evaluna on Fallon Camilo and Evaluna performed their latest collaboration “Índigo” during The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon on Friday (Nov. 5), marking the television debut for their song. The track, which takes the name of the couple’s fist baby scored Evaluna her first top 10 on The Latin Pop Airplay. On Oct. 13, t...
Brazilian Sertanejo Star Marília Mendonça Dies in Plane Crash at 26
Brazilian sertanejo star Marília Mendonça has died in a plane crash in the state of Minas Gerais, according to an official statement posted to the singer’s Instagram page. The 26-year-old artist was on her way to perform in the city of Caratinga. All five passengers, including the plane’s crew, lost their lives in the accident. “With immense regret, we confirm the death of singer-songwriter Marília Mendonça, her producer Henrique Ribeiro, her uncle and advisor Abicieli Silveira Dias Filho, and the pilot and co-pilot, of which we won’t reveal their names at this time. The plane took off from Goiania to Caratinga where Marília would perform tonight. At the moment, this is all the information we have.” With more than 8 million listeners on Spotify and more t...
RIP Marília Mendonça: Watch Her Perform Three of Her Biggest Hits
The Brazilian singer died today in a plane crash. She was 26 years old. Brazilian sertanejo star Marília Mendonça died Friday (Nov. 5) in a small plane crash as she was on her way to perform a concert in the state of Minas Gerais. She was 26 years old. A superb contralto with a deep, soulful voice that brought a touch of international pop sentiment to the traditional, accordion-accompanied music she sang, Mendonca had a massive following in her native Brazil. It was amplified even during the pandemic, where she showcased her vocals via a series of livestreams from her living room. You Deserve to Make Money Even When you are looking for Dates Online. So we reimagined what a dating should be. It begins with giving you back power. Get to meet Beautiful people, chat and make money in the proce...
Alex Rose & CNCO Drop Sultry ‘Pa’ Que Guaye’ Video: Exclusive Premiere
The artists first unveiled the audio on Sept. 16, followed by an official dance video to get the social media hype started. Now, Rose and CNCO present the music video helmed by director Kath D. of 2WS Films. In the clip, we see Rose and CNCO crushing on the same girl as they croon to her in a nightclub setting. “Pa’ Que Guaye” follows CNCO’s “Toa’ La Noche,” their debut single as a quartet after Joel Pimentel announced his exit from the group this spring. Released Aug. 4, “Toa’ La Noche” currently has more than 10 million views on YouTube. Watch their new collaboration below: You Deserve to Make Money Even When you are looking for Dates Online. So we reimagined what a dating should be. It begins with giving you back power. Get to meet Beautiful people, chat and make money in the process. E...
First Stream Latin: New Music From Dalex, Banda MS, Ozuna, Danna Paola & More
A conceptual album that’s meant to be genderless so that everyone can enjoy equally, Dalex presents Unisex. Home to 18 tracks, the Puerto Rican artist stays true to his R&B essence but also delivers other experimental gems via edgy reggaetón jams, acoustic ballads, and EDM fusions. “With this new project, I intend to unite all the people who not only like music but also use fashion as a way of expressing who they are,” he says in an official statement. “With ‘Unisex,’ I want to influence everyone to dare to think outside the box, break stigmas, and live fully.” Focus track “Maquina del Tiempo,” with Rauw Alejandro and Lyanno, best attests to that, showing Dalex in a more retro ’80s, synth-pop vibe. Unisex includes other collabo...
Bad Bunny Talks ‘Narcos’ Acting Debut and His Return to Touring on ‘Fallon’
Though he’ll portray a new member of the Tijuana cartel, the singer assures us he’s really a good guy in real life. “The character is a cool, young guy, and I’m a cool guy, I think so,” he said. In addition, BB talked about his WWE wrestling experience and looking forward to his touring comeback. “I’m crazy to start my tour, it’ll be epic,” he noted about his first show in two years set to take place on Dec. 10 in Puerto Rico. “It’s going to be special, legendary. My shows are always energetic but Puerto Rico, that’s my home, so I’m going to give it my all.” Fallon also tried to get details on a potential studio album for 2022. “Nah, I don’t know. I’m working on it,” Bunny admitted. “I don’t have a date. We’re working but maybe I’ll send some clues. I’m not sure.” Watch the full interview ...
