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USA Today
a day ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Mexican music star Junior H announces $ad Boyz Live & Broken Tour: How to get tickets
If it's a Junior H show, get ready for all the emotions. The regional Mexican breakout star, who's captivated audiences with his retro-modern sound and emotive, sierreño-style lyrics, is heading out on the road this fall with the $ad Boyz Live & Broken Tour. "Your favorite $ad Boy is returning to your city," Junior H wrote in Spanish in a July 30 Instagram post announcing the headlining trek. The 22-date tour, which follows the singer's main-stage debut at Coachella in April, kicks off on Aug. 31 at the Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre in Tinley Park, Illinois. Junior will visit a host of North American cities including Camden, New Jersey; Atlanta; Houston; and Phoenix before wrapping with a show at Los Angeles' Hollywood Bowl on Nov. 7. More: Fuerza Regida on making history, performing in LA amid turmoil Born Antonio Herrera Pérez in Guanajuato, Mexico, the 24-year-old singer is considered one of the exponents of the corridos tumbados genre, a style fusing traditional Mexican music with trap and hip-hop. His most recent album, 2023's "$ad Boyz 4 Life II," peaked at No. 14 on the Billboard 200 chart and spawned the top-10 Latin hit "Y Lloro." Cyndi Lauper concert review '80s pop icon says goodbye to touring with heart, color and powerhouse vocals How to get tickets to Junior H tour Tickets for the $ad Boyz Live & Broken Tour go on sale to the general public on Friday, Aug. 1, at 10 a.m. local time, according to the Ticketmaster website. Presale tickets for the Nov. 7 Hollywood Bowl show go on sale on Thursday, July 31, at 10 a.m. local time. Cowboy Carter tour earns over $400M: Beyoncé makes history with highest grossing country tour $ad Boyz Live & Broken Tour dates
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The 25 Best Latin Albums of 2025 So Far (Staff Picks)
Some of Latin music's biggest stars have released albums this year — including bona fide hitmakers Bad Bunny (Debí Tirar Más Fotos), Fuerza Regida (111XPANTIA) and Karol G (Tropicoqueta) all taking over the Hot Latin Songs chart (nine out of the top 10 songs on the chart dated July 5 are from these artists' respective albums). More from Billboard Bad Bunny's 'NUEVAYol' Video Arrives on Fourth of July With Pro-Immigrant Message: 'Together We Are Stronger' The Immigrant Experience in Music: 25 Heartfelt Songs to Reflect on This Fourth of July Orquesta Guayacán to Celebrate 40th Anniversary With 2025 U.S. Tour: 'It's Our Mission to Bring Joy' Besides chart domination, the albums mentioned above also champion that regional sound — tropical and Mexican — that adds layers of richness to its production, which has really revitalized Latin music. Whether that approach will rule the remaining six months of the year is to be seen, but we're really digging what we've heard so far. From Bad Bunny's signature música urbana interspersed with with salsa, bolero and plena in Debí to Karol G's Tropicoqueta ode to Latin America recording in vallenato, cumbia villera and ranchera and Gente de Zona's Cuban opus Reparto, it's safe to say that Latin music officially entered its regional era this year. Other standout albums included in our list are Natti Natasha's Natti Natasha En Amargue, where she fully embraces her bachata roots, Prince Royce's nostalgia-evoking Eterno and Ángela Aguilar's lushly produced LP Nadie Se Va Como Llegó. Our staff-curated 25 Best Latin Albums of 2025 So Far list below highlights the albums that have not only impressed us the most but have also defined the first half of the year. For this list, only albums released by June 30 were considered. (See The 25 Best Latin Songs of 2025 So Far here.) 25. Arthur Hanlon, 2 Manos, 1 MundoArthur Hanlon delivered an exciting seven-track EP featuring a variety of Latin music rhythms and big collaborators. For 2 Manos, 1 Mundo (Spanish for 2 Hands, 1 World), the Detroit-born pianist teamed up with nine of his friends — Ana Bárbara, Ángela Aguilar, Carlos Vives, Darell, Goyo, Manuel Medrano, Nia Skyfer, Tiago Iorc and Yotuel — for an 'ethereal and dreamy' production (as he previously described to Billboard) that combines world beats such as Brazil's bossa nova, Cuba's cha-cha-cha and Colombia's vallenato with his distinctive piano melodies. From the powerful rock-huapango 'Bala Perdida' with Aguilar, to the upbeat Mexican cumbia 'Egoísta' with Ana Bárbara and the unique fusion of blues with Colombian cumbia 'GOODBYE' with Vives and Goyo, 2 Manos, 1 Mundo stands out as an eclectic gem with one evident constant: Hanlon's undeniable love for Latin music. – SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS 24. Boza, San BlasInspired by Maná's 'En El Muelle de San Blas,' Boza titled his album (and focus track) SAN BLAS. He expressed in a press release: 'I love the woman I'm with very much, and with this song I wanted to tell her that I'm only there for her — that I always want to show her off, to show everyone that I'm with an excellent woman, a beautiful woman.' But beyond love, the nine-track set combines his life learnings and personal healing process throughout the years. Mainly crafted by his longtime producer Faster, the set stays true to the Panamanian artist's signature reggae plena sound, but incorporates Afrobeat and amapiano rhythms — notably heard on his two collaborations, 'Orión' with Elena Rose and 'Todavía' with Greeicy. The former peaked No. 2 on Billboard's Latin Pop Airplay chart last year. — JESSICA ROIZ 23. Prince Royce, EternoFifteen years after achieving his first top 10 hit on Hot Latin Songs and his first No. 1 on Tropical Airplay with his cover of 'Stand by Me,' Prince Royce gifted his fans an entire album filled with pop classics in bilingual versions (English/Spanish) and bachata rhythms. With 13 tracks ranging from King Harvest's 'Dancing in the Moonlight' and the Bee Gees' 'How Deep is Your Love,' to Stevie Wonder's 'I Just Called to Say I Love You,' Fleetwood Mac's 'Go Your Own Way,' and the Backstreet Boys' 'I Want It That Way,' the Dominican-born New York artist created new memories with old songs through this beautiful production. Eterno debuted at No. 3 on Top Tropical Albums, while 'How Deep is Your Love' recently climbed to No. 1 on Latin Airplay. — S.R.A. 22. Natalia Lafourcade, CancioneraLafourcade's Cancionera takes listeners on a musical journey through Latin America as she honors the music and styles that have influenced her latest projects. The poignant set is a bold offering of son jarocho, tropical and ranchera music, while also integrating natural sounds for a more robust and nuanced soundscape. The Mexican artist's critically acclaimed 12th studio album led to her most ambitious tour yet where the album comes to life and where she truly showcases that theatrical element that is very much intrinsic to the album's identity. — GRISELDA FLORES 21. Luck Ra, Que SedThere's no time to be moping over an ex with an album like Luck Ra's Que Sed. Fourteen songs, mostly about heartbreak, are backed with feel-good, party melodies and his captivating falsetto vocals. Representing the Argentine artist's ambitious thirst and hunger in the music industry, Que Sed puts the country's cuarteto or cuartetazo movement on the map — a musical genre born in Córdoba similar to merengue that's fused with urban, reggae and cumbia beats. The album, which includes collaborations with Chayanne, Elvis Crespo, Maluma, Nicki Nicole, Kenia Os, Lola Indigo, Ke Personajes, Dread Mar I, Ulises Bueno, and Tiago PZK, follows his debut Que Nos Falte Todo, which was Spotify's most-streamed album of 2024 in Argentina. — J.R. 20. Buscabulla, Se Amaba AsíLove's complexities pulse through Se Amaba Así, the bold return of Buscabulla after a five-year hiatus. The Puerto Rican duo, Raquel Berrios and Luis Alfredo del Valle, unravel relationships with an intoxicating fusion of disco, synth-pop, and tropical nuances. From the steely guitar of 'El Camino' to the hypnotic syncopation of 'Miraverahí,' the pair crafts lush soundscapes where heartbreak and hope collide. Their introspective lyrics, often tinged with Puerto Rican slang, evoke a telenovela's melodrama in sonic form. Exploring visions of past, present, and future romance, the album is a kaleidoscopic journey — equal parts dreamy and cutting — that cements Buscabulla as masters of atmosphere and storytelling. — ISABELA RAYGOZA 19. Ryan Castro, SendéRyan Castro's Sendé is a passport to the soul of Curaçao, the Caribbean island that influenced his life and sound. The Colombian star steps away from his Cantante del Ghetto persona, and explores themes of vulnerability ('Ojalá,' 'Menos el Cora' feat. Manuel Turiso) and identity ('Sendé,' 'modo LEYENDA') through a blend of dancehall, kizomba, reggae and Afrobeats. Tracks like 'Sanka' (featuring local artist Dongo) and heavyweight collaborations with Peso Pluma and Shaggy fuse his signature urban grit with Curaçao's joyous rhythms. 'Sendé is a very personal project that reflects everything I lived and learned in Curaçao,' Castro told Billboard Español in May. With this project, Castro doesn't just tell his story — he invites listeners to join him, fully immersed in Caribbean spirit and sound. — I.R. 18. Ángela Aguilar, Nadie Se Va Como LlegóIn Nadie Se Va Como Llegó, Aguilar perfectly captures the transformative spirit that powers her music and her recording career, which launched when she was just eight years old. The now 21-year-old singer-songwriter and producer showcases maturity in her lyrics and sound singing about the peaks and valleys of womanhood via songs of empowerment, heartbreak and love on the 12-song set. Although slightly more experimental than her previous albums, Aguilar stays true to her mariachi roots while also incorporating norteño, pop and cumbia elements for a riveting variety of styles. — G.F. 17. Netón Vega, Mi Vida Mi MuerteThe title alone, My Life My Death (when translated to English), is intriguing enough — but the album itself is a solid collection of songs that serves as an introduction to one of música mexicana's newest stars. The young hitmaker offers a blend of swag-heavy corridos — plus his big reggaetón hit 'Loco,' and the hard-hitting hip-hop track 'Me Ha Costado' with Alemán and Victor Mendivil — which showcase a versatility that makes him stand out in a crowded field of of regional Mexican singers. Mi Vida is stacked with other collaborators, including Óscar Maydon, Tito Double P, Luis R Conriquez, Peso Pluma and Xavi. The album earned Vega his first appearance on a Billboard albums chart, debuting at Nos. 1 and 2 on the Regional Mexican Albums and Top Latin Albums charts, respectively. — G.F. 16. Morat, Ya Es MañanaMorat's fifth studio album is a representation of the band's ability to skillfully navigate its sonic evolution without sacrificing an essence that draws heavily from electric guitar riffs of the '90s, which creates that nostalgia connection that resonates throughout its tracks. Lyrically, the album captivates listeners thanks to catchy hooks and strong melodies, as heard in stand out tracks like 'Faltas Tú' and 'Me Toca A Mí,' with Camilo, blending powerful drum beats with melodic lines that evoke the classic sound reminiscent of Def Leppard. Ya Es Mañana won one of Billboard's New Latin Music poll, which further shows just how much this album connected with fans. — INGRID FAJARDO 15. Belinda, IndómitaIndómita is a quintessential Belinda album showcasing style, power, determination, female empowerment and playfulness. The LP also highlights her alter ego, 'Beli Bélica,' putting her refreshing take on corridos tumbados at the forefront. The 17-track set includes collaborations with genre hitmakers such as Natanael Cano on '300 Noches,' Tito Double P on 'La Cuadrada,' and Xavi on 'Mírame Feliz.' It's also powered by cheeky and flirty reggaetón tracks like '+ Perra, + Bitch' and 'Wet Dreams' with Netón Vega and Tokischa, as well as trap with songs like 'Death Note' and 'Silvana' to round out the genre-spanning production. — I.F. 14. Gente de Zona, RepartoOn their latest studio album, Gente de Zona opted to 'show the world an evolution of Cuban reggaetón that defines our culture [and] shine a light on these new artists who are leading the authentic Reparto movement in our country,' the duo's Randy Malcom said in a statement — hence its name, Reparto. Honoring the movement that was born in the barrios of Cuba and fuses Afro-Cuban rhythms with modern electronic and hip-hop elements, the 12-song album finds Gente de Zona — and a wave of remarkable Cuban artists — singing songs about having confidence, feeling successful and blessed, or having a healthy relationship. Standout tracks include 'Rico Cantidad,' 'Se Trata' and 'La Guagua' — which have all gained social media momentum. — J.R. 13. Beéle, BorondoIt took Beéle six years — since his debut, viral hit 'Loco' in 2019 — to release his first studio album called BORONDO. In between, he'd make a name for himself in the Latin Afrobeats realm by collaborating with artists such as Sebastian Yatra, Manuel Turizo, Farruko, and hitting the Billboard charts along the way. In the 26-track album, the artist from Barranquilla, Colombia stamps his Caribbean aura into progressive Afrobeats backed by his suave, melodic vocals. Notable tracks include the Ovy on the Drums-produced 'mi refe,' the Marc Anthony-assisted 'Dios me oyó,' and the ultra-sensual 'frente al mar.' BORONDO marked the artist's debut on the Billboard album charts, bowing at No. 10 on Top Latin Albums and No. 4 on Top Latin Rhythm Albums on the lists this May. — J.R. 12. Noreh, A Film By La Vida RealOn his sophomore album, and debut under 5020 Records, Noreh opened up about the 'good and bad things that have happened to me' in his 27 years. The result? A 15-track set called A Film By La Vida Real that is reflective, emotional, sensual, and an ode to identity. 'I always believe that a piece of material should have that contrast and be honest enough to resonate with the people who listen to it,' the Venezuelan singer-songwriter previously told Billboard. 'I had this concept of taking it through movies and TV shows because I felt it was necessary for each song to tell a story.' The album, where he navigates heartfelt ballads (some meshed with tropical music, others with electronic), includes collaborations with Sin Bandera, Jay Wheeler, LAGOS and Corina Smith. — J.R. 11. Bomba Estéreo & Rawayana, AstropicalWhat happens when Caribbean tropical rhythms meet the world of astrology, feminine energy and spirituality? A colorful supergroup called ASTROPICAL is born. The group created by Bomba Estéreo and Rawayana — two of the most beloved contemporary bands from Colombia and Venezuela, respectively — took the world by storm at the beginning of the year when they released the song 'Me Pasa (Piscis),' announcing that it was only the first single of an entire project that would soon follow. In March, their 12-track album — one for each sign of the zodiac — arrived, blending electronic cumbia and reggae with Afrobeats and tropical rhythms in titles including 'Brinca (Acuario),' 'Siento (Virgo),' 'Una Noche en Caracas (Tauro),' and 'Otro Nivel (Capricorn).' It is unknown if Bomba Estéreo and Rawayana will reunite again. For now, we are grateful that the stars aligned this year for Astropical. — S.R.A. 10. Christian Nodal, ¿Quién + Como Yo?In an era seemingly dominated by singles, where each song competes to shine on its own, Christian Nodal opts for a cohesive narrative in ¿Quién + Cómo Yo?, an album that interweaves universal themes of love and heartbreak. Reaffirming his artistic identity through mariacheño music, Nodal delivers a production that prioritizes authenticity, with arrangements that highlight the richness of traditional instruments such as trumpets, guitars and accordion. The 12-track album features collaborations with Natanael Cano on 'EBVSY,' Alfredo Olivas on 'Se Vienen Días Tristes,' and Tito Double P on the corrido tumbado 'La Loba.' With ¿Quién + Cómo Yo?, Nodal demonstrates that traditional Mexican music not only remains relevant but can also connect with new generations without losing its essence. — LUISA CALLE 9. Christian Alicea, Swingkete Vol. 1 – MaratónSalsa music has seen a resurgence in popularity thanks to a new generation of artists who are adding their own swing to the traditional genre. Alicea is among that group — and with Swingkete Vol. 1, he doubles down on his commitment to continue to push salsa music to the forefront. Throughout the set, the Puerto Rican artist — who earlier this year signed to Bad Bunny's Rimas Entertainment — infuses traditional styles like bomba, plena and salsa with cumbia and Afrobeats, with featured collaborators Jowell & Randy, J Álvarez, Frabian Eli and Eliot 'El Mago D Oz' in tow. — G.F. 8. Natti Natasha, Natti Natasha En AmargueNatti Natasha is Dominican to the core, but she had never done a full bachata album until Natti Natasha En Amargue. The set highlights an outstanding side of Natasha, a vocalist with range and pathos who can carry a full range of emotions, from the opening, deliciously spiteful 'Desde Hoy' — with lyrics like 'May you have a horrible ending/ The worst possible' — to the sultry 'Vendaje,' a big-band bolero. En Amargue has the added of bonus of having been written and produced in its entirety by Romeo Santos, and the songwriting is a delight to listen to. Natasha's return to her roots is actually a step up. — LEILA COBO 7. Cazzu, LatinajeRomance, remorse and folklore stitched from Argentina's northern roots collide in Latinaje, an album that feels like stepping into Cazzu's most intimate world. It opens with a 'copla' (poetry) to her homeland, before 'Mala Suerte' sweeps in — a carnival-esque lament that tumbles into a sleek hip-hop beat. Heartache shapes much of the album (seemingly informed by the artist's very public breakup with her baby daddy, Nodal) with tracks like the haunting tango 'Ódiame' and 'Con Otra,' a tearjerker that transforms its sadness into a cumbia villera. There's range here, too, with Elena Rose's bolero-infused 'Engreído' and Maka's flamenco-tinged 'Ahora' adding depth. But Cazzu shines brightest alone, offering moments like 'Inti,' a lullaby wrapped in a lo-fi trap for her daughter. Latinaje is a celebration of Latin sounds — old and new — powered by heartbreak and fierce cultural pride. — I.R. 6. DannyLux, LeyendaDannyLux's Leyenda is a dazzling dark fantasy affair that tells tales of eternal skies, mermaids, and otherworldly legends through whimsical sierreño music. The album kicks off with 'Tristeza de Lux,' buoyed by steely guitars that weave an uneasy shimmer into the melancholy lyrics about disenchantment. Then, it effortlessly genre-hops into '90s-inspired trip-hop ('2025') and lo-fi electronic music ('Q.D.E.P.'). He also invites Jasiel Nuñez to join him in on the stormy 'Cielo Eterno,' Yng Naz on the whimsical corrido 'Viaja Conmigo' and Juanchito on the tololoche-driven 'Mis Loqueras.' With its fusion of regional Mexican instrumentation and subtle electronic elegance, DannyLux delivers imaginative storytelling throughout. — I.R. 5. Joaquina, Al Romper La BurbujaFor her anticipated debut LP — following a 2023 Latin Grammy win for best new artist — Joaquina presented a project filled with nostalgia, featuring 14 songs that speak directly to the heart. From previously released singles like 'Quise Quererte,' 'Escapar de Mí,' 'Desahogo' and 'Pesimista,' to 'Carta a Mí,' 'Capricho,' an alternative version of 'El Alquimista,' and 'Gracias Por Estar Aquí,' the Venezuelan singer-songwriter offers a fusion of poetic folk-pop and classic rock. The work is brilliantly co-produced, for the most part, by the artist herself, alongside renowned Colombian musician Julio Reyes Copello. With her ever-heartbreakingly honest lyrics, Al Romper La Burbuja represents a pivotal moment in Joaquina's artistic and emotional evolution, with a mature, authentic and reflective approach. — S.R.A. 4. Karol G, TropicoquetaKarol's latest album couldn't be more different from her blockbuster set Mañana Será Bonito, and it seems intentional — and also truly what makes it all the more fun of a listen. Tropicoqueta — an ode to the sounds and music icons of Latin America — really pushes Karol's sonic boundaries, as she records in ranchera, Colombian vallenato, cumbia villera, mambo and merengue, just to name a few Latin genres included in the album. Defying predictability, Karol does a deep dive into what has influenced not only her musical palette, but has historically contributed to the richness of Latin music. A passion project from beginning to end, Karol recruits legendary acts like Thalia, Marco Antonio Solís, Manu Chao and Eddy Lover to help her tell the story of how she went from bebecita to bichota to now tropicoqueta. The set debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200, Karol's third top 10 on the tally. — G.F. 3. Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso, PapotaIn 27 minutes, PAPOTA serves up a musical feast on steroids, as its name suggests: jazz, hip-hop, percussion, horns and humorous truths on every track. The album follows the viral success of the duo's hit Tiny Desk performance, which has accumulated 38 million views to date and has put Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso in the spotlight. It's also accompanied by a clever short film in which the Argentinians satirize the keys to success in the industry, from lifting weights to speaking English, while showing real vulnerability. PAPOTA is witty, daring, necessary, and one of the most original works of 2025. — L. CALLE 2. Bad Bunny, Debí Tirar Más FotosBad Bunny delivered Debí Tirar Más Fotos on a Sunday, coinciding with Three Kings Day, an unusual release day but fitting for Bunny's unorthodox nature. In Debí, which scored the Puerto Rican star his fourth No. 1 on the Billboard 200 — Benito goes on a musical journey through the corners of Puerto Rico, blending traditional sounds like plena ('CAFé CON RON),' a lively celebration of the style infused with contemporary elements, salsa ('NUEVAYoL'), in a captivating tribute to the legendary El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico and the group's music that has soundtracked the island for generations, and jíbara music ('Pitorro de Coco'). Still, Bunny doesn't completely detour from his signature reggaetón beats, with plenty of tracks to appease his fanbase. The 17-track set — produced by Tainy, MAG and La Paciencia and Big Jay, among other hitmakers — highlights the diverse influences that have and continue to shape Benito's creativity, making this album a compelling and dynamic representation of the superstar's sonic evolution. — I.F. 1. Fuerza Regida, 111XPANTIARegional Mexican music erupts into uncharted territory with 111XPANTIA, Fuerza Regida's audacious and groundbreaking ninth studio album. In May, the San Bernardino group made history, landing at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 — the highest position ever achieved by a regional Mexican album in the chart's 69-year history — outpaced only by global icon Bad Bunny. The album kicks off with 'GodFather,' a commanding opener that nods to the iconic '70s film. Known for their ability to push beyond the traditional bounds of música mexicana, the group blurs genres with thrilling precision. Folky banjo melodies thread through tracks like 'Peliculiando' and 'Nocturno,' while they lean into reggaetón-dembow hybrids on the Anuel AA-assisted 'Lokita' and the high-energy 'Lababubu' featuring Bellakath. The closing track, 'Marlboro Rojo,' is a tour de force — raw, electrifying and unrelenting. Fueled by one of the most dynamic arrangements in the genre of the year, it melds tight tuba blasts, blazing trumpets, and the grit of JOP's vocals to create a sonic adrenaline rush. Named after the Náhuatl word for 'manifest,' 111XPANTIA feels like a declaration of identity and creative freedom: a visceral, high-octane manifesto of Fuerza Regida's unstoppable ascent. — I.R. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart Solve the daily Crossword
Los Angeles Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Latin Grammys 2025 predictions: Bad Bunny, Natalia Lafourcade and Rauw Alejandro among the frontrunners
This year promises to be one of the most exciting editions of the Latin Grammys. As the Latin Recording Academy prepares to unveil the nominations for the award's 26th edition on Sept. 17, the eligibility period — from June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 — includes a number of high-profile albums that not only contributed to the ongoing Latin music boom on a global level, but also pushed the movement forward with their radical choices and genre-defying sounds. Now a vital part of the Latin pop DNA, the urbano genre continues to redefine and challenge itself, while the rootsy strains of música Mexicana have deservedly gained a privileged seat on the table like never before. The fields of folk, rock, electronica and tropical are still expanding, and artists such as Bad Bunny, Rauw Alejandro, Becky G, Fuerza Regida and Natalia Lafourcade are vying for awards with some of the most ambitious albums of their careers. De Los assistant editor Suzy Exposito and contributing writer Ernesto Lechner discuss their predictions on the songs and albums that are most likely to be nominated. The following conversation has been edited for length. Ernesto Lechner: This seems to be an easy year in terms of the two obvious candidates for Latin Gammy history. Bad Bunny's 'Debí Tirar Más Fotos' is the kind of album that defines not only the year it came out — 2025 — but also the entire decade. And Natalia Lafourcade's mystically tinged 'Cancionera' finds the perennial Grammy favorite at the apex of her craft. Going back to Benito's masterpiece, its conceptual gravitas is almost grander than the songs themselves. Suzy Exposito: I'm really gunning for Album of the Year for this one. The amount of thought and intention that he placed on this record. The cultural significance of the songs, not just in terms of the history of Puerto Rico, but the way in which he directly engages with the Caribbean diaspora at large through salsa. E.L.: I love how lovingly he delves beyond salsa to also include plena. He goes back to Rafael Cortijo — the roots, the very essence of boricua culture. And the album has this Beatles-like quality where it's incredibly commercial — a No. 1 record, the album that everybody is listening to — but there's no compromise on the artistic front. It's an ambitious, fully realized statement. S.E.: Is any album by Benito just another Bad Bunny album? I don't think he dabbles in filler the way other artists do. E.L.: The photo of the plastic chairs on the cover could have been taken in the suburbs of Lima, or San Salvador, or Medellín. Benito makes such an inclusive, pan-Latin statement. Which brings me to nominate the title track, 'Debí Tirar Mas Fotos,' as a perfect contender for Song of the Year. S.E.: When I first heard it, I started to cry. It's a very sentimental song. I was recently in Puerto Rico and went to a plena jam session. It was happening in the street, and you could see people of all ages playing together, singing traditional songs, drinks in hand. There was something really beautiful and timeless about that communal experience. E.L.: A similar passion for music permeates Lafourcade's 'Cancionera.' Recorded live on analog tape, it has a pristine, wooden-floor kind of warmth. She embodies this mystical character, the cancionera, and it's a very mature album. I love 'Cocos en la Playa' — a frisky, beautiful tropical song that's so lovely and authentic. For my money, it's going to be a battle between those two albums in all the major categories. S.E.: I feel that Natalia Lafourcade is the conservative choice at the Latin Gammys, and it feels bizarre to say it. This is a woman who was making pop-rock in the 2000s. She is a virtuosa, and a master of her craft, but her nomination is predictable because now she represents the gold standard for the Latin Academy. E.L.: She's definitely the safest choice between the two. Besides Benito and Natalia, there are a few albums that could very well appear in the major categories, and one of them is Cazzu's 'Latinaje.' S.E.: That album is such a statement piece. I loved seeing Cazzu break away from the Latin trap sound that she defined and blending it with other things. She's a great songwriter, and her transformation is fascinating. I think this is the year when many young people are going back to their roots, and then making something new out of it. E.L.: I had a conversation with Cazzu a few months ago and told her that 'Latinaje' made me feel vindicated. As a fellow Argentine, I've always felt that we're an integral part of Latin America. She proved it with this beautiful love letter to so many essential genres. There's salsa, merengue, South American folk, and 'Dolce,' a gorgeous corrido tumbado about that infamous red dress that went viral. And she did it all so genuinely. S.E.: It may be hard for her, because she came up as an MC. I wonder if the Latin Academy will know in what categories to place her, since this is such a multi-genre album. I mean, she's an international girl. E.L.: And of course, Rubén Blades has a new album out, and it's beautiful as always. 'Fotografías' is another sumptuous, big band salsa session. It combines new compositions with songs that Rubén had given to fellow Fania artists in the '70s, and now recorded them himself. S.E.: That's a great move on his part. 'Hey, remember those songs? Yeah — I wrote them!' It sounds ridiculous to say that Rubén is another safe choice, but I can see him in all the big categories. Which brings me to another artist who made a salsa-influenced album: Rauw Alejandro and 'Cosa Nuestra.' E.L.: I love the Afro-Caribbean vibe on 'Cosa Nuestra' and the silky duet with bachata star Romeo Santos on 'Khé?' I feel this one has been overshadowed a little by Benito's 'Debí Tirar Más Fotos.' My favorite Rauw Alejandro album remains 2021's 'Vice Versa' with the awesome, '80s influenced mega-hit 'Todo De Ti.' S.E.: My favorite song on 'Cosa Nuestra' is 'Se Fue,' the duet with Laura Pausini, which is also like a moody '80s song. Raúl has made it a point to polish up his nostalgia for old forms of music. Michael Jackson is one of his most influential artists. By the way, we should mention Fuerza Regida and their ninth studio album, '111XPANTIA.' They have never been nominated for a Latin Grammy, so I'm rooting for them because they have experimented in a really bold way. Their lead singer, Jesús Ortiz Paz, has shown a lot of intention behind his creative decisions beyond making the same corridos or mining from the same old '90s rappers. Their music is cheeky; sonically, it pushes boundaries. E.L.: You're never gonna have a bad time with this new wave of música Mexicana stars, considering the staggering melodic richness of their songs and the immediacy of the lyrics. S.E.: On that note, I think it's time for Ivan Cornejo to get a Latin Grammy nod for 'Mirada' — the production has this ethereal quality that sounds so mature and progressive for the genre. I also want to applaud DannyLux for his ambitious 'Leyenda,' which is a psychedelic take on sierreño music, à la George Harrison. E.L.: What about Becky G? Last year I was asked to write about 'Encuentros,' and I just had to surrender to the elegance of this pristine música Mexicana session. Her voice sounds huge on this record. S.E.: I really hope they don't silo her in the música Mexicana categories, because this is a very mature album for her. She grew up singing mariachi music with her family, so it's a beautiful full circle moment for her. E.L.: 'Encuentros' would be a perfect Album of the Year candidate because it celebrates the music of her grandparents but at the same time transcends it. I love that Becky said she's never looking back after recording her two traditional albums of rancheras and lush Mexican pop. This brings me to a more general observation: I believe we're experiencing an era of absolute splendor, and the Latin Grammys nominations are bound to reflect that. It's like every single Latin American country has blossomed, wearing its most elegant clothes and throwing some amazing parties. The richness and breadth of the music being recorded throughout the continent is off the charts. S.E.: I agree. Creatively, the last couple of years have been the most exciting for Latin music in a really long time. I think we're going to remember the 2020s for the bold decade that it is.
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Rauw Alejandro Gains Big: ‘Carita Linda' Takes No. 1 Spot on Latin Airplay Chart
Rauw Alejandro scores big this week as 'Carita Linda' climbs 6-1 on Billboard's Latin Airplay chart (dated July 19), marking his 12th champ overall and third as a soloist. 'Carita Linda' rallies 6-1 on Latin Airplay with the Greatest Gainer honors, given weekly to the song with the largest gain in audience impressions among the ranking's 50 songs. The single takes the lead after a 28% gain in audience impressions, to 8.7 million, earned in the United States during the July 4-10 tracking week, according to Luminate. The audience growth ejects J Balvin's 'Rio' from the top, which drops to No. 3 after one week in charge, through a 4% decline (to 7.7 million impressions). More from Billboard Kesha Makes Chart-Topping Debut With New Album '. (Period)' Pusha T on Drake's 'What Did I Miss?': 'Just Not for Me' Travis Scott Gets Inked With a Tiger Tattoo in Eerie 'DUMBO' Video: Watch Released April 10 on Duars/Sony Music Latin, 'Carita Linda' arrived as a standalone single following the release of Rauw Alejandro's fifth studio album, Cosa Nuestra, which gave the Puerto Rican a second No. 1 on the Top Latin Albums chart in November 2024. The song premiered during the opening night of his Cosa Nuestra Tour in Seattle, on April 5. Rauw clinches his 12th career No. 1 on the Latin Airplay chart in just five years since his first chart-topping hit, 'TBT,' with Sebastián Yatra and Manuel Turizo (July 2020). With the latest achievement, Rauw surpasses Daddy Yankee as the male artist with the fifth-most No. 1 hits in the 2020s. Plus, Rauw joins an elite group of male artists with the highest sum of No. 1s this decade. Here is the group of winners: 21, Bad Bunny20, J Balvin18, Ozuna14, Myke Towers12, Rauw Alejandro11, Daddy Yankee 'Carita Linda' also rebounds to its No. 1 peak on the Latin Pop Airplay chart, for its fifth week atop. Fuerza Regida Claims First Solo No. 1: Elsewhere on the Latin charts, Fuerza Regida secures its first No. 1 without a collaborator —among six career champs, all within a two-year span— on the Regional Mexican Airplay chart with 'Por Esos Ojos.' The song breaks new ground with 7.3 million audience impressions, up 14%, earned during the tracking week ending July 10. 'Por Esos Ojos' joins two other Fuerza Regida songs which have ruled for one week in 2025: 'Tu Boda,' with Oscar Maydon (February) and 'Me Jalo,' with Grupo Frontera (April). The new single was released on Feb. 11 as the lead single of Regida's ninth studio album, 111XPANTIA, the group's second champ on Top Latin Albums which holds strong atop the Regional Mexican Albums chart for a 10th consecutive week. All charts (dated July 19, 2025) will update on tomorrow, July 15. For all chart news, you can follow @billboard and @billboardcharts on both X, formerly known as Twitter, and Instagram. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Four Decades of 'Madonna': A Look Back at the Queen of Pop's Debut Album on the Charts Chart Rewind: In 1990, Madonna Was in 'Vogue' Atop the Hot 100
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GMA Network
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
Will Ashley, Bianca De Vera send fans into a kilig frenzy with TikTok video
At last, a brand new TikTok video from Will Ashley and Bianca De Vera! WillCa made fans kilig with an entry for the dance challenge set to 'Me Jalo' by Fuerza Regida and Grupo Frontera. Will simply captioned it with a shrugging emoji and tagged Bianca. Fans, personalities, and official pages gushed over the video. 'Ayan na ngaaaaaaaa,' Esnyr said. 'Panindigan n'yo tong kilig ko!' Reddit Philippines said. WillCa is one of the most favorite fan ships of 'Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition.' Before becoming housemates, the pair worked together in another Kapuso-Kapamilya collab, the "Unbreak My Heart" series, two years ago. Earlier, they went viral after sharing a hug at the PBB big night. Will and his duo Ralph De Leon (RaWi) were named as the second big placers of PBB Collab. The pair of Brent Manalo and Mika Salamanca (BreKa) is the Big Winner duo. Charlie Fleming and Esnyr (ChaRes) were the third big placers, while AZ Martinez and River Joseph (AzVer) came in fourth. —Nika Roque/JCB, GMA Integrated News
