Play-N-Skillz Signs Label Deal with Pitbull‘s Mr. 305 Records

Play-N-Skillz are getting (Mr.) Worldwide support…

The Latin/American record production/DJ group, comprised of brothers Juan “Play” Salinas and Oscar “Skillz” Salinas, has signed a label deal with Pitbull‘s Mr. 305 Records.

Play-N-Skillz,The Dallas-born siblings join a roster that includes Omar Courtz, IAMCHINO and Montana Tucker, among others.

“Joining Mr. 305 Records is a perfect match for us,” said Play-N-Skillz in a statement. “We have a strong history with Pitbull and being part of his record label is an amazing chance for growth. We appreciate the trust he has in us and are excited to create incredible music together.”

After DJing house parties in their hometown, Play-N-Skillz landed its big break in the early 2000s after producing Lil’ Flip‘s second album, U Gotta Feel Me.

Since then, Play-N-Skillz has produced for artists such as ChamillionaireDavid GuettaLil WayneBecky GNicky Jam and Daddy Yankee.

In 2019, Play-N-Skillz produced and co-wrote Yankee’s smash hit “Con Calma” ft. Snow, which later got a remix with Katy Perry. The original track peaked at No. 1 on Billboard‘s Hot Latin Songs chart for a total of 14 weeks.

“I am thrilled to welcome Play-N-Skillz to the Mr. 305 Records family. Our history of working together has been marked by mutual respect, creativity, and shared musical vision. I have always admired their exceptional production skills and their ability to push boundaries in their craft,” added Robert Fernandez, CEO of Mr. 305 Records. “It’s an honor that they have decided to partner with us and trust us to help bring their brand and artistic vision to the next level. Together, we will continue to make history and ccreate music that will captivate audiences worldwide. The future looks incredibly exciting, and I couldn’t be more enthusiastic about the journey ahead with Play-N-Skillz.”

Play-N-Skillz is currently working on new music set to drop soon under Mr. 305.

Bad Bunny’s “Un Verano Sin Ti” Ranks in Top 10 on 2023’s Midyear Top 10 Albums in U.S. List

More than a year after its release, Bad Bunny’s Un Verano Sin Ti is still selling…

The 2023 Luminate Midyear Music Report has been released for the tracking period of Dec. 30, 2022, through June 29, 2023, with the 29-year-old Puerto Rican superstar’s Grammy-winning album coming in at No. 6 on the 2023’s Midyear Top 10 Albums in U.S. list with 967,000 equivalent album units sold.

Bad BunnyDespite its release in May 2022, Bad Bunny’s Un Verano Sin Ti is the top selling album by a Latino/a artist.

He’s followed by Karol G’s Billboard 200 No. 1 album Mañana Séra Bonito, which comes in at No. 9 with 716,000 equivalent album units sold.

The 32-year-old Colombian singer’s album was released in February 2023.

Meanwhile, Melanie Martinez’s Portals is among the Top 10 on the Midyear Top 10 Selling Albums in U.S. (Physical & Digital Album Sales Combined) chart, coming in at No. 10 with 194,000 units sold.

It also comes in at No. 7 on 2023’s Midyear Top 10 Selling Vinyl Albums list with 93,000 units sold.

2023’s Midyear Top 10 Albums in U.S. (by Equivalent Album Units)
1. Morgan Wallen, One Thing at a Time (3.312 million)
2. SZA, SOS (1.982 million)
3. Taylor Swift, Midnights (1.876 million)
4. Morgan Wallen, Dangerous: The Double Album (1.173 million)
5. Metro Boomin’, Heroes & Villains (1.038 million)
6. Bad Bunny, Un Verano Sin Ti (967,000)
7. Drake & 21 Savage, Her Loss (898,000)
8. Zach Bryan, American Heartbreak (769,000)
9. Karol G, Mañana Séra Bonito (716,000)
10. Taylor Swift, Lover (711,000)

2023’s Midyear Top 10 Selling Albums in U.S. (Physical & Digital Album Sales Combined)
1. Taylor Swift, Midnights (607,000)
2. TOMORROW X TOGETHER, The Name Chapter: TEMPTATION (399,000)
3. Stray Kids, 5-STAR (327,000)
4. TWICE, Ready to Be (286,000)
5. Morgan Wallen, One Thing at a Time (242,000)
6. SEVENTEEN, SEVENTEEN 10th Mini Album: FML (236,000)
7. Metallica, 72 Seasons (215,000)
8. Agust D, D-Day (200,000)
9. Jimin, FACE (152,000)
10. Melanie Martinez, Portals (194,000)

2023’s Midyear Top 10 Selling Vinyl Albums
1. Taylor Swift, Midnights (251,000)
2. Lana Del Rey, Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd. (132,000)
3. Taylor Swift, Folklore (107,000)
4. Tyler, The Creator, Igor (104,000)
5. Fleetwood Mac, Rumours (103,000)
6. Boygenius, The Record (100,000)
7. Melanie Martinez, Portals (93,000)
8. Michael Jackson, Thriller (85,000)
9. Pink Floyd, The Dark Side of the Moon (85,000)
10. Lana Del Rey, Born to Die (84,000)

Source: Luminate, for the tracking period Dec. 30, 2022, through June 29, 2023.

Equivalent album units for album titles and chart rankings comprise traditional album sales, track equivalent albums (TEA) and streaming equivalent albums (SEA). Each unit equals one album sales, or 10 individual tracks sold from an album, or 3,750 ad-supported on-demand official audio and video streams generated by songs from an album, or 1,250 paid/subscription on-demand official and audio streams generated by songs from an album.

Myke Towers Signs Management Deal with Brandon Silverstein’s S10 Entertainment

Myke Towers is under new management…

The 29-year-old Puerto Rican rapper, singer and songwriter has signed a management deal with Brandon Silverstein’s S10 Entertainment.

Myke Towers, Brandon Silverstein, S10 EntertainmentThe signing — in partnership with Orlando “Jova” Cepeda of One World Music and Jose “Tito” Reyes  of Casablanca Records — comes on the heels of Towers’ viral hit song “LALA,” which topped Spotify’s Top 50 Global chart and entered at No. 50 on Billboard‘s Hot Latin Songs chart dated July 15.

“Very excited to be joining Brandon and the S10 family,” Myke said in a statement. “Our visions are aligned and I think Brandon having a clear understanding of my artistic vision and the culture is a win. I am looking forward to continuing to expand globally and the success we have had with ‘LALA’ going #1 is just proof that there is no limit.”

With his latest album, La Vida Es Una, Towers captured his third straight top 10 on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums chart when it debuted at No. 9 on the ranking dated April 8. La Vida Es Una is preceded by Towers’ Easy Money Baby, which peaked at No. 1 on the tally in 2020, and Lyke Mike, his 2021 set that landed a No. 3 spot on the chart.

Myke joins an S10 roster that includes Normani, among other artists.

“S10 has enjoyed incredible success over the past few years and as proud as I am about that, I’m more excited about what we’re working on next,” added Silverstein, CEO and founder of S10. “With notable work in the pipeline for management and publishing, and new projects coming from records and film, I feel like we’re entering a creative renaissance. I’m thrilled to welcome Myke Towers and we’re excited to continue his expansion to new audiences globally.”

Ozuna Signs with Scooter Braun‘s SB Projects

Ozuna is hoping to build up his music empire with a little extra braun

The 31-year-old Puerto Rican singer, songwriter, and rapper has signed with Scooter Braun‘s SB Projects.

Ozuna

The management deal is a partnership with Edgar Andino, founder and CEO of Andino Marketing Group.

Ozuna joins a SB Projects roster that includes Justin BieberAriana Grande and Demi Lovato, among others.

The company also previously managed Colombian powerhouse J Balvin, who parted ways with SB in June 2022 and is now signed to Roc Nation.

“I’m confident that Scooter and his team’s global music expertise will open doors into new markets,” Ozuna said in a statement. “We all share the same strategic vision and direction to keep spreading my music worldwide. I’m truly excited about all the new opportunities the future holds.”

“His music is a true voice of his community, and we look forward to working with him here at Hybe on a global scale,” Braun, CEO of HYBE America, added.

A key figure in Ozuna’s team, Andino has helped the singer-songwriter land global deals that range from NFT collaborations to releasing a song for the Call of Duty video game.

Most recently, he led negotiations for Ozuna’s inclusion in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Official Soundtrack, performing “Arhbo” with rapper GIMS. The uplifting song, which they performed at the World Cup’s closing ceremony, peaked at No. 1 Billboard‘s Latin Airplay chart.

“Working with Ozuna over these past years, one thing is for certain, we always go big,” added Andino.  “For us, Scooter and SB Projects align with our vision. They are the perfect partners to help in our continued approach and take Ozuna to the next level of his career. We cannot be more thrilled and cannot wait for everyone to see what we have coming next.”

In May, he released Afro, a seven-track EP where he experiments with Afrobeats. It followed his 2022 studio album, Ozutochi, which landed at No. 5 on the Top Latin Albums chart. Ozuna is set to embark on his Afro Tour across Europe this summer, which has 16 confirmed dates, including stops in France, Spain, Italy, Israel and Holland. The monthlong trek kicks off July 7 in France and wraps Aug. 6 in Spain.

“We’ve been following Ozuna’s career for years and we’re excited to be bringing him into the family to work with him and Edgar,” Jennifer McDaniels, president of management at SB Projects, said in a statement.

“Ozuna’s music is unmatched.  His ability to work across genres including reggaeton, Latin pop, and more, is phenomenal. With unique songs offering fresh perspective and beautiful sounds, we’re thrilled to amplify his artistry with this partnership.”

Lex Borrero Partners with Tommy Mottola to Acquire Arro Media, Now to Be Called AM16

Lex Borrero is expanding his entertainment empire…

The Latino music executive and entrepreneur, the co-founder/CEO of Neon 16, has teamed up with Ntertain chairman Tommy Mottola  to acquire Arro Media, a music marketing and social media agency that boasts a roster of clients like Adidas, Red Bull, the NFL, Xbox, Bacardi, The Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation and more.

Lex BorreroFounded by Cristina Arcay, the company will be rebranded as AM16.

“We have built a growing agency that will redefine how brands connect their marketing and advertising to the Latin culture because we live it day in and day out,” said Borrero and Mottola in a press release. “Our team has a finger on the pulse of trends, uniquely positioned to spot them before they happen, across music, television and film. Today’s announcement further differentiates our capabilities from competitors and will bring an even more comprehensive offering to our clients and partners.”

AM16 will find the intersection among music, entertainment and culture. Together, it will bring Arro’s capabilities with Neon16’s “innovative approach to cultural storytelling and experiential activations,” they said. The merger will include brand strategy and partnerships, product development, content production, music marketing, social media management, digital marketing, public relations, creative design services and experiential events.

“Launching AM16 agency represents an exhilarating new chapter in my career and the future of Arro,” said Arcay, who is appointed as co-president. “As a Latina entrepreneur, being able to lead and learn alongside our new partners represents a huge opportunity to reshape the industry by championing diversity, elevating ideas and fostering cultural movements that resonate with audiences worldwide.”

Chief marketing officer/co-president Gerry Rojas added, “I feel empowered and excited to be working in a Latino-owned agency where we’re reimagining how brands and artists tell their stories authentically, while raising the Latin cultural currency and creating a true, positive impact rooted in music and culture.”

Neon16 works with A-listers such as Tainy, Thalia, Juan Luis Guerra and Danna Paola.

Earlier this year, the company also played a key role in the Netflix Original series La Firma — a Latin music competition that sought to sign the next big Latin music star, featuring Borrero, Tainy, Rauw Alejandro and Nicki Nicole.

Borrero and Mottola also executive-produced Thalia’s music docuseries, Thalia’s Mixtape, via Ntertain on Paramount+.

Iñaki Godoy Signs with M88 for Representation

Iñaki Godoy has new representation…

The 19-year-old Mexican actor and star of Netflix’s forthcoming series One Piece has signed with M88 for representation.

Iñaki GodoyArriving on the streamer on August 31st, the series created by Matt Owens and Steven Maeda is a live-action adaptation of the same-name 1997 manga series from Eiichiro Oda.

Godoy stars as Monkey D. Luffy, a young pirate captain who sets out with his crew to attain the mythical treasure known as ‘One Piece’ and secure the title of Pirate King.

Godoy was most recently seen in Netflix’s series The Imperfects, centered on imperfect superheroes who must navigate their newfound abilities while dealing with personal struggles and a looming threat to humanity. He is otherwise best known for a turn in the streamer’s Spanish-language drama series Who Killed Sara?, following a man’s relentless pursuit of justice while investigating the mysterious death of his sister and the dark secrets he uncovers.

Additional credits for Godoy include the Mexican films No Abras La PuertaMexZombies and Go Youth, as well as the series Los Elegidos and Sin miedo a la verdad.

He continues to be represented by Viewpoint.

Founded in 2020 by former WME partner Phillip Sun and Macro founder and CEO Charles D. King, M88 reps storytellers, actors, writers and multi-hyphenates.

Jessica Alba To Take Part in Creative Artists Agency’s Amplify Summit 2023

Jessica Alba is amplifying her voice…

The 42-year-old half-Mexican American actress and entrepreneur has joined the list of Hollywood speakers and attendees for the Creative Artists Agency’s Amplify Summit 2023.

Jessica AlbaThe invitation-only event kicks off on June 26 in Ojai, Calif., and will convene leading artists, thought-leaders, and executives of color from the industries of entertainment, sports, media, brands and technology.

While there, invitees will have the opportunity to explore business and social justice initiatives, as well as potential collaborations that could “accelerate transformational change in rooms of leadership and popular culture,” according to the event’s organizers.

CAA Amplify has long utilized CAA’s role as conveners and connectors to create business opportunities for our communities, bringing decision makers together in one room,” CAA’s Natalie Tran, who has been a lead organizer for the summit since its inception. “Now, more than ever, the collective expertise and influence of the CAA Amplify network are essential to drive stronger collaborations in storytelling and partnerships that will help spark change across our industries.”

The complete list of attendees frequently straddle multiple industries and titles, and have notable award nominations and wins.

That includes actors Lupita Nyong’o, Steven Yeun, Xolo Maridueña, Thuso Mbedu, Yara Shahidi and Jillian Mercado; directors Ava DuVernay and Blitz Bazawule; showrunners Quinta Brunson and Sierra Teller Ornelas; recording artists Chloe and Halle Bailey, and Becky G.; comedians Roy Wood Jr. and Ego Nwodim; NBA pro-athletes Dwyane Wade and Chris Paul; author Anand Giridharadas; media personality Tabitha Brown; The Honest Company founder Alba and CEO Carla VernónPlanned Parenthood president Alexis McGill Johnson; president of the Ford Foundation Darren Walker; and co-founder and CEO of Inflection AIMustafa Suleyman, among other leaders.

Anitta Reportedly Taps Rebeca León to Serve as Her New Manager

Anitta has a new manager…

Rebeca León has been tapped as the 30-year-old Brazilian singer, songwriter, acress and television host’s new manager, according to Variety.

AnittaLeón is the CEO and founder of Lionfish Entertainment, an artist management and production company operating in the music, film, TV, and digital businesses.

Representatives for Republic Records, Anitta’s new label, and León did not respond to requests for comment from Variety.

Anitta was formerly managed by Brandon Silverstein, the founder/CEO of S10 Entertainment, who helped build the multi-lingual singer’s career in the United States.

Just a few months ago, Léon amicably parted ways with her longtime client Rosalía, with whom she started a partnership in 2018. As a manager, she’s worked with numerous renowned Latin acts, including overseeing the fruitful career of Colombian superstar Juanes, and the emergence of J Balvin (they amicably split in 2019).

Before Lionfish, León led Latin operations as senior VP for AEG/Goldenvoice.

This shift in Anitta’s team comes as she’s also switched labels: Anitta had signed a new deal with Universal’s Republic Records in late April, just weeks after her highly-publicized split from Warner Music.

She cut ties with Warner after 11 years at the company and a big effort by the company’s Warner Records label to launch the singer’s career in the U.S. with her multi-genre latest album “Versions of Me,” released just over a year ago.

“After eleven years of successful partnership, we’ve agreed to go our separate ways,” read a statement from the label and artist. “Anitta would like to thank the Warner Music team for all their support. And the Warner team wishes Anitta all the best in future.”

Anitta recently announced the incoming release of her first Republic Records single titled “Funk Rave.” She’s also said to be releasing a new project, a “Brazilian album of English and Spanish,” that pays homage to the early beginnings of Brazilian music.

“I think Brazilian funk is opening its room right now and I want to show more about where this was born and it’s my culture, my community, my place so I feel happy to have this in hands with Republic,” Anitta told Variety.

Rudy Valdez Agrees to Overall Unscripted Deal with Imagine Documentaries

Rudy Valdez has a new unscripted partner…

The Latino documentary filmmaker has agreed to an overall unscripted deal with Imagine Documentaries.

Rudy ValdezAs part of the agreement, Valdez will develop, direct and executive produce new nonfiction projects for the studio through his Bluff Road Films banner.

The two-time Emmy Award-winning filmmaker started his career as a camera operator on the Peabody Award-winning, Sundance series Brick City and went on to direct his passion project on HBO’s The Sentence.

Shot and directed by Valdez over the course of a decade, this feature documentary tells the very personal story of his sister’s plight in the criminal justice system, while tackling subjects like mandatory minimums and sentencing reform.

“It has been wonderful to work with Sara Bernstein, Justin Wilkes, and the entire Imagine Documentaries team through the years,” said Valdez. “They have entrusted me with telling a variety of stories and have always supported my vision and approach. This new partnership will allow us to continue to create inspiring projects together and for me to expand, not only in the stories that I am able to tell, but also in my efforts to create a platform that fosters new voices. Along with this new deal, I’m excited to announce the launch of my production company, Bluff Road Films. Steered by an intimate storytelling approach, my team and I will aim to amplify unheard voices. Having the support of Imagine as we ramp up our efforts and take on new projects is invaluable.”

His most recent projects include Sony Pictures Classic’s Carlos and Choir on Disney+.

Both projects are produced by Imagine Entertainment and will premiere at the 2023 Tribeca Festival.

Carlos, the definitive feature documentary of Carlos Santana, follows the artist’s lifelong journey from 14-year-old street musician to 10-time Grammy winning global sensation.

Choir is a six-part docuseries, following the Detroit Youth Choir after their star turn on America’s Got Talent.

“As longtime collaborators of the extraordinary Rudy Valdez, Imagine is thrilled to formalize our unique creative partnership with Rudy and further bolster his prolific documentary impact,” said Bernstein, president of Imagine Documentaries.

Karol G Signs New Record Deal with Interscope Records

Karol G is celebrating a new deal…

Following lengthy negotiations, according to sources, the 32-year-old Colombian superstar has signed a record deal with Interscope Records, the Universal Music Group-owned label has announced.

Karol GThe new deal will see Karol G leave her longtime home at Universal Music Latino, the label that signed her as a new artist nearly a decade ago and developed her into an international powerhouse, but will have her remain within the Universal family.

Karol G, who is managed by Noah Assad (Bad Bunny), was signed by Universal Music Latin Entertainment in 2016, and under them, she released her history-making set Mañana Será Bonito earlier this year.

The 17-track set debuted atop the Billboard 200 becoming Karol’s first No. 1 on the tally and the chart’s first No. 1 all-Spanish-language album by a woman.

“Our partnership with Karol and her team dates back to the beginning of her career, and it has been a thrilling journey filled with incredible music,” said Lucian Grainge, UMG chairman and chief executive officer, in a statement. “She is simply one of the most exciting artists in popular music today and we’re honored she has chosen to deepen her partnership with UMG for many more years to come.”

“Karol G is without a doubt one of the most powerful, creative and dynamic artists in the world,” said John Janick, Chairman and CEO of Interscope Geffen A&M Records. “We are thrilled to welcome her into the IGA family.”

Interscope Executive Vice President Nir Seroussi who oversees the company’s Miami operation added: “Karol is one of the most talented, driven and astute artists with whom I’ve ever worked. She brings with her a world-class team in Noah Assad, Jessica Giraldo and Raymond Acosta, and we look forward to working with them to build upon Karol’s global legacy as an artist.”

Karol G’s move, from Latin label to mainstream label, is not all that common in the music world. While many stars who are signed to major labels release their music jointly between Latin and mainstream labels according to language –Shakira long released her English albums on Epic and her Spanish language albums on via Sony Music Latin, for example, and Enrique Iglesias released both on Interscope and Universal Music Latin– Karol G will fall entirely under Interscope’s purview.

“John, Nir and the entire team at Interscope have built the only platform of its kind which will enable Karol to serve her current fanbase while continuing to grow her audience around the world,” said Assad about Karol G’s new deal. “We’re excited to get started with everyone at Interscope.”

Karol G’s tenure at Universal Music Latino was successful and steadily ascending. There, the “Tusa” singer became a force to be reckoned with and a leading lady in the male-dominated genre of reggaeton. To date, Karol G is one of only two women (the other being Selena Gomez) who’ve had No. 1 releases on the Top Latin Albums chart between 2020 and 2023 thanks to KG0516 (2021) and Mañana Será Bonito (2023). In March, Karol G jumped to No. 1 on Billboard‘Latin Songwriters chart, becoming just the second woman — after Yahritza Martinez (Yahritza Y Su Esencia) — to rule the ranking.

Most recently, Karol G announced her very first-ever stadium trek in the United States. The Mañana Será Bonito Tour — produced by Live Nation — is set to kick off on August 11 at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium and will visit Pasadena, Miami, Houston and Dallas, among other cities.

Last year, her arena $trip Love Tour became the highest grossing U.S. tour by a Latin woman in history. It grossed $69.9 million across 33 shows in North America — according to numbers reported to Billboard Boxscore — surpassing Jennifer Lopez’s $50 million grossing It’s My Party World Tour in 2019 and Shakira’s El Dorado World Tour, which grossed $28.2 million in 2018.

Before hitting the road for her stadium tour, Karol will become the first Spanish-language female artist to ever headline Lollapalooza in Chicago on August 3.

Mañana será bonito marked a new era for me that came with many unforgettable milestones,” said Karol G in a statement. “I’m continuously amazed at the support my fans give me, which motivates me to deliver the best of me, and I’m certain that this partnership with Interscope and their incredible team will help us continue building and making history. I’m thrilled to see what’s to come.”