René “Residente” Pérez Wraps Production in Acting Debut on the Indie Feature “In The Summers”

Posted on July 11, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

René “Residente” Pérez is ready for his close up…

The 45-year-old Puerto Rican rapper, singer, songwriter and filmmaker has wrapped production on the indie feature film In The Summers, in his acting debut.

He stars opposite Sasha Calle, Lio Mehiel and Leslie Grace.

Exile Content Studio, a Candle Media Company produced the project in association with Lexicon Development, alongside 1868 Studios and LUZ Films.

From writer and director Alessandra Lacorazza in her feature debut, In The Summers tells the story of Latine sisters, Violeta (Adult Lio) and Eva (Adult Sasha), who visit their loving but reckless father Vicente (Pérez Joglar) every summer. He creates a world of wonder but under the fun facade, he battles addiction which gradually erodes the magic, culminating in a devastating tragedy. Vicente tries to make up for the past, but wounds aren’t easily healed.

Grace portrays the character of Yenny. The character of Violeta will also be played by Dreya Renae Castillo (young) and Kimaya Thais (teen); young Eva will be played by Luciana Quinonez and as a teen by Allison Salinas. Additional casting includes Emma Ramos as Carmen; Camilla will be played by Sharlene Cruz as an adult and Gabriela Surodjawan as a teen; Indigo Montez plays Natalia.

“Alessandra is a visionary filmmaker and her script for In The Summers profoundly spoke to our mission at Exile to create content that uplifts Latin voices and tells rich, diverse stories,” said Nando Vila, Head of Exile Content Studio. “This is a powerful story, and we are thrilled to partner with Lexicon Development, 1868 Studios and LUZ Films on bringing In The Summers to life.”

“The moment I finished this screenplay I knew that it represented the kind of voice we set out to support with our mission at Lexicon,” added Alexander Dinelaris, founder, screenwriter and producer at Lexicon Development.

Academy Award-winner Alexander Dinelaris and Rob Quadrino are producing the film on behalf of Lexicon Development.

Carla Morrison Among Artists Confirmed for Season 3 of HBO’s “HBO Latino Presents: A Tiny Audience”

Posted on April 3, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Carla Morrison is preparing for her Tiny moment…

A Tiny Audience is unveiling its season 3 lineup, with the 35-year-old Mexican indie-pop singer and composer among the participating artists.

Presented by HBO Latino, the series features intimate live specials with some of Latin music’s hottest acts, including Paulina Rubio in season 2, where the artist is filmed in a live and unfiltered way, revealing a personal secret to the small audience and performing songs that are meaningful to them.

In its new season, HBO Latino Presents: A Tiny Audience will present Morrison, Danna Paola, Jessie Reyez, Justin Quiles, La India, Mike Bahia, Ximena Sariñana, Jay Wheeler, Becky G, Zion y Lennox, Robin Thicke, Manuel Medrano, Leslie Grace, Guaynaa, El Fantasma, Aleks Syntek and a tribute to Celia Cruz.

Season 3 premieres on April 22 on HBO/HBO Max in the U.S. and DirecTV/DirecTV GO in Latin America.

Leslie Grace Releases New Feel-Good Single “Un Buen Dia”

Posted on March 12, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Leslie Grace is celebrating a good day…

The 27-year-old Dominican American singer/actress, a three-time Latin Grammy nominee, has released the new single “Un Buen Día” via Sony Music Latin.

Grace’s latest track delivers the ultimate feel-good song of the week.

“Un Buen Día” finds the In The Heights actress singing about having a good day in terms of life and love.

“It’s a good day to fall in love, see those eyes, a work of art,” she sings. “If you look at me, nothing is bad. It seems too good to be true, but it’s not.” T

The pop track, fused with rock and hip-hop, was penned by Grace alongside Daniel Rondón, Claudia Prieto and Mr. NaisGai.

Leslie Grace Shares First Look at Her “Batgirl” Costume

Posted on January 16, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Leslie Grace is up to bat(girl)…

The 27-year-old Dominican American actress/singer has given fans a first look at her costume for the upcoming Batgirl film, which is expected to debut on HBO Max at some point this year.

“I use their expectations against them,” Grace captioned the Instagram image. “That will be their weakness. Not mine. Let them all underestimate me…And when their guard is down, and their pride is rising, let me kick their butts.”
– Batgirl, Year One

The film, directed by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, stars Grace as Barbara Gordon.

J.K. Simmons, Brendan Fraser and Michael Keaton are also on board.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Leslie Grace (@lesliegrace)

The studio was already super high on Grace following her breakout role in In the Heights, and sources say her audition sealed the deal as the choice.

When the film debuts on HBO Max, it will mark one of the first major DC properties to debut exclusively on the streamer.

Leslie Grace Releases “Bachatica,” Her First Solo Single in Five Years

Posted on October 2, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Leslie Grace has finally returned with new music…

Following her acting debut in Lin-Manuel Miranda‘s film adaptation of his Tony Award-winning Broadway musical In The Heights, and in the midst of filming Batgirl, the 26-year-old Dominican America singer/actress has released “Bachatica,” her first solo track in five years.

Dedicated to her loyal fans, Leslie Grace returns to her musical roots in a sensual bachata fused with urban and R&B undertones.

She crafted the song alongside emerging music artists Maye, Musiana, and Eddie Perez.

“I knew this song was a gift and we finished it together that same day,” she expressed on Instagram. “Thank you for sharing your genius with me.” Bringing the song’s romantic lyrics to life, Leslie reeled in her boyfriend Ian Eastwood to appear in the 1920s-inspired music video, which was directed by Jorge G. Camarena.

Leslie Grace to Star as Title Character in Warner Bros. & DC Films’ “Batgirl”

Posted on July 22, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Leslie Grace is the (bat)girl of the hour…

The 26-year-old Dominican American actress and Latin Grammy-nominated singer has been cast as Barbara Gordon in Warner Bros. and DC Films’ Batgirl.

The decision was made after testing actresses this week.

The studio was already extremely interested in the rising Afro-Latina star following her breakout role in In the Heights, and sources say her audition sealed the deal as the choice.

The studio had no comment.

The film will bow on HBO Max, marking one of the first major DC properties to debut exclusively on the streamer. Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah will direct the film from a script by Christina Hodson.

While plot details are under wraps, it is known that Barbara Gordon, the daughter of Commissioner Gordon, will be the character behind the cape in this version. Gordon is the most established version of the Batgirl character and was first introduced in 1961 as Betty Kane.

Grace was among a final group of actresses being tested for the role that included Isabella Merced, Zoey Deutch and Haley Lu Richardson.

Luis Vázquez Becomes Youngest Soloist to Top Billboard’s Tropical Airplay Chart with “Tu Fan”

Posted on July 3, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

He may not be old enough to drive, but Luis Vázquez is already making a splash in the music world…

The 15-year-old Puerto Rican singer has notched his first No. 1 on Billboard’s Tropical Airplay chart as “Tu Fan” rises 3-1 on the July 3-dated survey.

At 15, Vázquez becomes the youngest soloist to arrive at the summit since the chart began in October 1994. He beats out previous record-holder Leslie Grace, who was 17 when “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” topped the chart in October 2012.

“I’m beyond happy that at the beginning of my career I already have a No. 1 on the Tropical Airplay chart,” Vázquez tells Billboard. “Thankful to God for helping me achieve this dream with my first song and to my family for all the support and love. Grateful also to the public who has supported the song from the beginning and to my second family, JAK Entertainment.”

“Tu Fan” tops the chart with 3.8 million in audience impressions earned in the week ending June 27, up 39%, according to MRC Data. The song is Vázquez’s first entry on any Billboard chart.

“We, at JAK Capitol, are extremely proud of Luis’ great achievement!“ Andy Martinez, CEO, JAK Entertainment tells Billboard. ‘We believe in his talent and our mission is to continue working hard so the tropical genre sees more young talent.”

As it lands atop the summit, “Tu Fan” joins a list of five other tracks that have topped the Tropical Airplay chart in 2021.

Song, Artist, Debut/ Peak Date
“De Vuelta Pa’ La Vuelta,” Daddy Yankee & Mark Anthony, Jan. 2
“Travesuras,” Nio García, Casper Mágico, Ozuna, Wisin & Yandel, Myke Towers, Flow La Movie, March 6
“Un Amor Eterno,” Marc Anthony, March 20
“Víctimas Las Dos,” Victor Manuelle & La India, May 29
“Si Supieras,” Prince Royce, June 5
“Tu Fan,” Luis Vázquez, July 3

“I’m super excited for this No. 1 because from the beginning this project sounded incredible and ambitious with a great artist who exceeded my expectations even at such a young age,” Juan Miguel, the song’s producer, tells Billboard. “I am sure that Luis will be a salsa icon and I will be very happy in the future to have been part of his history.”

Beyond its Latin Airplay coronation, “Tu Fan” also sees progress on the all-genre Latin Airplay chart, where the track advances 41-32.

“Tu Fan” is part of Vázquez’s debut studio album, Comienzos. The eight-track set, released February 12, debuted and peaked at No. 17 on the Tropical Albums chart.

Anthony Ramos Teams Up with “In The Heights” Co-Stars Leslie Grace & Marc Anthony for New Single “Home All Summer”

Posted on June 15, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Anthony Ramos has found his summer home…

The 29-year-old Puerto Rican actor/singer and current In The Heights star has joined voices with his co-stars Leslie Grace and Marc Anthony have joined voices to release the new single “Home All Summer.”

Ramos and Grace’s voices blend beautifully on the upbeat “Home All Summer,” Lin-Manuel Miranda‘s new song for the big screen adaptation of his Broadway hit In the Heights.

Just like the movie it hails from, it’s comforting, effortlessly charming, flawlessly executed and boasts a memorable Marc Anthony cameo.

Warner Bros. to Release Anthony Ramos’ “In The Heights” on June 11

Posted on March 20, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Anthony Ramos’ moment in the heights to happen a week earlier…

Warner Bros.’ has announced plans to release the Jon M. Chu-directed feature musical In The Heights, starring the 29-year-old Puerto Rican actor/singer on June 11, a week earlier than previously scheduled.

The movie, the feature adaptation of Lin-Manuel Miranda and Quiara Alegría Hudes’ Tony Award-winning musical, recently dropped a new trailer.

In the Heights is set in the titular Latinx community of New York City’s bustling Washington Heights. When the neighborhood’s charismatic local bodega owner, and the film’s humble narrator, finally decides to fulfill his dream of going to the island his parents called home, his departure will change his beloved block forever.

In the Heights stars Ramos, Corey Hawkins, Leslie Grace, Melissa Barrera, Olga Merediz, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Gregory Diaz IV, Stephanie Beatriz, Dascha Polanco and icon Jimmy Smits.

The film was originally scheduled to be released last summer before COVID-19 pushed it to this year.

Leslie Grace Teams Up with Meek Mill for Bacardi’s Remake of Gloria Estefan’s Iconic Song “Conga”

Posted on January 30, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Leslie Grace is letting her body do the conga…

The 26-year-old Dominican American singer-songwriter has joined voiced with rapper Meek Mill to release a reimagining of Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine’s smash hit single “Conga.”

The new version, which gives the ‘80s party banger a rhythmic-pop-urban twist, is part of Bacardi‘s “Conga Feat. You” campaign that launched in November.

“Bacardi presented this amazing plan, where they wanted me to recreate ‘Conga,’” Leslie Grace tells Billboard. “I couldn’t believe it was possible but they assured me that both Gloria and Emilio [Estefan] were on board. They wanted to entrust me with this project and I couldn’t pass on the opportunity.”

Calling the process “innovative,” Grace explained that the project originally began at the end of 2019 but was put on pause because of the Coronavirus pandemic.

“I went into the studio pre-Covid with Boi-1da. We immediately hit it off. I had written the first verse and the pre onto a loop he had sent me,” she notes. “Everything else was basically done remotely. Meek Mill jumped on the track later on after listening to the structure we built.”

The Estefans were also part of the process “every step of the way.”

Grace adds: “Everyone was really focused on maintaining the essence of this iconic track. Having their support and suggestions was beautiful. They approved every single thing on the project. This was really a labor of love and really intentional every step of the way with the original creators involved.”

“Conga” was the first Billboard Hot 100 hit for Gloria and Miami Sound Machine, peaking at No. 10 in February 1986. The song also hit No. 1 on Dance Singles Sales for one week in November 1985, and No. 7 on Dance Club Songs. The new version, at the helm of Grace, Mill, and Boi-1da, marks the first and only official remake of the original Latin dance classic in over 30 years.

“I’m a nineties baby, my generation grew up with ‘Conga’ and I grew up listening and dancing to the song in my living room,” Grace recounts. “Gloria is an inspiration to me. She’s one of the first artists I saw singing in both languages. I feel so honored and blessed to do this with Boi-1da and Meek Mill.”

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