Maluma Becomes First Musician to Design Limited-Edition Bottle for Hennessy V.S.O.P.

Posted on February 3, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Maluma is bottling up his artistic talent…

The 28-year-old Colombian singer-songwriter is celebrating his three-year partnership with cognac brand Hennessy with the release of a special, limited-edition bottle.

The neon-hued Hennessy V.S.O.P bottle, designed entirely by Maluma — who becomes the first musician ever to design a limited-edition bottle for Hennessy V.S.O.P. — is a reflection of the singer-songwriter’s culture and roots.

“That was the most important thing for me,” Maluma, who partnered with Hennessy back in 2019, tells Billboard via Zoom. “That they give me the opportunity to come up with how the bottle would look. Not only because I’d be the first musician to do so, but because I wanted to tell my story with the design. If you look closely, you can see the buildings that identify my city, Medellín. That’s always been my plan, to take my city and my culture to a global level. I always want everyone to know where I come from.”

Jasmin Allen, senior vice president, Hennessy U.S., said in a statement: “Hennessy has a long history of championing and celebrating those who push the limits of potential, and Maluma’s journey is the perfect personification of our brand ethos. With this collaboration, we continue our legacy embracing Maluma’s expansive perspective in this Hennessy V.S.O.P limited edition — where quality meets unapologetic originality.”

In tune with Hennessy’s “Never Stop. Never Settle” motto, Maluma — whose 2021 Papi Juancho Tour grossed a grand total of $24 million and is featured as narrator in the newly released Amazon Prime documentary Mi Selección Colombia — most recently scored his first-ever entry on Billboard‘s Regional Mexican Airplay chart thanks to “Cada Quien,” his collaboration with Grupo Firme.

“I’ve always been a fan of regional Mexican music, of ranchera and mariachi,” he says about scoring a No. 1 on the tally. “Being on a Mexican chart in the U.S., well that’s a big deal. I always dreamt of that. When I travel to Mexico, it’s like being at home, I feel part of it, and I am very grateful to Grupo Firme for making this possible.”

Additionally, the “Hawái” singer will make his debut on the big screen on February 11 with Marry Me, starring alongside Jennifer Lopez and Owen Wilson. He’s also featured on the film’s soundtrack, which is set to drop Friday. Originally slated to be released in 2021, Maluma is eager for fans to see his acting chops in the rom-com. “I feel happy, I feel very proud. It’s the beginning of a new journey because I didn’t act before and doing it next to Jennifer and Owen, it’s such a big deal. I want to keep acting. I love it and it’s part of my art.”

The Hennessy V.S.O.P Limited Edition by Maluma design is now available nationwide for a limited time only.

Visit Hennessy.com for more information.

Pitbull’s NASCAR Team Agrees to Partnership Deal with UFC’s Dana White

Posted on February 1, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Pitbull is racing to a new deal…

UFC president Dana White has agreed to a partnership deal with the 41-year-old Cuban American rapper/singer and entrepreneur’s NASCAR team Trackhouse Racing, starting this week at the exhibition Clash in Los Angeles.

White’s Howler Head Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey will serve as primary sponsor of Ross Chastain‘s No. 1 Chevrolet in Sunday’s race at the Los Angeles Coliseum.

“This is an absolute (wicked) car, and I can’t wait to see it compete on the track at the Coliseum on Sunday,” White said.

Trackhouse Racing fields two full-time NASCAR Cup Series cars in 2022 with drivers Chastain and Daniel Suarez.

Trackhouse Racing, owned by Justin Marks and Pitbull, ran with Suarez last year. Trackhouse then bought Chip Ganassi‘s team and expanded to two cars for this season.

“We want to transcend our sport, work with innovative minds and powerful brands, and Dana White, along with Howler Head and UFC exemplify that. Dana’s influence, vision, and passion is inspiring and I’m looking forward to working with him on amplifying both our brands and hopefully along the way, learning from him as well,” Marks said.

Carlota Pereda Signs with Creative Artists Agency (CAA)

Posted on January 25, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Carlota Pereda has new representation…

The Latina writer-director, whose debut feature Piggy (Cerdita) recently made its world premiere in the Midnight Section of the 2022 Sundance Film Festival, has signed with Creative Artists Agency (CAA).

In Pereda’s acclaimed Spanish-language horror film, an overweight teen is bullied by a clique of cool girls while holidaying in her village—with the long walk home that follows changing the rest of her life.

The project was selected in 2020 at script stage for the Cannes Film Festival’s Focus Co-Production Initiative.

It expands on Pereda’s breakthrough 2018 short of the same name, which has won 90 awards, including the Spanish Academy’s Goya Award for Best Short Film in 2019, and the 2020 Slamdance AGBO Fellowship.

Pereda has also worked extensively in television—most notably directing episodes of the Spanish-language series Paco’s Men for Money Heist creator Álex Pina.

Keyla Monterroso Mejia Signs with United Talent Agency (UTA)

Posted on January 20, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Keyla Monterroso Mejia has new representation.

The Guatemalan and Mexican American actress and Curb Your Enthusiasm star has signed with United Talent Agency (UTA).

Monterroso Mejia rose to acclaim as Maria Sofia Estrada, a short-order cook turned actress, on the 11th season of the Larry David comedy.

Although Maria Sofia’s acting skills leave much to be desired, it’s her dance moves and hilarious banter with Cheryl Hines (and tussle with Ted Danson) that solidifies Monterroso Mejia’s status as an up-and-comer to watch.

She previously starred in the Disney+ short Growing Fangs and the HBO Max short The 90 Day Plan.

Up next, Monterroso Mejia will star as a series regular in Netflix’s On My Block spin-off, Freeridge.

FKA Twigs Partners with Atlantic Records

Posted on January 18, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

FKA Twigs is crossing the Atlantic…

The 34-year-old part-Spanish English singer-songwriter, record producer, dancer, video director and actress, who released her mixtape Caprisongs last week, has “partnered with Atlantic Records for this next exciting phase of her art,” according to the announcement.

In the U.K., FKA Twigs will continue to release music via the Young label (formerly Young Turks) through Beggars Group.

“FKA twigs is the kind of artist you dream of signing — one with truly original vision, voice, and presence,” said Atlantic chairman-COO Julie Greenwald. “She’s among the most compelling talents, always pushing her creative envelope to deliver emotionally honest music that’s both intensely personal and universal. We’re thrilled that she’s chosen Atlantic to be her home as she continues on her fantastic musical adventure.”

“The progression of FKA twigs’ music over the past decade has been extraordinary,” said chairman-CEO Craig Kallman. “She’s never content to stay in one place – constantly crossing musical boundaries, embracing fresh sounds, telling new stories, and exploring what’s next. An amazing vocalist, songwriter, lyricist, and producer, she’s barely scratched the surface of her potential, and we’re incredibly excited to see what she’ll be bringing her fans in the years to come.”

Calacote Signs Exclusive, Global Publishing Deal with Universal Music Publishing Group

Posted on January 11, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Calacote is going universal…

The 22-year-old Dominican urban Latin artist, whose real name is Luca Newton, has signed an exclusive, global publishing agreement with Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG).

The ambitious singer-songwriter, who was born in North Carolina and is of Dominican and French descent, hopes to revolutionize the Dembow movement with his Caribeño and European roots, and trilingual lyrics.

Through his new deal, Calacote will be given the opportunity to collaborate with many of UMPG’s composers in English, Spanish, and French.

“Calacote represents a new sound within the Latin urban community,” Alexandra Lioutikoff, president of US Latin and Latin America at UMPG, said in a statement. “UMPG is thrilled to sign a multilingual talent like him with truly global potential as both a songwriter and an artist.”

Ana Rosa Santiago, vice president of Latin Music at UMPG, added that the newcomer is “energetic, versatile and a fresh new prospect in Latin Music.”

Calacote, who unearthed his talent and passion for composing in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, moved from Canada to Miami for a shot in the music industry.

He was discovered by the award-winning Latin hitmaker Maffio, and later signed to his label Alkatraks Music Group in 2021. The artist’s proposal is a “unique and unheard of” musical mixture full of witty hooks and experimental fusions with Dominican dembow always at the forefront.

“I’m thrilled to be working with the amazing team at UMPG,” Calacote noted. “This marks an exciting chapter in my career, and I am excited to have the opportunity to collaborate creatively with UMPG’s writers in the U.S. and abroad as well to develop commercially with Alexandra’s and Ana Rosa’s input. I know we will achieve great things together.”

“Alexandra and Ana Rosa understand our vision and we are excited to be collaborating with them and the entire UMPG global team on the development of Calacote’s career,” said Maffio.

On Jan. 14, Calacote will release his third single “Intercambio” in collaboration with Venezuelan rapper and Latin Grammy nominee Akapellah. The single follows his debut track “Azafata” and his Kiko el Crazy-assisted “Bruja.”

His debut album is slated to be released in the second quarter of 2022.

Tiago PZK Signs Recording Deal with Warner Music Latina, via Partnership with Grand Move Records

Posted on January 7, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Tiago PZK has a new recording deal…

The 20-year-old soulful Argentine singer and rapper, who has already placed three songs on the Billboard Global Excl U.S. chart, has signed a recording deal with Warner Music Latina, via a partnership with indie Grand Move Records.

Tiago PZK, whose real name is Tiago Uriel Pacheco, uses the suffix PZK in honor of his freestyle crew in Argentina, but his music defies categorization, often shifting from R&B and pop to rap.

Moreover, instead of resorting to the sexually explicit lyrics that define so many reggaetón hits today, Tiago’s themes lean more toward love and loss and his own journey from the housing projects of Buenos Aires to nascent fame.

His breakout single “Sola,” for example, talks about his childhood and his mother’s abuse at the hands of his father.

Tiago PZK’s signing to Warner makes him the youngest in a string of urban-leaning acts defining a new Argentina music scene that includes acts like Nicki Nicole, Duki, Maria Becerra, Cazzu and Paulo Londra who are making waves internationally.

News of his deal coincides with this week’s release of the remix of “Entre Nosotros” with fellow Argentines Killah, Nicki Nicole and Maria Becerra.

The original track alongside Killah, which has garnered more than 212 million views on YouTube, was No 1 on Argentina’s Billboard charts entered the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart last year. The remix is this week’s highest entry on Spotify’s Top Songs Global chart at No. 44.

“For me, having signed with Warner was a very big step professionally; it is good to be able to enlarge the team and know that much bigger projects are coming with the support of a company full of good and hardworking people, willing to give it their all in order for us to take the world ahead. I am very happy and grateful,” said Tiago PZK.

Tiago began gaining notoriety around 2016 with his participation in local rap battles in Argentina and his self-released track, “Andamo en la Cima.” In 2019, he signed to indie SyP Recors in Argentina, eventually catching the eye of concert promoter Phil Rodriguez, the CEO of Move Concerts, one of Latin America’s biggest indie promoters. Rodriguez signed Tiago to management and to his new Grand Move Records label.

Moving to a major label was the next step for an act with increasing international traction. Alejandro Duque, president of Warner Music Latina, set his sights on Tiago since he was appointed to his post in mid 2021. Now, the new deal includes both future and past works.

“He is a young artist with a great ambition and a natural talent,” Duque said in a statement. “His lyrics resonate with a massive audience. At his young age and short musical career Tiago PZK, has managed to make his music known not only in Argentina but has placed several of his singles on the Billboard and Spotify Global 200 Charts. Our goal at Warner is to lead Tiago PZK to conquer the world and become a global superstar.”

“Our decision to close with Warner Latin was not taken lightly,” says Rodríguez, a veteran executive who has worked in some capacity with most Latin industry leaders. “The deal closer was the enthusiasm and commitment that Alejandro Duque and the Warner Latina team transmitted to us at every step on the negotiations. Tiago PZK is a unique and amazing artist that truly is “the real deal.”

Last year, Tiago signed a publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing Latin America.

Anitta Signs Global Deal With Sony Music Publishing

Posted on January 3, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Anitta is going global…

The 28-year-old Brazilian singer, whose full name is Larissa de Macedo Machado, has inked a worldwide deal with Sony Music Publishing after a breakthrough year on the Billboard charts.

Sony Music Publishing, the current leading publisher for the Top Radio Airplay and the Billboard Hot 100 charts, has announced the signing of pop sensation Anitta.

Known across the world for her fusion of latin, radio pop, and Brazilian bale funk, Anitta’s new agreement will see her represented by the publisher across all territories.\

The new deal arrives after a breakthrough year in the U.S. market for the singer, whose songs “Girl From Rio,” featuring DaBaby, and “Faking Love,” featuring Saweetie, both cracked the top 40 on Billboard’s Pop Airplay chart in 2021.

In her native Brazil, Anitta reigns as the nation’s highest streamed artist, and she made history this year as the country’s first musical export to perform at the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs).

She is also a six-time Latin Grammy nominee and nine time MTV EMA winner.

Kid Cudi’s “Man On the Moon III: The Chosen” Returns to Billboard’s Top Album Sales Following Vinyl Release

Posted on December 29, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Kid Cudi’s vinyl-ly back on Billboard’s Top Album Sales chart.

The vinyl release of the 37-year-old half-Mexican American rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer and actor’s Man On the Moon III: The Chosen has pushed the album back onto Billboard’s Top Album Sales chart dated Jan. 1, 2022 — and straight into the top five.

On the Top Album Sales chart, Kid Cudi’s Man On the Moon III: The Chosen scores a new high, as it re-enters at No. 4.

The new showing surpasses the album’s previous high-water mark of No. 10 with 42,000 sold (up 4,359%; its best sales week).

The Chosen dropped on vinyl LP for the first time on December 17. Vinyl sales comprised 41,500 of the album’s sales for the week.

The Chosen was originally released on December 11, 2020 as a digital album and via streaming services. Its CD edition arrived on June 18. It previously notched two nonconsecutive weeks on Top Album Sales (the December 26, 2020 and July 3, 2021-dated charts).

The Chosen has now sold 81,000 copies since its original release, across all of its available retail formats (physical and digital combined), in the U.S.

On Billboard’s Vinyl Albums chart, which ranks the top-selling vinyl albums of the week, The Chosen debuts at No. 2.

Billboard’s Top Album Sales chart ranks the top-selling albums of the week based only on traditional album sales. The chart’s history dates back to May 25, 1991, the first week Billboard began tabulating charts with electronically monitored piece count information from SoundScan, now MRC Data. Pure album sales were the sole measurement utilized by the Billboard 200 albums chart through the list dated December 6, 2014, after which that chart switched to a methodology that blends album sales with track equivalent album units and streaming equivalent album units.

Fernanda Castillo Signs Overall Deal with Pantaya

Posted on December 19, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Fernanda Castillo has a new deal…

The 39-year-old Mexican actress has signed an overall deal with Pantaya.

As part of the agreement, Castillo will star in and co-produce original series and films (via Pantelion Films) for the company.

Castillo and Pantelion previously partnered on the film No Manches Frida, one of the top-grossing Spanish-language comedies, and Ya Veremos, which is one of the most successful films on the streamer.

“One of the most fascinating and exciting things about my work as an actress is that it allows me to cross borders and tell stories that have an impact on the culture and identity of the viewers,” Castillo tells Deadline.

“I am honored to be able to create content with Pantaya for the U.S. Hispanic community and for this to be a bridge that allows us to connect to our roots and reflect who we are,” she continued. “I am thrilled to be part of their mission to give Latinos the premium television content they deserve.”

Pantaya and Pantelion’s CEO, Paul Presburger added, “Fernanda is an incredible talent, and her films are consistently fan favorites amongst Pantaya subscribers. We are thrilled to collaborate with her on this new slate of projects and to be continuing the aggressive growth of our talent partnerships and content offerings.”

Pantaya’s partnership with Castillo is the third talent deal for the streamer, who recently announced deals with Maite Perroni and Mauricio Ochmann.

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