Gerardo Ortiz Earns 13th No. 1 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay Chart with “Ahí No Era”

It’s Lucky No. 13 for Gerardo Ortiz

The 34-year-old Mexican American Regional Mexican singer-songwriter has notched his 13th No. 1 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay chart as “Ahí No Era” advances 4-1 on the list dated February 17.

Gerardo OrtizAfter a week in the top 10, Ortiz’s single crowns the list following a robust 40% gain in audience impressions, to 7.5 million, earned in the U.S. in the tracking week ending Feb. 8, according to Luminate.

As “Ahí No Va” advances, it unseats Xavi’s “La Diabla” from the lead after one week in charge. The latter dips 1-2 with 6.7 million, that’s a 29% decline from the week prior.

With 13 No. 1s to his account, Ortiz still has the second-most among soloists, behind Christian Nodal’s 15 No. 1s. Among all acts, Calibre 50 has the most, with 24.

Here’s the list of the acts with the most No. 1s since the Regional Mexican Airplay chart launched in 1994:

24, Calibre 50
19, Banda MS de Sergio Lizarraga
18, Banda El Recodo de Cruz Lizarraga
18, Intocable
17, La Arrolladora Banda el Limon de Rene Camacho
16, Conjunto Primavera
16, Los Tigres del Norte
15, Christian Nodal
13, Gerardo Ortiz
12, La Adictiva Banda San Jose de Mesillas

As “Ahí No Era” lands at the summit, Ortiz becomes just the sixth soloist to rule Regional Mexican Airplay in the past year.

He joins Christian Nodal (“Un Cumbión Dolido” in June 2023), Alejandro Fernández (“No Es Que Me Quiera Ir” and “Difícil Tu Caso,” last August and November respectively), Carin León (“Indispensable,” last August-September), El Fantasma (“La Vida Cara,” last September), Eden Muñoz (“Como En Los Viejos Tiempos,” January 27-dated list), and Xavi (“La Diabla,” chart dated February 10).

Elsewhere, “Ahí No Era” pushes 14-4 on the overall Latin Airplay ranking, for Ortiz’ 17th top 10. The song becomes his highest peak since “Regresa Hermosa” reached an equal No. 4 high in 2016.

Luis R. Conriquez Releases New Album “Corridos Bélicos, Vol. IV”

Luis R. Conriquez has released new music…

The 27-year-old Mexican singer-songwriter of Regional Mexican music and pioneer of corridos bélicos has assembled an all-star team of collaborators for Corridos Bélicos, Vol. IV, which was released on Friday, January 5.

Luis R. ConriquezWith guest artists like Peso Pluma, Gerardo Ortiz, El Fantasma, Junior H, Gabito Ballesteros, Edén Muñoz, Fuerza Regida, Alfredo Olivas and Natanael Cano, Conriquez recruits some of the best in música mexicana, and honors both the new and old generations of regional Mexican hitmakers.

The set includes a total of 23 songs all powered by the subgenre’s signature sound, punctuated by sierreño guitars, trombones, trumpets and a tololoche.

Most of the album’s songs narrate rags-to-riches stories with lyrics inspired by narco culture, the style of storytelling that has defined corridos bélicos.

Conriquez’s Corridos Bélicos, Vol. IV rings in the year with a tour de force that showcases solidarity in Mexican music — the genre had a massive 2023 and this year looks just as promising.

Fuerza Regida Releases Eclectic New Album “Pa’ las Baby’s y Belikeada”

Fuerza Regida is celebrating “las baby’s”…

The Mexican American Regional Mexican band has released its eighth studio album Pa’ las Baby’s y Belikeada.

Fuerza RegidaThe album opens with a dark and seductive tone, as a sultry female voice confidently professes her affection for corridos. Her high-heeled footsteps echo in the background as she appears to pick up a machine gun, effortlessly blending sensuality with outlaw imagery, creating an intriguing juxtaposition.

Across an expansive 30-track journey, the San Bernardino, California troupe embarks on a daring and audacious expedition, fearlessly delving into the realm of corridos bélicos with a distinctive drill influence.

The album serves as a testament to the group’s evolution as they immerse themselves in la belikeada movement, embracing the realm of excess in all forms: women, power, wealth.

They deliver the expected corridos alterados, this time complete with menacing accordion arrangements; and the inclusion of tracks like “Zona de Comfort” adds a touch of cumbia sabrosura to the mix.

Known for their chart-topping prowess, the group also features their previous hits like “TQM” and “Sabor Fresa.” The album’s lyrical themes stay true to their rags-to-riches narrative (“FVDP”), reminding us of the hard-fought journey to success. However, Pa’ las Baby’s also ventures into unexpected territories. “Harley Quinn” sees them collaborating with Marshmello, infusing EDM elements into música mexicana, while “Freaky Freaky” (featuring Calle 24 and Armenta) brings reggaetón rhythms. JOP even switches to English for the sinister drill number “Dafuk,” showcasing the group’s versatility.

Also featuring El Fantasma, Maria Becerra, Juanpa Salazar, Gabito Ballesteros, Manuel Turizo, Chino Pacas and more, Fuerza Regiga maintains its signature blinged-out corridos style, solidifying its place in the genre. Still, they also boldly experiment with new sounds and genres, expanding their sonic horizons.

Belikeada is a testament to their ability to push boundaries while staying true to their roots, ensuring that that the group remains a reckoning force in the world of Mexican and Mexican-American music.

El Fantasma Earns Fifth No. 1 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay Chart with “La Vida Cara”

Make that five chart-toppers for El Fantasma… 

The 33-year-old Mexican singer-songwriter has captured his fifth No. 1 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay chart as “La Vida Cara” crowns the list dated September 9.

El FantasmaThe single rises to the summit after a 13% gain in audience impressions, to 6.8 million, earned in the U.S. during the Aug. 25-31 tracking week, according to Luminate.

‘La Vida Cara” ascends 4-1 in its ninth week and unseats Carin León’s “Indispensable” from its three-week domination; the song dips 1-2.

El Fantasma scores his fifth No. 1 after coming short on his last appearance.

Previously, “El Selectivo” reached No. 2 in April, where it held for three weeks.

Prior, “Soldado Caído” lifted 3-1 in Oct. 2022.

With his fifth champ, El Fantasma becomes the sixth male artist with as many No. 1s on Regional Mexican Airplay since the list launched in 1994. Christian Nodal leads with 15. Here’s the recap:

15, Christian Nodal
12, Gerardo Ortiz
8, Marco Antonio Solis
7, Vicente Fernández
6, Alejandro Fernández
5, El Fantasma

Notably, as “La Vida Cara” lands at No. 1, collaborators Salvador Hurtado and Indalfer Ochoa, who share writing credits, achieve their first champ on any Latin radio list. H

urtado previously landed in the runner-up slot when La Fiera De Ojinaga’s “900 Cigarros” peaked at No. 2 on the Aug. 26-dated list.

Beyond its Regional Mexican Airplay coronation, “La Vida Cara” gifts El Fantasma his ninth top 10 on the overall Latin Airplay chart as the song climbs 15-5.

El Fantasma Teams Up with Yeison Jiménez for New Single “Un Loco Enamorado”

El Fantasma is crazy in love

The 32-year-old Mexican singer-songwriter has joined voices once again with Yeison Jiménez to release the single “Un Loco Enamorado.”

El FantasmaAfter teasing it on social media, the regional Mexican artist and the Colombian “Musica Popular” gift fans with a stellar new collaboration.

Penned by renowned singer-songwriter Eden Muñoz and El Fantasma, the main banda rhythm track tells the story of a “crazy lover” who could fall in love with a woman by simply seeing her smile.

The romanticism of both singers makes the song even more special. “A madman in love with her … just a quick smile excites him, and wants to give her his heart,” they sing.

El Fantasma Logs Fourth No. 1 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay Chart with “El Soldado Caído”

El Fantasma is soldiering forward…

The 32-year-old Mexican singer-songwriter has earned his fourth No. 1 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay chart as “El Soldado Caído” takes over atop the October 1-dated list.

El Fantasma“El Soldado Caído” jumps 3-1 and sends Los Rieleros del Norte’s “Cuéntame” to No. 2 after one week atop the list.

El Fantasma earns the Greatest Gainer honors of the week thanks to its 32% increase in audience impressions, to 6.5 million, in the U.S. in the week ending September 25, according to Luminate.

El Fantasma’s new No. 1, released July 1st via Afinarte, arrives a year after the Mexican scored his third leader through a collaboration with Pepe Aguilar: “Tus Desprecios” ruled for one week in September 2021.

Plus, with “El Soldado Caído’s” coronation on Regional Mexican Airplay, Afinarte adds a new No. 1 to its scoreboard on the 27-year-old list. It’s the label’s first champ in almost a year since it took over atop with Los Dos Carnales’ “Yo Soy Rico” for one week in November 2021.

Here’s a recap of Afinarte’s champs on Regional Mexican Airplay:

Dec. 27, 2014, “Levantando Polvadera,” Voz De Mando, (7 weeks At No.1)
June 1, 2019, “Encantadora,” El Fantasma, (4 weeks At No.1)
Sept. 5, 2020, “El Envidioso,” Los Dos Carnales
Aug. 14, 2021, “Soy Buen Amigo,” El Fantasma,
Nov. 20, 2021, “Yo Soy Rico,” Los Dos Carnales
Oct. 1, “Soldado Caído,” El Fantasma

Elsewhere. “El Soldado Caído” pushes to the top 10 on the all-genre Latin Airplay chart, with a 13-9 climb — El Fantasma’s seventh top 10 there.

El Fantasma to Help Kick Off Latin Recording Academy’s 2022 Latin Grammy Acoustic Sessions

El Fantasma is going acoustic…

The Latin Recording Academy has announced plans to kick off the 2022 Latin Grammy Acoustic Sessions later this month with a star-studded Regional Mexican lineup that includes the 32-year-old Mexican singer-songwriter.

El FantasmaThis year’s series, presented in partnership with Meta, will showcase two digital concerts filmed in Mexico City and São Paulo, where the artists will perform renditions of their personal favorite songs with surprising collaborations and storytelling, at remarkable settings.

The first concert, recorded at the Centro Cultural Roberto Cantoral in Mexico City, features performances by former Latin Grammy nominees El Fantasma and Lupita Infante, as well as Latin Grammy winners Los Dos Carnales. A digital concert from São Paulo will later premiere with more artists to be announced.

“Through our Latin GRAMMY Acoustic Sessions, we aim to foster inclusive spaces where music creators can feature their craft, inspiring cultural appreciation, promotion, and preservation of their respective genres,” said Manuel Abud, CEO of The Latin Recording Academy in a press statement. “With so much new energy in

the Mexican Regional genre, I’m thrilled that we are able to start the series with some of the new generations of talented artists.”

El Fantasma added: “It is an honor for me to get the chance to perform in this first-ever acoustic session focused on Regional Mexican music and to bring my culture and my country’s musical traditions to a global audience. The Latin Academy represents so much—respect, excellence, and the preservation and continued advancement of Latin music—and this is an experience that I will never forget.”

Fans can watch the full acoustic performances of Fantasma, Carnales and Lupita at 9:00 am ET on July 22 via The Latin Recording Academy Facebook page, where it will be available for 48 hours. The performance videos will also be available on the artists’ Facebook pages for 90 days.

The Latin Grammy Acoustic Sessions began six years ago to promote the new generation of up-and-coming talent focusing on diversity and equity within each genre. In 2020, they added a digital franchise, providing access to Latin musical excellence globally.

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

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.

Carla MorrisonPresented 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.

Camilo Teaming Up with Grupo Firme for New Collaboration

Camilo has firmed up his next collaboration…

The 27-year-old Colombian singer, musician and songwriter was spotted hanging out with Grupo Firme at a recording studio earlier this week.

Camilo

Grupo Firme spilled some details to Billboard on the Premio Lo Nuestro red carpet.

“I don’t know if I can say much, but we made a really good collaboration,” vocalist Eduin Caz said, adding that Edgar Barrera composed the song. “The song came out great, but soon we’ll reveal more information and when it’s coming.”

Backstage at the media center, Camilo admitted to being a faithful Grupo Firme fan and always listening to their music at home.

“Them, and El Fantasma, is what I mostly listen to,” he said. “I had a lot of desire to work with them. The energy at the studio is mutual, and we always have a good time. I love what they represent.”

El Fantasma Releases New Single “Fuera De Servicio”

El Fantasma is out of service

The 32-year-old Mexican singer-songwriter has released his new banda anthem “Fuera De Servicio.”

El Fantasma

Penned by Luciano Luna and Tony Montoya, the attitude-heavy corrido narrates El Fantasma’s return to the forefront after a few obstacles challenged him along the way.

“I struggled, but don’t worry, I know you’ll be there for me just how you had said back when I lend you a helping hand,” he sings. “My good luck has returned in case you want to come say hello again.”

The track is powered by traditional Sinaloan band brass instruments that provide a canvas to El Fantasma’s emboldened lyrics.