Elena Rose Teams Up with Danny Ocean & Jerry Di to Release “Caracas en el 2000”

Elena Rose has written a special love letter to her hometown…

The 28-year-old Venezuelan singer and songwriter has joined voices with Danny Ocean and Jerry Di to release a project she started to work on three years ago, “Caracas en el 2000.”

Elena Rose, Danny Ocean, Jerry DiAs cheerful as it is nostalgic, the tropical song with an urban flavor is a love letter to the city where the three artists grew up, each in a different socioeconomic area, before the political situation led them, as so many others, to emigrate in search of better opportunities.

“What I would give for a thing like that/ You and me in Caracas like in 2000/ Skating around La Cota Mil/ With the macaws/ Such a flow, baby,” says part of the lyrics.

“We were children at that time,” Elena Rose explains to Billboard Español about the reason of the year 2000. “Beyond the fact that chronologically the country was in a better place, we wanted to show that innocence from three people who had very different lives even though they grew up in the same city.

“I feel that this is how the mind of a child who is enjoying too much on a day at the beach, on a day he went out skateboarding, would sound,” adds the singer-songwriter and only woman nominated for the 2023 Latin Grammy for songwriter of the year. “The feeling of what that soundtrack would sound like just when you go out to recess and are set free from all the classes. It’s pure joy.”

“Caracas en el 2000,” a Warner Music Latina release, was written by Elena Rose, Danny Ocean and Jerry Di and produced by Maff and DJ Tra. Elena Rose’s younger sister, Cristina “Pichu” Hernández, also contributed to the lyrics in its initial stages and now has a starring role in the music video, in which she plays Elena as a teenager. (The three singers, who are portrayed by young actors, also appear in different scenes but filmed their parts in the U.S.)

Directed by Beto Monte and Rodrigo Michelangeli and produced by Capitol, the clip shows emblematic places of Caracas such as the Ávila hill, the Humboldt Hotel, La Previsora ​​tower (with its iconic digital clock) and different squares, avenues and neighborhoods. In a little over four minutes, it condenses the energy of the city and the joy and strength of its people. It took over a year of work, carried out mostly by Monte (better known as Alberto “Beto” Montenegro of the Venezuelan rock/reggae band Rawayana), who was constantly traveling to Caracas to record visuals, Elena Rose points out, adding how meaningful and personal it’s been for her.

“They recorded the video at my school with the teachers who taught me. My grandmother is in the video. La Pichu, whom I wrote the song with, is the one who played me when I was little. It’s really remarkable for that reason,” she says with emotion. “They took photos from when I was a child, they even recreated the tattoos I used to make with markers, what my school bag was like, my little necklaces and things I wore. I mean, can you imagine, it is one of the most important productions and the one I feel most proud to be a part of.”

Now that it is out, she hopes to enjoy the result of the great teamwork involved in the making of the song and the video, and bring part of her culture to the world.

“I hope it serves as a message of hope and faith both for the Caracas native who stayed and for the one that left, and for the one who returns, and for the one who wants to leave,” she says. “It is a message of love everywhere you see it, where there is no mention of religion or politics or social class or sexual inclination or color or money; simply of what unites all of us from Caracas, and that is the love for that city. We are proud to come from where we come from.”

Jacqueline Bracamontes to Co-Host This Year’s Billboard Latin Music Awards

Jacqueline Bracamontes will be reporting for host duty this week…

The 43-year-old Mexican actress, former model and beauty pageant titleholder will co-host this year’s Billboard Latin Music Awards, taking place on Thursday, October 5.

Jacqueline Bracamontes It will be the first time serving as a host of the awards show for Bracamontes, who won Nuestra Belleza Jalisco 2000Nuestra Belleza México 2000 and represented her country at Miss Universe 2001.

She’ll be joined by fellow first-time host of the show, Danilo Carrera.

The 34-year-old Ecuadorian actor, presenter and model’s credits include El amor invencible, Vencer la ausencia and Contigo sí.

Telemundo also announced the following artists were announced as presenters for the awards show:  Eslabon Armado, Beéle, Christian Chávez (RBD), De La GhettoDanny Lux, La Materialista, Maite Perroni (RBD), Elena Rose, Alex Sensation, Mar Solis and Christopher Von Uckermann (RBD).

This year’s Billboard Latin Music Awards will be broadcast live from the Watsco Center in Coral Gables, Florida on Telemundo.

Becky G Makes Cameo Appearance in Tainy’s Just Released “La Baby” Music Video

Becky G is making a Tainy appearance…

One week after surprising he world with “La Baby,” a new single off Tainy’s upcoming studio album DATA, the Latin hitmaker has brought in a host of celebrity women, including the 26-year-old Mexican American singer, rapper and actress, for the summer-friendly track’s official video, released on Monday.

Becky GIn addition the 26-year-old Mexican American singer/atress, the star-studded music video features Camila Cabello, Lali, Elena Rose, Bad Gyal, Evaluna, RaiNao and PaoPao singing along to the verses from Daddy Yankee, Feid and Sech.

In a 90’s-inspired selfie clip, each artist is seen doing their own respective thing, such as getting ready for a night out (Bad Gyal), working out at the gym (Lali), drinking a morning coffee (Evaluna) or enjoying a late-night drive around town (Elena Rose).

“La Baby” sees Tainy opting for infectious reggaeton with hard-hitting drum beats and lyrics meant to empower and motivate the ladies.

“That kitty is lost/ She doesn’t have an owner/ An architect/ She’s building her dreams/ Everyone I show her off to/ Says she’s hot like a jalapeño,” he sings on his verse.

“Thank you to these incredible women for being a part of it,” Tainy expressed on his Instagram account.

“La Baby” is part of Tainy’s debut solo studio album DATA, slated for a June 29 release. The release also comes on the heels of Tainy unveiling its stacked tracklist including Bad Bunny, Rauw Alejandro, Myke Towers, J Balvin, Arcangel, Kany Garcia, Young Miko and many more.

“[DATA] is a representation of who I am as a person, and as a fan of music,” Tainy previously told Billboard Español. “To be able to have my own album is so special. I’m putting my everything into this, all the knowledge I’ve acquired since I started working with the people I admire.”

Christina Aguilera to Host Intimate ‘Premiere Party’ at Billboard Latin Music Week

Christina Aguilera is throwing a premiere party

The 41-year-old half-Ecuadorian American singer will take part in this year’s Billboard Latin Music Week, taking place September 26-October 1 at the Faena Forum in Miami.

Christina AguileraDuring the conference, Xtina will be hosting the “Premiere Party with Christina Aguilera,” where she’ll be debut never-before-heard music and answer fan questions in an intimate setting.

But Aguilera isn’t the only new addition to the lineup…

Justin Quiles will take part in an engaging panel about connecting people with music through technology, while Wisin y Yandel will join Nicky Jam for a compelling conversation during The Nicky Jam Rockstar Show Live from Billboard Latin Music Week.

The artists join a star-studded lineup that already includes: Bizarrap, Blessd, Camilo, Chayanne, Cris Chil, Dannylux, Dimelo Flow, Eladio Carrion, Elena Rose, Foreign Teck, Grupo Firme, The Children of Jenni Rivera, Kuinvi, Kunno, Lili Zetina, Luis R Conriquez, Eslabón Armado, Ivy Queen, Maluma, Mariah Angeliq, Ovy On The Drums, Subelo Neo, Tini, Tokischa, Ugly Primo and The King of Bachata Romeo Santos.

More participants will be announced in the weeks leading up to the 2022 Latin Music Week.

Registration is now open here.

Jose Feliciano Among This Year’s La Musa Awards Honorees

Jose Feliciano’s biggest hit is being heralded in a special way…

The Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame (LSHOF) has announced its 2022 inductees and La Musa Awards honorees, with the 76-year-old Puerto Rican musician, singer and composer’s “Feliz Navidad” among those being recognized.

Jose Feliciano

Feliciano’s insta-classic holiday single will receive the Song of All Time award.

Mexican artist Emmanuel will receive La Musa Legacy Award; Apple’s Eddy Cue will receive the Desi Arnaz Pioneer Award; Spanish composer Manuel Alejandro will receive the La Musa Living Legend Award; and Venezuelan singer-songwriter Elena Rose will receive La Musa Elena Casals Award.

Meanwhile, Yotuel Romero, Beatriz Luengo, Descemer Bueno, Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara, Maykel Osorbo, Alexander Delgado, Randy Malcom Martínez, and DJ El Funky will receive the inaugural La Musa Medal of Freedom for “Patria y Vida.”

Honoring the outstanding songwriters and composers across all genres of Latin music, LSHOF will host its 10th anniversary with the induction and special awards gala held for the first time on October 13 at the Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla.

The star-studded guests confirmed for La Musa Awards include Feliciano, Emilio and Gloria Estefan, Draco Rosa, Erika Ender, La India, Luis Figueroa, Yotuel, Gente De Zona, Fofé (Circo), Jesús Molina, Julio Iglesias, Jr., Vannesa Campagna, Simon Dumas, Alexander Acha, Jandy Ventura, and Manny Cruz.

Expected to attend are Emily Estefan, David Bisbal, Alejandra Guzmán, with more guests to be confirmed soon.

The 2022 La Musa Awards, which kicks off the partnership of LSHOF with Hard Rock International & Hard Rock Live, is set to be hosted by Peruvian-American actress and singer Isabela Merced, and promises live music performances, backed by a 35-piece orchestra, laced with personal reminiscences by the presenters and honorees.

2022 INDUCTEES

The 2022 inductees include award-winning songwriters and producers Desmond Child and Rudy Pérez, who co-founded the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame; composer of iconic Latin music standard Tony Renis; and to be inducted posthumously, Dominican merengue pioneer Johnny Ventura.

To be eligible for induction into the LSHOF, the songwriter, composer or lyricist must have had their first published work released at least 20 years prior to the year of induction. All inductees are presented with the silver LA MUSA trophy statuette.

2022 HONOREES

Emmanuel (Mexican artist) to receive La Musa Legacy Award

Eddy Cue (Apple Sr. Vice President) to receive Desi Arnaz Pioneer Award

Manuel Alejandro (Spanish composer) to receive La Musa Living Legend Award

Gustavo Menéndez (Warner Chappell Music President, US Latin & Latin America) to receive the Ralph S. Peer Publisher Award

Walter Kolm (Founder and CEO of Walter Kolm Entertainment) to receive Founders Award

Elena Rose (Venezuelan singer-songwriter) to receive La Musa Elena Casals Award

Puerto Rican musician Jose Feliciano’s “Feliz Navidad” to be recognized as Song of All Time

Yotuel Romero, Beatriz Luengo, Descemer Bueno, Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara, Maykel Osorbo, Alexander Delgado, Randy Malcom Martínez, and DJ El Funky to receive inaugural La Musa Medal of Freedom for “Patria y Vida.”

Elena Rose Signs Record Deal with Warner Music Latina

Elena Rose is ready to record more of her own music… 

Warner Music Latina has signed a record deal with the Venezuelan singer-songwriter.

Elena RoseOver the past two years, Rose has become the go-to songwriter for artists like Becky GSelena GomezRauw AlejandroJennifer Lopez and Maluma, among others, while also releasing her own music (“La Ducha,” “Picachu”) via her indie label, Guerrera de la Luz.

“It feels like the beginning of something that was meant to be and I feel grateful that I am in a place where I feel understood, comfortable, but also excited to grow and learn even more and get out of that comfort zone to get to where we want to go so it can be truly timeless, which is a key word for me,” Rose said about the deal. “I think I’m surrounded by an amazing team that understands my vision and is willing to come with me on this crazy ride of being timeless.”

Following a move from Venezuela to Miami to pursue a career in music, Rose cites Becky G recording one of her songs, “Dollar,” as her “big break.” The track peaked at No. 27 on Hot Latin Songs (chart dated Nov. 1, 2019). Since, Rose has been on a spree writing back-to-back hits such as Maluma and J.Lo’s “Pa Ti,” Daddy Yankee and Marc Anthony’s “De Vuelta Pa’ La Vuelta” and she co-wrote five of the seven songs on Gomez’s first Spanish project, Revelación, released last year.

“Elena is a unique artist. Her lyrics, her voice, her presence and the ability she has to convey emotions is unparalleled. We are proud to be able to work together to fulfill her vision, deliver her music to the public, and make it timeless,” offered Alejandro Duque, president at Warner Music Latina.

Added, Ben Tischker, Rose’s manager: “From the moment I met her I knew she was a once in a lifetime talent. The combination of her voice, and unique songwriting ability is a rarity. It’s been an honor to be by her side as she grows into the amazing artist that she is going to become. I can’t think of a better team of people to do this with than Alejandro Duque, Hector Rivera and the team at Warner Latin.”

Rose is currently working on new music that will be part of her debut album that, which is expected before the end of the year.

Chayanne Releases First Song in Four Years, “Te Amo y Punto”

Chayanne is back with new music…

The 53-year-old Puerto Rican singer and actor has released “Te Amo y Punto,” his first song in four years.

ChayanneIt’s the first single off Chayanne’s upcoming album.

Staying true to his core essence, the song is a striking ballad about love. Injecting heavy emotion into his delivery, Chayanne reignites optimism with the song’s vocals, and hope that not all is lost.

“This song was the creation of a great group of professionals and based on the noblest feeling in life: love,” Chayanne says in a statement. “I always want to remind people that despite the speed at which we live today and that above any priority, love is the greatest of feelings and will always fill our souls.”

The new track, produced by Luis Salazar, was penned by Édgar Barrera, Elena Rose and Richi López.

Nicky Jam to Bring “Rockstar Show” to Billboard Latin Music Week, with Jhay Cortez as Special Guest

Nicky Jam is bringing his (Rockstar) Show on the road…

The 40-year-old Puerto Rican and Dominican American will bring his talk show Rockstar Show live to Billboard Latin Music Week, and he’s booked Jhay Cortez as his special guest.

Nicky Jam

The intimate experience is set to take place on September 22 exclusively for Billboard Latin Music Week registrants, with capacity limited.

Nicky Jam’s talk show, his passion project, launched in January with Maluma as his first guest.

Daddy YankeeKarol G and Nicky Jam are also confirmed for Billboard’s 2021 Latin Music Week, returning to Miami in September with a weeklong event that unites the top Latin hitmakers, influencers and industry leaders, and features live performances and conversations with superstars.

Latin Music Week will feature one-of-a-kind performances, panels, conversations and more with the aforementioned artists. Karol G will take center stage in The Superstar Q&A on September 21 for an in-depth conversation about her career, music, love and upcoming projects.

On September 22, fans will get up close and personal with Yankee as he discusses his 25-year career that launched reggaetón around the world in the second installment of The Superstar Q&A. The Puerto Rican hitmaker is also set to perform for a Billboard En Vivo concert that night at the Faena Forum exclusive to Billboard Latin Music Week registrants.

Other recently announced panels include “My Cause, My Music: A Conversation on Social Justice” with Cuban artist/activist Yotuel Romero, Puerto Rican star Kany García and ChocQuibTown members (and husband and wife) Goyo and Tostao; “Making the Hit, Live” masterclass with Lunay and his longtime producers Chris Jedi and Gaby Music; and “Regional No More– Mexican Music Goes Global” with Eslabon Armado, Los Dos Carnales and Carin Leon, which is moderated by Rancho Humilde‘s Jimmy Humilde.

For the first time, Billboard will launch a virtual streaming experience in partnership with LIVENow, offering viewing opportunities to international audiences. Passes for the livestream can now be purchased here. The star-studded 2021 Latin Music Week lineup also includes participation by García, Anitta, Elena RoseMyke TowersRauw Alejandro, EstemanRaymix, and Tainy, with more to be announced in the coming weeks.

Under the slogan “The Beat of Latin Music,” making its mark as the longest running and biggest Latin music industry gathering in the world, this year’s event will continue through the end of the week as Billboard launches its En Vivo concert series.

Selena Gomez Releases First-Ever Spanish Album “Revelación”

It’s a revelation like no other for Selena Gomez

A decade after tweeting that Spanish music was on the way, the 28-year-old Mexican American singer/actress has officially released her first-ever Spanish project.

Selena Gomez

Entitled Revelación, the seven-track set, produced by hitmaker Tainy, kicks off with the dreamy pop track “De Una Vez” that puts Gomez’s soothing vocals and empowering lyrics at the forefront.

“She wanted us to give life to Selena Gomez in Spanish,” singer-songwriter Elena Rose, who co-wrote most of the songs on the EP, tells Billboard. “For it to be a direct translation of who she is when she’s singing in English. She’s all about empowerment, compassion, being a warrior, and being vulnerable. So the lyrics were very important here.”

Revelación picks up speed with more rhythmic, soft reggaeton tracks like “Buscando Amor,” the Rauw Alejandro-assisted “Baila Conmigo,” and “Dámelo To’” with Myke Towers.

She then goes solo again with “Vicio” and “Adiós.”

The EP, an exploration of her Latin roots, follows Gomez’s 2020 album Rare.

Rauw Alejandro & Camilo’s “Tattoo” Reaches No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay Chart

Rauw Alejandro has inked another chart-topper…

The 27-year-old Puerto Rican singer, rapper and songwriter and Camilo have earned their second No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay chart as “Tattoo” rises 4-1 on the September 12 survey.

Rauw Alejandro x Camilo

“Tattoo” sits at the summit with 13 million in audience impressions, up 23%, earned in the week ending September 6, according to Nielsen Music/MRC Data.

The original version of “Tattoo,” released February 13 via Sony Music Latin, was produced by Los Honeyboos (Rafa Rodríguez, Daniel Rondon) and Mr. Nais Gai. It’s one of 17 tracks of Rauw Alejandro’s live album Concierto Virtual en Tiempos de COVID-19 Desde el Coliseo de Puerto Rico which peaks at No. 8 on the current Latin Rhythm Albums chart and at No. 10 on the overall Top Latin Albums chart.

“Tattoo” was assisted by its pop-tinged remix with Colombian Camilo, released July 11. It was also produced and composed by Los Honeyboos and Mr. Nais Gai and composed by Alejandro, Camilo, Elena Rose, José M. Collazo, Eric Pérez Rovira, Eliel Lind Osorio, Aneudy Maysonet and Evaluna Montaner.

“Tattoo” concurrently peaks at No. 7 on the current Hot Latin Songs chart, which blends airplay, digital sales and streaming data, a career high for the Puerto Rican.

“Tattoo” also sees improvement elsewhere on the Latin charts: It equally climbs 4-1 on Latin Rhythm Airplay and moves 13-12 on Latin Streaming Songs despite a 2% decline in streams.

The song is part of a TikTok challenge with over 2.6 million videos posted by users. Its hashtag #TattooChallenge has garnered more than 633 million views.