Daddy Yankee Releases First English Track “This Is Not a Love Song”

Posted on September 10, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Daddy Yankee is switching tongues…

The 37-year-old Puerto Rican reggaeton singer-songwriter and actor has released the uptempo song “This Is Not a Love Song” en ingles.

Daddy Yankee’s new track was produced by the Cataracs, who’ve worked with everyone from Enrique Iglesias to Beyonce. It also features newcomer Duncan.

There are currently no plans for an English-language album, according to a spokesperson for the entertainer, one of the most revered rappers in Latin music.

But Daddy Yankee is releasing the 10th-anniversary edition of Barrio Fino on October 7.

Yankee, who has been working with producers like Diplo and Jim Jonsin, was searching for the right English-language song. When the Cataracs song surfaced, it struck a chord.

“Over these past 10 years I focused on bringing my music to the forefront of the Latin music world, but when I got this track from The Cataracs, I knew I had to run with it,” Yankee said in a statement. “Most people have only ever heard me in Spanish so it shocks everyone to hear me rap all in English. The hook helps bring it to life. Duncan’s voice is one of a kind and he just adds that magic touch to the record.”

A decade ago, Barrio Fino was heard around the world. In the U.S., sales have totaled 1.08 million to date, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

The album debuted at No. 1 on Top Latin Albums on July 31, 2004. It spent 24 weeks at No. 1 and holds more weeks at No. 1 than any other urban album in the chart’s history. Only four other albums have had more weeks at No. 1. The ranking:

Gloria Estefan, Mi Tierra (58 weeks at No. 1)
2. Selena, Dreaming of You (44 weeks)
3. Luis Miguel, Segundo Romance (29 weeks)
4. Ricky Martin, Vuelve (26 weeks)
5. Daddy Yankee, Barrio Fino (24 weeks)

The album peaked at No. 26 on the Billboard 200 on April 16, 2005.

“Ten years ago ‘Gasolina’ introduced me and my music to the mainstream market and helped pave the path for many artists that came after me with a vision and a dream,” Yankee added.

“This Is Not a Love Song” went on sale Tuesday (Sept. 9) through iTunes and other digital platforms.

Lovato to Be Part of MTV’s Music Documentary Series “The Ride”

Posted on September 4, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Demi Lovato is about to enjoy a special ride…

MTV has announced plans to roll out the music documentary series The Ride across its international networks, putting the spotlight on key moments in the careers of the likes of the 22-year-old part-Mexican American singer/actress and rap star Snoop Dogg.

After a first hour-long doc on Macklemore & Ryan Lewis aired in the U.K. in June, MTV Music will continue the series in Britain in October. Other international markets will start airing The Ride from September 26, said Viacom International Media Networks, the international channel arm of MTV parent Viacom.

MTV said the series, produced by Storyville Entertainment, gives fans “intimate access to some of the biggest names in music” and documents “the key moments in their careers, culminating in what they regard as their most transformative, breakthrough moment.”

The network has ordered 10 episodes of the show that it says is a chance for it of “harnessing MTV’s unparalleled access to the world’s biggest musical stars.” The series also continues its history of music documentaries.

It also mentionedLinkin Park, Enrique Iglesias, Jennifer Hudson and T.I. as upcoming subjects for the documentary strand. Further artists are expected to be announced later.

There aren’t any immediate plans to air the show on MTV in the U.S., a spokeswoman said.

Iglesias Releases His First-Ever Signature Fragrance, Adrenaline

Posted on August 27, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Prepare for an Enrique Iglesias-instigated adrenaline rush…

Earlier this month, the 39-year-old Spanish singer-songwriter released his first fragrance.

Named Adrenaline after the Grammy-winning singer’s self-proclaimed appetite for adventure, Iglesias’ signature cologne hit the shelves at CVS, Target and Walmart on August 15 in partnership with cosmetics giant Coty, which also manufactures Jennifer Lopez’s scents.

The scent, which boasts “sensual woody notes, is being described as strong and a tad spicy. But unlike many men’s colognes that lean too heavily on woodsy or smoky notes, Adrenaline is far from musky. Expect a sweet finish thanks to a citrusy, mandarin infusion.

Iglesias’ “Bailando” Picked as Theme Song for Telemundo’s Telenovela “Reina de Corazones”

Posted on June 17, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Telemundo viewers may soon be bailando to Enrique Iglesias‘ voice…

The 39-year-old Spanish singer’s new hit single “Bailando” (feat. Descemer Bueno and Gente D’Zona), has been chosen as the theme song for Telemundo’s new telenovela, Reina de Corazones.”

The series, described as a “story full of mystery, espionage, conspiracies, intrigue, crime and romance” that unfolds in Las Vegas, premieres July 7 and will air weeknights at 8 p.m.

Iglesais’ up-tempo dance track, which blends urban, pop and flamenco beats and boasts a beautifully choreographed video shot between the Dominican Republic and Cuba, has topped Billboard‘s Hot Latin Songs chart for six consecutive weeks.

The track jumped to No. 1 after Iglesias performed it at the Billboard Latin Music Awards in April, which aired on Telemundo.

Telenovelas are widely viewed as a major promotional tool for Latin musicians and landing the theme song in a successful soap has proven to greatly boost a track’s success.

Iglesias’ music has often found its way into soap operas. Most recently, his single “El Perdedor,” featuring Mexican crooner Marco Antonio Solís, was the theme of soap opera “Lo Que La Vida Me Robó,” which was produced by Televisa in Mexico, and aired in the U.S. on Univision.

Reina de Corazones is produced by Telemundo and shot here in the U.S.

Iglesias’ “Bailando” Reaches No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay Chart

Posted on May 20, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Enrique Iglesias’ really knows a No. 1 hit when he hears one…

The 39-year-old Spanish superstar has scored his 26th topper on the Billboard Latin Airplay chart with his latest single “Bailando,” featuring Descemer Bueno & Gente de Zona.

Iglesias’ latest chart-topper extends his record for the most Latin Airplay No. 1s, doubling the total of runner-up Ricky Martin (13). Gloria Estefan follows with 11 No. 1s, while Marco Antonio Solis and Wisin & Yandel have each landed 10.

“Bailando”jumped 3-1 with Greatest Gainer honors to reach the summit.

Earlier this month, Iglesias extended his record on the Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart with “Bailando,” notching the 25th No. 1 of his career.

Iglesias Notches His Record-Extending 25th No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs Chart

Posted on May 8, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Enrique Iglesias is bailando his way to the top of the charts once again…

The Spanish singer is celebrating his 38th birthday this week with another No. 1 single on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart.

Iglesias, who hold the record for the most songs ever to top that chart, scored his 25th No. 1 of his career with his oh-so-catchy single “Bailando,” which features his co-writer on the song, Descemer Bueno, and the Havana-based reggaeton duo Gente de Zona.

Iglesias further extends his lead, leaving the subsequent top No. 1 holders in the dust. Luis Miguel trails with the second-most chart toppers (16), followed by Gloria Estefan (15).

“Bailando” also climbs 6-1 to rule the Latin Streaming Songs chart. To date, the music video has amassed 27 million views worldwide, in the (almost) four weeks since its release.

On the Latin Digital Songs chart, the track lists its third week at the top, selling just under 13,000 digital downloads, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

On Latin Airplay the track bounds 13-5, stretching to 9.5 million audience impressions (a 37 percent increase), according to Nielsen BDS. Iglesias currently holds 25 No. 1s on Billboad’s Latin Airplay chart, also claiming the record for the most to reach the top.

Iglesias has been placing hit after hit at the top of the chart for 19 years, logging his first when he was only 19 years old with “Si Tu Te Vas.” The track spent eight weeks at the peak, and was only the start of his illustrious chart history. Since then, he has ruled with smashes like “Enamorado Por Primera Vez” (12 weeks in 1997), “Do You Know? (The Ping Pong Song)” (11 weeks in 2007), and “Cuando Me Enamoro” (17 weeks in 2010), among a slew of others.

“Bailando” comes off of Iglesias’ latest album Sex & Love, which debuted at No. 1 on Top Latin Albums on April 15, 2014 and is currently in its sixth week at the No. 2 spot, selling 5,000 copies for the May 17 chart date, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

Iglesias Releases Dancetastic Music Video for His Latest Single “Bailando”

Posted on April 14, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Enrique Iglesias will be bailando-ing his way into your heart in no time…

The 38-year-old Spanish singer-songwriter has released the official music video for his latest single “Bailando.”

In the clip, a young Cuban flamenco troupe swirling in red dresses meets up with some talented street dancers with mad soccer skills to create an unforgettable choreographed encounter.

“This video is one of the favorites of my career,” Iglesias said during an appearance Spanish channel Antena 3‘s entertainment show El Hormiguero.

The video features Iglesias with Descemer Bueno – the Cuban singer/songwriter who co-wrote the song with him, and Cuban reggaeton band Gente de Zona.

The video, which premiered on VEVO, was directed by Cuban Alejandro Perez, and includes footage shot in the Dominican Republic and Cuba. The featured dancers are from Havana’s Ballet Litz Alfonso.

Bueno, one of Cuba’s biggest stars, has collaborated with Iglesias on past hits “Loco,” “Cuando Me Enamoro,” “Lloro por ti,” and “No Digas Que No.”

The writing partners composed “Bailando” over a year ago, and Bueno recorded a first version of the song with Gente de Zona and shot a similar video in Havana. Iglesias and the Cuban artists also recorded an English version of the song with Sean Paul.

Iglesias’ Sex & Love is currently No. 2 on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums chart.

He’ll next make an appearance at the Billboard Latin Music Conference for the Superstar Q&A on April 23.

Iglesias is a seven-time finalist for the Billboard Latin Music Awards, airing live April 24 on Telemundo.

Mars Named a Finalist in Three Billboard Music Award Categories, Including Top Artist

Posted on April 10, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

He’s Billboard’s reigning Artist of the Year… And now Bruno Mars leads the Latino pack of finalists for the 2014 Billboard Music Awards.

The 28-year-old part-Puerto Rican singer-songwriter has been named a finalist in three categories, including the big prize: Top Artist.

Mars is up against Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry, Justin Timberlake and Imagine Dragons for the top award.

In addition, the Super Bowl Halftime Show standout is nominated for Top Male Artist and Top Radio Songs Artist.

But Mars isn’t the only Latino artist to be named a finalist in multiple categories…

Romeo Santos, who recently broke Billboard records with his No. 1 single “Odio,” is a finalist in three categories, including Top Latin Artist and Top Latin Album. Puerto Rican/Dominican American singer is also a double-finalist in the Top Latin Song category for his collaboration with Enrique Iglesias, “Loco,” and his single “Propuesta Indecente.”

Prince Royce and Marc Anthony, who will perform at the Billboard Latin Music Awards later this month, have both been named finalists in the same three categories: Top Latin Artist, Top Latin Album and Top Latin Song.

Other Latino finalists include Aloe Blacc, the late Jenni Rivera, Gerardo Ortiz, Pitbull, Alejandro Fernandez and Daddy Yankee.

The awards will be broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, May 18, on ABC from 8:00 –11:00 pm ET.

Billboard Music Awards finalists are based on key fan interactions with music, including album and digital singles sales, radio airplay, touring, streaming and social interactions on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, VEVO, Spotify and other popular online destinations for music. These measurements are tracked year-round by Billboard and its data partners, including Nielsen Entertainment and Next Big Sound. The awards are based on the reporting period of March 11, 2013 through March 9, 2014.

The six finalists will be narrowed down to three finalists, who will be announced on Billboard’s website on April 21. Voting will then continue through the first two hours of the live 2014 Billboard Music Awards broadcast, culminating with the announcement of the award winner during the last hour of the show.

Here’s a look at the categories with a Latino nominee:

Top Artist
Bruno Mars
Miley Cyrus
Katy Perry
Justin Timberlake
Imagine Dragons

Top Male Artist
Luke Bryan
Drake
Eminem
Bruno Mars
Justin Timberlake

Top Radio Songs Artist
Imagine Dragons
Lorde
Bruno Mars
Katy Perry
Justin Timberlake

Top Rap Artist
Drake
Eminem
Jay Z
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Pitbull

Top Latin Artist
Marc Anthony
Gerardo Ortiz
Jenni Rivera
Prince Royce
Romeo Santos

Top Latin Album
Marc Anthony, 3.0
Alejandro Fernandez, Confidencias
Jenni Rivera, 1969-Siempre: En Vivo Desde Monterrey: Part 1
Prince Royce, Soy El Mismo
Romeo Santos, Formula: Vol. 2

Top Radio Song
Avicii feat. Aloe Blacc, “Wake Me Up!”
Lorde, “Royals”
Katy Perry, “Roar”
Robin Thicke feat. T.I. & Pharrell, “Blurred Lines”
Justin Timberlake, “Mirrors”

Top Rap Song
Eminem feat. Rihanna, “The Monster”
Jay Z feat. Justin Timberlake, “Holy Grail”
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis feat. Ray Dalton, “Can’t Hold Us”
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis feat. Wanz, “Thrift Shop”
Pitbull feat. Ke$ha, “Timber”

Top Latin Song
Marc Anthony, “Vivir Mi Vida”
Daddy Yankee, “Limbo”
Enrique Iglesias feat. Romeo Santos, “Loco”
Prince Royce, “Darte Un Beso”
Romeo Santos, “Propuesta Indecente”

Top Dance/Electronic Song
Avicii feat. Aloe Blacc, “Wake Me Up!”
Daft Punk feat. Pharrell Williams, “Get Lucky”
Icona Pop feat. Charli XCX, “I Love It”
Lady Gaga, “Applause”
Zedd feat. Foxes, “Clarity”

Prince Royce’s “Te Robaré” Reaches No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay Chart

Posted on April 5, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

It’s Lucky No. 7 for Prince Royce…

The 24-year-old Dominican American singer-songwriter’s latest single “Te Robaré” has reached the summit on Billboard’s Latin Airplay chart.

The single raches 4-1 on the chart to give Prince Royce his seventh consecutive chart-topper on the list and his eighth No. 1 single overall.

In terms of successive No. 1s, the Bachata singer ranks second only to Enrique Iglesias, who started his chart career with eight straight trips to the summit (1995-97).

“Te Robaré” rises with 14.6 million audience impressions (up 33 percent), according to Nielsen BDS.

Royce will perform live on Telemundo‘s broadcast of the 2014 Billboard Latin Music Awards on April 24. He’s a 16-time finalist in 15 categories, including artist of the year.

On Top Latin Albums, 3BallMTY debuts its newest set, Globall, which enters at No. 4 with 2,000 copies sold, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The Mexican trio, known for blending tribal-guachera with electronic sounds, also climbs 22-18 on the sales/airplay/streaming-based Hot Latin Songs chart with “La Noche Es Tuya,” featuring America Sierra and Gerardo Ortiz.

Mexican pop group Camila is back with new single “Decidiste Dejarme.” Formerly a trio, the duo enters Hot Latin Songs at No. 31 with the first track from its forthcoming album, due in June.

The cut debuts at No. 13 on the Latin Digital Songs chart, moving 2,000 downloads in its opening week. The group had last charted with “De Que Me Sirve La Vida,” which reached No. 24 on Hot Latin Songs in April 2012.

Iglesias to Participate in the Billboard Latin Music Conference

Posted on March 19, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Enrique Iglesias will now take your questions…

The 38-year-old Spanish singer-songwriter will make an appearance at the Billboard Superstar Q&A during the upcoming Billboard Latin Music Conference in Miami.

Iglesias will be interviewed by Billboard‘s Executive Director of Latin Content and Programming Leila Cobo, during an intimate conversation highlighting the singer/songwriter’s career.

“Enrique has spent 19 years on our charts and has placed 24 tracks at No. 1 on our Hot Latin Songs chart, more than any other artist,” says Cobo. “His chart history is unique and he is the perfect artist to celebrate our anniversary with.”

The conference, being held April 21-24 at Miami’s JW Marriott Marquis, will also include the participation of music stars Gloria Trevi, Kat Dahlia, recent Grammy-winner La Marisoul, Laura Pausini and Leslie Grace.

Iglesias, who has sold more than 100 albums worldwide, is a multiple Billboard Latin Music and Billboard Music Awards winner in a career dating back to 1995. Iglesias, whose biggest hits include “Bailamos,” “Hero,” “I Like It” and “Tonight (I’m Loving You),” is the first male performer to have the most No. 1s on Billboard‘s Dance Club Songs chart. He also has seven No. 1s on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums chart and multiple No. 1s across the Billboard charts.

Additionally, Iglesias has the Billboard record for the most No. 1 singles on the Hot Latin Songs chart with 24, which includes the recent hits “El Perdedor” featuring Marco Antonio Solis and “Loco” featuring Romeo Santos; both songs are featured on his tenth album SEX and LOVE, which was released this week. The new project includes 16 tracks including “I’m a Freak” featuring Pitbull, “Noche y Dia” featuring Yandel and Juan Magan and “Beautiful” featuring Kyle Minogue.

For more information about the 2014 Billboard Latin Music Conference, please visit BillboardLatinConference.com.

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