International Salsa Museum (ISM) Launching First-Ever Exhibition Honoring La Lupe

La Lupe is being feted in the Big Apple.

The International Salsa Museum (ISM) has announced a first-ever exhibition celebrating the late Afro-Cuban artist known as the Queen of Latin Soul.

La LupeLa Lupe, whose full name is Lupe Victoria Yolí Raymond, was a Cuban singer of boleros, guarachas and Latin soul who was known for her energetic, sometimes controversial performances.

Held during the 2023 New York International Salsa Congress (NYISC), the three-day pop-up and fan experience will also commemorate the centennial of the King of Mambo, Tito Puente.

“ISM is honored that the estates of these seminal artists of early Latin music believe in our mission,” said Willy Rodriguez, co-founder and executive director of ISM, in a statement. “It’s important to educate the public on their legacies while humanizing the persons behind the curtains.”

As part of the tribute, Puente’s son, Tito Puente Jr. will form part of a panel discussion about the past, present, and future of salsa with ISM and former Billboard Latin Artist on the Rise, Luis Figueroa.

He will also perform with his orchestra.

The exhibition and pop-up, fan experience will open September 1 at the New York Marriott Marquis in Times Square.

For ticketing information, and more, click here

Rels B Releases New Single “Un Rodeoooo”

Rels B is ridin’ high with new music.

The 29-year-old Spanish rapper, who is preparing for the release of his next studio album Afrolova, has released his new single “Un Rodeoooo” via DALE PLAY Records/Flakk Team.

Rels B.As the album title may imply, the track is a sensual Afrobeats cut with bachata undertones that accompany lyrics about meeting and falling for a beautiful girl at a party.

“My producers are very connected with this culture, and we’ve traveled to Nigeria to work with producers there as well. It’s a project that I believe will mark a before-and-after for the Afrobeats genre,” Rels B, a former Billboard Latin Artist on the Rise, said of the overall production.

Rels B has described his upcoming album as “the heaviest project I’ve ever created.”

The album will be released on July 21st.

Chesca Teams Up with Villano Antillano & Corina Smith to Release New Singer “Activa”

Chesca is reporting for active duty…

The Puerto Rican singer-songwriter has joined voices with emerging trans rapper Villano Antillano and Venezuelan pop star Corina Smith for her new single “Activa,” with the official music video premiering exclusively on Billboard on Thursday.

Chesca, Corina Smith, Villano AntillanoThe three female acts not only bring to the forefront their distinct, sensual, and captivating flow, but also empowering lyrics about owning yourself, your place, your body, and your sexuality. Backed by a hard-hitting perreo with futuristic beats, part of the track even references timeless reggaeton bangers like Yaga & Mackie’s “La Batidora” and Don Omar’s “Conteo.”

“Estamos toa’ la’ baby’s activa/pa’ lante y pa’ tras y dandole hasta abajo/Esto acaba empezar nadie se va” (All the babies are active/ To the front to the back and all the way down/ This is only the beginning, nobody is leaving), goes the catchy chorus.

“I feel happy with what is happening in my career. I thank God for allowing me to do what I do,” Chesca, a former Billboard Latin Artist on the Rise, tells Billboard via email. “I like to put a lot of enthusiasm into my work and manage to be an example that dreams do happen. This is just the beginning of countless surprises that I have for my fans — new music and collaborations are what’s coming.”

Smith adds: “This collaboration has been a wonderful experience because as Latinas, we are exchanging dreams and talents between sister countries allowing us to strengthen our presence in music.”

The music video, featuring Chesca, Villana, and Corina, is the best representation of the nightlife in La Isla del Encanto.

Yahritza Martinez Becomes Youngest Latin Performer to Enter Billboard Hot 100 Chart with “Soy El Unico”

Yahritza Martinez has earned a place in Billboard history…

The 15-year-old Mexican American singer has earned her first No. 1 on Billboard’Hot Latin Songs chart with her band Yahritza y Su Esencia’s first single “Soy El Único” in its debut week.

Yahritza Martinez, Yahritza y Su Esencia,The band, which was featured on Billboard.com as this month’s Latin Artist on the Rise, also earns its first Billboard Hot 100 entry as the Spanish-language single debuts at No. 20.

In the process, Yahritza has become the youngest Latin performer to enter the all-genre tally.

“It is one of the greatest achievements in my young age and more than that, it is a reminder that we can all achieve our dreams.” Yahritza tells Billboard.

Yahritza has 733.6k followers on TikTok, and her following keeps growing.

She formed her band, Yahritza y Su Esencia, with her two older brothers, Jairo and Armando Martinez. Originally from Yakima, Washington — a city known for its fruit and apple orchards — the siblings grew up around Mexican music, waking up to hits from bands like Los Temerarios and Los Canarios playing throughout their house.

After Ramón Ruiz of the independent record label Lumbre Music found Martinez’s videos on TikTok, he flew out to Washington and signed her. Since then, the sibling trio has produced and shot the music video for “Soy El Único,” which is part of a four-part love story.

With her debut single, Martinez has established herself in Regional Mexican music, a genre that has been male-dominated for years.

In “Soy El Único,” Martinez writes about how heart-breaking it can be to love someone who doesn’t value you. It’s a single that goes well beyond Yahritza’s 15 years.

Paulo Londra Signs New Deal with Warner Music Latina

Paulo Londra is forging a new partnership…

The 23-year-old Argentine rapper and singer has signed a new agreement with Warner Music Latina, according to Billboard.

Paulo Londra,Londra’s deal, signed at the company’s Miami Beach headquarters with Londra’s family, team, and the label’s president, Alejandro Duque, in attendance, will focus on the artist’s upcoming releases and musical expansion.

“I’m happy for this new phase,” Londra, who last released music in 2019, expressed in a press statement. “I waited and went through a lot to be able to do what I love. I’ve gone through the bad times, now it’s time for the good times, that’s why I’ve started to enjoy it.”

Paulo Londra, Warner Music LatinaIn November 2021, Londra settled a two-year legal battle with Cristian Salazar and producer Daniel Oviedo (Ovy on the Drums), with whom he co-founded Big Ligas in 2018. During the course of the term, Big Ligas entered a $3 million licensing deal with Warner Music Latina in January 2019. After filing dueling lawsuits in 2020, Big Ligas and Paulo Londra amicably resolved their differences in a Miami courtroom.

“We are thrilled that Paulo has chosen us for this new phase,” Duque, president of Warner Music Latin America added. “Paulo has been at the forefront since the beginning of his career and has captivated global audiences with his music. We are convinced that Paulo’s best is yet to come and we are proud to be part of this moment and together, take Paulo Londra’s music to the global scene.”

On the Billboard charts, the pioneer of the Argentine urban movement and former Billboard Latin Artist on the Rise has a total of three entries on Hot Latin Songs and two on Latin Airplay, including his banger “Adan y Eva.”

His freshman album Homerun debuted and peaked at No. 12 on Top Latin Albums in 2019 and at No. 10 on Latin Rhythm Albums, earning a combined 185,000 equivalent albums units and 332 million on-demand song streams in the U.S., according to MRC Data.

Londra has collaborated with artists like Ed Sheeran, Becky G, De La Ghetto, A Boogie wit da Hoodie, and many more.

Nicki Nicole & Maria Becerra Bring Girl Power to Tiago PZK & LIT Killah’s “Entre Nosotros” Remix

Nicki Nicole and Maria Becerra are bringing some girl power to Tiago PZK’s most recent single…

The 21-year-old Argentine rapper and singer and 21-year-old compatriot have joined voices with Tiago PZK (real name: Tiago Uriel Lezcano) and LIT Killah for the official remix of “Entre Nosotros.”

Nicki Nicole, Maria Becerra, LIT Killah, Tiago PZK

Released in the summer of 2021 via Mad Move Records/Warner Music Chile, the original track is a collaboration between Tiago and LIT, which has garnered more than 212 million views on YouTube and entered the Billboard Global 200 chart last year.

Now, the two artists have reeled in fellow Argentine stars Nicole and Becerra for a fiery remix.

Produced by Big One, the new version keeps its sultry R&B and rap fusion intact, but each artist shines in their own right with their powerhouse vocals.

“Entre Nosotros” is about a person who’s struggling to forget an ex-lover.

In the music video, helmed by director Ballve and producer Anestesia, all four artists appear to be battling their internal feelings and lying on stretchers inside a laboratory as a scientist experiments with each of their minds.

“Entre Nosotros’ is easily the most iconic song that I have until now,” Tiago, a former Billboard Latin Artist on the Rise, previously said. “It not only continues to top the charts in my country but it also opened many doors for me. Many artists and producers are interested in collaborating with me.”

Emilia Teams Up with Tiago PZK for Hot New Single “Rápido Lento”

Emilia is taking is fast and slow…

The 24-year-old Argentine singer/songwriter, whose name is Emilia Mernes, has joined voices with Tiago PZK for the new single “Rápido Lento.”

Emilia, Tiago PZK,

Known for her uptempo urban-pop tracks, Emilia, this month’s Billboard Latin Artist on the Rise, shows fans a new side to her in this sultry collaboration, where Tiago adds his refreshing rap verses.

“Rápido Lento” is a chill, R&B song fused with hip-hop and alternative rock undertones.

“Get close/ I need to understand why every time we see each other time stops,” Emilia sings in the sexy chorus. “We’re breaking the law but not the one of attraction,” Tiago chants in the lyrics about two people who continue to have chemistry despite the distance and years.

Directed by Facundo Ballve, the music video was filmed in a castle-like setting with a black-and-white aesthetic that’s both classy and provocative. The storyline? A couple that signs a contract and enjoys their intimacy in the castle. Both Emilia and Tiago are seen performing the song in the rain and in the elegant gardens.

 

Emilia and Tiago PZK are considered two of Argentina’s most promising newcomers.

Camilo to Perform at Billboard’s Virtual Latin Music Week

Camilo is going virtual…

The 26-year-old Colombian singer-songwriter will perform during Billboard‘s virtual Latin Music Week taking place October 20-23.

Camilo

Camilo’s showcase will wrap up Latin Music Week’s first day, October 20, and he’ll perform his hit songs “Favorito” and “Vida de Rico.”

Camilo’s showcase is the first showcase of the week, with Llane, Natalia Jiménez and Guaynaa, among others, scheduled to perform throughout the week.

Camilo is also part of the “On the Rise: Part 2” panel alongside Cazzu, Sech and Rauw Alejandro.

Inspired by Billboard’s biweekly franchise Latin Artist on the Rise, the panel will be moderated by Jessica Roiz, Billboard’s assistant editor.

Click here for the full schedule for Billboard Latin Music Week 2020.

Celebrating its 30th anniversary as the longest-running and biggest Latin music industry event, the three-day immersive experience dedicated to Latin Music, culture and entertainment, will feature intimate artist conversations, industry panels, workshops and performances. Additional participants and schedule will be announced in the coming weeks.

To reserve a spot and receive updates, RSVP here.

Pitizion Named a Latin Artist on the Rise by Billboard

Pitizion isn’t letting the coronavirus pandemic slow her momentum…

The 28-year-old Colombian singer, whose real name is María del Pilar Pérez, started 2020 with a lot of promise, including a music video with Greeicy and touring with Alejandro Sanz as his opening act. 

Pitizion

Despite the pause caused by the global pandemic, Pitizion has kept creating music and getting her name out there, recently being named a Latin Artist of the Rise by Billboard.

Born in the Llanos Region, Pitizion got on the radar with her acting career, making her debut on the popular Nickelodeon Latinoamérica show Grachi. About three years ago, she decided to share her musical talent on social media because her “music never left her room.”

“My passion for music derives from my father’s passing when I was a child,” the now Miami-based artist tells Billboard. “I didn’t know how to express my feelings and my way of doing so was writing lyrics and singing for him.”

Pitizion was ultimately discovered by record producer Andres Saavedra, who not only believed in her project, but also took her music to Universal Music Latin, where she officially signed in early 2019.

“I’ll be honest: I never saw this dream come true. I never imagined myself signing with a record label. I don’t know if that’s good or bad, but I didn’t have a lot of vision back then,” she admits. “It’s incredibly and completely changed my life. The most beautiful part is saying that Universal and Andres have taught me to dream and believe in myself.”

Since joining the Universal family, Pitizion has released her debut single “Ella” on July 5, 2019, dropped an eight-track EP dubbed La Piti, and nabbed collaborations with artists like Greeicy (“No Pasa Nada”) and Rafa Pabon and Big Soto for the remix of “Ella.”

Though she does not like to be boxed in a genre, Piti describes herself as a modern singer-songwriter with pop-urban melodies and hints of rap. Her empowering, witty lyrics and bohemian, global fusions are primarily influenced by artists like Cuban rappers Los Aldeanos, Puerto Rican rapper Rene “Residente” Perez, Spanish artist Bebe and Colombian vallenato stars. 

“I grabbed a little bit of what I heard in life and created my own version,” she concludes.

She’s currently making the rounds with her single “,” which sends a powerful message about self-love and diversity.