Grupo Arriesgado Agrees to Contract with Smart Music Group (SMG)

Posted on February 25, 2025 by Tom Castaneda

Grupo Arriesgado has agreed to a smart deal…

The Mexican group has entered into a contract with Smart Music Group (SMG), per Billboard en Espanol.

Co-founders and artist managers, Raczon López and Natalia Corona — honorees on last year’s Billboard Latin Power Players list — have launched a new label focusing on the five-member band that’s currently gaining traction on social media.

Originally formed in late 2013 on a ranch named Costa Rica in Culiacán, Sinaloa, and initially led by former frontman turned soloist Panter Bélico, Grupo Arriesgado gained popularity with hits like the accordion-infused “Jimenez” (2021), “El H,” and “Enloquecido” (2022).

With César Alfonso stepping in as the new lead vocalist, they have secured significant radio play and impressive digital platform statistics, amassing 4.7 million monthly listeners on Spotify and maintaining a vigorous schedule of live performances.

Their digital presence is equally robust with 882,000 followers on Instagram, 1.1 million followers and 23.8 million likes on TikTok, and a strong YouTube following with 472,000 subscribers and over 600 million views.

Jesús Cuadras (electric bass), César Soto (bajo sexto), Alfonso Rodríguez (second voice) and Ángel de León (drums) also make up the band.

“Our relationship with Grupo Arriesgado began with the promotion of their three most recent releases, which allowed us to increase their audience on Spotify to almost 5 million monthly listeners and accumulate 35 million views on the main platforms,” López tells Billboard. “For this reason, the group wanted to take its relationship with Smart Music Group (SMG) to the next level and we have signed an agreement that makes us their representatives.”

He adds: “From now on, we will provide a comprehensive strategy that combines digital growth with presence in traditional media. This work will consolidate Grupo Arriesgado as one of the most important groups in Regional Mexican.”

López and Corona have recently managed the 2024 global breakout star Xavi, who topped Hot Latin Songs with “La Diabla” and secured the No. 2 spot with “La Víctima” on the same chart, and other notable achievements.

Under the pair’s management, Xavi also clinched the Artist of the Year (New) award at the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Awards. The duo also managed newcomer Drian.

With this new partnership, Grupo Arriesgado has embarked on a fresh phase with the release of “De Aquí Soy” (2025) and “Qué Chulada” (2024), two singles that mark a shift toward a more romantic and melodic style.

FloyyMenor Signs with Independent Artist Group for Booking

Posted on January 29, 2025 by Tom Castaneda

FloyyMenor has a new booking agent…

The 19-year-old Chilean singer and songwriter has signed with Independent Artist Group for booking.

The signing follows the huge success of FloyyMenor’s reggaeton hit “Gata Only” with Cris MJ, which was named TikTok’s Global Song of the Summer and Global Song of the Year in 2024.

According to a press release, the track saw 50 million creations on TikTok, generating more than 74 billion streams on the platform and 1.3 billion streams on Spotify; it also reached No. 2 on Spotify’s Global Chart.

“Gata Only” also had great success in the U.S., where it hit No. 27 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 and topped Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart for 14 weeks. It finished at No. 1 on the year-end Hot Latin Songs list.

FloyyMenor’s breakthrough came in 2023 with the single “Pa la Europa.” That was followed by the August release of his debut EP El Comienzo, on which he partnered with UnitedMasters.

According to the release, the EP became the most-listened-to Chilean project in Spotify’s history and ranked among the top Spanish albums globally in 2024. In December, Spotify also named “Gata Only” the most-streamed Latin song of the year, while that same month, FloyyMenor was named one of VEVO’s DSCVR Artists to Watch 2025. “Gata Only” was also featured on former U.S. President Barack Obama’s “Favorite Music of 2024” list.

In October, FloyyMenor became the first Chilean artist to win a Billboard Latin Music Award, where he took home the Global 200 Latin song of the year. He also won top Latin song at the Billboard Music Awards for “Gata Only.”

FloyyMenor is set to release his debut album YTSQS later this year.

Jasiel Nuñez Signs with United Talent Agency (UTA)

Posted on January 29, 2025 by Tom Castaneda

Jasiel Nuñez has new representation…

United Talent Agency (UTA) has signed the Mexican singer-songwriter.

Managed by George Prajin, founder/CEO of Prajin Parlay and co-founder of Double P Records along with global superstar Peso Pluma, with whom Nuñez has a longstanding creative partnership.

The Guadalajara native contributed to Peso Pluma’s 2023 album Génesis on tracks like “Laguna” and “Rosa Pastel,” the latter of which reached No. 24 on Billboard‘s Hot Latin Songs chart.

In 2024, Nuñez also joined Peso Pluma on his Éxodo tour.

Nuñez’s latest album, La Odisea — featuring collaborations with Luis R Conriquez, Tito Double P and Danny Lux — landed at No. 8 on Billboard‘s Top Latin Albums chart and at No. 6 on Regional Mexican Albums.

“I’m excited and thankful to become part of the United Talent Agency family,” said Nuñez in a statement. “This marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter, and I’m ready to push música Mexicana to new heights.”

Ryan Castro Makes History with Acquisition of Significant Equity Stake in Paisas Basketball Club

Posted on January 14, 2025 by Tom Castaneda

Ryan Castro is getting in the game…

The 31-year-old Colombian rapper, singer and songwriter has announced that through his company AWOO Team, he has acquired a significant equity stake in Paisas Basketball club, a professional team in his hometown of Medellín.

The acquisition makes Castro the first Colombian music artist to own a stake in a basketball team, and also makes him one of only a handful of Colombian artists vested economically in sports.

“It’s another facet for us as entrepreneurs. Supporting sports, because the kids in the barrios have the same dreams as us, the artists,” said Castro, who rose to stardom from the slums of Medellín.

The Paisas, he adds are from his hometown, plus, “I love basketball. Every time I go to the U.S., I like to go to NBA games. So, it all came together and the opportunity arose to support a team from my city to continue growing the basketball movement, generate more activity and support young people who are into sports.”00:00

While basketball is not nearly as prominent as soccer in Colombia, it’s on the rise. Castro’s acquisition coincides with Paisas Basketball debut in the Basketball Champions League Americas (BCLA), which includes top teams from across the continent). The team also competes in the Betplay professional league in Colombia under Venezuelan coach Daniel Seoane.

On his end, Castro is no stranger to sports.

Last year, he released “El Ritmo Que Nos Une,” the official anthem for Colombia’s national soccer team during Copa América. The video, which has been viewed more than 110 million times on YouTube, shows Castro hanging out and playing soccer with members of the Colombian squad.

However, Castro wasn’t actively looking to invest in sports. The opportunity came to him via a close associate who works actively with basketball and the NBA. “He told me this was a possibility and me and my team gathered all the information we could about Paisas,” says Castro.

Beyond investing in the team, partnering with Castro also gives the Paisas the opportunity to leverage the musician’s platform as a popular Colombian artists with millions of followers on social media (4.5 million on Instagram alone). Plus, he says, “Taking into my account my life story, also take that message of empowerment, of working for your dreams to other kids. That’s the intention. Many kids dream of basketball and sports as a way to get ahead and have a better life, and my story is similar, but with music. So it’s about also taking that motivation, and, as a businessman, I want to venture into sports.”

Castro officially announced his partnership on Tuesday, January 14 at a press conference in Medellín. At the same time, he’s releasing his first single of the year, “Ni x el Putxs,” featuring Colombian trap star Kris R.

Castro’s music is distributed by Sony Latin via his compay AWOO Corp. He also has a strategic partnership and label services deal with WK Records with Leo Arango as his manager.

Jordana Brewster Signs with Anonymous Content

Posted on December 11, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Jordana Brewster is expanding her team…

The 44-year-old half-Brazilian Panamanian actress has signed with Anonymous Content for representation.

Brewster is an original cast member of the Fast & Furious franchise at Universal, which is the studio’s biggest of all time at a cumulative gross exceeding $7 billion.

Most recently, she’s been seen reprising her role as Mia Toretto, sister of Dom (Vin Diesel), in Fast X, which debuted in May 2023. Fast X: Part 2 is set to release in 2026.

Up next, Brewster will be seen in Sony’s romance-themed horror film Heart Eyes, which releases February 7.

On the film side, her additional credits include Cellar Door with Laurence Fishburne; Simulant alongside Robbie Amell and Sam Worthington; Who Invited Charlie? with Adam Pally; The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning with Matt Bomer; The Integrity of Joseph Chambers with Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Clayne Crawford; Hooking Up with Brittany Snow and Sam Richardson; Random Acts of Violence with Jesse Williams; North of Hell with Katherine Heigl and Patrick Wilson; American Heist with Adrien Brody and Hayden Christensen; Annapolis with James Franco; and The Invisible Circus with Cameron Diaz.

On the television side, Brewster played the role of Denise Brown in Ryan Murphy’s Emmy-winning American Crime Story. She has also starred on Fox’s Lethal Weapon alongside Crawford and Damon Wayans, TNT’s Dallas alongside Josh Henderson and Jesse Metcalfe, ABC’s Secrets and Lies opposite Juliette Lewis and Michael Ealy, the NBC miniseries The ’60s, and the Daytime Emmy-winning As the World Turns.

Bratz! Launching Historic Karol G Doll Based on Her 2023 Latin Grammys Look

Posted on November 25, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Karol G is getting all dolled up!

The 33-year-old Colombian Grammy-winning singer-songwriter is officially a Bratz! doll, the lifestyle and fashion doll brand has announced.Following Karol G‘s 2024 Latin Grammy win for best urban music album, the brand celebrated for its bold self-expression transformed her 2023 Latin Grammy look into a Bratz-inspired version.

The Bratz x Karol G Collector Doll marks Bratz’s first collaboration with a musical artist.

The doll will be available for preorder globally starting December 3, 2024. It will be sold online and in stores in the U.S. (priced at $50 USD), as well as in Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Chile and Spain.

“I can’t believe I’m celebrating another significant milestone in my career with my very first doll — and I’m incredibly proud that it’s with Bratz, a brand I’ve always been a superfan of since childhood!” said Karol G in a statement. “It’s surreal to think that just over a year ago, I was celebrating my first Latin Grammy win, and now I have the chance to share a doll inspired by that pivotal moment in my career. Bratz are “Bichotas” in their own right — they’re independent, bold and powerful trendsetters who have been part of our lives since the early 2000s. This collaboration is a true labor of love and a celebration for fans across Latin America and beyond.”

The Bratz x Karol G doll’s fashion is inspired by the stunning rose gold dress that the artist wore at the 2023 Latin Grammys, celebrating her remarkable life and achievements. The doll includes a second outfit based on Karol’s real-life merchandise, featuring a “Bichota” season tee, along with fun accessories like mini awards and a hyperrealistic replica of a Karol G LP.

The doll’s custom packaging showcases illustrations of Karol G in the iconic Bratz style, complete with an iridescent barbed wire display.

Chicano Batman’s Bardo Martinez Signs with Cosmica Artists

Posted on November 24, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Bardo Martinez has cosmic representation…

The Latino member of the Los Angeles-based psychedelic rock band Chicano Batman has signed a management deal with Cosmica Artists.

The indie record label and company represents Latin talent from alternative genres across Los Angeles, Miami, Austin and Mexico City.

“Reaching our 20 year anniversary at Cosmica Artists is such a proud moment for me as I started this as a one person company, stuffing manilla envelopes with burned promo CDs, xeroxed bios and EPK’s,” Gil Gastelum, founder of Cosmica, tells Variety. “Our new signings usher in a new chapter for Cosmica Artists, as we begin to navigate the future with confidence and pride. Looking at distribution, marketing, publishing, sync, and touring partners future and present has us all ready for the next 20 years.”

Martinez will be represented by Cosmica as he focuses on a solo career — a new LP, Stones Throw Records, slated for release in 2025 — outside of his role as the lead songwriter and vocalist for Chicano Batman.

The rock band formed in 2008 with a fresh take on tropicália and indie-rock that led to five studio albums.

In recent weeks, the group announced they were going on an “indefinite hiatus.”

Other signings include American-Colombian rock band Divino Niño and Mexican singer-songwriter Arath Herce,

Lila Downs Signs Management Deal with Cosmica Artists

Posted on November 23, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Lila Downs has new out-of-this-world representation…

The 56-year-old Mexican Grammy– and Latin Grammy-winning singer-songwriter has signed a management deal with Cosmica Artists.

The indie record label and company represents Latin talent from alternative genres across Los Angeles, Miami, Austin and Mexico City.

Downs incorporates indigenous Mexican influences and has recorded songs in many indigenous languages such as Mixtec, Zapotec, Mayan, Nahuatl and Purépecha.

Downs recently won best folk album at this year’s Latin Grammy Awards for her latest record, Balas y Chocolate.

The Cosmica team spearheaded the return of Mexican singer/songwriter Carla Morrison and her sold out show at the Hollywood Bowl. Most recently, Guatemalan artist Gaby Moreno won a Grammy for best Latin pop album, and claimed multiple Latin Grammy wins.

Cosmica also supported Mexican-American producer, singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, David Garza on his pair of Grammy wins for co-producing Fiona Apple’s “Fetch the Bolt Cutters”(best alternative album and song).

“It’s been an amazing journey filled with ups and downs, exhilarating highs and thrown under the bus lows,” said Gastelum “We’ve taken it all in and we keep going. I take great pride in working with an amazing staff and roster of talent as we work hard to create a safe and creative space for all of us.”

Other signings include up-and-coming artists Victor Internet and Loyal Lobos.

Rubén Blades Signs Global Partnership Deal with Virgin Music Group

Posted on November 12, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Rubén Blades has a new deal…

The 76-year-old Panamanian musician, singer, composer, actor, activist and politician has signed a global partnership with Virgin Music Group.

The indie artist, who releases music under his own label Rubén Blades Production, was previously with AWAL.

This new deal with Virgin sets him up for the “next chapter in his legendary career,” states a press release.

One of the most influential and revered Latin artists of all time, Blades – whose career spans over five decades – is known for music that is both poetic and socially conscious and rooted in storytelling.

A key figure in the New York salsa revolution during the 1970s, Blades has dedicated his career to propelling Afro-Cuban music.

The “Pedro Navaja” singer was honored with the Latin Recording Academy’s Person of the Year award in 2021, he also won album of the year award for SALSWING! at the Latin Grammys that year.

“Rubén Blades has built an incredible legacy in Latin music as a trailblazer, pushing artistic boundaries and cultural change. We look forward to working with him on the next phase of his illustrious career and furthering his legacy with new audiences around the world,” Víctor González, president of Latin America and Iberia for Virgin Music Music Group, said in a statement.

Overall, Blades – also an actor who played the role of Daniel Salazar on Fear the Walking Dead – has won 12 Grammy Awards and 11 Latin Grammys. This year, he’s a two-time nominee at the 25th annual Latin Grammys where “Aún Me Sigo Encontrando,” his collab with Gian Marco, is up for song of the year and his latest album, Siembra: 45° Aniversario (En Vivo en el Coliseo de Puerto Rico, 14 de Mayo 2022), is up for best salsa album. The ceremony takes place Thursday (Nov. 14) in Miami.

Maria Becerra Announces Natanael Real & Armando Lozano as New Co-Managers

Posted on November 11, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Maria Becerra has new management.

The 24-year-old Argentine singer-songwriter, who has been dubbed as “a leading voice in Argentina’s urban pop movement,” will ] be co-managed by Natanael Real and veteran Mexican manager Armando Lozano after she parted ways amicable with longtime manager José Levy.

Real has been Becerra’s longtime day-to-day manager, while Lozano steps into a bigger role after working two years as a consultant for the artist for all territories outside Argentina.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to María for placing her trust in me over nearly seven years, from the very beginning. It has been a true pleasure and honor to be part of her professional journey, and I wish her every success in this new chapter,” Levy told Billboard in a statement.

In turn, Lozano, who until recently also managed Mau & Ricky, said: “I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to join María in this exciting new phase of her career. I am confident that remarkable achievements await her, further cementing her place as the global star she truly is.”

Added Real: “From the start, I’ve been inspired by María’s extraordinary talent and charisma. It is a privilege to support her in this new chapter and help her reach even greater heights.”

Becerra started her career as a YouTuber in her native Argentina as a tween, posting all kinds of content that included music covers.

By 17, she was focusing only on music and started working with Levy.

In 2021, at 21, she released her debut album, Animal via 300 Entertainment and earned a Latin Grammy nomination for best new artist.

In 2023, Becerra signed a deal with Warner Music Latina as a joint venture with 300 Entertainment, still managed by Levy, and also received the Visionary Award at Billboard’s inaugural Latin Women In Music event.

Becerra is in the midst of her first major U.S. tour and released new singles with Yandel (“El sexo está de moda”) and Gloria Trevi (“Borracha”), the latter which she performed at the Billboard Latin Music Awards in October.

She currently has 24 million monthly listeners on Spotify, making her 240 in the world on the platform.

Becerra has multiple entries on the Billboard charts, including two No. 1s on Billboard’s Tropical Airplay chart.

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