Bad Bunny: Apple Music’s Top Streamed Latin Artist of the Year

Posted on December 5, 2019 by Tom Castaneda

Bad Bunny is Apple Music’s Latin star…

The 25-year-old Puerto Rican reggaeton and Latin trap star is one of the artists Apple Music users listened to most in 2019, according to the platform’s breakdown of its most-streamed album, songs and artists globally this year.

Apple Music ranked artists by genre, with Bad Bunny dominating the Latin category.

Here’s a look at Apple Music’s official lists:

APPLE MUSIC’S GLOBAL TOP STREAMED ALBUM OF 2019
Billie Eilish – WHEN WE FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?

APPLE MUSIC’S GLOBAL TOP 10 STREAMED SONGS OF 2019
1. Lil Nas X – “Old Town Road (feat. Billy Ray Cyrus)”
2. Post Malone & Swae Lee – “Sunflower”
3. Ariana Grande – “thank u, next”
4. Ariana Grande – “7 rings”
5. Billie Eilish – “bad guy”
6. Post Malone – “Wow.”
7. Meek Mill – “Going Bad (featuring Drake)”
8. Halsey – “Without Me”
9. Gunna & Lil Baby – “Drip Too Hard”
10. Travis Scott – “SICKO MODE”

APPLE MUSIC’S 2019 TOP STREAMED ARTISTS BY GENRE
Alternative – Billie Eilish
Classical – Ludovico Einaudi
Country – Luke Combs
Hip-Hop – Drake
J-Pop Artists – aimyon
K-Pop Artists – BTS
Latin – Bad Bunny
Pop – Ariana Grande
R&B – Khalid
Rock – Queen

Jessie Reyez Release Modern Soulful Version of Patsy Cline’s “Crazy”

Posted on November 24, 2019 by Tom Castaneda

It’s a Crazytime for Jessie Reyez…

The 28-year-old Colombian singer, who earned her first Grammy nomination this week, has released the music video for her latest track, “Crazy.”

A tribute to Patsy Cline’s 1961 country classic, Reyez dropped her own modern soulful version of the single, as part of Apple Music’s Up Next program.

“Crazy” will form part of Reyez’s debut studio album, slated for an early 2020 release via FMLY/Island.

The gruesome music video shows Reyez covered in blood and fighting for her life after an intense argument with what seems to be her abusive boyfriend.

“Crazy” comes one day after Reyez received the news that her sophomore EP Being Human in Public was nominated for Best Urban Contemporary Albumat the Grammys.

“I was sleeping,” she tells Billboard of how she received the news. “My team showed up with a doughnut and a camera and my parents screaming congrats outside my hotel door. I was like wtf happened!?”

For Reyez, being a Grammy nominee has been a lifelong dream. “The nomination means a lot. I cried,” she admits. “It’s something I’ve thought about since I was a kid. I could say it’s an honor to be nominated, but this kid wants to win!”

Reyez performed “Crazy” on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Thursday night.

Becky G & BTS’ J-Hope Release Trilingual Track “Chicken Noodle Soup”

Posted on September 28, 2019 by Tom Castaneda

Becky Gis sharing a little chicken soupfor the soul…

The 22-year-old Mexican American bilingual singer/rapper has joined voices with BTSmember J-Hope on a new single, “Chicken Noodle Soup,” released on Friday.

The J-Hope fronted track features the “Secrets” singer, and is inspired by Webstarand Young B’s“Chicken Noodle Soup” featuring The Voice of Harlem, a song that inspired both J-Hope and Becky G.

A sonic sequel of sorts to that 2006 hit, the collaboration is an anthemic, groovy track from the duo, through which they incorporate the original’s lyrics and flow into their own verses as they rap and sing declarations of their self-worth, dreams, and skills, as well as their relationship with dance.

“Gwangju, one gang of you-know-what/ Geum-nam Choong-jang Street, that’s my Harlem/ Joined Neuron, bounce with ma team/ Went head over heels for dancing, workaholic, everyday,” J-Hope begins his verse with his free-flowing rap, mentioning his hometown of Gwangju and his dance team, Neuron. “Grew being up all night as a teen, that’s the case/ My height is measured by dance, I’m OK.”

“Chicken Noodle Soup” is a trilingual track, featuring J-Hope performing primarily in Korean, while Becky G performs in English and Spanish with lyrics that she wrote.

The pair are credited as composers on the track along with Jinbo, Supreme Boi, Pdogg, Adora, and Brasa, per Apple Music.

“Chicken noodle or chicken with spaghetti/ None of these women have a flow like Becky/ Latina-American, I’m from here/ Face of an angel but freaky/ Who’s going to tell me?/ I’ve seen it all/ Where I was born, they never thought a woman would stand out,” singsBecky G in Spanish.

It was released through a music video that focuses on the pairs’ dancing, during which they incorporate the originals’ iconic dance moves and are backed by a diverse crew of 50 dancers from across the globe.

Lunay Named Apple Music’s Latest Up Next Artist

Posted on September 17, 2019 by Tom Castaneda

Lunay is Up Next…

The 18-year-old Puerto Rican reggaeton and Latin trap singerhas been anointed Apple Music’s latest Up Next Artist, the streaming platform’s monthly artist initiative aimed at identifying, showcasing and elevating rising talent.

Lunay recently released a new single, “Fin de Semana,” which will be included on his debut album, set for release on September 27.

“Lots of music is on its way,” he enthuses in a statement.

Lunay is best known for his breakout single, “Soltera (Remix)“, on which he appears together with his idol Daddy Yankee and Bad Bunny. Apple Musiccalls him “one of the most exciting new names in the Latin Urban genre” and his music has enjoyed 105 million streams on the streaming platform to-date.

“From the moment I heard Lunay’s first demos I knew that he was an artist that Apple Music should support,” said Apple Music Latin programmer Jerry Pullés. “The melodies were memorable yet fresh and even though he was just starting his career he performed them with the confidence of an A-level artist. Lunay quickly carved out his own lane in reggaetón but once he released ‘Soltera’ it was game over. The song became an anthem almost instantly and secured his position as one of the new stars of Latin Urban music.”

The teenage artist will make his late-night U.S. debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on October 2, as part of Apple Music’s Up Next program.

Lunay is interviewed in a new Up Next Short Shot video.

Bad Bunny to Perform as Part of Apple Music’s Up Next Live Lineup

Posted on July 2, 2019 by Tom Castaneda

Bad Bunnyis up next…

The 25-year-old Puerto Rican Latin trap and reggaeton singer is set to kick off Apple Music’s Up Next Live series.

Bad Bunny will perform on Tuesday, July 9 at the Apple Piazza Libertyin Milan. Other artists scheduled to perform include Jessie Reyez, who will perform at Apple Union Squarein San Francisco, Lewis Capaldi, Daniel Caesarand Khalid. Each artist will perform for fans in one city, for one night only.

Apple Music Up Next is a monthly program that showcases new artists throughout the world with a curated playlist across genres from all over the world. Each artist performing at the Up Next Live has been featured as an Apple Music Up Next artist in the monthly program or through the playlist.

Check out the Up Next Live schedule below:

Cardi B: Apple Music’s Most-Streamed Latina Artist of All Time

Posted on March 8, 2019 by Tom Castaneda

She hasn’t been in the music industry for long, but Cardi Bhas certainly made her mark…

In celebration of International Women’s Day (March 8), Apple Music has revealed its list of the most-streamed female artists of all time, with the 26-year-old half-Dominican American rap sensation earning a spot in the Top 10.

Cardi B, the highest-ranking Latina on the list, comes in at No. 6, behind Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift, Rihanna, Beyoncéand Nicki Minaj.

Other Latinas making the list include Demi Lovato(No. 13), Selena Gomez(No. 14), Camila Cabello(No. 17) and Mariah Carey(No. 20).

Meanwhile, the “I Like It” rapper tops the list of the Most Shazam’d Women of the Past Year, coming in ahead of Sia, Dua Lipa and Nicki Minaj.

Lovato comes in at No. 5 on the Shazam-related list, while Cabello comes in at No. 10. Gomez at No. 11 and Becky Gat No. 17.

“Apple Music will be highlighting visionary women in music around the world throughout the month of March with artist curated playlists and female-driven programming (100+ Apple Music playlists featuring 3000+ tracks spotlighting single and multiple female artists),” the company said in a press release.

Here are the complete lists:

Apple Music’s most-streamed female artists of all time:

1. Ariana Grande
2. Taylor Swift
3. Rihanna
4. Beyoncé
5. Nicki Minaj
6. Cardi B
7. Adele
8. Sia
9. Lady Gaga
10. Halsey
11. Lana Del Rey
12. SZA
13. Demi Lovato
14. Selena Gomez
15. Katy Perry
16. P!nk
17. Camila Cabello
18. Mariah Carey
19. Ella Mai
20. Billie Eilish

Most Shazam’d women of the past year:

1. Cardi B
2. Sia (including LSD)
3. Dua Lipa
4. Nicki Minaj
5. Demi Lovato
6. Halsey
7. Rihanna
8. Anne-Marie
9. Ariana Grande
10. Camila Cabello
11. Selena Gomez
12. Bebe Rexha
13. Beyoncé (including The Carters)
14. Lady Gaga
15. Jess Glynne
16. Rita Ora
17. Becky G
18. P!nk
19. Katy Perry
20. Taylor Swift

Marcelo D2 Releases Anti-Violence Album and Short Film

Posted on September 1, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

Marcelo D2 is speaking out about the violence in Rio de Janeiro through new music…

The 50-year-old Brazilian rapper has released a new album accompanied by a short film. Amar é para os Fortes premiered Friday exclusively on Apple Music.

The album was produced by Mario Caldaro Jr. of Beastie Boys fame, while the film was produced, written and directed by Marcelo D2.

The project is described as “a musical chronicle of Rio de Janeiro’s reality: violence, drugs, friends and enemies, family, art, hope, love.”

The nearly-wordless half-hour movie features eight of the record’s ten tracks. Stephan Peixoto, Marcelo D2’s son, plays Sinistro, who discovers a world away from the gangs and guns in the favela when he finds work in an art gallery and is embraced by artists and musicians.

Described by the artist as “an album to watch,” the story, based on his own, is a stylish street opera that illustrates arts role in social change.

The film includes the information that there were 300,000 violent deaths in Brazil in the last ten years, and 71 percent of the victims were young and black.

Gilberto Gil and Seu Jorge are among the real-life Brazilian artists who make cameos in the film, which counted on Nike, Pernod Ricard and Casio as sponsors.

Click here for the video on Apple Music.

J Balvin’s New Album “Vibras” Makes History on Apple Music

Posted on June 7, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

J Balvin is making history…

The 33-year-old Colombian reggaeton singer’s new album Vibras has racked up the most first-week global streams for a Latin album ever on Apple Music, replacing week one of Romeo Santos‘ 2017 project Golden.

Vibras also claims the record for the most-streamed Latin album in 24 hours on Apple Music so far in 2018.

On the Billboard charts, the album notched the biggest week of 2018 for a Latin album so far with its No. 1 debut on the Top Latin Albums chart and No. 15 bow on the Billboard 200. The week of its release, Vibras was highlighted as one of the best albums of the week in Billboard’s Viva Friday article, which is a compilation of new songs, albums and videos recommended by the Billboard Latin editors.

“I just want to make music for the world,” the Colombian singer told Beats 1’s Ebro Darden before he released the album.

Sabrina Claudio Appears on the Official Soundtrack for “Fifty Shades Freed”

Posted on January 9, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

Prepare for fifty shades of Sabrina Claudio…

The 21-year-old Puerto Rican and Cuban American singer-songwriter appears on the official soundtrack for Fifty Shades Freed, singing in English and Spanish.

Claudio, who was named Apple Music’s Up Next artist in October, performs the single “Cross Your Mind” and its Spanish version.

But Claudio isn’t the only Latina appearing on the official soundtrack, a 22-song compilation.

Jessie Reyez joins voices with Black Atlass on the single “Sacrifice.”

Claudio and Reyez join an all-star roster that includes Sia, Ellie Goulding, Hailee Steinfeld and Miike Snow.

The soundtrack is kicked off by Liam Payne and Rita Ora’s lead number “For You,” which arrived last Friday.

The Fifty Shades Freed soundtrack will be released on February 9.

Its predecessor, the soundtrack to Fifty Shades Darker, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 last February.

The forthcoming film, the final in the Fifty Shades trilogy, also hits theaters on February 9.

Here’s the full track list:

‘Fifty Shades Freed Official Soundtrack’ Tracklisting:

Capital Letters – Hailee Steinfeld x BloodPop®
For You (Fifty Shades Freed) – Liam Payne & Rita Ora
Sacrifice – Black Atlass featuring Jessie Reyez
High – Whethan & Dua Lipa
Heaven – Julia Michaels
Big Spender – Kiana Ledé featuring Prince Charlez
Never Tear Us Apart – Bishop Briggs
The Wolf – The Spencer Lee Band
Are You – Julia Michaels
Cross Your Mind – Sabrina Claudio
Change Your Mind – Miike Snow
Come On Back – Shungudzo
I Got You (I Feel Good) – Jessie J
Ta Meilleure Ennemie (Pearls) – Samantha Gongol (of Marian Hill) featuring Juliette Armanet
Deer in Headlights – Sia
Diddy Bop – Jacob Banks & Louis the Child
Love Me Like You Do (Fifty Shades Freed Version) – Ellie Goulding
Freed – Danny Elfman
Seeing Red – Danny Elfman
Maybe I’m Amazed – Jamie Dornan [Bonus Track]
Cross Your Mind (Spanish Version – Sabrina Claudio [Bonus Track]
Pearls – Samantha Gongol (of Marian Hill) [Bonus Track]

Bodega Bamz Returns with New Single “Poof”

Posted on November 5, 2017 by Tom Castaneda

Bodega Bamz is back in a big way…

The 32-year-old Puerto Rican and Dominican American singer, whose real name is Nathaniel de la Rosa, has released his new single “Poof.”

It’s the lead single, produced by Da MVPz, from his forthcoming new album.

Earlier this month Bodega Bamz celebrated the five year anniversary of his debut mixtape Strictly 4 My P.A.P.I.Z., re-releasing the project across Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, Amazon and other streaming platforms for the first time.

He’s also making his acting debut on Showtime‘s comedy series SMILF, with fervent disciples of the Spanish Harlem rapper eager to hear new music, Bamz simultaneously readies a new album and premieres the lead single exclusively on Billboard.com.

SMILF premieres Sunday, November 5 on Showtime at 10:00 pm EST.

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