Jessi Uribe Earns First No. 1 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay Chart with Luis R Conriquez-Collab “Si Ya Hiciste El Mal”

Posted on November 17, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

It’s a special first for Jessi Uribe…

The 35-year-old Colombian singer has secured his first No. 1 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay chart dated November 19 as “Si Ya Hiciste El Mal,” his first collaborative effort with Luis R Conriquez, rises 2-1.

Uribe is one of the forerunners of Colombian ranchero, a branch of regional Colombian music that borrows from Mexican mariachi, ranchera and corrido formats.

He becomes the second Colombian singer-songwriter to score a No. 1 on Regional Mexican Airplay in 2022: As “Si Ya Hiciste el Mal” hits No. 1, it sends Camilo, a core Latin pop Colombian artist, to No. 2 as “Alaska,” with Grupo Firme dips after its one-week command (chart dated November 12).

“Honestly, I’m extremely happy and grateful,” Uribe tells Billboard. “It’s a dream fulfilled. I have been a regional Mexican music lover since childhood, I am singer of regional Colombian music and to be the first one to achieve this, is an honor. Thanks to Luis, my team, and the listeners who have given us so much love.”

“Si Ya Hiciste el Mal” climbs from the runner-up spot after a 3% increase in audience impressions, to 7.1 million, earned in the U.S. in the week ending November 13, according to Luminate.

The song gives Uribe his first leader on an airplay chart. He previously scored a No. 6 best with “El Alumno,” with Joss Favela, in May. Meanwhile, Conriquez clocks his second ruler: “JGL,” with La Adictiva, topped Regional Mexican Airplay for one week (September 10).

“Working with Jessie was a beautiful experience,” Conriquez tells Billboard. “We traveled to Colombia to record the song and our bonding was beyond great.”

Further, thanks to its radio reception, “Si Ya Hiciste el Mal” debuts at No. 50 on the multimetric Hot Latin Songs chart. It earns Uribe his first chart appearance. Conriquez claims his ninth entry.

The track also makes progress on the all-genre Latin Airplay chart jumping 10-8, the closest Conriquez has been to the top after another No. 8 high (“JGL” in the Sept. 10-dated ranking).

Banda MS’s Corrido “141” to Become First Regional Song Featured in “Call of Duty” Video Game Series

Posted on October 20, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Banda MS is making history while getting in the game…

The Mexican banda’s new corrido “141” will become the first Regional Mexican song to appear in a Call of Duty video game series.

The track is set to be integrated into Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II, with “several” versions of the song heard throughout different parts of the game.

“141” is inspired by the members of the Task Force 141 and soldier Alejandro Vargas from the Mexican Special Forces, and ties in with the narrative of the newest installment of the first-person shooter game.

While Call of Duty has collaborated with Latin musicians in the past, most recently Ozuna, it’s the first time the video game franchise — developed by Infinity Ward and published by Activision — taps a Regional Mexican act to collaborate on a new song for one of its series.

“It’s a huge step for the game and the community,” says Rodrigo Pérez, Call of Duty‘s senior franchise manager, Latin America. “We wanted to tell the story of Task Force 141 in a unique way, and we believe the song goes to the very essence of the characters and the story we are telling with Modern Warfare II.”

For the chart-topping supergroup, not only does “141” mark the first corrido they’ve released in 10 years, but it becomes an opportunity to showcase their traditional banda music on a global level, while also bringing in a new source of revenue.

“The franchise’s team in Latin America is mainly composed of Mexicans who love and respect our culture so, along with their team, we made sure that the song made sense for the game,” says Oswaldo Silvas, one of Banda MS’ vocalists. “We’re really proud to be part of the game’s DNA, and we would be honored to keep doing more of these collaborations because all eyes are on video games and for us, it’s a great opportunity to capture a new audience.”

The opportunity is for both sides with Call of Duty also strategically tapping and catering to the Hispanic market across Latin America. “Mexico and the Hispanic market have had a very strong passion towards the Call of Duty franchise for a long time, and with Modern Warfare II we had an amazing opportunity to celebrate the rich cultural legacy,” adds Pérez.

For a Mexican music song to be featured on Call of Duty, it only reinforces the genre’s newfound popularity across the U.S. and beyond. Once a niche genre, regional Mexican has gained an international following in recent years thanks to artists such as Banda MS, who have stayed true to their traditional Sinaloan banda roots but has also embraced the fusion of regional with genres from around the world.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II will become available for purchase on October 28 on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X | S, PC and Xbox One.

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Adriel Favela Releases Sixth Studio Album “Cosas Del Diablo”

Posted on March 4, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

It’s a devilish time for Adriel Favela.

The 29-year-old Mexican American Regional Mexican artist has released his sixth studio album Cosas Del Diablo.

It’s Favela’s first album under his recording and production deal with Fonovisa Records, owned by Universal Music Latino.

“El Bo,” an infectious corrido-meets-norteño fusion with Sonora-based artist El Bala, was the first single off the album, his first LP release in four years.

On “Oveja Negra,” Favela pens honest and raw lyrics, attesting “I’m no Saint, I don’t like to play, and even though I’m not a bad person, I’m the Devil’s son.”

Corridos and melodious requintos have characterized Favela’s career throughout the years, but in Cosas del Diablo, he also includes catchy Banda tunes “Ray02” and “Bayo 17” with Luis R. Conriquez, and flaunts his vulnerability in heartfelt songs “Lagrimas de Miel” and “Lunes.”

“Corridos do not necessarily talk about negative things, on the contrary,” Favela previously said to Billboard. “My songs are corridos that talk about people’s battles and who have grown as a person.”

Prior to releasing his 15-track set, Favela dropped his Carin Leon-assisted single “Con Un Botecito A Pecho,” a country-tinged mariachi anthem for those who are finally getting over a breakup.

In the track, both artists sing about going out and drinking because they are happy and convinced that they will not get back with their ex.

El Fantasma Releases New Single “Fuera De Servicio”

Posted on February 26, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

El Fantasma is out of service…

The 32-year-old Mexican singer-songwriter has released his new banda anthem “Fuera De Servicio.”

Penned by Luciano Luna and Tony Montoya, the attitude-heavy corrido narrates El Fantasma’s return to the forefront after a few obstacles challenged him along the way.

“I struggled, but don’t worry, I know you’ll be there for me just how you had said back when I lend you a helping hand,” he sings. “My good luck has returned in case you want to come say hello again.”

The track is powered by traditional Sinaloan band brass instruments that provide a canvas to El Fantasma’s emboldened lyrics.

Joe Ojeda Launches Solo Career with New Single “Dueña de tu Cama”

Posted on June 2, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Joe Ojeda proves it’s never too late to kick start your career…

The Latino singer, who kicked off his music career in the ‘80s as part of Texas-based duo The Bad Boyz alongside Pete Astudillo, kicks off his solo music career with his debut single “Dueña de tu Cama” in collaboration with Victoria La Mala, Yorch, and former Los Dinos guitarist and Grammy-winning artist, Chris Perez.

After being discovered by Abraham Quintanilla Jr., both Ojeda and Astudillo officially formed part of Selena y Los Dinos in 1988. The self-taught musician was Selena’s keyboard player until her untimely death in 1995.

“It’s been a while but I’m happy to be doing my solo project,” he tells Billboard of his edgy hip-hop-infused cumbia track.

“I always carry music in my heart and what inspires me is my family, my two daughters, my wife, and my good friends,” he notes. “I’ve always been a fan of cumbia. It’s a contagious rhythm that you can fuse with different elements so that a new sound is born.”

In “Dueña de tu Cama,” Ojeda married traditional cumbia melodies with a touch of urban-pop and rock. The track comes on the heels of all four artists teaming up for the powerful corrido, “Nuestra Tierra,” part of Victoria La Mala’s EP Soy Mala.

“The chemistry is amazing,” he admits. “Everybody brings something different to the table and that works out in a good way. When you get different ideas, you know something good is bound to happen. ‘Dueña de tu Cama’ came out better than I envisioned.”

But Ojeda didn’t exactly disappear after Selena’s passing.

He actually co-wrote and co-produced songs for many artists including Veronica Castro, Chris Perez, and Jennifer y Los Jetz, to name a few. Most notably, he co-penned Astudillo’s heartfelt “Como Te Extraño,” which peaked at No. 2 on both Hot Latin Songs and Latin Airplay charts dated January 13, 1996. On the Regional Mexican Airplay chart, it was No. 1 for 10 weeks starting Nov. 18, 1995.

“It was such an honor to be onstage with Selena. I’m very grateful and fortunate,” he says. “It’s a huge inspiration that I take with me. Being one of Los Dinos taught me a lot and how to go about my own music career. I know she would be so proud of me and my No. 1 fan. I can imagine her big charismatic smile, asking me to join ‘Dueña de tu Cama.’ I feel that she’s always supporting me.”

Ojeda, who still keeps in touch with all of Los Dinos members, says his new career venture will be inspired by artists like Los Angeles Azules, Ricky Martin, Maná, Los Intocables, and even Post Malone and Bad Bunny.

“I was born on the border, so I connect with mariachi, rock, and romantic ballads,” he explains. “I can get a piece of each genre and create a fresh sound. It’s time to bring cumbia back!”

Up next, Ojeda will drop the official music video for “Dueña de tu Cama” and plans on releasing more collaborations. “Thanks to all of Selena’s fans who support my career and motivate me to continue making music,” he concludes.

Victoria La Mala & Chiquis Team Up for Women’s Empowerment Anthem “Sexo Debil (TNMDQH)”

Posted on May 4, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Victoria La Mala is empowering women with her latest single…

The Mexican singer has teamed up with Chiquis, whom she met about six years ago, for their first-ever collaboration “Sexo Debil (TNMDQH).”

“I wrote the song a couple of years ago with Claudia Brant,” La Mala tells Billboard. “I was holding on to it for a while because I loved it so much and it meant so much to me.”

“Sexo Debil (TNMDQH),” short for “tu no me dices que hacer” is a Western-tinged corrido that fuses to an infectious cumbia melody towards the middle. It’s an anthem to remind women that they are in no shape or form the weakest sex.

“Every word we wrote was something that was told to me,” she adds. “I wanted to let women feel that they are empowered, have control of their lives and that they can do whatever they want.”

For the track, La Mala reeled in Latin Grammy winner, Chiquis, because “she’s such a strong woman and she’ll be able to relate.”

“Us women who are in this industry understand how hard it can be and the discrimination that happens,” Chiquis notes. “I love what Victoria did on this song because it comes from the heart. She’s really embracing who she is, she’s hip-hop, she’s Regional, she’s a little bit of everything and I love that she did something different. This song gives women power and reminds them that they can do whatever they want.”

In the music video, both Mexican artists are just as unapologetic and fierce as the track.

“I’m obsessed with this video! We had so much fun and I think it reflects that,” La Mala says. “I wanted to do this whole late ‘90s, early ‘00s aesthetic because I grew up with that. We filmed it in a day and we got to hang out with each other and let loose.”

With the release of “Sexo Debil,” part of Soy Mala EP coming out on May 5th, both La Mala and Chiquis hope to encourage more and more women in Regional Mexican to collaborate.

“Why can’t we get together the way Becky G and Natti [Natasha] collab? I want that in our genre so now it’s happening and hopefully it keeps on going,” Chiquis expresses.

“We’re the generation that’s doing it!” La Mala agrees. “There’s space to support all the women and grow together. We’re more unstoppable that way.”

Gerardo Ortiz Releases New Corrido “El Perro”

Posted on November 8, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Gerardo Ortiz is returning to his roots…

Following the release of “Otra Botella,”a hybrid tune that fuses mariachi with reggaetón-pop with Gente de Zona, the 31-year-old Mexican American singer-songwriter returns with a corrido titled “El Perro.”

“With this corrido, I return to my roots where I write real stories, and this is a song that my audience can relate to,” Ortiz says.

The lyrics of “El Perro” represent various Mexican proverbs that express authentic morals.

The track will be part of Ortiz’s forthcoming album, Décimo Aniversario, that will celebrate his 10-year career.

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