Tag Archives: French Montana

Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee Top Spotify’s Global Top 30 Songs of the Summer 2017 List

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Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee are officially the stars of the summer…

Spotify has revealed its global most-streamed songs of the summer, and 39-year-old Puerto Rican singer and 40-year-old Puerto Rican rapper’s juggernaut “Despacito,” featuring Justin Bieber, reigns supreme.

Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee

The smash hit — which this week capped its record-breaking 16th week atop the Billboard Hot 100 — garnered more than 786 million streams on Spotify this summer, specifically between June 21 and August 27.

In global streams, “Despacito” is followed by DJ Khaled‘s “Wild Thoughts” with Rihanna and Bryson Tiller at No. 2, and French Montana‘s “Unforgettable” at No. 3.

In the U.S., “Despacito” is instead followed by Lil Uzi Vert‘s “XO TOUR Llif3” at No. 2, with “Wild Thoughts” taking No. 3. Later down the line on both lists are Calvin Harris, Kendrick Lamar, Charlie Puth, Demi Lovato and others.

Spotify’s head of Latin culture Rocio Guerrero is calling 2017 “the summer of Latin music,” with five Spanish-language songs featured in the global top 30 ranking.

The list includes Willy William and J Balvin‘s “Mi Gente,” Maluma‘s “Felices los 4,” Danny Ocean‘s “Me Rehúso,” and both the original “Despacito” and remix featuring Bieber.

Notably, only seven female artists make the global top 30 list, and only three — Demi Lovato with “Sorry Not Sorry,” Rita Ora with “Your Song” and Maggie Lindemann with “Pretty Girls” — are the main artists, rather than featured guests, on their included tracks.

Cardi B to Perform at Power 105.1’s Powerhouse Music Celebration

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Cardi B’s got the power…

The 24-year-old half-Dominican American hip hop artist is set to perform at Power 105.1‘s annual Powerhouse music celebration, which brings some of hip-hop’s biggest names to its stage.

Cardi B

Cardi B, whose breakthrough hit “Bodak Yellow (Money Moves)” notches a second week at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Rap Songs chart, joins an elite roster that includes French Montana, Migos and Lil Uzi Vert.

The annual music event will take over the Barclays Center for the fifth consecutive year and will take place on Oct. 26. Aside from The Weeknd, DJ Envy will deliver his own “DJ Envy and Friends” set, possibly opening his set to Fetty Wap, who appeared on the DJ’s newest single “Text Ur Number.”

Last year’s Powerhouse performers included Bryson Tiller, Young M.A, Tory Lanez and Usher, who brought out Young Thug and Lil Jon during his headlining set.

Tickets for Power 105.1’s Powerhouse 2017 will go on sale on Thursday (August 31) at 10:00 am ET.

Demi Lovato Designs Sportswear Collection for Kate Hudson’s Fabletics

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Demi Lovato is expanding her empire into the fashion world…

After meeting actress and Fabletics founder Kate Hudson at the gym, the 24-year-old part-Mexican American singer/actress has a strong interest in being part of Hudson’s sportswear endeavors.

Demi Lovato Fabletics

“We connected, and she’s just a really cool person. So when Fabletics came to me with the offer, I knew I couldn’t resist. It was something that was the perfect fit,” Lovato tells Billboard.

Proceeds from the Demi Lovato for Fabletics collection directly benefit the United Nations Girl Up initiative. The focus is on their SchoolCycle program, which works with UNFPA to give girls bicycles, spare parts and maintenance training to provide a quick and safe mode of transport to school.

For Lovato, who champions self-love and body confidence, the charity aspect of the capsule collection is a necessary element.

“I’m all about female empowerment, and I think anytime you can empower other women to be a stronger, better version of herself, I’m all for it,” she says. Adding that her advice for girls who are feeling upset or lacking self-confidence is “don’t allow anything to get you down. It’s all about being the best version of yourself. Whether you have to do daily affirmations and tell yourself that you’re beautiful, you’re a rock star or strong. You just have to do it.”

Demi Lovato Fabletics

Lovato makes time for morning workout sessions six times per week where she does a variety of strength and stamina building moves through MMA fighting along with weight training, conditioning, and strengthening exercises with a personal trainer.

“I really don’t like pushups, but I like burpees because I feel like I’m doing something [effective] and those are probably my favorite [exercise move].” Lovato also notes that she enjoys listening to hip-hop and rap music while training, including “Unforgettable” by French Montana ft. Swae Lee [of Rae Sremmurd] and “Humble” by Kendrick Lamar.

As for what’s next in her 15-year career? A YouTube exclusive documentary and new music, naturally.

“I’m releasing an album later this year, so my fans can look forward to that. It’s more soulful and I want to go more R&B with it.”

Click here to purchase Demi Lovato’s Fabletics Collection.

Santana Releases New Track “Dip’d in Coke,” featuring French Montana & Cam’ron

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Juelz Santana is dipping his feet back into the music pool…

The 39-year-old half-Dominican American rapper has released his new track “Dip’d in Coke,” featuring French Montana and Cam’ron.

Juelz Santana

Santana, who began appearon on VH1‘s Love & Hip Hop last year, has been throwing out haymaker after haymaker lately in terms of new records, from his hard-hitting track “Time Ticking” to his old-school anthem “Old Thing Back,” featuring Jadakiss, Redman, Method Man and Busta Rhymes.

“Dip’d in Coke” finds three of New York’s heavyweights boasting about their gaudy jewelry and hefty bank accounts, over the Harry Fraud– and Maaly Raw-produced beat.

Santana’s forthcoming mixtape The Get Back will be released soon.

Spiff TV to Release Urban Compilation Album “The Union”

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Spiff TV has entered into a perfect Union…

The Latino music producer and video director, whose real name is Carlos Suarez, will be releasing his forthcoming urban compilation album The Union as part of a new deal with Sony Latin Music.

Spiff TV

The producer/director/A&R — known for spearheading visuals like French Montana’s “No Shopping” video featuring Drake and working alongside rap heavyweights like Diddy and Rick Ross — will curate The Union, a project that will blend hip-hop, bachata, R&B and reggaeton.

“Throughout my journey with this album and singles, not everyone understood my vision or just found it complicated,” Spiff TV tells Billboard in a statement. “But Sony Latin Music understood it from the moment I walked into their offices and their entire team became passionate of bringing what we currently are as a merged culture.  The Union will be a music model of infusing culture diversity.”

Adds Sony Latin president Nir Seroussi: “There have been many attempts to bring the two worlds together but no one has come close to what Spiff has accomplished. He’s a true visionary and we’re thrilled that he has chosen us as his partner on this groundbreaking project.”

In anticipation for the album, Spiff TV released his latest single “Just As I Am” on Tuesday featuring Prince Royce and Chris Brown. Fusing R&B and bachata, the track will be available on Prince Royce’s new record FIVE, dropping on Friday, Feb. 24.

A release date for The Union is yet to be announced.

Nicky Jam Gives First Performance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”

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It’s a foreign experience for Nicky Jam…

The 35-year-old Puerto Rican and Dominican American singer-songwriter appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Tuesday night to perform alongside The Americanos, Ty Dolla $ign and French Montana.

Nicky Jam

Nicky Jam and the gang performed “In My Foreign,” an original song for the film xXx: Return of Xander Cage.

It’s the first time the reggaetonero has performed on ABC‘s late-night show.

Nicky Jam made his big-screen acting debut in the hit film starring Vin Diesel on January 20 — the same day he released his new studio album ​Fenix, featuring collaborations with J Balvin, Sean Paul and Daddy Yankee​.

Fat Joe Earns His First-Ever Soul Train Music Award Nominations

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Fat Joe has some new Soul to celebrate…

The 46-year-old Puerto Rican and Cuban American rapper has earned his first-ever Soul Train Music Award nominations.

Fat Joe

Fat Joe, whose real name is Joseph Antonio Cartagena, is nominated in the Best Collaboration category for his single “All the Way Up,” featuring Remy Ma, French Montana and Infared.

Fat Joe’s second nomination comes in the Rhythm & Bars Award category, which was formerly known as the Best Hip-Hop Song of the Year, for the infectious track, which has been certified platinum.

But Fat Joe isn’t the only Latino nominee…

Maxwell, who was named Best New Artist at the Soul Train Music Awards nearly 20 years ago, has picked up a nod in the Best R&B/Soul Male Artist.

The 43-year-old half-Puerto Rican R&B singer, a five-time STMA winner, last picked up the Best R&B/Soul Male Artist award in 2009.

Meanwhile, Mariah Carey picked up a nod in The Ashford & Simpson Songwriter’s Award category for co-writing the single, “Don’t,” performed by Bryson Tiller.

Erykah Badu will return as host for the 2016 Soul Train Music Awards, landing at Las Vegas’ Orleans Arena next month.

2016 hip-hop MVP Drake leads the pack with 12 nominations, including a pair of nods for the Video of the Year Award for his viral smash “Hotline Bling” and his guest spot on Rihanna‘s earworm “Work.” Beyonce follows with eight nominations for her work on the visual album Lemonade.

Filming for the Soul Train Music Awards will take place on November 6 before it airs on Centric and BET at 8 p.m. ET on Nov. 27.

Here’s the full list of nominees:

Best New Artist
Anderson .Paak
Andra Day
Bryson Tiller
Chance The Rapper
Ro James
Tory Lanez

Best R&B/Soul Male Artist
Anthony Hamilton
Bryson Tiller
Maxwell
The Weeknd
Usher

Centric Certified Award
After 7
Anderson .Paak
Bilal
Lalah Hathaway
Musiq Soulchild

Video Of The Year
Beyoncé – Formation
Beyoncé – Sorry
Drake – Hotline Bling
Kanye West – Fade
Rihanna Ft. Drake – Work

Best Gospel/ Inspirational Song
Donnie Mcclurkin – I Need You
Hezekiah Walker – Better
Kirk Franklin – 123 Victory
Tamela Mann – God Provides
Travis Greene – Made A Way

Album/Mixtape of the Year
Beyoncé – Lemonade
Bryson Tiller – T R A P S O U L
Dj Khaled – Major Key
Drake – Views
Kanye West – The Life Of Pablo
Rihanna – Anti

Rhythm & Bars Award (Formerly Best Hip-Hop Song of the Year)
Chance The Rapper Ft. Lil Wayne & 2 Chainz – No Problem
Dj Khaled Ft. Drake – For Free
Drake – Controlla
Drake Ft. Wizkid & Kyla – One Dance
Fat Joe & Remy Ma Ft. French Montana & Infared – All The Way Up

Best R&B/Soul Female Artist
Alicia Keys
Beyoncé
Fantasia
Jill Scott
Rihanna

Song of the Year
Adele – Hello
Beyoncé – Formation
Bryson Tiller – Don’t
Drake – Controlla
Rihanna Ft. Drake – Work

The Ashford & Simpson Songwriter’s Award
Hello – Written By: Adele Laurie Blue Adkins, Gregory Allen Kurstin (Adele)
Rise Up – Written By: Andra Day, Jennifer Decilveo (Andra Day)
Formation – Written By: Michael L. Williams Ii, Beyoncé Knowles, Khalif Brown, Aaquil Brown, Asheton Hogan, (Beyoncé)
Don’t – Written By: Johntá M. Austin, Mariah Carey, Bryan-Michael Cox, Jermaine Dupri, Tavoris Javon Hollins, Isom Brandon Stewart, Bryson Dejuan Tiller (Bryson Tiller)
Needed Me – Written By: Nicholas Valentino Audino, Rachel Derrus, Adam King Feeney, Robyn R. Fenty, Brittany Talia Hazzard, Charles Hinshaw Jr., Lewis Beresford Hughes, Dijon Isaiah Mcfarlane, Khaled Rohaim, Te Whiti Te Rangitepaia Mataa Warbick (Rihanna)

Best Dance Performance
Beyoncé – Formation
Drake – Hotline Bling
Kanye West (Dance Performance Ft. Teyana Taylor) – Fade
Rihanna Ft. Drake – Work
Usher Ft. Young Thug – No Limit

Best Collaboration 
Beyoncé Ft. Kendrick Lamar – Freedom
Chance The Rapper Ft. Lil Wayne & 2 Chainz – No Problem
Dj Khaled Ft. Drake – For Free
Fat Joe & Remy Ma Ft. French Montana & Infared – All The Way Up
Rihanna Ft. Drake – Work

 

Yandel Releases Official Music Video for “Nunca me olvides”

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Yandel is making sure he’s unforgettable…

 

Yandel

After premiering his new music video “Nunca me olvides” on Tidal on July 12, the 39-year-old Puerto Rican reggaeton singer-songwriter has made the new clip available on YouTube for all his fans to watch.

The “Nunca me olvides” video, directed by Carlos R. Pérez and filmed in Los Angeles last month, is the first one Yandel premieres under Jay Z‘s Roc Nation.

“Nunca me olvides” is featured on Yandel’s latest album Dangerous which features collaborations with Lil Jon, French Montana, Tego Calderon, De La Ghetto, Spiff TV and Future.

Balvin Expands Universal Music Worldwide Publishing Deal to the U.S.

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J Balvin is heading stateside…

The 31-year-old Colombian reggaeton singer and rapper has extended his exclusive, worldwide publishing deal with Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), weeks before he prepares to release his new solo album this summer.

J Balvin

Balvin, who was previously signed to UMPG Colombia, will now join the publishing company’s U.S. roster and UMPG will continue to administer his entire catalog, including his upcoming album.

The move comes in the wake of rising interest from brands and Hollywood studios in Balvin’s music.

Last year, Balvin’s “Ginza” notched 22 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart and it was the only Latin song on Spotify’s list of most streamed viral songs of 2015.

Balvin was also named Vevo’s Latin artist of the year for 2015. Prior to that, previous hits “6 A.M.” and “Ay Vamos” also hit No. 1 on the Hot Latin songs chart.

In the last year, he has also collaborated in remixes with mainstream market acts like Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, Maroon 5, French Montana and Nicky Jam.

“I consider J Balvin one of the greatest global contemporary songwriters/artists in any genre,” said Evan Lamberg, UMPG President, North America in a statement. “He will be a force for years to come.”

“The massive appeal and magic of J Balvin is yet another example the world is waking up to Latin songwriters and what they can bring to making hits,” added Alexandra Lioutikoff, EVP, Latin Music for UMPG.

J Balvin Scores First No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs Chart with “Ay Vamos”

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It’s a big first for J Balvin…

The 29-year-old Colombian reggaeton singer, considered the breakout Latino artist of 2014, has scored his first No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart as “Ay Vamos” hops 4-1 in its 25th week on the chart.

J Balvin

The track takes Digital Gainer honors on the chart, climbing 78 percent (to 5,000 downloads sold in the week ending Feb. 22, according to Nielsen Music), fueled in part by a performance of the song on Univision‘s Premio Lo Nuestro awards show on February 19, where he took home four awards, including urban artist of the year.

A recently released remix featuring Nicky Jam and French Montana, along with a price reduction (to 69 cents) as part of a digital promotion, also helps the track leap 11-4 on the Latin Digital Songs chart.

On Hot Latin Songs, “Ay Vamos” had spent 10 nonconsecutive weeks stuck at No. 2 on the list, unable to break his tourmate Enrique Iglesias‘ impenetrable 41-week record No. 1 run with “Bailando” featuring Descemer Bueno & Gente de Zona. A week ago, “Bailando” finally fell (1-2), as Mana‘s “Mi Verdad” bowed atop the list. At the same time, “Ay Vamos” slipped 2-4 — to its lowest rank since the Nov. 29-dated chart. But thanks to its surge in sales, the song finally crowns the list with its three-spot leap.

“Ay Vamos,” from Balvin’s La Familia B Sides (released Sept. 16), also earlier spent 16 weeks at No. 1 on Latin Rhythm Airplay (first peaking on Oct. 25), tying with Don Omar‘s “Zumba” for fourth-longest No. 1 run on the chart. It currently continues at No. 2 (with a 10 percent jump in airplay — to 7.7 million audience impressions, according to Nielsen).

Balvin is a 12-time finalist at the upcoming 2015 Billboard Latin Music Awards, airing live on Telemundo from Miami on April 30. He’s a finalist in such categories as artist of the year, new; and hot Latin song of the year for “6 AM” (featuring Farruko). He’ll be speaking at the 2015 Billboard Latin Music Conference.