Gabito Ballesteros Earns First No. 1 on Billboard’s Tropical Airplay Chart with Prince Royce-Collab “Cosas de la Peda”

Gabito Ballesteros is celebrating a Billboard first…

The 24-year-old Mexican singer-songwriter and record producer’s collaboration with Prince Royce, “Cosas De La Peda” rises to the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Tropical Airplay chart as their first partnership advances from the runner-up slot to lead the February 24-dated list.

Gabito Ballesteros, Prince RoyceThat translates into a 24th No. 1 for Prince Royce, while Ballesteros scores his first champ on first try.

“Cosas De La Peda,” Mexican slang for “drunken times,” lifts 2-1 on the tropical radio ranking with by a 37% gain in audience impressions, to 6.2 million earned in the U.S. during the February 9-15 tracking week, according to Luminate.

The track trades places with Marc Anthony’s “Punta Cana” which drops 1-2 with an 11% dip in impressions, to 5.2 million.

Prior to its release, “Cosas De La Peda” received its fair share of promotion. The Bronx-born singer premiered the song live for the first time, with Ballesteros, during Calibash festival at the Crypto Arena in Los Angeles on January 12. Plus, a performance on ABC’s Good Morning America followed on January 17.

With “Peda,” Royce collects his 24th No. 1 on Tropical Airplay, continuing with the third-most leaders since the chart’s inception in 1994. Only two soloists stand ahead him: Marc Anthony with 36 No. 1s and Victor Manuelle with 29. Here’s an updated look at the artists with the most No. 1 hits on the almost three-decade-old ranking:

36, Marc Anthony
29, Victor Manuelle
24, Prince Royce
18, Romeo Santos
14, Elvis Crespo
14, Gilberto Santa Rosa
13, Jerry Rivera
12, Juan Luis Guerra 440
11, India

Ballesteros, who seasoned “Peda” with his corridos tumbados flair, lands a first No. 1 on the Tropical Airplay —and on any airplay ranking— thanks to the bachata tumbada. The Mexican producer first landed a No. 1 on a Billboard chart as a producer of the two-week champ “Lady Gaga,” with Peso Pluma and Junior H (last September).

Elsewhere, “Cosas De La Peda” flies 26-11 on the overall Latin Airplay tally. It bests Ballesteros’ previous No. 37 entry with “La Pelinegra,” with La Adictiva, last October.

Cosas De La Peda” is one of 23 songs from Royce’s latest seventh full-length album, Llamada Perdida, released February 16 through Sony Music Latin; it has not entered any Billboard charts yet. The song was produced by Edgar Barrera and Luis Miguel Gómez Castaño, better known as Casta.

Luis R. Conriquez Releases New Album “Corridos Bélicos, Vol. IV”

Luis R. Conriquez has released new music…

The 27-year-old Mexican singer-songwriter of Regional Mexican music and pioneer of corridos bélicos has assembled an all-star team of collaborators for Corridos Bélicos, Vol. IV, which was released on Friday, January 5.

Luis R. ConriquezWith guest artists like Peso Pluma, Gerardo Ortiz, El Fantasma, Junior H, Gabito Ballesteros, Edén Muñoz, Fuerza Regida, Alfredo Olivas and Natanael Cano, Conriquez recruits some of the best in música mexicana, and honors both the new and old generations of regional Mexican hitmakers.

The set includes a total of 23 songs all powered by the subgenre’s signature sound, punctuated by sierreño guitars, trombones, trumpets and a tololoche.

Most of the album’s songs narrate rags-to-riches stories with lyrics inspired by narco culture, the style of storytelling that has defined corridos bélicos.

Conriquez’s Corridos Bélicos, Vol. IV rings in the year with a tour de force that showcases solidarity in Mexican music — the genre had a massive 2023 and this year looks just as promising.

Peso Pluma Tops YouTube’s List of Top 5 Most-Viewed Artists in the U.S. in 2023

Peso Pluma is this year’s streaming sensation…

YouTube has unveiled its Top 5 Most-Viewed Artists in the United States in 2023, with the 24-year-old Mexican Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter leading the pack.

Peso PlumaThe música Mexicana (Regional Mexican) phenomenon comes in at No. 1 for the first time on the coveted list due to fans connecting through his live performance at Coachella, for example.

The artist born Hassan Emilio Kabande Laija had more than 8.5 billion views throughout the year, according to a press release from the platform.

The massive success that songs such as Yng Lvcas’ “La Bebe (Remix),” “Ella Baila Sola” with Eslabon Armado, the Karol G-assisted “QLONA,” “Lady Gaga” in collaboration with Gabito Ballesteros and Junior H, and “Rubicon” had in 2023 ultimately made La Doble P the No. 1 most played artist on YouTube in the U.S. this year.

He’s followed by YoungBoy Never Broke Again at No. 2, Drake at No. 3, Bad Bunny at No. 4, and Taylor Swift at No. 5.

Peso Puma, who hails from Zapopan, also scored two songs on YouTube’s Top 10 Songs of the Year list with “Ella Baila Sola” at No.3 and “La Bebe (Remix)” at No. 4.

The former also wrapped the year at No. 1 on the Billboard year-end Hot Latin Songs chart. Penned by Pedro Tovar about a man drawn by a woman’s beauty, “Ella Baila Sola” made history as the first regional Mexican song to dominate the Billboard Global 200 chart, where it led for six consecutive weeks.

Additionally, Pluma topped Billboard’s Top 5 New Latin Artists of 2023 list and was No. 2 on the Top Latin Artist of 2023 list, following Bad Bunny.

Peso Pluma Among Headliners for Next Year’s Tecate Pa’l Norte Festival

Peso Pluma is heading to Monterrey for a special performance next spring…

The 24-year-old Mexican Regional Mexican artist is among the headliners for the next edition of the Tecate Pa’l Norte festival, which has announced the extensive list of international stars that will take the stage the weekend of March 29-31.

Peso PlumaPeso Pluma is among a list of headliners that includes Keane, Maná and Fuerza Regida.

As it does every year, Fundidora Park in Monterrey, Nuevo León, in northern Mexico, will host one of the most highly anticipated musical events, where attendees can enjoy genres such as rock, pop, hip-hop and regional Mexican music. 

The first day will feature artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Peso Pluma, Keane, Aleman, Bad Religion, Belanova, Aterciopelados, Bomba Estéreo, Chencho Corleone, Deorro, Los Estrambóticos, Aitana and a large number of emerging groups.

The second day will highlight Blink-182, Louis Tomlinson, Thirty Seconds to Mars, Anitta, Danna Paola, Danny Ocean, Gabito Ballesteros, Latin Mafia, Sum 41, Yng Lvcas, Humbe, Young the Giant, R3hab, Justin Morales and many more.

The last day of the festival will feature Maná, Imagine Dragons, Placebo, Fuerza Regida, Los Enanitos Verdes, Enjambre, Kenia Os, Santa Fe Klan, Álvaro Díaz, Jay de la Cueva, Oscar Maydón, Kinky, The Warning and The Blessed Madonna, in addition to a variety of up-and-coming artists.

Created in 2012 by the entertainment company Apodaca Group, based in Monterrey, Tecate Pa’l Norte was created with the local public in mind, which had to travel to Mexico City to attend these types of musical events. Music, art, gastronomy and northern traditions come together in Tecate Pa’l Norte, considered one of the most important festivals in the country along with Vive Latino and Corona Capital, held in Mexico City by Ocesa.

Fuerza Regida Releases Eclectic New Album “Pa’ las Baby’s y Belikeada”

Fuerza Regida is celebrating “las baby’s”…

The Mexican American Regional Mexican band has released its eighth studio album Pa’ las Baby’s y Belikeada.

Fuerza RegidaThe album opens with a dark and seductive tone, as a sultry female voice confidently professes her affection for corridos. Her high-heeled footsteps echo in the background as she appears to pick up a machine gun, effortlessly blending sensuality with outlaw imagery, creating an intriguing juxtaposition.

Across an expansive 30-track journey, the San Bernardino, California troupe embarks on a daring and audacious expedition, fearlessly delving into the realm of corridos bélicos with a distinctive drill influence.

The album serves as a testament to the group’s evolution as they immerse themselves in la belikeada movement, embracing the realm of excess in all forms: women, power, wealth.

They deliver the expected corridos alterados, this time complete with menacing accordion arrangements; and the inclusion of tracks like “Zona de Comfort” adds a touch of cumbia sabrosura to the mix.

Known for their chart-topping prowess, the group also features their previous hits like “TQM” and “Sabor Fresa.” The album’s lyrical themes stay true to their rags-to-riches narrative (“FVDP”), reminding us of the hard-fought journey to success. However, Pa’ las Baby’s also ventures into unexpected territories. “Harley Quinn” sees them collaborating with Marshmello, infusing EDM elements into música mexicana, while “Freaky Freaky” (featuring Calle 24 and Armenta) brings reggaetón rhythms. JOP even switches to English for the sinister drill number “Dafuk,” showcasing the group’s versatility.

Also featuring El Fantasma, Maria Becerra, Juanpa Salazar, Gabito Ballesteros, Manuel Turizo, Chino Pacas and more, Fuerza Regiga maintains its signature blinged-out corridos style, solidifying its place in the genre. Still, they also boldly experiment with new sounds and genres, expanding their sonic horizons.

Belikeada is a testament to their ability to push boundaries while staying true to their roots, ensuring that that the group remains a reckoning force in the world of Mexican and Mexican-American music.

Becky G Releases New Album “Esquinas”

Becky G is turning a new corner(s)

The 26-year-old Mexican American singer/rapper has released the new album Esquinas via Kemosabe Records/RCA Records.

Becky GBeck G’s new album is a heartfelt exploration of her dual identity as a proud 200 percenter. The title translates to “corners,” symbolizing the meeting point between two cultures.

Celebrating her Mexican and American roots, the Inglewood native weaves a vibrant musical tapestry that spans corridos, rancheras and baladas while showcasing her deep reverence for her heritage.

For instance, “2ndo Chance,” featuring Ivan Cornejo’s haunting vocals, kicks off the album with a dreamy, nostalgic ballad that sets the tone for an introspective journey through her bicultural upbringing. Then there’s the cheeky “Cries in Spanish,” a whimsical duet with fellow Mexican-American DannyLux, that’s set to sad sierreño. The album’s latest single, “Querido Abuelo,” stands as a touching tribute to her late grandfather, a gut-wrenching balada which honors the sacrifices made by our ancestors as children of immigrants. Becky’ Gs vocals are at their most poignant here, manifesting her maturity and emotional depth.

Also starring Yahritza y Su Esencia, Chiquis, Angela and Leonardo Aguilar, Peso Pluma, and Gabito Ballesteros, her third studio album is a testament to her growth as a “genreless” artist, she claims, and her commitment to representing her bloodline proudly.

Peso Pluma Earns Third No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs Chart with Gabito Ballesteros & Junior H Collab “Lady Gaga”

Peso Pluma has another chart-topper…

The 24-year-old Mexican singer-songwriter’s “Lady Gaga,” his collaboration with Gabito Ballesteros and Junior H, rises 3-1 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart dated September 30.

Peso PlumaThe song, one of 17 tracks from Peso Pluma’s Top Latin Albums No. 1 Génesis, gives Ballesteros and Junior H their first champ on the chart.

“Lady Gaga” advances to No. 1 on the multi-metric tally fueled by a streaming surge during the September 15-21 tracking week. According to Luminate, the song registered 13 million U.S. official streams; a 23% gain from the week prior. The gain pushes the song from No. 36 to No. 25 on the overall Streaming Songs chart and No. 2-1 on Latin Streaming Songs.

Sales also helped push the song up Hot Latin Songs: “Lady Gaga” gained a 33% in digital sales, to a little over 500 downloads sold, jumping 7-6 on Latin Digital Songs. Hot Latin Songs blends streaming data, digital sales, and airplay.

Ballesteros and Junior H nab their first No. 1s on Hot Latin Songs. Ballesteros previously reached No. 6 through the three-way collab “AMG,” also with Peso Pluma and Natanael Cano, in February. Junior H’s highest peaking song arrived with the co-billed “Luna,” likewise with Peso Pluma (chart dated July 8).

Pluma, meanwhile, claims his third champ and replaces himself at No. 1 as “Qlona,” with Karol G, drops 1-2, while “Ella Baila Sola,” with Eslabon Armado, falls 2-3.

Beyond its coronation on Hot Latin Songs, “Lady Gaga” rebounds 53-37 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 after its debut and peak at No. 35 in July, while concurrently ascends to a new peak on Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart, from No. 24-16 on the current chart.

Peso Pluma Breaks Bad Bunny’s Record for Most Simultaneous Tracks on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs Chart

Peso Pluma is making history…

The 24-year-old Mexican singer/songwriter, whose third studio album Génesis recently earned him a first No. 1 on any Billboard album chart, has placed a total 25 titles on the Hot Latin Songs chart in the week ending June 29, according to Luminate.

Peso PlumaIn the process, Peso Pluma breaks the record for the most simultaneous tracks on the tally, surpassing Bad Bunny’s 24-title record, held since May 1, 2022, concurrent with the week his Un Verano Sin Ti album arrived on the album charts.

With 101.8 million streams, Peso Pluma’s 17-track set Genesis boasts the largest streaming week ever for a Regional Mexican album.

As a result of Génesis’ strong streaming performance, 10 of its cuts debut on the Hot Latin Songs chart, which blends streams, airplay and sales to rank the 50 most popular Latin songs in the U.S. “Luna,” with Junior H, leads the new arrivals at No. 5, with 13 million official on-demand streams earned in the U.S.

Since Peso Pluma’s maiden entry on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart in April 2022, the Regional Mexican juggernaut has placed 31 total entries on the list, including his collab with Eslabon Armado, “Ella Baila Sola,” which leads the survey in its 13th week, and counting. The song concurrently dominated Billboard Global 200 for six weeks — the most for a Spanish-language tune. Plus, the pair-up logged a historic top 10 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100, becoming the first regional Mexican top 10 in the chart’s 64-year history.

Back on Hot Latin Songs, two other songs from Génesis start in the upper region: “Lady Gaga,” with Gabito Ballesteros and Junior H, at No. 6, and “VVS,” with Edgardo Nuñez and Los Dareyes de La Sierra, which rounds out the top 10 crew at No. 10.

Here’s the complete list of songs by Peso Pluma on the current ranking:

Ranking, Title, Artist (if other than Peso Pluma)
No. 1, “Ella Baila Sola,” with Eslabon Armado (13 weeks at No. 1)
No. 2, “La Bebe,” with Yng Lvcas
No. 5, “Luna,” with Junior H (debut)
No. 6, “Lady Gaga,” with, Gabito Ballesteros & Junior H (debut)
No. 9, “Bye”
No. 10, “VVS,” with Edgardo Núñez & Los Dareyes de La Sierra (debut)
No. 11, “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 55,” with Bizarrap
No. 12, “Rubicon” (debut)
No. 14, “PRC,” with Natanael Cano
No. 15, “Por Las Noches”
No. 16, “El Azul,” with Junior H
No. 17, “Nueva Vida” (debut)
No. 19, “Lagunas,” with Jasiel Nuñez (debut)
No. 20, “Rosa Pastel,” with Jasiel Nuñez
No. 21, “Carnal,” with Natanael Cano (debut)
No. 22, “Plebada,” with El Alfa
No. 24, “Gavilán II,” with Tito Double (debut)
No. 26, “Chanel,” with Becky G
No. 27, “77,” with Eladio Carrión
No. 28, “Zapata” (debut)
No. 29, “Su Casa,” with Luis R Conriquez (debut)
No. 33, “La People,” with Tito Double P (debut)
No. 38, “Las Morras,” with Blessd
No. 45, “El Tsurito,” with Junior H & Gabito Ballesteros
No. 50, “Ando Enfocado,” with codiciado & Jaziel Avilez

Further, “Rosa Pastel,” with Jasiel Nuñez, conquers Hot Latin Songs as the Greatest Gainer/Streaming song of the week with a robust 113% gain, to 6.4 million clicks in the U.S. during the June 23-29 tracking week.

In addition to his impressive achievements this week, Peso Pluma debuts seven songs on the Hot 100. With the newcomers, he has a total of 14 concurrent titles on the all-genre ranking, the most for a regional Mexican artist ever and the second-most among all Latin artists, behind Bad Bunny who placed 22, 20 and 17 simultaneous songs during the May 21-, May 28-, and June 4, 2022-dated charts, respectively.

Becky G Teams Up with Gabito Ballesteros to Release New Single “La Nena”

Becky G is that girl

The 26-year-old Mexican American singer, rapper and actress has joined voices with Mexican newcomer Gabito Ballesteros to release “La Nena,” the latest single from her upcoming regional Mexican album.

Becky GHer new corrido single navigates from trumpets to strings, resulting in an enticing rhythm complemented by the harmonizing voices of Becky and Gabito to create a new female anthem.

Co-written and co-produced by Edgar Barrera and Ballesteros, the lyrics in “La Nena” tell the story of an empowered woman who chooses to continue dancing through life despite having her heart broken.

“She dances alone, but if she only knew how beautiful she looks single,” goes the chorus.

Natanael Cano’s Los CT Imprint Signs Global Deal with Downtown Music Services

Natanael Cano’s record imprint has a new partner…

Downtown Music Services has inked a global distribution, creative marketing and synch licensing deal with the 21-year-old Mexican rapper and singer-songwriter’s record imprint, Los CT.

Natanael CanoThe label’s current roster includes Gabito BallesterosAlejandro Buelna, Tyan G and more.

Under the deal, Downtown Music Services will be responsible for all aspects of global distribution, creative marketing and synch for Los CT. This includes providing listeners with access to new music releases, securing strategic marketing and synch opportunities and ensuring that Los CT artist releases are available on all major digital streaming platforms.

Cano launched Los CT last year amid a public dispute with his former label, Rancho Humilde, as an opportunity to continue broadening the Mexican music style he’s been actively internationalizing.

“I am always very happy to work with people who supported me from the beginning,” Cano said in a press release. “Now being able to distribute my music with some of the same people who always believed in me, I am extremely grateful and motivated to continue giving my all alongside the Downtown Music Services team.”

Downtown Music Services vp of A&R Latin, Ray Tapia, worked side by side with Cano’s manager, Ramon Emilio Hernández, to make this partnership a reality. A subsidiary of Downtown Music Holdings, Downtown Music Services offers bespoke distribution, publishing administration, creative marketing and finance solutions to entrepreneurial creators and their partners.

Tapia said, “We are thrilled to partner with Natanael Cano and the Los CT record label team. The Mexican music scene is undergoing a transformation with an increasing number of collaborations and a growing number of artists attracting millions of monthly listeners. This genre remains one of if not the most independent, and we are super excited to have the opportunity to contribute to its success. ¡Ánimo!

“We have been working on this for a minute and I am really excited about this partnership and how we are helping put this new era of the culture out there,” added Hernández. “There is so much promising talent in this space and we look forward to working with some of these artists and the team at Downtown Music. They really knew the genre, the music and understood our goals from the beginning.”

This year, Cano has achieved three entries on the Billboard Global 200 chart, including “AMG” with Gabito Bastelleros and Peso Pluma which hit No. 35 on the tally. He’s also scored two entries on the Billboard Hot 100.