Grupo Firme Earns Second No. 1 in a Week on Billboard’s Latin Airplay Chart with “El Beneficio De La Duda”

Posted on July 9, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Grupo Firme is replacing itself…

A week after the Mexican band scored its first career No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay chart, the Regional Mexican group replaces itself at the summit with new single “El Beneficio De La Duda,” as the song flies 24-1 on the July 13-dated list.

The new leader follows the one-week reign of “Te Va a Doler,” the group’s first collab with Thalia.

“We are grateful to our audience for supporting each one of our crazy ideas,” Eduin Caz, lead singer for Grupo Firme, tells Billboard. “Both songs are completely different and the fact that they have accepted them as such, to take them to No. 1 one after the other is incredible and only motivates us to keep going.”

“El Beneficio De La Duda” scores 6.2 million audience impressions, up 56%, earned during the June 28-July 4 tracking week, according to Luminate.

Thalia’s “Te Va a Doler,” with Grupo Firme, meanwhile, falls to No. 26 with a 48% decline in audience (down 48%) after one week on top.

Thanks to the 56% gain in audience, “El Beneficio De La Duda” takes home the Greatest Gainer trophy, a weekly award for the song with the largest increase in audience among the 50-title radio ranking.

A pair of California stations lead the way with the most plays, KLAX in Los Angeles and KRZZ in San Francisco, in the latest tracking week, while KFZO in Dallas, rounds up the top three.

“El Beneficio De La Duda,” composed by singer-songwriter Joss Favela and released May 28 via Music VIP, grants the label its first ruler on the overall Latin radio ranking. Music VIP came close when “Que Onda Perdida,” another Grupo Firme song, with Gerardo Coronel, reached No. 3 in July 2023.

“For us, it is wonderful to continue to represent our Mexican music in the highest possible way,” Isael Gutiérrez, founder and CEO of Music VIP Entertainment, tells Billboard. “Every achievement and every record we break drives us to keep innovating and creating music that continues to break boundaries.”

As “El Beneficio De La Duda” lands at the summit on the overall Latin radio tally, Grupo Firme replaces itself at No. 1, the second act to achieve the feat in 2024, following Myke Towers whose “Borracho y Loco” with Yandel ceded the throne to his own “La Falda,” after the latter’s one week in charge (Feb. 24-dated list).

Beyond its Latin Airplay coronation, “El Beneficio De La Duda” takes the lead on the Regional Mexican Airplay chart, for the group’s 10th No. 1 there, tying with Christian Nodal for second-most champs this decade, both trailing only Calibre 50’s 11 No. 1s since 2020.

“When Joss Favela sent me the first take of the song, he simulated the accordion with his voice because the song wasn’t produced yet,” Caz adds. “I still liked how his voice hummed the melody and decided to incorporate it, and that is one of the most special details of the song.”

Grupo Firme, comprising Eduin and Johnny Caz, Abraham Hernandez, Joaquin Ruiz, Christian Gutierrez, Jose Rubio and Dylan Camacho, celebrates its second No. 1 on the heels of the group’s La Última Peda Tour 2024, the 32-date run that launched in San Antonio, Texas on May 10 and will wrap up November 2 at the BMO Stadium in Los Angeles.

Marcello Hernández to Compete in 2024 MLB All-Star Celebrity Softball Game

Posted on July 1, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Marcello Hernández is ready to play ball…

Major League Baseball (MLB) officials have revealed the names of some of the celebrities who’ll be taking part in the 2024 MLB All-Star Celebrity Softball Game, including the 26-year-old Cuban American stand-up comedian, actor and Saturday Night Live cast member.

The game, which is set to take place on July 13th, is part of the All-Star Saturday festivities taking place at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.

Hernández will be joined by 30-year-old Puerto Rican rapper and singer Myke Towers. Both recently celebrated Latino culture in baseball in a campaign with Remezcla Creative Agency titled “El Béisbol es Otra Cosa.” The campain highlighted the great Latino starss in themajor leagues, as well as the many ways Latino communities relate to them.

Other celebrities who are set to participate in the game include actress Gina Rodriguez, singers Eladio Carrion, Payo Solis & Julian Peña, Jr of Grupo Frontera, TV & radio personality Bobby Bones, reality TV personalities West Wilson and Matt James, country music star Kane Brown and influences Dani Austin and Nicky Cass.

Also participating will be former pitcher Pedro Martínez, and former NFL wider receiver Terrell Owens, as well as former NBA point guard Tyrese Maxey and softball legends Jennie Finch, Natasha Watley, and Lauren Gipson (Chamberlain).

Tickets for the All-Star Saturday festivities are now available at allstargame.com, starting from $35 and include all three events on Saturday, including the 2024 All-Star Futures Game, featuring the top Minor League prospects and the MLB Futures Skills Showcase as well as the 2024 All-Star Celebrity Softball Game.

Myke Towers’ “La Capi” Rises to No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay Chart

Posted on May 20, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Myke Towers’ latest single has topped another chart…

The 30-year-old Puerto Rican rapper, singer and songwriter’s “La Capi” rises to No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay chart dated May 25 online one week after the track rose to the summit on the Tropical Airplay chart.

“La Capi,” released via One World International/Warner/Warner Latina, advances from No. 3 to No. 1 boosted by a 12% gain in audience impressions, to 10.3 million, across U.S. Latin stations in the week ending May 10-16, according to Luminate.

The merengue-flavored tune sends Shakira and Grupo Frontera’s “(Entre Paréntesis)” to No. 2 after one week in charge, with a 5% dip in audience, to 9.1 million.

With “La Capi,” Towers banks his 12th No. 1 on Latin Airplay, dating back to “Caramelo,” with Ozuna and Karol G, in 2020.

Towers also enlarges his chart-topping rate to three champs this year, after “Borracho y Loco,” with Wisin, and “La Falda” hit No. 1, for one week in charge each in Feb.

He ties Feid for the most No. 1s on Latin Airplay in 2024.

Notably, out of the 18 No. 1s in 2024, Towers is the third male soloist to hit No. 1 unaccompanied by another artist. He previously led this year, on his own, with “La Falda” on the Feb. 24-dated list.

Also in 2024, Xavi achieved the feat through “La Diabla” (two weeks at No. 1 in February and March), while Ozuna completed a one-week reign with “Baccarat” (March 30 chart).

Towers’ new leader joins “La Falda” and “Lala” as the third No. 1 from Towers’ album, LVEU: Vive La Tuya…No La Mía, his fourth top 10 on Top Latin Albums (No. 9 high, last December).

Elsewhere, “La Capi” holds strong at its No. 1 peak on Tropical Airplay for a second week.

Myke Towers Earns Second No. 1 on Billboard’s Tropical Airplay Chart with “La Capi”

Posted on May 15, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Myke Towers is celebrating another tropical chart-topper…

The 30-year-old Puerto Rican rapper, singer and songwriter has earned his second No. 1 on Billboard’s Tropical Airplay chart as “La Capi” rises 2-1 to lead the May 18-dated list.

It’s the second ruler on the radio ranking for Towers, who first crowned the list with “Travesuras” in 2021. While Towers picks up his second No. 1 with his second entry, he’s notched 30 titles on the Latin Rhythm Airplay ranking, including 11 No. 1s.

“La Capi,” released November 23, is one of 23 songs on Towers’ LVEU: Vive La Tuya…No La Mía album, which debuted at No. 9 on Top Latin Albums (December 2023).

The song launched at No. 7 on Tropical Airplay in March and completes a steady climb to the summit in its eighth week, with 9.17 million audience impressions, up 49% on U.S. reporting radio stations during the May 3-9 tracking week, according to Luminate.

The song’s eight-week trek to the penthouse bests Towers’ preceding ruler: “Travesuras,” with Nio García, Casper Mágico, Ozuna, Wisin & Yandel, Towers and Flow La Movie, wrapped a 17-week journey to in March 2021.

With “La Capi” ascending to the summit on Tropical Airplay, Towers joins six other artists outside the genre who have secured a No. 1 through a collaboration or as soloists in the last year.

Here’s the recap of those winners dating back to May 6, 2023:

Title, Artist, Date reached No. 1
“El Merengue,” Marshmello & Manuel Turizo, Aug. 5, 2023
“Bailando Bachata,” Chayanne, April 8, 2023
“Así Es La Vida,” Enrique Iglesias & Maria Becerra, Dec. 9, 2023
“Cosas de La Peda,” Gabito Ballesteros (with Prince Royce), Feb. 24
“La Capi,” Myke Towers, May 18

“La Capi” also rallies 11-3 on the overall Latin Airplay chart, and gives Towers his 13th top 10.

Beyond its radio popularity, “La Capi” debuts at No. 45 on Hot Latin Songs, the airplay-, digital- and streaming-combined chart, despite a 2% decline in streaming activity, which translates to 145,000 official U.S. streams logged during the same period. The song joins two other Tower tracks on the multi-metric tally, “Adivino,” with Bad Bunny, which drops 2-4, and “La Falda” dips 15-19.

Myke Towers & Bad Bunny Release the Electro Reggaetón Track “Adivino”

Posted on April 25, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Myke Towers is telling fortunes with El Conejo Malo…

The 30-year-old Puerto Rican rapper, singer and songwriter has joined voices with Bad Bunny to release the electro reggaetón banger “Adivino.”

Produced by Jarom Sua, De La Cruz and Eiby, it’s the first single off Towers’ upcoming album.

The track finds the two superstars delving into the challenges of a relationship and the roller coaster of emotions spawned by a breakup.

The club-ready track follows Towers’ latest string of hits, including “La Falda,” which currently sits at No. 12 on Billboard‘s Hot Latin Songs chart dated April 27, and his global smash hit “LaLa.”

The latter peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart dated July 22, becoming his first leader on the list. Most recently, Towers teamed up with Ovy on the Drums for a joint EP titled Cassette 1, which they released in March.

Meanwhile, for Bad Bunny, “Adivino” marks his first song release of the year.

El Conejo Malo has been on the road with his Most Wanted Tour — in support of his Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana album — which kicked off on February 21 in Salt Lake City.

Towers is set to launch the European leg of his VIVE LA TUYA… NO LA MÍA Tour, which kicks off on May 21 at Madrid’s WiZink Center. The tour will visit 19 European cities, including Barcelona, Milan, Amsterdam and Sevilla, with additional dates to be announced soon.

It’s the latest collab between the two artists.

The pair have collaborated in the past for the 2019 “Estamos Arriba” and, a year later, for “Puesto Pa’ Guerrial.”

Karol G & Peso Pluma’s “Qlona” Rises to No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay Chart

Posted on February 26, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Karol G and Peso Pluma’s smash collaboration is back atop the charts…

Five months after the 33-year-old Colombian Grammy-winning singer and 24-year-old Mexican Grammy-winning singer’s “Qlona” concluded its fifth week at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart, the collaboration rises 2-1 to lead the Latin Airplay chart dated March 2.

“Qlona” lands at the summit with a 17% gain in audience impressions, to 9.54 million, earned in the U.S. in the week ending February 22, according to Luminate.

It ousts Myke Towers’ “La Falda” from the top after one week in charge, dropping 1-2 with a 10% dip in impressions, to 9.5 million.

As “Qlona” reaches the summit in its 23rd week on the list, it wraps the longest journey to the top spot this decade, passing the 22-week trek that two Towers’ songs needed to their reign in 2020: “Bandido,” with Juhn, and “Bésame,” with Luis Fonsi. (The last song to take longer to reach No. 1 was Pedro Capo and Farruko’s “Calma,” which hit the top in its 24th week, on the April 13, 2019 chart.)

With “Qlona” on top, Karol logs the 17th No. 1 in her Latin Airplay career. The new champ arrives five months after her own “Mi Ex Tenía Razón” reigned for two weeks last October.

Peso Pluma, meanwhile, picks up his third, after “Ella Baila Sola,” with Eslabon Armado, ruled for one week last June.

Elsewhere, “Qlona” wins a first term at No. 1 on Latin Rhythm Airplay, marking a 16th win for Karol. It’s the second Latin rhythmic crown for Pluma, after the four-week champ “La Bebe,” with Yng Lvcas, in 2023.

Thanks to its radio haul, “Qlona” rebounds 5-4 on the multimetric Hot Latin Songs chart — which blends airplay, streaming activity, and digital sales — after five weeks in charge.

Myke Towers Earns 11th No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay Chart with “La Falda”

Posted on February 21, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Myke Towers has skirted his way to the top of the charts…

The 30-year-old Puerto Rican rapper, singer and songwriter has pounced to No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay chart as “La Falda” rises from No. 5 to lead the list dated February 24.

The song, announced on Towers’ X account in November, is the focus track from his 23-song album LVEU: Vive La Tuya… No La Mía, which debuted and peaked at No. 9 on Top Latin Albums on the December 9-dated list.

With the new leader, Towers collects his 11th Latin Airplay No. 1 and second in 2024, after the Yandel collab, “Borracho y Loco” (February 17 chart).

“La Falda” likewise ascends to No. 1 on Latin Rhythm Airplay, securing Towers an 11th champ there as well.

For the tracking week February 9-15, “La Falda” registered 10.54 million audience impressions in the U.S., up 47% from the week prior, according to Luminate, and takes the Greatest Gainer honors.

Towers’ run of Latin Airplay No. 1s began just a little more than three years ago, when “Caramelo,” with Ozuna and Karol G, peaked at No. 1 in late 2020, where it remained for three weeks.

Here’s a look at his collection of wins on the overall radio ranking:

Title, Artist, Peak, Weeks at No. 1
“Caramelo,” with Ozuna & Karol G, Aug. 15, 2020, three
“Mi Niña,” with Los Legendarios & Wisin, Jan. 16, 2021, one
“La Nota,” with Manuel Turizo & Rauw Alejandro, Jan. 23, 2021, one
“Travesuras,” with Nio Garcia, Casper Mágico, Ozuna, Wisin, Yandel & Flow La Movie, March 6, 2021, one
“Bandido,” with Juhn, June 19, 2021, one
“Pareja Del Año,” with Sebastián Yatra, Aug. 14, 2021, one
“Bésame,” with Luis Fonsi, Nov. 27, 2021, one
“Ulala,” with Daddy Yankee, April 8, 2023, one
“Lala,” Sept. 23, 2023, two
“Borracho Y Loco,” with Yandel, Feb. 17, 2024, one
“La Falda,” Feb. 24, 2024

Thanks to its radio haul, “La Falda” pushes 18-12 on the multimetric Hot Latin Songs chart, which blends streaming activity, digital sales, and radio airplay.

“La Falda” rises to new peaks on both Global charts as well. It lifts 85-75 on Billboard Global 200, powered largely by with 24 million worldwide streams. Meanwhile, it pushes 56-47 on Global Excl. U.S. supported in great part by 20 million clicks outside the U.S.

Yandel & Myke Towers’ “Borracho y Loco” Rises to No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay Chart

Posted on February 12, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Yandel is back on top…

The 47-year-old Puerto Rican singer and songwriter and the half-member of the reggaeton duo Wisin & Yandel and Myke Towers have notched another No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay chart as “Borracho y Loco” crowns the list dated February 17.

It’s the first collaboration by two Latin rhythm acts to top the chart in 2024.

Yandel and Towers’ track advances from the runner-up slot with 10.3 million audience impressions earned in the U.S. in the week ending February 8 (up 18%), according to Luminate.

It sends last week’s No. 1, Xavi’s “La Diabla” down to No. 7 after one week in charge. The latter declined 26% to 7.1 million in audience.

“The truth is that it makes me very happy that with so many years making music my songs still reach the first places and top lists in the United States and other parts of the world,” Yandel told Billboard.

As “Borracho y Loco” lands at the summit, it becomes the pair’s second No. 1 team-up. The Puerto Ricans last ruled the overall Latin Airplay ranking through a Nio Garcia, Casper Mágico, Ozuna, Wisin and Flow La Movie collab, when “Travesuras” topped the tally for one-week in 2021.

With “Borracho y Loco” Yandel scores his 16th champ on Latin Airplay. Further, he ties with Nicky Jam for the seventh-most No. 1s among male urban artists since the tally launched in 1994.

Here’s a review of the winners:

36, J Balvin
33, Ozuna
28, Daddy Yankee
24, Bad Bunny
24, Maluma
22, Wisin
16, Nicky Jam
16, Yandel

“I am beyond grateful for my fans, my producers and the artists I have had the joy of collaborating with,” Yandel adds. “Now another No. 1 arrives through ‘Borracho y Loco.’ Myke Towers, thanks brother! Here we go, another No. 1 for the books!”

For Towers, the rapper and singer-songwriter lands his 10th No. 1 with his 31st chart appearance. He last topped the chart with the viral TikTok hit “Lala,” which spent two weeks at No. 1 in September 2023.

“Borracho y Loco” takes over Latin Airplay in its 18th week, marking the second-longest climb to the top for both artists. Previously, Yandel placed three songs at the summit each one in its 20th week, including two featured roles: through Maluma’s “El Perdedor,” and in IAmChino’s “Ay Dios Miío,” which also featured Pitbull and Chacal, and with “Nunca Me Olvides,” all in 2016.

Tower’s, meanwhile, secured two songs at No. 1 in 22 weeks each: “Bandido” with Juhn, and “Bésame,” with Luis Fonsi, in June and Nov. 2021, respectively.

Marcello Hernandez Stars in Nissan’s Upcoming Super Bowl Commercial

Posted on February 6, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

It’s a family affair for Marcello Hernandez… with a Regional Mexican twist.

The 26-year-old Cuban and Dominican American stand-up comedian, actor and Saturday Night Live cast member stars in Nissan’s upcoming Super Bowl commercial, appearing alongside the members of Grupo Frontera

The 60-second commercial released on Monday (February 5) features Hernandez retelling the riveting story about his unexpected, yet adventurous journey while test-driving the latest Nissan Pathfinder. Just as he hits the road, Hernandez gets calls from his abuela, sister and uncle asking him — and the Nissan salesperson as his co-pilot — to pick them up. So, they do.

“From the dealership to the mountains, desert and beach, Hernandez and the salesperson make their way through this epic adventure, the Pathfinder navigates various terrains while thrilling everyone across all generations of the family,” an official description of the ad reads.

As he’s telling this nail-biting story in a diner, Grupo Frontera pops up from a booth behind him and asks Hernandez to keep narrating his epic adventure. “Qué? No, sigue, sigue,” the group orders.

The ad will air on TelevisaUnivision on Sunday, February 11, as part of the network’s Super Bowl 2024 broadcast for Spanish-language viewers.

Univision will also broadcast a pre-kickoff performance — featuring a special performance by Puerto Rican star Myke Towers — presented by Nissan, which will air on Univision at 4:00 pm ET Sunday from the Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

“At Nissan, we’re always looking for ways to deeply connect with our customers,” said Marisstella Marinkovic, chief marketing officer, Nissan USA, in a statement. “We’re using the nation’s biggest game day to air an in-language spot that reignites the love of Nissan among bicultural Latinos, who comprise many of our customers. From our partnership with TelevisaUnivision, to the Latino talent and the director we casted, we brought music and sports together to create a thrilling in-language and in-culture experience.”

“This is a significant moment for TelevisaUnivision, and we’re excited for Nissan to debut their Spanish-language creative to our audience,” added John Kozack, executive vice president of multimedia sales at TelevisaUnivision. “Latinos are an economic powerhouse, and this national stage provides the perfect opportunity for brands like Nissan to reach this fast-growing demographic – and further our goal of showcasing the value and importance of in-language and in-culture advertising to this consumer base.”

Bad Bunny Earns 23rd No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay Chart with “Un Preview”

Posted on November 28, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Bad Bunny is ruling the roost yet again…

A week after crowning multiple Billboard year-end charts, the 29-year-old Puerto Rican Grammy-winning superstar has added a new chart achievement to his roster as “Un Preview” ascends 2-1 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay ranking dated December 2.

The song’s new coronation follows its command on the Latin Rhythm Airplay chart, for a third week in charge.

“Un Preview” rises to the summit on Latin Airplay with 10.3 million audience impressions earned in the U.S. during the November 17-23 tracking week, according to Luminate.

That’s a 14% gain from the week prior, which sends Myke Towers’ “LaLa” to No. 6, after two weeks atop, with 16% dip, to 7.8 million impressions.

As “Un Preview” takes the lead, Bad Bunny earns his 23rd champ, thus tying with Maluma for the fifth-most No. 1s overall, since Latin Airplay began in 1994.

As the Top Latin Artist of 2023 “previews” a new No. 1, here’s the list of all artists with as many or more:

36, J Balvin
33, Ozuna
32, Enrique Iglesias
28, Daddy Yankee
23, Bad Bunny
23, Maluma

The new No. 1 also continues Bad Bunny’s chart-topping achievements as a soloist.

Among his 23 champs, “Un Preview” becomes his eighth solo leader, unaccompanied by any other act. Further, it’s the third No. 1 song as a soloist with an English-language title, after “Moscow Mule” and “Where She Goes” topped Latin Airplay for one week on July 2022 and last August, respectively.

Here’s a look at those solo winners:

Peak Date, Title, Weeks at No. 1
March 14, 2020, “Vete,” one
Aug. 1, 2020, “La Dificil, one
June 6, 2020, “Yo Perreo Sola,” two
Sept. 4, 2021, “Yonaguni,” one
July 30, 2022, “Moscow Mule,” one
Sept. 24, 2022, “Titi Me Preguntó,” one
Aug. 12, 2023, “Where She Goes,” one
Dec. 2, 2023, “Un Preview”

Elsewhere, “Un Preview” rebounds to its No. 1 high for a third week on Latin Rhythm Airplay.

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