Ryan Castro Teams Up with Grupo Frontera to Release New Single “APODO”

Posted on August 16, 2025 by Tom Castaneda

Ryan Castro is embracing a new nickname…

The 31-year-old Colombian rapper, singer and songwriter has joined voices for the first time with Grupo Frontera to release the new single “APODO” via AWOO Corp. and Sony Music Latin.

Produced by Latin hitmaker Edgar Barrera and co-written by Barrera, Castro, and Andrés Jael Correa Rios, the song laces Grupo Frontera’s modern-day norteño melodies around Castro’s breezy Caribbean reggae beats.

Sonically, the tune is laid-back and fun, but lyrically, it’s heart-wrenching, referring to a person who was not loved nor respected in a relationship.

“It doesn’t hurt to see you with another man/ it hurts that you gave this love another name/ almost something/ a madness/ a hook-up/ an adventure/ the mistake of your life,” says the catchy but heartbreaking chorus.

The music video—showcasing both act’s fun vibes and chemistry—was filmed in the Rio Grande Valley, where Grupo Frontera and Barrera are from.

Lucero to Receive Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

Posted on July 2, 2025 by Tom Castaneda

Lucero’s star won’t ever dim…

The 55-year-old Mexican singer, actress and television personality, dubbed the “Americas’ Sweetheart“, is among the artists who will receive stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the coming year.

Lucero, known for her influence in Latin music and Hispanic television with a career spanning over four decades, will be honored for her storied television career after starring in numerous hit telenovelas, including Cuando Llega el Amor (1990), Los Parientes Pobres (1993) and Lazos de Amor (1996).

But Lucero isn’t the only Hispanic artist receiving a star…

Mexican American band Intocable, three-time Latin Grammy winners for their Regional Mexican hits, will be honored for their contributions in music.

Intocable is considered one of the most influential group in Tejano and their Tejano/Norteño fusion has become the blueprint for several Tejano bands.

The group’s style combines romantic, hooky melodies, tight instrumentation and vocal harmony.

Paulinho da Costa will also receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Beginning his career as a samba musician in Brazil, he moved to the United States in the early 1970s and worked with Brazilian bandleader Sérgio Mendes. The 77-year-old Brazilian musician went on to perform with many American pop, rock and jazz musicians and participated in thousands of albums.

Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias is one of only two representatives in the Live Theatre/Live Performance category.

The 48-year-old Mexican American stand-up comedian and actor has produced a number of stand-up specials for television outlets such as Comedy Central and Netflix, including I’m Not Fat… I’m Fluffy and Hot and Fluffy.

As an actor, he has appeared in numerous live-action and animated TV shows and films, including starring in the sitcom Mr. Iglesias on Netflix, playing Tobias in the 2012 movie Magic Mike and its 2015 sequel, and providing the voice of Speedy Gonzales in Space Jam: A New Legacy.

He was also the host of the shows Stand Up Revolution on Comedy Central and Fluffy’s Food Adventures on Fuse.

The honorees were selected by the Walk of Fame selection panel of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce from “hundreds” of nominations at a meeting on June 20.

The selections were ratified by the Chamber’s board of directors on June 25.

“We are excited to announce the newest selections of 35 esteemed individuals who will be enshrined onto the Walk of Fame as part of the prestigious Class of 2026,” Peter Roth, former CEO of Warner Bros. Television and chairman of the Walk of Fame selection committee, said in a statement. “These talented individuals have made significant contributions to the world of entertainment, and we are thrilled to honor them with this well-deserved recognition.”

Dates have not yet been scheduled for these star ceremonies. Recipients have two years to schedule star ceremonies from the date of selection before they expire. Upcoming star ceremonies are usually announced 10 days prior to dedication on the Walk of Fame’s official website.

Here’s the complete list of the Hollywood Walk of Fame Class of 2025:

Recordings
Air Supply
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
Paulinho da Costa
The Clark Sisters
Miley Cyrus
Josh Groban
Intocable
Angélique Kidjo
Lyle Lovett

Motion Pictures
Emily Blunt
Timothée Chalamet
Chris Columbus
Marion Cotillard
Keith David
Rami Malek
Rachel McAdams
Demi Moore
Franco Nero
Deepika Padukone
Molly Ringwald
Stanley Tucci
Carlo Ramboldi (Posthumous)
Tony Scott (Posthumous)

Television
Greg Daniels
Sarah Michelle Gellar
Lucero
Chef Gordon Ramsay
Melody Thomas Scott
Robin Roberts and George Stephanopoulos (double ceremony)
Bradley Whitford
Noah Wyle

Live Theatre/Live Performance
Lea Salonga
Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias

Sports Entertainment
Shaquille O’Neal

Grupo Frontera Makes Impressive NPR ‘Tiny Desk’ Debut

Posted on April 24, 2025 by Tom Castaneda

Grupo Frontera is celebrating a small feat…

The Regional Mexican band visited the NPR headquarters in Washington, D.C., for their Tiny Desk debut, which premiered on Thursday, April 24.

Dressed in light blue denim and white shirts, the borderland band opened the set with its Billboard Hot 100 No. 5 hit “Un x100to.” Backed by a gospel-inspired choir, the group infused the upbeat norteño song with a touch of R&B, incorporating sparkling keys and slowing the tempo.

Midway through the performance, the band transitioned back to the its signature cumbia norteña rhythm.

Accompanied by two female backup singers wearing cowboy hats, a trumpet player and Grupo Frontera’s signature ensemble of accordion, keyboards and guitars, the band delivered a dynamic and cohesive performance.

“It’s a very special song for us, because we didn’t even know he was going to be on the song until we shot the video,” frontman Payo said about Bad Bunny’s feature in “Un x100to.” “The video came to us as a surprise, and [Benito] said, ‘Have you heard the song, the full version, with me in it?’ And we said, ‘What version?!’,”

The band’s collaborator, Bad Bunny, had also stopped by the NPR offices earlier in the month to perform a few songs himself.

Grupo Frontera continued the set with “Hecha Pa’ Mi,” during which the richness of the accordion shone.

The band followed up with the bachata-infused “Ángel,” originally recorded with Romeo Santos, and the laid-back reggae-bop “Por Qué Será,” which features Maluma in the original version, showcasing their skill in blending norteño music with diverse genres.

Grupo Frontera rounded out the set with “El Amor de Su Vida,” originally starring Grupo Firme.

Earlier this week,, the Texas-based group received a nomination for best group or band at the 2025 Heat Latin Music Awards.

Los Tigres del Norte Preparing to Perform in London for First Time

Posted on March 28, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Los Tigres del Norte are preparing for a European first…

The legendary norteño band will be visiting London, England, for the first time ever.

It’s a special trip the band’s bass guitarist Hernán Hernández describes as “something new for us and I’m a little nervous but at the same time, I have good vibes.”

Los Tigres del Norte, who have been hitting the recording studio in hopes of releasing new music very soon, recently made history in Texas.

Earlier in March, the band broke its own stadium attendance record at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

As part of their Siempre Contigo tour, the renowned norteño band made a pit stop at the rodeo’s Go Tejano Day, where they drew an audience of 75,595 at the sold-out NRG Stadium. Los Tigres broke its own 2019 record by topping it with nine more attendees this year.

“This is the fifth time that we come here to Houston, it’s very exciting,” accordion player and vocalist Jorge Hernández tells Billboard. “[Fans] encourage me to do something more. Next time we come here, we have a better show for them. It’s our responsibility.”

“Our songs have a lot of meaning for the Hispanic people who live in the United States or the ones who come from another country to the U.S.,” bass guitarist Hernán elaborates. “Singing for them is like giving them something related to where they come from, how hard it’s for them to live here. A lot of people are undocumented and our songs carry those messages, and I think that’s something very special for us.”

At the Houston Rodeo, the group known as The Voice of the People performed a one-hour set of its biggest corridos, norteño and cumbia songs.

“When we come to these types of shows, we know there’s going to be a lot of families. I even think about my own kids,” Hernán expresses. “It’s a way for the new generation to know who Los Tigres del Norte are because I know their families know about Los Tigres. It’s a very nice feeling.”

Carin León Signs Exclusive Global Publishing Agreement with Universal Music Publishing Group

Posted on November 6, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Carin León has a new worldwide publishing deal…

The 34-year-old Mexican singer-songwriter and Regional Mexican star has signed an exclusive global publishing agreement with Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG).

A leading force in the música mexicana genre, the Sonora-born artist has established himself as one of Mexican music’s most versatile and eclectic artists today recording in norteño, banda, R&B and pop.

“There is no doubt, Carin León is one of the most talented artists currently,” Yadira Moreno, UMPG managing director of Mexico and Central America & vp of new business development for Latin America, said in a statement. “He can blend R&B, Folk, Country and Mexican Music easily and gracefully. We are excited to collaborate with Carin and foster his composing career internationally.”

“I feel deeply honored to embark on this creative journey alongside Universal Music Publishing Group. This partnership marks a thrilling new chapter in my career, and I’m eagerly looking forward to expressing my passion and creativity through the art of music,” added Leon.

Since launching his solo career in 2018, León has helped usher a new era for regional Mexican music. With three career entries on the Billboard Hot 100 and 12 on the Hot Latin Songs tally, he scored his first top 10 on the Top Latin Albums chart with Colmillo de Leche, released in May. It was the first studio album released on the singer-songwriter’s own label, Socios Music, which he launched late last year.

Jody Gerson, UMPG chairman and CEO, said: “Carin León’s career is limitless and transcends Música Mexicana. His soulful voice, songwriting, live shows and ambition goes beyond language. I look forward to working with Jorge Juarez and our entire global team to support Carin as he opens doors creatively across musical genres and geographies.”

León joins UMPG’s roster, which includes other regional Mexican powerhouses such as Juan Gabriel, Espinosa Paz, Horacio Palencia, Grupo Firme, Yahritza Y Su Esencia and Ivan Cornejo, among others.

Bad Bunny Releases New Single “Un Preview”

Posted on September 26, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Bad Bunny is offering a preview…

The 29-year-old Puerto Rican Grammy-winning superstar has released his new single, the reggaetón banger “Un Preview.”

On the track, Bad Bunny is smitten, singing about a girl that has him head over heels.

“Baby, I’m no longer scared of tasting you and falling in love again … we’re crazy at the club, I get closer to you dancing, and I kiss your neck, with you, I’ll deal with fire.”

At the beginning of the music video, which has a cowboy aesthetic, Bad Bunny explains that this song, as its name would suggest, is just a preview of what’s to come. “Ven acá,” he begins. “I’ll give you a preview of what will come after.” He expanded on that message on his WhatsApp channel where he wrote: “This is possibly the last song I release this year. It’s a little preview of what’s to come next year.”

Bad Bunny officially confirmed the release date of his new song on Sunday, when he posted a 17-second snippet and wrote in Spanish, “In case you like it and are interested to know, [the song] comes out tomorrow Monday at 8 p.m. Puerto Rico time.”

“Un Preview,” produced by Tainy and La Paciencia, comes on the heels of Bunny’s “Where She Goes,” which he released in May. The Jersey Club-inspired beat (a hybrid of house and hip-hop) reached No. 1 on the Billboard Global 200 and Latin Airplay charts.

Earlier this year, Bunny also teamed up with Grupo Frontera on “un x100to,” which marked his first time dipping his toes in the norteño-cumbia realm. The song earned Grupo Frontera its highest debut on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart, entering at No. 3 on the April 29-dated ranking, and later hitting No. 1 on both the Latin Airplay chart and Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart.

Bad Bunny is a 15-time finalist at the 2023 Billboard Latin Music Awards, which are set to take place on Thursday, October 5. He is up for artist of the year, tour of the year, Global 200 Latin artist of the year and Global 200 Latin song of the year for “Titi Me Preguntó.”

Bad Bunny Teases New EDM-Tinged Single on TikTok

Posted on May 16, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Bad Bunny is switching genres again…

In a one-minute video posted on his TikTok account Monday, May 15, the 29-year-old Puerto Rican Grammy-winning artist is in a vibrant room, rocking an all-black leather outfit and his natural curls as he shares a clip of new EDM-tinged single.

“Check this out,” he says in Spanish before pressing play.

A dramatic melody then begins, backed by Bad Bunny’s signature deep vocals.

“Baby, tell me the truth if you forgot about me/ I know it was only one night, that we’re not going to repeat/ In you I wanted to find what I lost in someone else/ Your pride doesn’t want to speak to me, so we’re going to compete,” he passionately chants in the opening verse.

Then, the rhythm transitions to a Jersey Club-inspired beat (a hybrid of house and hip-hop), where he continues, “I don’t like to lose, tell me what you’re doing to do.”

In the caption, he asked his over 31 million followers, “Tell me if you like it and I’ll send it to you via WhatsApp :)”

The upcoming single comes on the heels of his collaboration on Grupo Frontera hit “un x100to,” which marked his first time dipping his toes in the norteño-cumbia realm. The song earned Grupo Frontera its highest debut on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart, entering at No. 3 on the April 29-dated ranking, and later hitting No. 1 on both the Latin Airplay chart and Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart.

Last year, the artist born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio told Billboard his plans of taking a break in 2023, but would still release music.

“I’m taking a break. 2023 is for me, for my physical health, my emotional health to breathe, enjoy my achievements,” he said. “We’re going to celebrate. Let’s go here, let’s go there, let’s go on the boat. I have a couple of sporadic commitments, and I’ll go to the studio, but there’s no pressure. Remember yourself, cabrón. You’ve worked your a– off.”

@badbunny

dime si te gusta y te la envio por whatsapp 🙂

♬ original sound – Bad Bunny

Bad Bunny Earns 60th Top 10 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs Chart with Grupo Frontera-Collab “un x100to”

Posted on April 26, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Make that an even 60 for Bad Bunny…

The 29-year-old Puerto Rican Grammy-winning superstar’s Grupo Frontera-collaboration “un x100to” debuts at No. 3 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart, giving el Conejo Malo his 60th top 10 on the chart, extending his record among all acts.

It’s the highest debut on the chart for Grupo Frontera and the band’s fourth top 10 single.

“Un x100to” was released on April 17 via Rimas Entertainment, a surprise not only for fans, but for Grupo Frontera as well.

Bad Bunny’s vocals were incorporated as Edgar Barrera, composer of the song, revealed his participation as a surprise the day the norteño group shot the music video.

“We did not hear Bad Bunny’s part in the song until the day of the video,” Adelaido “Payo” Solis III, lead vocalist, shared during an interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music 1. “So when that part comes out and we were shooting the video, I froze. Having a song with Bad Bunny is just something that… It’s unexplainable.”

“Un x100to” starts at No. 3 on Hot Latin Songs, largely due to its surge in streams.

As mentioned, because the song came with the track’s music video on April 17, it joins the upper region of the multimetric ranking with only four days of activity for its chart debut. According to Luminate, it generated 20 million official U.S. streams during the April 14-20 tracking week.

That opening sum yields a No. 7 on the overall Streaming Songs chart, a first top 10 for Grupo Frontera there, and an equal No. 3 debut on Latin Streaming Songs.

“Un x100to” also registered 4,000 downloads in the same period, prompting a No. 1 launch on Latin Digital Song Sales. There, it becomes the third champ for Grupo Frontera and Bad Bunny’s 13th chart topper.

Over on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 chart, Grupo Frontera’s new single makes its top 20 debut, at No. 15, the highest ranking for the Rio Grande Valley-based group. For Bad Bunny, it becomes his highest chart appearance since “Moscow Mule” debuted and peaked at No. 4 in May 2022.

Back on Hot Latin Songs, “un x100to” marks Grupo Frontera’s fourth top 10. It follows “Bebe Dame,” with Fuerza Regida, which led for two weeks (January 21 and March 4-dated lists).

Elsewhere, Grupo Frontera also earns career highs on both global charts. “Un x100to” bows at No. 5 on the Billboard Global 200 with 67 million streams, while it shoots to a No. 4 start on the Global Excl. U.S. with 48 million earned during the same period.

The news of the collaboration’s debut across Billboard charts arrives on the heels of Grupo Frontera’s El Comienzo Tour, which kicked off in San Antonio, Texas, on April 20 and will take the sextet through the U.S. with its last stop on Nov. 25 in Los Angeles.

Grupo Frontera Teams Up with Bad Bunny on New Single “un x100to”

Posted on April 17, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Grupo Frontera has found it’s one percent…

The Regional Mexican group has joined voices with Bad Bunny to release the single “un x100to” on Monday, April 17, marking the first collaboration between the two acts, and a new twist for el Conejo Malo.

Produced and composed by Latin hitmakers Edgar Barrera and MAG, the romantic cumbia–norteño narrates the story of a person who misses their ex and makes an important phone call with one percent of battery left on their phone.

The Spanish-language ballad’s lyrics translate to: “I have only 1% left, and I’ll use it to say I’m so sorry/ If they’ve seen me in the disco with someone else, it’s just wasting my time/ Baby, I can’t lie to you; That story that they saw me all happy, that’s not true/ Nothing makes me laugh anymore, only when I see the photos and videos I see of you.”

The official music video shows the group and Bad Bunny performing the song in front of an isolated ranch in a desert.

Born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, Bad Bunny first teased the track on his TikTok account on Sunday, April 16, where he’s seen singing part of the nostalgic lyrics and flaunting his cumbia-dancing skills.

Although he’s a longtime fan of Regional Mexican music, his new track with Grupo Frontera is only his second regional Mexican collab.

Prior to this, he worked with Natanael Cano for a remix of “Soy el Diablo,” a corrido.

Over the weekend, after he headlined Coachella, he also posted a video singing along to Cano’s “AMG” in collaboration with Peso Pluma and Gabito Ballesteros.

Yahritza y Su Esencia Teams Up with Grupo Frontera to Release New Single “Frágil”

Posted on April 8, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

It’s a fragile time for Yahritza y Su Esencia.

The Mexican regional music group has joined voices with Grupo Frontera for their first collaborative effort, “Frágil.”

The captivating norteño track is charged with unanswered questions, soul, and emotion.

“Sorry, I don’t know the reason and I put my heart where I shouldn’t have/ I didn’t see the sign,” Yahritza starts off, backed by weeping guitars. “It was I who got their hopes up and though it didn’t work out, I gave you my life,” responds Payo in the first 28 seconds.

The track then transitions into a hard-hitting norteño and cumbia fusion — a sound that’s become signature to Grupo Frontera but new for the siblings’ group that’s known for their sad sierreño style.

Notably are the heartfelt lyrics about having a fragile heart and not knowing how to handle a breakup.

“Why don’t I have a heart like that?/ Like the one they gave you because the one I have is fragile, that’s why you easily broke it,” chants the 16-year-old singer-songwriter.

“Frágil” comes with a simple yet special music video featuring both acts.

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