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.

Ryan Castro Makes History with Acquisition of Significant Equity Stake in Paisas Basketball Club

Posted on January 14, 2025 by Tom Castaneda

Ryan Castro is getting in the game…

The 31-year-old Colombian rapper, singer and songwriter has announced that through his company AWOO Team, he has acquired a significant equity stake in Paisas Basketball club, a professional team in his hometown of Medellín.

The acquisition makes Castro the first Colombian music artist to own a stake in a basketball team, and also makes him one of only a handful of Colombian artists vested economically in sports.

“It’s another facet for us as entrepreneurs. Supporting sports, because the kids in the barrios have the same dreams as us, the artists,” said Castro, who rose to stardom from the slums of Medellín.

The Paisas, he adds are from his hometown, plus, “I love basketball. Every time I go to the U.S., I like to go to NBA games. So, it all came together and the opportunity arose to support a team from my city to continue growing the basketball movement, generate more activity and support young people who are into sports.”00:00

While basketball is not nearly as prominent as soccer in Colombia, it’s on the rise. Castro’s acquisition coincides with Paisas Basketball debut in the Basketball Champions League Americas (BCLA), which includes top teams from across the continent). The team also competes in the Betplay professional league in Colombia under Venezuelan coach Daniel Seoane.

On his end, Castro is no stranger to sports.

Last year, he released “El Ritmo Que Nos Une,” the official anthem for Colombia’s national soccer team during Copa América. The video, which has been viewed more than 110 million times on YouTube, shows Castro hanging out and playing soccer with members of the Colombian squad.

However, Castro wasn’t actively looking to invest in sports. The opportunity came to him via a close associate who works actively with basketball and the NBA. “He told me this was a possibility and me and my team gathered all the information we could about Paisas,” says Castro.

Beyond investing in the team, partnering with Castro also gives the Paisas the opportunity to leverage the musician’s platform as a popular Colombian artists with millions of followers on social media (4.5 million on Instagram alone). Plus, he says, “Taking into my account my life story, also take that message of empowerment, of working for your dreams to other kids. That’s the intention. Many kids dream of basketball and sports as a way to get ahead and have a better life, and my story is similar, but with music. So it’s about also taking that motivation, and, as a businessman, I want to venture into sports.”

Castro officially announced his partnership on Tuesday, January 14 at a press conference in Medellín. At the same time, he’s releasing his first single of the year, “Ni x el Putxs,” featuring Colombian trap star Kris R.

Castro’s music is distributed by Sony Latin via his compay AWOO Corp. He also has a strategic partnership and label services deal with WK Records with Leo Arango as his manager.

Maluma Releases New Single “Cosas Pendientes”

Posted on November 24, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Maluma is back with new music…

The 30-year-old Colombian singer has released “Cosas Pendientes,” his first solo single since June.

It serves as the first taste of a new musical era for Maluma.

Written by Maluma, Edgar Barrera, Keityn and Casta, “Cosas Pendientes” was released alongside a sultry and action-packed music video produced by Royalty Films.

In a press release, the single is described as Maluma’s first release showcasing his “+Pretty +Dirty era,” a nod to the luxurious visual world he launched in 2015.

“This new era is focused on amplifying the signature charm and raw energy of his work, while exploring new sonic and thematic layers that show growth without losing the essence of what made the original 2015 Pretty Boy, Dirty Boy era so captivating.”

The release of “Cosas Pendientes” is also meant to be a heartfelt nod to his day-one fans.

On Thursday, Maluma celebrated the release of the new single by driving a double decker bus around his hometown of Medellín, Colombia. He played the new single on speakers until a crowd eventually formed to sing-along to the freshly-released song.

The single follows his part in Karol G’s “+57” single that also featured Colombian acts J Balvin, Blessd, Feid and Ryan Castro.

Outside of the studio, Maluma recently unveiled his new athletic-wear brand, Remanence, with a fashion show in Medellín. As the owner and creative director of the line, Maluma touted the importance of eco-friendly fashion responsible practices, with all of his clothing having been designed entirely in Colombia using renewable energy.

Nicky Jam Named Ambassador of Fat Joe’s Rewind It 10 Beard Dye Brand

Posted on October 15, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Nicky Jam is adding a little color to his resume…

The 43-year-old Puerto Rican and Dominican American urban singer-songwriter has been named the latest ambassador for Fat Joe’s Rewind It 10 beard dye brand.

Nicky Jam’s dark brown beard dye coloring package is now available at CVS, Sally Beauty, Amazon and the Rewind It 10 website.

“I’ve been coloring my beard for years and tried all the other brands, but nothing looks more natural than Rewind It 10,” said Nicky Jam in a statement. “I love Rewind It 10. Thank you to Fat Joe and the whole team at Rewind for the opportunity – let’s go.”

Nicky Jam joins a decorated lineup of Rewind It 10 ambassadors, including Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (who is dating Taylor Swift), DJ Khaled, model Tyson Beckford, Tank, television personality Brody Jenner, MMA fighter Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson and more.

“Nicky Jam is truly a global icon in the music industry. He shattered the mold as a musician and now we’re proud to partner together to break new barriers in the hair and beard coloring industry,” Rewind It 10 co-founder Jeff Aronson added. “He embodies the essence of the product and is a perfect addition to our Rewind It 10 family to ensure we’re continuing to reach a wide-ranging array of consumers.”

On the music side, Nicky Jam released his Insomnio album in September, featuring Sean Paul, Ryan Castro, Eladio Carrión and more.

“I’m not going to be a singer for the rest of my life,” he told Billboard as part of his September cover story. “I think I’ll probably retire soon … Well, not retire. Singers never retire. You just tone it down.”

Ryan Castro Teams Up with Nike for New Capsule Collection

Posted on September 5, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Ryan Castro is ready to just do it…

The 30-year-old Colombian singer and songwriter is teaming up with Nike for a new collaboration.

The Nike by Ryan Castro capsule — available for a limited time at Nike’s flagship stores in Bogotá and Medellín — features customized designs by “El Cantante del Ghetto,” including T-shirts, jackets and shoes with unique laces and tags accessories.

Honoring the intersection of sports, reggaetón and Colombian culture, each piece has been created to capture the vibrant energy, attitude and creativity that define the artist and the brand, according to the press release.

“Collaborating with Nike for this exclusive capsule is a dream come true for me,” Castro said in the release. “My love for fashion and music has always been deeply connected — both are ways I express who I am and where I come from. I made my break in the music industry with a song titled ‘Jordan,’ and to now be partnering with such an iconic brand feels like a full-circle moment.”

“Jordan,” which entered both the Billboard Global 200 and Global Excl. U.S. charts in 2022, “is the song that everyone identifies me with. I feel it’s my biggest hit because it relates to urban street fashion and my personal flow,” he previously said to Billboard.

Coinciding with Nike by Ryan Castro, the “Mujeriego” singer will kick off his El Cantante del Ghetto tour on September 6 with a sold-out show at Bogotá’s Movistar Arena.

In the fall, he’ll also hit the road with Blessd for a 15-date joint trek called Ay Bendito Ghetto. Powered by Touring the World and Seitrack US, the tour will kick off October 31 in San Jose, Calif., and wrap on December 1st in Atlanta after visiting key cities such as Los Angeles and Miami.

Nanpa Básico Signs Record Deal with Sony Music’s 5020 Records

Posted on July 21, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Nanpa Básico has a new recording contract…

The 31-year-old Colombian hitmaker has signed a record deal with 5020 Records.

Born Francisco David Rosero Serna, the singer-songwriter from Medellín, Colombia has made a name for himself due to his socially conscious, raw lyrics and a signature style that blends hip-hop with reggae and regional influences.

His latest album, HECHO M13RD4, includes collaborations with Ryan Castro, Gera MX and Santa Fe Klan.

“Joining 5020 Records is an important milestone in my career. This collaboration will allow me to reach even more fans and take my music to new heights,” Básico said in a statement. “I am excited about the future and the creative possibilities that this partnership brings.”

Sony Music recently launched 5020 Records out of Miami with a roster that includes Christina Aguilera, Kany García, Nathy Peluso and Residente.

Básico had previously been releasing his music via his own self-titled imprint.

“We are thrilled to welcome Nanpa Básico to the family,” added Rafa Arcaute, co-president of 5020 Records. “His unique voice and powerful storytelling resonate with audiences around the world, and we look forward to supporting his artistic vision and helping him achieve even greater success.”

“Having Nanpa Básico in our roster reinforces our mission to expand the possibilities for Latin music exponents who, like him, are committed to excellence and the values of our culture,” added Bruno Duarte, 5020 Records co-president.

News of the deal comes on the heels of Básico’s upcoming Duelo Tour, which includes stops throughout Mexico, including Monterrey, Guadalajara and Mexico City.

Karol G Performs Colombia’s National Anthem at 2024 Copa America Final

Posted on July 15, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Karol G isn’t afraid to show her patriotism…

The 33-year-old Colombian singer performed Colombia’s national anthem at the 2024 Copa America final on Sunday evening, while Abel Pintos sang Argentina’s national anthem.

As tradition holds, the national anthems of each country is performed ahead of the big game.

Karol G rocked a signature Colombian jersey and black leather skirt with knee-high boots as she was accompanied by a roaring crowd.

Meanwhile, Pintos — dressed in a royal blue suit — performed the anthem backed by a passionate and emotional team who sang along.

Pintos and Karol G were not the only music stars present at the soccer tournament.

Maluma, Feid, Ryan Castro and Blessd were also spotted at the stands in support of their national team.

Both the Colombian and Argentine national teams proved to be the best in the field since the soccer tournament began on June 20, eliminating other strong countries like Brazil, Uruguay and Venezuela.

https://twitter.com/OptusSport/status/1812659162545103240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1812659162545103240%7Ctwgr%5Eee2a67f97a6db789f46f165d66978c227e4fc91e%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.billboard.com%2Fmusic%2Flatin%2Fcopa-america-2024-final-karol-g-national-anthem-abel-pintos-1235730751%2F

Peso Pluma Reveals Track List for New Album “Éxodo,” Featuring All-Star Collaborators

Posted on May 25, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Peso Pluma is bringing out the big guns…

The 24-year-old Mexican singer-songwriter has revealed the track list for his new album, Éxodo, a 24-song double album that features Cardi B, Anitta, Quavo, DJ Snake and other all-star collaborators.OK

Éxodo, the follow-up to Peso’ Plumas Grammy-winning debut album Génesis, is comprised of 16 songs in the same style as the música Mexicana that helped launch his career, and eight urbano (reggaeton, Latin trap etc.) songs.

Peso Pluma had a big look in in the lead-up to and after the release of his debut record, the third regional Mexican LP to hit the Top 10 (No. 3) of the Billboard 200.

The album’s release date of June 20 was revealed in a music video teaser for “La Durango” that stars Connor McGregor.

Peso Pluma recently appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and performed his new song “La Durango” with Eslabon Armado’s Pedro Tovar.

He’s also gearing up for a tour across North America with festival slots in New York, Chicago and Mexico.

Here’s a look at the complete track list:

Disc 1:
La Durango ft. Eslabón Armado and Junior H
Me Activo ft. Jasiel Nuñez
La Patrulla ft. Neton Vega
La People II ft. Tito Double P and Joel de la P
Sr. Smith ft. Luis R Conriquez
Rompe la Dompe ft. Junior H and Oscar Maydon
Mami ft. Chino Pacas
Belanova ft. Tito Double P
Bruce Wayne
Hollywood ft. Estevan Plazola
Reloj ft. Ivan Cornejo
Ice
Solicitado
Santal 33 ft. Oscar Maydo
Vino Tinto ft. Natanael Cano and Gabito Ballesteros
14-14

Disc 2:
Gimme a Second ft. Rich the Kid
Put Em in the Fridge ft. Cardi B
Pa No Pensar ft. Quavo
Peso Completo ft. Aracángel
Bellakeo ft. Anitta
Mala ft. Ryan Castro
Tommy & Pamela ft. Kenia Os
Teka ft. DJ Snake

J Balvin Earns Record-Extending 36th No. 1 on Billboard Latin Airplay Chart with “Dientes”

Posted on November 5, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

J Balvin is sinking his teeth into the Latin charts…

The 38-year-old Colombian musica urbana singer/songwriter has added a record-extending 36th No. 1 to his Billboard Latin Airplay account as his latest single “Dientes,” with Usher and DJ Khaled, climbs 9-1 on the November 4-dated ranking. Usher and Khaled add their second leader.

“Dientes” becomes the Greatest Gainer of the week with 11 million audience impressions, up 51%, earned in the U.S. during the October 20-26 tracking week, according to Luminate.

With “Dientes,” J Balvin earns his first No. 1 on the overall Latin Airplay chart in 2023. His last effort, “Nivel de Perreo” with Ryan Castro, reached a No. 26 high in September 2022. Prior, “Forever My Love” and “Sigue,” both collaborations with Ed Sheeran, took Balvin to the summit for one week each in April 2022.

Balvin first broke the No. 1 barrier with “AM” with Farruko in 2014, for one week in charge, and became a staple at the format with six more No. 1s from his next 10 chart visits. In total, Balvin has collected 36 champs, further distancing from the competition.

Here’s the rundown of artists with the most No. 1s on Latin Airplay since the chart began in 1994:

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

“Dientes” brings Usher to the lead after more than two decades, after his featured role in Romeo Santos’ ”Promise” ruled for 10 weeks between 2011-12. Between his two chart-topping singles, he landed a No. 35 high through his featured turn in David Guetta’s “Without You” in 2012.

DJ Khaled, meanwhile, scores his second No. 1 after Jennifer Lopez’s “Dinero” — where he is featured along with Cardi B — led for one week in 2018.

Back to the champ, in addition to securing all artists a new No. 1, “Dientes” gives UMLE its fourth ruler in 2023, after the label dominated with Karol G and Shakira’s TQG” (two weeks between May and July), Alejandro Fernandez’s “No Es Que Me Quiera Ir” and Feid and Sean Paul’s “Nina Bonita” (both for one week in Aug.)

Feid Releases Eclectic New Album “MOR, No Le Temas A La Oscuridad”

Posted on October 1, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Feid is back with new music…

After weeks of teasing fans on social media, the 31-year-old Colombian singer and songwriter has released his new studio album, MOR, No Le Temas A La Oscuridad.

Translating to “Love, Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark,” the set’s title is a tribute to the renowned ‘90s Nickelodeon show Are You Afraid of the Dark? and its concept is meant to remind us that everyone shines in the darkness.

On a personal level, Feid told Billboard earlier this year that its “whole concept has to do with how I went from being in the shadows as a composer to everything I am achieving now [as an artist].”

Home to 15 tracks, including the previously-released singles “Niña Bonita” with Sean Paul, “Vente Conmigo,” and “FERXXO 151” with Icon, which is rapidly gaining virality on TikTok, MOR is easily Feid’s most eclectic production yet.

The set kicks off with a chill, one-minute piano melody, where Ferxxo (his alter-ego) summarizes all the fame and success he’s living now. “I always wanted to sing/I never wanted to be a bad boy/I don’t like to show off but music has me living like a gangster,” he chants.

If his latest singles, including the Spanglish Afrobeat “Bubalu” with Nigerian artist Rema, are any indication, the Colombian artist is experimental as ever. This time around, he dabbles into electronic music (“Luces de Tecno”), futuristic perreo (“Romanticos de Lunes”), and lacing funk and indie-pop (“Privilegios”).

On other notable tracks, such as the Ryan Castro-assisted “Ritmos de Medallo” and “Hey Chory,” Feid (real name: Salomón Villada Hoyos) keeps his essence by singing romantic lyrics using his Medallo slang and distinct reggaeton sound.

MOR, No Le Temas A La Oscuridad follows Feliz Cumpleaños Ferxxo, Te Pirateamos el Album, which after being leaked online, peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Top Latin Albums chart in 2022.

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