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

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.

J Balvin, Dientes“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”

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.

FeidTranslating 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 TikTokMOR 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 AfrobeatBubalu” 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.

Ryan Castro Teams Up with Peso Pluma for New Track “QUEMA”

Ryan Castro is feeling the burn… But he isn’t doing it alone!

The 29-year-old Colombian singer and songwriter has joined voices with Peso Pluma to release the new single “QUEMA” via Sony Music Latin.

Ryan Castro, Peso Pluma,Powered by a hypnotizing, head-bobbing beat, the irresistible old-school perreo track is signature Castro, who has a knack for delivering hooky songs — and his new track is no exception.

Add Peso, Mexican music’s biggest star today, and it’s a certified hit.

The song finds the corridos singer returning to urbano following “La Bebe Remix,” his hit song with Yng Lvcas, which has now spent 16 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100.

“Quema” — produced by SOG, Castro’s longtime producer — will be part of the Colombian artist’s upcoming new album, El Cantante Del Ghetto.

Feid Among the Headlining Acts for This Year’s Sueños Music Festival

Feid is living his sueños

The 30-year-old Colombian singer and songwriter will be among the headlining acts at the second edition of Sueños Music Festival.

FeidIn addition to Feid, headlining acts include Wisin y Yandel, Grupo Firme and Nicky Jam, who will all grace the stage on the weekend of May 27 and 28 in Chicago’s Grant Park.

The exclusively all-Latin music festival — which highlights regional Mexican and urbano powerhouse performers in the same roster — will also host reggaeton icon Ivy Queen, as well as Becky G, Eladio Carrion, Chencho Corleone, Junior H, Gera MX, Ryan Castro, Young Miko, Pao Pao and more.

From the founders of Mexico’s Baja Beach Fest, Sueños made its debut in 2022 with headlining acts J Balvin, Ozuna, and Farruko. Returning acts include Puerto Rican rapper Myke Towers, Dominican dembow purveyor El Alfa, as well as reggaeton pioneers Wisin y Yandel who will be headlining for a second year in a row.

“We’re thrilled to be coming back to Chicago for our second annual Sueños festival,” Aaron Ampudia and Chris Den Uijl, co-founders of Sueños, told Billboard Español in an email. “Last year was such a moment, you could feel the energy and excitement from fans no matter where you were at in the festival. It just felt like we were meant to be there, celebrating Latin music and culture with Chicago’s thriving Latino community – and this year we’re bringing even more.”

Wisin y Yandel kicked off their farewell tour La Última Misión last year, while showcasing their latest 2022 album of the same name. In December, the dynamic duo broke their own record at Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot (a.k.a. El Choli) with a series of 14 homecoming shows, which included a New Year’s Eve performance, the first time ever the iconic venue held a show on said date.

Feid, who entered the Billboard 200 chart in October for his successful (and leaked!) LP Feliz Cumpleaños Ferxxo: Te Pirateamos el Álbum, is poised to make an impact in 2023. Late last year, Feid embarked on his first headlining U.S. tour, produced by Live Nation, selling out numerous dates.

The Mexican band Grupo Firme, who has been elevating norteña music to higher grounds, made a splash at last summer at Baja Beach Fest in Rosarito when the group surprised audiences with its performance of “Cada Quien” alongside Medellín superstar Maluma.

“We can’t wait to see what Grupo Firme, Wisin Y Yandel, Feid, Nicky Jam and all the phenomenal artists on the lineup bring to the Sueños stage this Memorial Day Weekend!” added the founders.

For more info, visit SuenosMusicFestival.com.

Blessd Releases Virtual Reality Version His Hit Single “Quien TV”

Blessd is taking his recent hot a step further…

The 22-year-old Colombian singer-songwriter and rapper has released a virtual reality version of his 2021 hit “Quien TV,” marking Warner Music Latina’s first full VR video in Meta Horizon Worlds.

BlessdIn the more than three-minute video, Blessd is seen entering the recording studio and begins to chat with his love interest.

“Hi love, when can we see each other?” he asks. “Any time. I live in Horizon Worlds,” a character named Laura replies. After asking how he can get to her, a Meta Quest 2 system magically appears at the studio. Blessd wears the gear and is instantly transported to the virtual world, where he begins his journey to find Laura. Toward the end of the clip, a phone call interrupts Blessd and transports him back to his reality at the recording studio.

The video was brought together by Warner Music Latina, Blessd, Meta, NSpire Create Labs and Merc Holdings Inc. A two-dimensional version of the video will be available on Blessd’s Facebook page. “Quien TV” officially premiered December 6, 2021. A remix featuring Ryan Castro was released on January 27, 2022.

The virtual reality video comes on the heels of Blessd taking part in the 2022 Billboard Latin Music Week, where he joined Colombian hitmaker Ovy on the Drums in the “Making the Hit Live!” panel.

In a span of 30 minutes, the producer and the artist worked together to create a promising reggaeton track, on which Blessd improvised, singing lyrics about heartbreak. While the track — which they broke down as they were making it — was not completed due to the limited time, attendees encouraged the duo to release the song after hearing a teaser that left everyone in the room wanting more.

Click this link to watch the video on Facebook.

J Balvin to Headline This Year’s NFL Kickoff Concert

J Balvin is ready for the American football experience

The 37-year-old Colombian superstar will headline the 2022 NFL Kickoff Concert at the NFL Kickoff Experience ahead of the Buffalo Bills versus Los Angeles Rams game on Sept. 8.

J Balvin“I got a glimpse of the incredible NFL fandom during the Super Bowl Halftime performance in Miami in 2020,” Balvin said in a press statement. “That year we closed things out with a great game and a massive party. This season, to kick things off, we’re celebrating even harder and getting even louder.” 

The NFL Kickoff event will take place on Alamitos Beach in Long Beach. Doors to the free and open-to-the-public event will open at noon PT, and Balvin’s performance is slated for 4 p.m. PT.

The full performance will be streamed on NFL.com, the NFL app, and select NFL social media platforms. Parts of J Balvin’s performance will also be televised on NBC and NFL Network’s pregame show coverage.

Additionally, the NFL Kickoff Experience will offer the attendees interactive games, photo opportunities with the Vince Lombardi Trophy, all 56 Super Bowl rings, and more.

Registration for free tickets is required via the official website at nfl.com/2022kickoff.

The NFL Kickoff Concert will follow Balvin’s return to the 2022 VMA stage on August 28, where he will perform “Nivel de Perreo” with Colombian newcomer Ryan Castro. This will mark Balvin’s first VMA performance since his 2019 collaboration with Bad Bunny on “Qué Pretendes.”

If Balvin — who is a five-time nominee — wins, he’ll become the most-awarded Latin artist in VMA history; he’s currently tied for that distinction with Ricky Martin.

Anitta to Make Main Stage Performance Debut at This Year’s MTV Video Music Awards

Anitta is ready for a special first…

MTV has revealed the first batch of performers for this year’s MTV Video Music Awards, with the 29-year-old Brazilian singer/ songwriter among those set to take the stage.

AnittaIt will be Anitta’s VMAs main stage debut, And she will perform her latest hit single, “Envolver,” for the first-time on television.

“Envolver” recently earned the Brazilian superstar a Guinness Book of World Records certification as the first solo Latin artist to hit No. 1 at Spotify.

Anitta also is up for her first VMA in the Best Latin category, making her the first Brazilian artist to be nominated for a Moon Person.

But Anitta isn’t the only Latinx artist set to perform.

J Balvin will take the stage

The 37-year-old Colombian superstar will return to the show for the television/world premiere of “Nivel de Perreo” with Ryan Castro, back for the first time since his epic on-stage collaboration with Bad Bunny for “Que Pretendes” in 2019.

The 13-time nominee with five wins also is looking to take his sixth Moon Person for Best Latin (“In Da Getto” with Skrillex), which would crown him as the most awarded Latin artist in VMAs history.

Other performers include Marshmello x Khalid and Panic! at the Disco.

The MTV VMAs will take place on August 28, live from the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ.

Kendrick Lamar, Jack Harlow & Lil Nas X are coming into the show tied for the nominations lead with seven apiece. Next up are Doja Cat and Harry Styles with six each and Billie Eilish, Drake, Dua Lipa, Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift and The Weeknd with five.

The 2022 VMAs will air at 8:00 pm ET/PT on Sunday, August 28, across MTV’s global linear and digital platforms in more than 170 countries. For the third straight year, the VMAs will simulcast on the CW, in addition to BET, BET Her, CMT, Comedy Central, Logo, MTV2, Nickelodeon, Paramount Network, Pop, TVLand and VH1.

Here are MTV’s mini-bios of the performers set so far:

Anitta
The charismatic global pop sensation is slated to make her VMAs main stage debut with a first-time TV performance of her newest hit single, “Envolver,” which recently earned the Brazilian superstar Guinness Book of World Records certification as the first solo Latin artist to hit No. 1 at Spotify. Anitta also is up for her first VMA in the Best Latin category, making her the first Brazilian artist to be nominated for a Moon Person.

J Balvin
Colombian global star J Balvin returns with a TV/world premiere of “Nivel de Perreo” with Ryan Castro, back for the first time since his epic on-stage collaboration with Bad Bunny for “Que Pretendes” in 2019. The 13-time nominee with five wins also is looking to take his sixth Moon Person for Best Latin (“In Da Getto” with Skrillex), which would crown him as the most awarded Latin artist in VMAs history.

Marshmello x Khalid
Together, Marshmello and Khalid are set to take over the MTV stage for a world premiere TV performance of new chart climbing collaboration “Numb.” Marshmello — a five-time VMAs nominee — will make his main stage debut this year. Khalid returns to the VMAs stage for the first time since his 2017 debut with Logic and Alessia Cara for “1-800-273-8255,” where he also took home Best New Artist.

Panic! at the Disco
Panic! At The Disco returns to the VMAs stage for the first time since 2018 to world premiere new single “Middle of a Breakup,” from the forthcoming album Viva Las Vengeance. The nine-time nominee, who first won in 2006 for Video of the Year, also looks to take home a win for Alternative Video, its first nomination in this category.

J Balvin Teams Up with Ryan Castro for Sizzling New Single “Nivel de Perreo”

J Balvin & Ryan CastroBalvin and Castro, an emerging artist also from Medellín, deliver a new, sizzling summer single.

Together, they bring forth hypnotizing beats that will make you play this song on repeat.

The traditional perreo track thumping beats fused with reggaetón drums and the duo’s skills give life to the track.

Directed by Patricia Alfonso and Chris Cabrera, along with Film Heads, the single’s video artfully brings the music to life. From rooftop cookouts, to the corner store, to clandestine dance parties, the music video is quite energetic.

Bad Bunny to Co-Headline Jay-Z’s 2022 Made In America Music Festival

Bad Bunny is ready to Made out…

The 28-year-old Puerto Rican superstar is set to co-headline Jay-Z’s 2022 Made In America music festival.

Bad Bunny

On September 3-4, Bad Bunny and co-headliner Tyler, the Creator will take the stages at Philadelphia’s Benjamin Franklin Parkway, along with a number of acts across genres including Jazmine Sullivan, Burna Boy, Snoh Aalegra, Lil Uzi Vert, Kodak Black, Pusha T, Lil Tjay, Tate Mcrae, Toro Y Moi, Babyface Ray, Key Glock, Larry June, Rels B, Victoria Monét and Ryan Castro. 

Prioritizing the multicultural musical surge happening stateside, the festival also enlisted some of the biggest international acts, including Nigeria native Burna, Dominican rapper Chimbala, and Mexican band Fuerza Regida, in addition to a plethora of local fan favorites.

Bad Bunny is coming off of the blockbuster success of his fifth studio album, Un Verano Sin Ti, which debuted atop the Billboard 200 chart, and at the time marked the year’s biggest week for any album: 274,000 equivalent album units earned in the U.S. in the week ending May 12, according to Luminate.

Tickets are available now, and include both days of performances.

General admission tickets are $150, while a VIP pass is going for $750. According to the festival’s website, COVID-related health measures — including proof of negative COVID-19 test result, full COVID-19 vaccination or masks — may be required, however no set decision has been announced yet.

This year’s iteration of the two-day music festival marks its 10-year anniversary, since its debut with founder Jay-Z as the headliner, alongside rock band Pearl Jam. On top of bringing superstar and up-and-coming musicians alike to Philly, Made In America also generated over $150 million in economic impact for the city since its inception in 2012. On Labor Day weekend, the festival will highlight groups including Black Voters Matter, HeadCount, ACCT Philly Animal Welfare and United in Community.

Ryan Castro to Launch First-Ever U.S. & North American Tour

Ryan Castro is heading to the U.S.

The Columbian reggaetón singer/songwriter, a rising act in the Latin music world, has announced his first-ever U.S. and North American tour.

Ryan CastroPresented by BC Management, the tour kicks off on June 9 at Miami’s LIV nightclub and will continue throughout key U.S. cities like Los Angeles, Chicago and Las Vegas, to name a few.

Castro, who’s dubbed “El Cantante del Ghetto” by fans, will also visit fans across Mexico and Canada before wrapping on October 2 in Miami’s concert and food hall Oasis.

“I feel very happy,” Castro said in a statement. “Every since we were children, Colombians and the people of Medallo, have always had that American dream of visiting the U.S. I’ve always wanted to touch that territory because I have family there. Now that I can visit thanks to music makes me very happy and I’m going to enjoy it a lot.”

Castro — who opened for Karol G on her Bichota Reloaded Tour in Cali, Colombia — has placed his singles “Mujeriego” and “Jordan” on both the Billboard Global 200 and Global Excl. U.S. charts.

“We have been keeping an eye on Ryan Castro for quite some time; his talent is unmatched, he is passionate, dedicated, and knows how to engage with his audience and fans to deliver unforgettable performances,” Belinda Cruz, founder of BC Management, added. “We are really excited to be working alongside Ryan and his team to present his first-ever US and North America tour and we are sure that this is only the beginning for the young star.”

For ticketing and more information, visit www.ryancastrotour.com.

Here are the confirmed tour stops:

June 9 — Miami, FL @ LIV
June 10 — West Palm Beach @ Ivy nightclub
June 11 — Orlando @ Vibra Urbana Festival
August 11 — Los Angeles, CA @ The Mayan
August 12 — Anaheim, CA @ Rumba Room
August 13 — San Diego, CA @ Parq Nightclub
August 14 — Rosarito, MX @ Baja Beach Fest
August 14 — Rosarito, MX @ Bombay Afterparty
August 18 — Oakland, CA @ Complex
August 19 — Monterrey, MX @ Show Center
August 20 — San Diego, CA @ Parq Nightclub
August 21 — Rosarito, MX @ Baja Beach Fest
August 21 — Rosarito, MX @ Bombay Afterparty
September 8 — Chicago, IL @ The Mine Music Hall
September 9 — Toronto, Canada @ Toronto Event Centre
September 10 — Montreal, Canada @ L’Olimpia
September 11 — Boston, IL @ Oceanside Events
September 15 — Denver, CO @ Fillmore Auditorium
September 16 — Las Vegas, NV @ Neon Pollen Festival
September 17 — Houston, TX @ Rise Rooftop
September 22 — Providence, RI @ The Strand Ballroom
September 23 — Queens, NY @ La Boom Club
September 23 — Elizabeth, New Jersey @ Barcode
September 24 — Norwalk, CT @ La Canchita
September 24 — Long Island, NY @ Stereo Garden
September 29 — Nashville, TN @ Bucanas Nightclub
September 30 — Atlanta, GA @ Believe Music Hall
October 2 — Miami, FL @ Oasis