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.

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

Posted on July 14, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

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.

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

Posted on February 4, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

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.

In 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”

Posted on October 9, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

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.

In 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

Posted on August 9, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

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.

“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

Posted on August 5, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

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.

It 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”

Posted on July 5, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Balvin 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.

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