It’s a big first for Blessd.
The 22-year-old Colombian singer-songwriter and rapper has secured his first No. 1 on a Billboard chart as “Medallo,” with Justin Quiles and Lenny Tavarez, rises 4-1 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay ranking-dated May 21.
It’s also Tavarez’s first leader on the all-Latin genre tally, Quiles captures his third among a collection of 14 entries.
“I’m really excited!” says Stiven Mesa Londoño, better known as Blessd. “When I received the news that we were No. 1 on Billboard, I was very emotional. This only makes me work harder for many more wins.”
“Medallo” hits No. 1 in its 16th week with 11 million audience impressions (up 49%) earned in the U.S. in the week ending May 12, according to Luminate.
It evicts Rosalía’s “La Fama,” with The Weeknd, down to No. 5 after its one-week on top (7.6 million, down 29%).
“Medallo” is the fifth title of 2022, which has landed at the summit in at least 16 weeks or more. The other four comprise Karol G’s “Sejodioto,” Rauw Alejandro’s “Cúrame,” and Marc Anthony’s “Mala,” all with 17 weeks to the top, and Jhay Cortez and Sech’s “Ley Seca” (19 weeks).
Further, Blessd and Tavarez join a crew of five other acts who have secured their first champ on the all-Latin genre Latin Airplay chart in 2022. Here’s a recap of the leaderboard:
Artist, Title, Artists, Peak Date
Victor Cárdenas, “El Incomprendido,” with Farruko & DJ Adoni, Jan. 29
DJ Adoni, “El Incomprendido,” with Farruko & Victor Cárdenas, Jan. 29
Lis, “SG,” with Ozuna & Megan Thee Stallion, April 2
Megan Thee Stallion, “SG,” with Ozuna and Lisa, April 2
Ed Sheeran, “Forever My Love” and “Sigue,” both with J Balvin, April 9 and April 16, respectively
Blessd, “Medallo,” with Justin Quiles and Lenny Tavarez, May 21
Lenny Tavarez, “Medallo,” with Justin Quiles and Blessd, May 21
The Ovy on the Drums-produced track, concurrently lands atop Latin Rhythm Airplay after its third week at No. 3.
“At first, the idea of ‘Medallo’ was intended to be produced together with another artist who is also well positioned in Colombia,” the 22-year-old Blessd adds. “But in the end, it did not happen. In our counter plan, Lenny and Justin joined in and the song became a global hit.”
Among the trio, “Medallo” finds its home in Blessd’s roster. The tune is one of 10 tracks on the rapper’s Hecho en Medellín album, which has not entered the charts.
“The collaboration with Lenny and Justin was incredible,” Blessd concludes. “We went from making a song to becoming very good friends, the song transcended into my personal life.”