Fuerza Regida Releases Eclectic New Album “Pa’ las Baby’s y Belikeada”

Posted on October 20, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Fuerza Regida is celebrating “las baby’s”…

The Mexican American Regional Mexican band has released its eighth studio album Pa’ las Baby’s y Belikeada.

The album opens with a dark and seductive tone, as a sultry female voice confidently professes her affection for corridos. Her high-heeled footsteps echo in the background as she appears to pick up a machine gun, effortlessly blending sensuality with outlaw imagery, creating an intriguing juxtaposition.

Across an expansive 30-track journey, the San Bernardino, California troupe embarks on a daring and audacious expedition, fearlessly delving into the realm of corridos bélicos with a distinctive drill influence.

The album serves as a testament to the group’s evolution as they immerse themselves in la belikeada movement, embracing the realm of excess in all forms: women, power, wealth.

They deliver the expected corridos alterados, this time complete with menacing accordion arrangements; and the inclusion of tracks like “Zona de Comfort” adds a touch of cumbia sabrosura to the mix.

Known for their chart-topping prowess, the group also features their previous hits like “TQM” and “Sabor Fresa.” The album’s lyrical themes stay true to their rags-to-riches narrative (“FVDP”), reminding us of the hard-fought journey to success. However, Pa’ las Baby’s also ventures into unexpected territories. “Harley Quinn” sees them collaborating with Marshmello, infusing EDM elements into música mexicana, while “Freaky Freaky” (featuring Calle 24 and Armenta) brings reggaetón rhythms. JOP even switches to English for the sinister drill number “Dafuk,” showcasing the group’s versatility.

Also featuring El Fantasma, Maria Becerra, Juanpa Salazar, Gabito Ballesteros, Manuel Turizo, Chino Pacas and more, Fuerza Regiga maintains its signature blinged-out corridos style, solidifying its place in the genre. Still, they also boldly experiment with new sounds and genres, expanding their sonic horizons.

Belikeada is a testament to their ability to push boundaries while staying true to their roots, ensuring that that the group remains a reckoning force in the world of Mexican and Mexican-American music.

Becky G Releases New Album “Esquinas”

Posted on September 29, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Becky G is turning a new corner(s)…

The 26-year-old Mexican American singer/rapper has released the new album Esquinas via Kemosabe Records/RCA Records.

Beck G’s new album is a heartfelt exploration of her dual identity as a proud 200 percenter. The title translates to “corners,” symbolizing the meeting point between two cultures.

Celebrating her Mexican and American roots, the Inglewood native weaves a vibrant musical tapestry that spans corridos, rancheras and baladas while showcasing her deep reverence for her heritage.

For instance, “2ndo Chance,” featuring Ivan Cornejo’s haunting vocals, kicks off the album with a dreamy, nostalgic ballad that sets the tone for an introspective journey through her bicultural upbringing. Then there’s the cheeky “Cries in Spanish,” a whimsical duet with fellow Mexican-American DannyLux, that’s set to sad sierreño. The album’s latest single, “Querido Abuelo,” stands as a touching tribute to her late grandfather, a gut-wrenching balada which honors the sacrifices made by our ancestors as children of immigrants. Becky’ Gs vocals are at their most poignant here, manifesting her maturity and emotional depth.

Also starring Yahritza y Su Esencia, Chiquis, Angela and Leonardo Aguilar, Peso Pluma, and Gabito Ballesteros, her third studio album is a testament to her growth as a “genreless” artist, she claims, and her commitment to representing her bloodline proudly.

Jhayco Teams Up with Peso Pluma for New Single “Ex-Special”

Posted on September 2, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Jhayco has called on a rising Regional Mexican star for a (ex-)special collaboration.

The 30-year-old Puerto Rican rapper and singer has joined voices with Peso Pluma to release the new single “Ex-Special.”

The single is led by an electric guitar in the circle-of-fifths, a common strumming style for vintage Mexican music, or corridos for that matter, that’s normally performed acoustically.

Then there’s an EDM-leaning transition into a reggaetón thump that instantly tugs at your hip; this, coupled with atmospheric coos flowing by, adds minimal euphoric effects.

Jhayco and Peso Pluma exchange gauzy verses as they continue to position themselves as two of Latin music’s most exhilarating acts.

Formerly known as Jhay Cortez, the songwriter/producer has made a name for himself as one of the most sought-after artists of the Latin trap and reggaetón landscape — yet his willingness to experiment with Latin indie and electronic dance set him apart early on.

Jhayco co-directed the songs’s music video with Milkman. He also co-produced the track with Elikai.

Jhayco is also poised to go on a U.S. tour, Vida Rockstar, which kicks off September 28th.

Grupo Firme Signs with Creative Artists Agency (CAA)

Posted on July 14, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Grupo Firme is hoping to take Regional Mexican music to the global stage…

The Mexican band has signed with Creative Artists Agency (CAA) for worldwide representation in all areas.

The L.A.-based agency also signed the regional Mexican group’s indie label, Music VIP.

News of the signing comes on the heels of Grupo Firme’s stadium tour across the U.S. with stops at L.A.’s Sofi Stadium, Metlife Stadium in New York, Atlanta’s Mercedes Benz Stadium and a final stop at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas for Mexican Independence Day weekend in September.

Grupo Firme — founded in Tijuana, Mexico, in 2013 — straddles the genres of banda and norteño and comprises brothers Eduin and Jhonny Caz, Abraham Hernández, Joaquín Ruiz, Christian Gutiérrez, José Rubio and Dylan Camacho.

Initially known for performing corridos, the group was catapulted into the mainstream in 2017 after signing a label and management deal with Music VIP.

Since then, the band — who won their first Latin Grammy last year with their album Nos Divertimos Logrando Lo Imposible — has achieved unprecedented success with many firsts under their belt, including making history by becoming the first banda ensemble to ever play at Coachella.

Additionally, on Billboard’s 2021 year-end Boxscore Charts, Grupo Firme landed at No. 23 in the Top 40 Tours chart after grossing $18 million from 19 shows thanks to their historic run at the Crypto.com Arena last year, when they helped relaunch the venue (then Staples Center) by playing its first concert in 513 days.

It also marked the beginning of the supergroup’s historic run at the arena with their first (of seven) full-capacity, sold-out show — making history as the Latin act to perform the most shows in a single calendar year at Staples (the only other artist who has done more is Adele, with eight in one calendar year).

Grupo Firme is managed by Isael Gutiérrez, founder of Music VIP. Management will continue to broker certain tour deals directly on their own.

Sofia Reyes Releases Sophomore Album “Mal de Amores”

Posted on February 12, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Sofia Reyes is finally back with a new album…

The 26-year-old Mexican pop singer has released her highly-awaited sophomore album Mal De Amores, five years after her debut set Louder!

On her new set, Reyes not only experiments with new musical approaches but also flaunts her maturity over the years.

She’s unapologetic, and the opening track “MUJER” is proof of that — a saucy cumbia with elegant violins where she simply says “I don’t regret being a woman.”

It follows with the galactic reggaetón banger “Marte,” the set’s focus track, performed in collaboration with Maria Becerra — a friendly reminder that women should never tolerate toxicity.

Reyes also navigates musical styles in Mal de Amores ranging from norteño (“GALLINA”) to corridos (“Amigos” with Adriel Favela, Danny Felix) to her signature pop-urban.

The 17-track set includes previously-released collaborations such as “1, 2, 3” with Jason Derulo and De La Ghetto, “R.I.P.” with Rita Ora and Anitta, “A Tu Manera (Corbata)” with Jhay Cortez, “De Casualidad” with Pedro Capo, and the Becky G-assisted title track.

Reyes also teamed up with Warner Music newcomers Leon Leiden and The Change.

DannyLux Among Shazam’s Five “Artists to Watch” in 2022

Posted on January 4, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

It could be a banner year for DannyLux…

At the beginning of each year, Shazam uses its data to predict five artists to watch, and this year the song-identifying app used a combination of its “uniquely predictive data and algorithms,” as well as some selections from its parent company Apple Music’s global editorial team, to pick five “artists to watch” in 2022, including the Mexican-American singer.

DannyLux, whose real name is Daniel Balderrama, is well-known by fans of trio-turned-duo Eslabon Armado. The rising singer is featured on “Jugaste y Sufrí,” which holds the honor of being this year’s most Shazamed Regional Mexican track.

Although it was released at the end of 2020, TikTok embraced the song, helping to rocket songwriter DannyLux to new levels of acclaim.

He’s part of a wave of young artists reinventing corridos for a new generation and only stands to reach more listeners in the coming year.

Here are the five selections, and Shazam’s accompanying explanations:

Ayra Starr
Ayra Starr’s rise this year was largely mounted on her breakout track “Bloody Samaritan,” which had its first Shazam in Lagos. It was released as the lead single of the Nigerian singer-songwriter’s debut album 19 & Dangerous, but took on a life of its own as listeners were drawn in by an alluring violin melody that drops into contagious Afropop magic. An undeniable jam, “Bloody Samaritan” was the most Shazamed song by a local female artist in Nigeria this year—an impressive accomplishment considering it came out only in July.

DannyLux
Fans of trio-turned-duo Eslabon Armado probably need no introduction to DannyLux. The rising Mexican American singer is featured on “Jugaste y Sufrí,” which holds the honor of being this year’s most Shazamed regional mexicano track. Though it was released at the end of 2020, TikTok embraced it, helping to rocket songwriter DannyLux to new levels of acclaim. He’s part of a wave of young artists reinventing corridos for a new generation and only stands to reach more listeners in the coming year.

Lyn Lapid
Singer-songwriter Lyn Lapid is no stranger to viral success—her song “Producer Man” helped jump-start her career in 2020. With “In My Mind,” a mellow but soulful anthem for the quiet kids, she struck gold again. It became her most Shazamed song, charting in six countries, including Brazil, Indonesia, and the US. Though this one strikes a slightly different chord from her breakout, it only further highlights the many tools Lapid has in her arsenal, ready to be deployed as she takes on the new year.

Sad Night Dynamite
Mixing up a hypnotic blend of electronica, hip-hop, and Britpop, duo Sad Night Dynamite has a style that’s hard to define but captures the ear no less. Their eponymous debut mixtape, from February, ping-ponged between genres, but it was their latest single “Demon” that seemed to especially resonate. “Demon,” which features South African musician Moonchild Sanelly, is industrial and ominous, earning a spot on the FIFA 22 soundtrack. It also brought the pair their biggest Shazam success, with their all-time daily Shazams peaking soon after its release.

STAYC
In April, K-pop girl group STAYC released an effervescent ball of bubblegum pop titled “ASAP.” And every day since then, the single has remained on the South Korean Shazam chart. Pulled from the group’s second single album STAYDOM, “ASAP” has powered their rise as they continue to hone their Technicolor melodies and natural pop proficiency.

Check out a playlist with even more predictions here.

Victoria La Mala Returns with New Album “Soy Mala”

Posted on May 10, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Victoria La Mala is breaking bad…

The Mexican singer/songwriter has made her triumphant return to music with her EP Soy Mala, home to eight saucy collaborations and one solo track.

On the set, the Mexican singer lets her true colors shine, incorporating mariachi, cumbia, corridos, reggaeton, and hip-hop, genres that have shaped her musical sound. “I feel that I’ve been put in a box for so many years,” she admits to Billboard. “It was either I did something super traditional but I couldn’t do fusions. I am more than that.”

Creating what came from her heart, La Mala penned songs about self-worth (“Cabrona”), female empowerment (“Tenme Miedo”), and immigrant struggles as heard in “Nuestra Tierra (Our Land)” with Chris Perez, Joe Ojeda, and Yorch.

Standout tracks include the opening “Nada De Ti” featuring the all-female mariachi Flor de Toloache and the Western-tinged “Sexo Debil” in collaboration with Chiquis.

“I did the fusions I wanted to do, not thinking about anything other than feeling and creating,” she adds. “Every song I wrote or co-wrote and it marks a new stage of my career.”

Junior H’s “$ad Boyz 4 Life” Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Albums Chart

Posted on February 28, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Junior H is back on top…

The 19-year-old Mexican singer, whose real name Antonio Herrera Perez, has scored his second No. 1 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Albums chart as his $ad Boyz 4 Life debuts atop the chart dated February 27.

It’s the urban corridos act’s fourth straight top five.

$ad Boyz 4 Life starts with 6,000 equivalent album units earned in the week ending February 18, according to MRC Data, with the bulk of the album’s units deriving from streaming activity.

The Regional Mexican Albums chart ranks the most popular regional Mexican albums of the week in the U.S. based on multimetric consumption as measured in equivalent album units. Units comprise traditional album sales, track equivalent albums (TEA) and streaming equivalent albums (SEA).

$ad Boyz 4 Life, released Feb. 12 via JHRH/Warner Latina, registered 6,000 SEA in its first tracking week, which equates to 8.3 million on-demand streams generated by the songs on the album.

The 16-track set earns the 18-year-old his second Regional Mexican Albums No. 1 and fourth top five, all of which launched in less than a year, as Atrapado En Un Sueño, his sophomore debut and first entry on any Billboard album chart, debuted and peaked at No. 2 in April 2020 with 4,000 equivalent album units.

$ad Boyz nets the Guanajato singer-songwriter’s best start in terms of overall units:

Title, Equivalent Album Units, (Debut Week)
Atrapado En Un Sueño, 4,000, April 11, 2020
Cruisin’ With Junior H, 2,000, Sept. 12, 2020
Musica <3, 1,000, Sept. 12, 2020
$ad Boyz 4 Life, 6,000, Feb. 27, 2021

With $ad Boyz’s arrival at No. 1, Junior H posts three albums on the Regional Mexican Albums’ top 10, as Atrapado En Un Sueño ranks at No. 6 and Cruisin’ With Junior H at No. 9 on the current chart.

Elsewhere, $ad Boyz 4 Life bows at No. 5 on the Top Latin Albums list and at No. 192 on all-genre Billboard 200, his first entry there.

Gerardo Ortiz Releases Décimo Aniversario Album to Commemorate His Decade-Long Career

Posted on February 21, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Gerardo Ortiz is celebrating a music milestone…

The 31-year-old Mexican American singer-songwriter and Regional Mexican star has released his 10th studio album Décimo Aniversario to commemorate his decade in music.

The 11-track set reflects Ortiz’s versatility featuring hard-hitting corridos, mariachi ballads and banda.

On one end of the spectrum, the album features hard-hitting corridos like “Don Jesús” and “Gente de Joaquín.”

If corridos aren’t your thing, there’s also cumbia and slowed-down ballads like “Mi Niña Bonita” and “Y A Mí Que Me Queda.”

“I wanted to make an album for the pueblo,” says Ortiz about Décimo Aniversario. “Something my grandma or my aunt can listen to at home.”

Ivonne Galaz Releases Tribute Song to Murdered U.S. Army Soldier Vanessa Guillén

Posted on July 8, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Ivonne Galaz is raising her voice to honor murdered U.S. army soldier Vanessa Guillén.

The Mexican singer, one of the young female singers leading the emerging corridos tumbados movement, revisits Guillén’s tragic fate in a tribute song she’s uploaded to her Instagram account.

“JusticeForVanessaGuillen with much respect to Vanessa’s family,” wrote Galaz, who titled the track “Vanessa Guillén.”

After Guillén’s disappearance made national headlines, the lawyer for her family confirmed on Sunday that the U.S. Armypositively identified the soldier’s remains near the Leon River in Texas last week.

Guillén, 20, a soldier in Fort Hood, was declared missing by her family since April, but the search for her only intensified last month when the family went public with appeals to find her.

Galaz, the first female signee on corridos tumbados label Rancho Humilde, uploaded the song to Instagram on Sunday night. Corridos tumbados (sometimes referred to as trap corridos) are a new take on the traditional Mexican song from the perspective of the youth in the streets of the U.S.

Backed by an acoustic guitar, Galáz sympathizes with Guillén’s family in her heartbreaking corrido. “Her suffering family asking, ‘Where is the girl?'” she sings in Spanish. Galáz sadly notes Guillén’s “light has been put out” while highlighting her heritage in the haunting final line: “The Mexican people, we will be there so that her case is not forgotten.”

Many Latino artists, including Becky G, Chiquis, Salma Hayek and Intocable, have posted about Guillen in social media, demanding answers from authorities at her base.

The main suspect in Guillén’s murder, Spc. Aaron David Robinson, who was stationed with the her at Fort Hood, killed himself last Wednesday as investigators were closing in. Robinson’s reported girlfriend, Cecily Aguilar, says Robinson murdered Guillén and that she tried to help him dispose of her body. Aguilar was charged with one count of conspiracy to tamper with evidence.

Galáz hails from Senora, Mexico, the same state as her labelmate Natanael Cano. She made her debut last year as a featured artist on Cano’s “Golpes de La Vida” from his Mi Nuevo Yo EP. On Rancho Humilde’s recent Corridos Tumbados Vol. 2 album, Galáz recorded with Cano again and also teamed up with Natalie Lopéz on the girl-powered “La Rueda.” A solo project from Galaz is due out soon.

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