Chencho Corleone Earns First Solo No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay Chart with “Un Cigarrillo”

Posted on September 30, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Chencho Corleone has a smokin’ hot chart-topper.

The 44-year-old Puerto Rican singer-songwriter and producer has earned his first solo No. 1 (without any other acts) on Billboard’s Latin Airplay chart as “Un Cigarrillo” rises 3-1 to lead the chart dated September 30.

Corleone adds a fourth champ to his Latin Airplay chart career.

“Un Cigarrillo” puffs its way to No. 1 after 18 weeks on the list with a 10% gain in audience impressions, to 8.9 million, earned in the U.S. during the tracking week ending September 21, according to Luminate.

The song was released on May 4 via Cerco/Sony Music Latin. It’s Corleone’s first official release after he signed a global record deal with the major label earlier in the year.

As for the Cerco label, “Un Cigarrillo” is its first No. 1 on any Billboard chart.

“Un Cigarrillo” gives Corleone his fourth leader on the overall Latin Airplay ranking.

He claimed his first No. 1 in July 2022 through his co-billed Rauw Alejandro collaboration “Desesperados.” Corleone returned to the penthouse with another co-billed collab, “Me Porto Bonito,” with Bad Bunny, in August 2022, which also gifted him his only No. 1 on Hot Latin Songs (20 weeks in charge). His Don Omar collab “Podemos Repetirlo” followed (one week, September 16-dated list).

Elsewhere, “Un Cigarrillo” jumps 2-1 on Latin Rhythm Airplay, his fifth champ there. Over on the multimetric Hot Latin Songs, which blends airplay, digital sales and streaming activity, the song rebounds from No. 49 to its No. 47 high.

Gaby Music Signs Record Deal with Universal Music Latino

Posted on August 22, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Gaby Music has a new deal…

The Puerto Rican producer, composer and hitmaker, who was born Juan Rivera, has signed a record deal with Universal Music Latino.

Gaby Music has produced and written hits for a variety of artists, including Don Omar, Daddy Yankee, Rosalía, Bad Bunny and Ozuna, among many others.

His association with Universal Music Latino marks his first recording contract as an artist-producer with a major label.

“When I started making music I saw my favorite producers and artists and how they grew up with Universal Latino. Belonging to this great team was one of my biggest goals,” Gaby Music said in a statement. “Very grateful to the Universal Latino team for this new alliance. I am a dreamer who wants to make history in music and I know that together we will achieve it!!!”

Gaby Music broke in as a producer and composer in 2015 and since then has worked on hits such as “Con calma” by Daddy Yankee and Snow, “La noche de anoche” by Bad Bunny and Rosalía, and “Soltera (Remix)” by Lunay with Daddy Yankee and Bad Bunny.

He has won seven Latin Grammys, including Best Urban Song for Daddy Yankee’s “Dura,” which he co-wrote.

Gaby Music also launched his own label, La Familia, together with producer and collaborator Chris Jedi. The pair signed Puerto Rican artist Lunay in 2019, when he was an emerging reggaeton singer-songwriter. That same year, his song “Soltera (Remix),” produced by Gaby Music and Chris Jedi, peaked at No. 3 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart. La Familia’s staff includes artists and producers Bryant Myers, Chanell, Juliito, Dímelo Ninow and Dulce as Candy.

Shakira Becomes First Artist to Hold Top Three Spots on Billboard’s Latin Pop Airplay Chart in Single Week

Posted on July 29, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Shakira has earned another mention in the Latin music record books…

The 46-year-old Colombian superstar has become the first artist to occupy the top three ranks on Billboard’s Latin Pop Airplay chart in a single week.

On the survey dated July 29, “TQG,” with Karol G, holds strong at No. 1 for a 10th week; Shakira’s own “Acróstico” rises 3-2, returning to its best rank; and the Colombian superstar’s latest single “Copa Vacía,” with Manuel Turizo, advances 4-3 for a new high.

The Latin Pop Airplay chart, which began in 1994, reflects weekly audience impressions from a panel of over 150 Latin-formatted U.S. radio stations, as monitored by Mediabase, which provides Luminate data for Billboard charts.)

Despite “TQG” dipping 7% in audience impressions to 8.6 million in the latest tracking week, ending July 20, the team-up’s 10 weeks at No. 1 mark the second-most of 2023 – trailing only another Shakira song: Her Bizarrap collab “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53” dominated for 12 weeks beginning in February (and currently holds at No. 7).

As “Acróstico” and “Copa Vacía” ascend to Nos. 2 and 3, respectively, radio airplay continues to grow for the songs. “Acróstico” takes the runner-up slot with a 2% gain in audience impressions, to 5.7 million, while “Copa Vacia” rises with a 33% boost, to 5.4 million, procuring the track the week’s Greatest Gainer honor.

Previously, Shakira and 16 other acts had held the top two on Latin Pop Airplay simultaneously.

The full list of such artists: Rauw Alejandro, Bad Bunny, Camilo, Daddy Yankee, Luis Fonsi, Juan Luis Guerra 440, Enrique Iglesias, J Balvin, Juanes, Karol G, Maluma, Nicky Jam, Don Omar, Ozuna, Pitbull, Shakira and Tainy.

Don Omar Releases Long-Awaited Album “Forever King”

Posted on June 18, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Don Omar is celebrating a royal launch…

The 45-year-old Puerto Rican reggaeton rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer and actor – a Latin music icon – has released his long-awaited album Forever King after releasing a succession of singles over the past 18 months.

It’s Don Omar’s first album since his partnership with Saban Music Latin.

After four years without a studio album release, Don Omar brings his music to another level.

“This is just the beginning of a new stage in my career with Saban Music Latin. I promised my fans to give them what I do best, which is good music,” said the Latin Grammy winner.

Fans have been asking for the release of the album, and by popular demand, it was decided to launch it ahead of time.

“Forever King is an album that features the real Don Omar. For me, it is super important to create songs that showcase my true essence. This has allowed me to have a career that expanded more than 20 years and continue to connect with my loyal fans. In this industry you must work hard to maintain your place; to achieve you must take risks and step outside of your comfort zone,” said Don Omar.

The album brings 14 songs, two of which have already reached the #1 position on Billboard’s Latin Airplay chart: ‘Se Menea’ and ‘Soy Yo’. With ‘Soy Yo’ is the 39th time that the multi-award-winning Puerto Rican artist has established himself in the number one spot on a list.

Back in September 2022, he partnered with Lil Jon for the single ‘Let’s Get Crazy.’

Don Omar, who has been captivating fans with his talent, style, and staying power for decades now, continues his musical success.

‘FOREVER KING’ ALBUM TRACK LIST
El Preso #9
Carcelero
Podemos Repetirlo with Chencho Corleone
Te Abandono (Remix) with Nio García
Cariñito Magdalena with Maluma
Cuestión de Tiempo Bandidos with Cosculluela Flow
HP with Residente
Sincero Agradecido Good Girl with Akon
Soy Yo with Wisin y Gente de Zona
Se Menea with Nio García
Let’s Get Crazy with Lil Jon
Te Abandono Sincero (Salsa Version)
Sincero (Trap Version)

Maldy Earns First No. 1 on Any Billboard Airplay Chart as a Solo Artist with Karol G-Collab “Gatúbela”

Posted on January 5, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Maldy is celebrating a special first…

The Puerto Rican artist is starting off the new year with a new career success as “Gatúbela,” with Karol G, captures first place on Billboard’s Latin Rhythm Airplay chart dated January 7.

The song gives the reggaetón singer his first champ as a soloist on any airplay chart.

“Gatúbela,” produced by DJ Maff, reaches the summit with a 3-1 jump, generating 7 million in audience impressions, up 1%, earned in the U.S. in week ending December 29, according to Luminate.

The track was released on August 26 via Universal Music/UMLE and reaches a No. 1 in its 18th week.

Maldy, one-half of veteran reggaetón duo Plan B, scores his first chart-topper on any airplay ranking a decade after he earned a first Latin Rhythm Airplay entry. He reached a No. 21 high prior with “La Formula Sigue,” with Zion, Arcangel, Lennox, Chencho, and RKM & Ken-Y, in 2012.

During his Plan B era, Maldy went as high as No. 4 with “Mi Vecinita” in 2014.

Karol G, meanwhile, enters a tie for the eighth-most No. 1s on Latin Rhythm Airplay.

She matches Don Omar, Nicky Jam and Yandel, all with 14 leaders.

Here’s the scoreboard since the list begun in 2005:

34, Daddy Yankee
34, J Balvin
28, Ozuna
19, Bad Bunny
19, Maluma
19, Wisin
19, Wisin & Yandel
14, Don Omar
14, Karol G
14, Nicky Jam
14, Yandel

Manuel Turizo Rises to No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay Chart with “La Bachata”

Posted on October 25, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Manuel Turizo has danced his way to the top of another chart…

The 22-year-old Colombian singer has secured his fifth No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay chart as “La Bachata” advances from No. 4 to lead the October 29-dated ranking.

The track concurrently notches a sixth week at No. 1 on Tropical Airplay.

“La Bachata,” released on La Industria/Sony Music Latin, tallied 10.7 million in audience impressions, up 29%, earned in the U.S. in the October 17-23 tracking week, according to Luminate.

The song, written by Turizo, Edgar Barrera, Andrés Jael Correa, Juan Diego Medina and Miguel Andrés Martinez, is the first single from Turizo’s forthcoming album 2000 (release date TBD).

The new leader is the fifth champ for Turizo among 24 Latin Airplay chart entries.

Turizo’s first No. 1, “Vaina Loca” with Ozuna, dominated for two weeks in 2018.

“La Bachata” is also Turizo’s second chart-topper as a soloist, unaccompanied by any other act.

Here’s a look at his chart-topping singles:

Peak Date, Title, Artist (if other than Turizo)
Oct. 6, 2018, “Vaina Loca,” with Ozuna
March 9, 2019, “Sola”
July 4, 2020, “TBT,” with Sebastian Yatra & Rauw Alejandro
Jan. 23, 2021, “La Nota,” with Manuel Turizo & Myke Towers
Oct. 29, 2022, “La Bachata”

Elsewhere, the Latin Airplay coronation helps “La Bachata” improve its standing on the multimetric Hot Latin Songs chart. There, the song lifts 8-6, the closest to the top Turizo has ranked since the No. 5 high of “La Nota” in 2021. Plus, “La Bachata” gain 1% in streams, to 5.1 million, while it dips 5% in downloads sold, earned in the week ending October 20.

Further, “La Bachata” holds at No. 1 for a sixth consecutive week on Tropical Airplay (and counting), five weeks after it ascended to the summit. It becomes the third-longest-leading title in 2022, trailing Romeo Santos’ “Sus Huellas” which ruled for 10 weeks and Don Omar and Nio Garciá’s 8-week ruler, “Se Mena.”

Chesca Teams Up with Villano Antillano & Corina Smith to Release New Singer “Activa”

Posted on October 13, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Chesca is reporting for active duty…

The Puerto Rican singer-songwriter has joined voices with emerging trans rapper Villano Antillano and Venezuelan pop star Corina Smith for her new single “Activa,” with the official music video premiering exclusively on Billboard on Thursday.

The three female acts not only bring to the forefront their distinct, sensual, and captivating flow, but also empowering lyrics about owning yourself, your place, your body, and your sexuality. Backed by a hard-hitting perreo with futuristic beats, part of the track even references timeless reggaeton bangers like Yaga & Mackie’s “La Batidora” and Don Omar’s “Conteo.”

“Estamos toa’ la’ baby’s activa/pa’ lante y pa’ tras y dandole hasta abajo/Esto acaba empezar nadie se va” (All the babies are active/ To the front to the back and all the way down/ This is only the beginning, nobody is leaving), goes the catchy chorus.

“I feel happy with what is happening in my career. I thank God for allowing me to do what I do,” Chesca, a former Billboard Latin Artist on the Rise, tells Billboard via email. “I like to put a lot of enthusiasm into my work and manage to be an example that dreams do happen. This is just the beginning of countless surprises that I have for my fans — new music and collaborations are what’s coming.”

Smith adds: “This collaboration has been a wonderful experience because as Latinas, we are exchanging dreams and talents between sister countries allowing us to strengthen our presence in music.”

The music video, featuring Chesca, Villana, and Corina, is the best representation of the nightlife in La Isla del Encanto.

Don Omar Earns 11th No. 1 on Billboard‘s Latin Airplay Chart with “Soy Yo,” with Wisin & Gente de Zona

Posted on July 13, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

It’s Lucky No. 11 for Don Omar…

The 44-year-old Puerto Rican reggaeton singer, songwriter, rapper, record producer and actor has risen to the No. 1 spot on Billboard‘s Latin Airplay chart dated July 16 with his latest single “Soy Yo” with Wisin and Gente de Zona.

With the new chart-topper, Don Omar adds an 11th No. 1 career total to his account.

The new win arrives a week after “Soy Yo” cracked the No. 1 spot on Tropical Airplay for the first time to rule in its 12th week (July 9-dated ranking).

“Reaching No. 1 for the 11th time in my career is a blessing!” Don Omar shares with Billboard. “The love and appreciation from my fans who have stood by me all these years inspires me to bring more music to them! I dedicate this achievement to them!”

“Soy Yo” rules Latin Airplay with a 38% gain in audience impressions, to 11.17 million, logged in the U.S. in the week ending July 10, according to Luminate.

The airplay surge earns the song the week’s Greatest Gainer trophy, while the percentage gain becomes the second-largest increase following another Wisin collaboration: “Buenos Días,” with Camilo, with a 44% boost, to 5.2 impressions.

With the move, Don Omar claims an 11th career No. 1 total on Latin Airplay. The champ arrives six months after he ruled with “Se Menea,” with Nio García, for two weeks.

Here’s Don Omar’s No. 1 recap:

Peak Date, Title, Artist (if other than Don Omar), Weeks At No. 1
July, 22, 2006, “Angelito Vi,” one
Nov. 13, 2010, “Danza Kuduro,” with Lucenzo, 15
July 16, 2011, “Taboo,” five
April 07, 2012, “Dutty Love,” featuring Natti Natasha, one
July 21, 2012, “Hasta Que Salga El Sol,” three
March 02, 2013, “Zumba,” nine
Feb. 14, 2015, “Soledad,” one
Feb. 11, 2017, “Sin Contrato,” Maluma featuring Fifth Harmony or Don Omar & Wisin, one
Dec. 24, 2016, “Te Quiero Pa’Mi ,” with Zion & Lennox, four
Jan. 15, “Se Menea,” with Nio Garcia, two
July 16, “Soy You,” with Wisin & Gente de Zona

As “Soy Yo” leads, collaborators Wisin and Gente de Zona, concurrently add chart achievements. Wisin continues his No. 1 career expansion as a solo act with 21 champs, tying with Maluma for the fifth-most among all Latin acts. Gente de Zona, meanwhile, pounces to the No. 1 rank after almost seven years. The duo last took the top spot on Latin Airplay with “La Gozadera,” featuring Marc Anthony, in August 2015 for one week.

“Working with Wisin and Gente De Zona, two outstanding artists, was great fun and I feel that enthusiasm showed through on ‘Soy Yo,’ Don Omar adds. “Thanks, Billboard, for giving me a reason to celebrate and acknowledge a special song!”

As Wisin enters a new tie for the fifth-most Latin Airplay No. 1s, let’s look at the scoreboard:

35, J Balvin
32, Enrique Iglesias
28, Ozuna
25, Daddy Yankee
21, Maluma
21, Wisin
19, Romeo Santos

Elsewhere, despite its dip in streams and digital sales, “Soy Yo” pushes up the all-metric Hot Latin Songs chart with a 49-40 climb, after its No. 38 debut and peak.

Gente de Zona Earns First No. 1 in Five Years on Billboard Tropical Airplay Chart with “Soy Yo,” Featuring Wisin & Don Omar

Posted on July 6, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Gente de Zona has made a triumphant return to the top of the Billboard Tropical Airplay chart…

“Soy Yo,” the first collaboration between the Cuban reggaeton duo comprised of musicians Alexander Delgado and Randy Malcom, Wisin and Don Omar, has reached the summit of the Tropical Airplay chart dated July 9.

“Soy Yo” tops the list with a 17% increase in audience impressions, to 8.03 million, earned in the U.S. in the week ending July 3, according to Luminate (rising 2-1).

It trades places with Prince Royce and Maria Becerra’s “Te Espero” after its four-nonconsecutive-week reign (with 5.8 million impressions and a 24% dip).

“Soy Yo” becomes the first No. 1 for Gente de Zona in over five years, since “La Mala y La Buena,” with Alex Sensation, placed the Cubans in the penthouse in February 2017 for two weeks.

In between, the duo scored 20 entries — among those, a collection of 10 top 10s — including “A Mi Manera,” with Dale Pututi, Jacob Forever, featuring Baby Lores, Eddy K, Los 4, El Chacal, El Micha, El Chulo, which debuts at No. 24 on the current chart.

Don Omar and Wisin, meanwhile, clock their 10th and fifth champ, respectively.

For Don Omar, “Soy Yo” grants him a second No. 1 via his new label Saban Music after a more than eight-year hiatus on the chart. Prior to the nine-week champ “Se Menea,” with Nio García (December 2021), Don Omar scored eight chart-toppers, his last one in April 2021 (“Dutty Love,” with Natti Natasha).

Here’s a recap of Don Omar’s No. 1s on Tropical Airplay:

Peak Date, Title, Artists (if other than Don Omar)

Aug. 20, 2005, “Reggaetón Latino”
Sept. 10, 2005, “Ella y Yo,” Aventura featuring Don Omar (two weeks atop)
July 1, 2006, “Angelito VI” (two weeks)
Dec. 16, 2006, “Los Hombres Tienen La Culpa,” with Gilberto Santa Rosa (two weeks)
May 5, 2007, “Nunca Había Llorado Así,” with Victor Manuelle
Nov. 13, 2010, “Danza Kuduro,” Don Omar & Lucenzo (18 weeks at No. 1)
July 23, 2011, “Taboo” (three weeks)
April 7, 2012, “Dutty Love,” featuring Natti Natasha
Dec. 25, 2021, “Se Menea,” with Nio García (nine weeks)
July 9, “Soy Yo,” with Wisin & Gente de Zona

“Soy Yo’s” coronation returns Saban Music to the top of Tropical Airplay. As previously mentioned, the label’s first win through Don Omar, arrived with “Se Menea’s” nine-week reign starting Dec. 25, 2021. The tribute to the late Celia Cruz, “El Carnaval de Celia: A Tribute (La Vida Es Un Carnaval/ La Negra Tiene…)” by Kyen?Es? saw the label at the summit for the first time in September 2020.

Elsewhere, “Soy Yo” continues forward progress on the all-genre Latin Airplay chart through a 7-4 climb; the highest Gente de Zona has ranked since its featured role in Chyno Miranda’s “Quédate Conmigo,” which also features Wisin (No. 7 high, 2017).

J Balvin to Co-Headline ‘Sueños,’ Chicago’s New Reggaeton & Latin Trap Festival

Posted on February 10, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

J Balvin is livin’ the sueño(s)…

The 36-year-old Colombian singer and rapper will co-headline Sueños, a new reggaeton and Latin trap festival in Chicago.

J Balvin will co-headline with Ozuna and Wisin y Yandel, when the festival takes place during Memorial Day Weekend (May 28-29).

The first-ever edition of Sueños — presented by the producers behind Baja Beach Fest and Lollapalooza, respectively, and Chicago’s Reventon Promotions — will also include sets by artists like Myke Towers, El Alfa, Tokischa, Sech, Natanael Cano, Fuerza Regida, Jhay Cortez, Blessd, Jowell & Randy, and DJ Luian.

“We’re honored to work with the producers of Lollapalooza and Reventon to bring a premier Latin festival to Grant Park in Chicago,” said Aaron Ampudia of Baja Beach Fest. “Reggaetón is a massive genre, but remains underserved by live festivals in the U.S. We’re extremely proud to expand to the US and serve our community and everyone who enjoys Latin music.”

Reventon Promotions’ Enrique Medrano added: ”Over a decade ago, I started Reventon Promotions with a dream of bringing authentic and diverse Hispanic entertainment to Chicago. Now I am excited and proud to be part of the first Sueños festival, an event that celebrates the Hispanic presence in the city, in addition to being held in the iconic and representative Grant Park right in the heart of downtown. What better place is there for thousands of people from different Latin American countries to meet, share, and celebrate with artists of the likes of J Balvin, Ozuna, and many more.”

Sueños’ inaugural edition will be the first of two back-to-back reggaeton festivals set to take place for the first time ever in Chicago over the summer.

The also new Más Flow three-day reggaeton fest — featuring headliners Don Omar and Ivy Queen — is confirmed for July 15 to July 17, and produced by Grass Root Events, a local production company.

Sueños and Más Flow join Chicago’s very own Ruido Fest, a Latin alternative music festival that launched in 2015, as the third and second Latinx music festivals to find a home in the Midwestern city, where Latinos are now the second-largest racial or ethnic group, growing by 5% from roughly 779,000 in 2010 to nearly 820,000 in 2020, according to census data.

Tickets for Sueños will be available via pre-sale beginning Friday, February 11, at 1:00 pm ET with the official on-sale launching at 3:00 pm at www.suenosmusicfestival.com.

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