Gabito Ballesteros to Perform at 2024 Billboard Latin Music Awards

Posted on October 8, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Gabito Ballesteros is preparing for a major performance…

The Mexican singer-songwriter and record producer will perform at the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Awards.

He’s among a list of just-added performers that includes Gloria Trevi, Prince Royce, Chencho Corleone and Proyecto Uno.

The artists join a previously announced lineup that includes Fuerza Regida, Grupo Niche, J Balvin, Pepe Aguilar, Luis Alfonso, Maria Becerra, Xavi and Yandel.

The awards show will broadcast on Sunday, October 20, at 9:00 pm ET on Telemundo. Viewers can also watch on the Telemundo App and Peacock and throughout Latin America and the Caribbean on Telemundo Internacional.

Both Prince Royce and Gabito Ballesteros are finalists this year. The former is up for three awards, including tropical artist of the year, solo; tropical song of the year for “Cosas de la Peda,” with Gabito Ballesteros, and tropical album of the year for his seventh album Llamada Perdida.

Meanwhile, Ballesteros is a four-time finalist vying for artist of the year, new. He’s up against Young Miko, Tito Double P, Xavi and Oscar Maydon in that category.

Karol G leads the list of finalists with 17 entries in categories including artist of the year, tour of the year, Global 200 Latin artist of the year, and top Latin album of the year for Mañana Será Bonito (Bichota Season).

The Billboard Latin Music Awards — the only awards that recognize the most popular albums, songs and performers in Latin music, according to Billboard’s weekly charts — coincide with Billboard Latin Music Week, which returns to Miami October 14-18 with a roster of star speakers including Alejandro Sanz, J Balvin, Young Miko, Pepe Aguilar, Feid, Gloria Estefan, Danny Ocean, Peso Pluma and many more.

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

Prince Royce & Gabito Ballesteros’ “Cosas de la Peda” Rises to No. 1 on Billbaord’s Latin Airplay Chart

Posted on April 25, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Prince Royce and Gabito Ballesteros are celebrating the success of their collaboration on a second Billboard chart…

Ten weeks after the 34-year-old Dominican American bachata star and the 24-year-old Mexican singer-songwriter and record producer monopolized Billboard’s Tropical Airplay chart with “Cosas de la Peda,” the song slides to the top of the overall Latin Airplay chart dated April 27, up from No. 3 a week ago.

The hit is the seventh single from Royce’s album, Llamada Perdida, the 23-track set that placed the bachata singer back in the top five on Tropical Albums after a four-year pause (No. 2 debut in March).

“Cosas De La Peda” shoots to No. 1 on the overall Latin Airplay chart due to a 27% boost in audience impressions, to 10.9 million, logged in the U.S. in the week ending April 18, according to Luminate. With almost 2 million additional impressions, the song wins the weekly Greatest Gainer award on the Latin radio ranking for the largest increase in audience among its 50 titles.

Further, thanks to its radio surge, “Cosas De La Peda” debuts at No. 46 on the multi-metric Hot Latin Songs, which ranks the most popular Latin songs of the week by blending streaming, airplay, and sales activity.

Royce and Ballesteros’ first team-up gives the regional Mexican soloist his maiden No. 1 on Latin Airplay. The new achievement arrives 10 weeks after he picked up his first champ on any Billboard radio ranking, as “Cosas de la Peda” rose to the top of Tropical Airplay on the February 24-dated list, where it has held strong since.

“Cosas de la Peda” is a cause for celebration for Ballesteros, who joins a select group of regional Mexican artists who likewise achieved their premiere No. 1 on Latin Airplay in 2024 among the seven rulers this year including a regional Mexican act (whether through a regional Mexican song or a collab outside the genre). Those new highfliers comprise Xavi, whose “La Diabla” led for two weeks (starting with the February 10-dated list) and siblings Leonardo and Angela Aguilar through their Becky G collab, “Por El Contrario,” for one week atop (March 9).

Prince Royce moves ahead with 17 No. 1s on Latin Airplay and breaks from a tie with Carlos Vives for the second-most champs among tropical artists in the survey’s almost 30-year history, where Romeo Santos continues at the lead with 21 No. 1 hits.

Here are those chart toppers:

21, Romeo Santos
17, Prince Royce
16, Carlos Vives
14, Marc Anthony
11, Gloria Estefan
6, Juan Luis Guerra

In its 10th consecutive week atop Tropical Airplay, “Cosas de la Peda” continues to hold the record for the longest-leading song in 2024 thus far.

Arcangel to Perform on This Year’s Latin American Music Awards Show

Posted on April 18, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Arcangel is preparing to take to the Latin AMAs stage…

The 38-year-old Dominican American rapper and singer has been added to the performers list for the ninth annual Latin American Music Awards.

Arcangel appears on the roster of recently added performers that includes Jennifer Nettles, KY-Mani Marley, Mora, Noel Schajris, Sech, Silvestre Dangond and Wisin.

The gala will take place on April 25 live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Actors Danny Pino and Michael Mando in addition to superstars Christian Chávez, Eslabon Armado, Joss Favela and Kali Uchis are all set to present awards.

DJ Steve Aoki and Victoria Justice will also make appearances.

This long list of talent joins previously announced performers: Peso Pluma, Farukko, Jay Wheeler, Justin Quiles, DJ Deorro, Yng Lvcas, Gabito Ballesteros, Marc Anthony, Carin León, Chino Pacas, Lenny Tavárez, Milo Beat, Nacho, Sergio George, Venesti and Zhamira Zambrano.

Anthony is set to premiere his new single “Ale Ale,” from his upcoming album Muevense, which is set to be released on April 26. He has won two Latin AMAs, and this year is nominated for best tropical artist and best tropical collaboration for “La Fórmula” with Maluma.

“I am really excited to have the opportunity of presenting the global premiere of my new song ‘Ale, Ale’ on live television at this year’s Latin American Music Awards, and on that same evening release my new studio album Muevense,” said Anthony in a statement. “The Latin AMAs stage has seen many of my firsts and I am ready to introduce this one to audiences everywhere.”

Mexican music’s big year will be well represented at the awards show this year with appearances by bubbling acts including León, Pacas, Ballesteros and Peso, who returns to the Latin AMA stage after making his TV debut there last year.

Peso, along with reggaeton star Feid, is the most nominated artist of the night with 12 recognitions, including nods in coveted categories like artist of the year, new artist of the year, song of the year, album of the year, and collaboration of the year, among others.

Behind Peso and Feid, Bad Bunny and Grupo Frontera lead the nominations list with 11 each. Karol G and Shakira each tout nine nominations, and Eslabon Armado and Fuerza Regida have eight.

There are 27 categories, with a total of 76 nominees that span all musical genres including pop, urban, música Mexicana and tropical.

The awards show will be hosted by Latin pop phenom Thalia, along with presenter Alejandra Espinoza, and singer-songwriter and television personality Carlos Ponce.

The show will broadcast live from Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Gabito Ballesteros Earns First No. 1 on Billboard’s Tropical Airplay Chart with Prince Royce-Collab “Cosas de la Peda”

Posted on February 21, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Gabito Ballesteros is celebrating a Billboard first…

The 24-year-old Mexican singer-songwriter and record producer’s collaboration with Prince Royce, “Cosas De La Peda” rises to the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Tropical Airplay chart as their first partnership advances from the runner-up slot to lead the February 24-dated list.

That translates into a 24th No. 1 for Prince Royce, while Ballesteros scores his first champ on first try.

“Cosas De La Peda,” Mexican slang for “drunken times,” lifts 2-1 on the tropical radio ranking with by a 37% gain in audience impressions, to 6.2 million earned in the U.S. during the February 9-15 tracking week, according to Luminate.

The track trades places with Marc Anthony’s “Punta Cana” which drops 1-2 with an 11% dip in impressions, to 5.2 million.

Prior to its release, “Cosas De La Peda” received its fair share of promotion. The Bronx-born singer premiered the song live for the first time, with Ballesteros, during Calibash festival at the Crypto Arena in Los Angeles on January 12. Plus, a performance on ABC’s Good Morning America followed on January 17.

With “Peda,” Royce collects his 24th No. 1 on Tropical Airplay, continuing with the third-most leaders since the chart’s inception in 1994. Only two soloists stand ahead him: Marc Anthony with 36 No. 1s and Victor Manuelle with 29. Here’s an updated look at the artists with the most No. 1 hits on the almost three-decade-old ranking:

36, Marc Anthony
29, Victor Manuelle
24, Prince Royce
18, Romeo Santos
14, Elvis Crespo
14, Gilberto Santa Rosa
13, Jerry Rivera
12, Juan Luis Guerra 440
11, India

Ballesteros, who seasoned “Peda” with his corridos tumbados flair, lands a first No. 1 on the Tropical Airplay —and on any airplay ranking— thanks to the bachata tumbada. The Mexican producer first landed a No. 1 on a Billboard chart as a producer of the two-week champ “Lady Gaga,” with Peso Pluma and Junior H (last September).

Elsewhere, “Cosas De La Peda” flies 26-11 on the overall Latin Airplay tally. It bests Ballesteros’ previous No. 37 entry with “La Pelinegra,” with La Adictiva, last October.

“Cosas De La Peda” is one of 23 songs from Royce’s latest seventh full-length album, Llamada Perdida, released February 16 through Sony Music Latin; it has not entered any Billboard charts yet. The song was produced by Edgar Barrera and Luis Miguel Gómez Castaño, better known as Casta.

Luis R. Conriquez Releases New Album “Corridos Bélicos, Vol. IV”

Posted on January 6, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Luis R. Conriquez has released new music…

The 27-year-old Mexican singer-songwriter of Regional Mexican music and pioneer of corridos bélicos has assembled an all-star team of collaborators for Corridos Bélicos, Vol. IV, which was released on Friday, January 5.

With guest artists like Peso Pluma, Gerardo Ortiz, El Fantasma, Junior H, Gabito Ballesteros, Edén Muñoz, Fuerza Regida, Alfredo Olivas and Natanael Cano, Conriquez recruits some of the best in música mexicana, and honors both the new and old generations of regional Mexican hitmakers.

The set includes a total of 23 songs all powered by the subgenre’s signature sound, punctuated by sierreño guitars, trombones, trumpets and a tololoche.

Most of the album’s songs narrate rags-to-riches stories with lyrics inspired by narco culture, the style of storytelling that has defined corridos bélicos.

Conriquez’s Corridos Bélicos, Vol. IV rings in the year with a tour de force that showcases solidarity in Mexican music — the genre had a massive 2023 and this year looks just as promising.

Peso Pluma Tops YouTube’s List of Top 5 Most-Viewed Artists in the U.S. in 2023

Posted on December 24, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Peso Pluma is this year’s streaming sensation…

YouTube has unveiled its Top 5 Most-Viewed Artists in the United States in 2023, with the 24-year-old Mexican Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter leading the pack.

The música Mexicana (Regional Mexican) phenomenon comes in at No. 1 for the first time on the coveted list due to fans connecting through his live performance at Coachella, for example.

The artist born Hassan Emilio Kabande Laija had more than 8.5 billion views throughout the year, according to a press release from the platform.

The massive success that songs such as Yng Lvcas’ “La Bebe (Remix),” “Ella Baila Sola” with Eslabon Armado, the Karol G-assisted “QLONA,” “Lady Gaga” in collaboration with Gabito Ballesteros and Junior H, and “Rubicon” had in 2023 ultimately made La Doble P the No. 1 most played artist on YouTube in the U.S. this year.

He’s followed by YoungBoy Never Broke Again at No. 2, Drake at No. 3, Bad Bunny at No. 4, and Taylor Swift at No. 5.

Peso Puma, who hails from Zapopan, also scored two songs on YouTube’s Top 10 Songs of the Year list with “Ella Baila Sola” at No.3 and “La Bebe (Remix)” at No. 4.

The former also wrapped the year at No. 1 on the Billboard year-end Hot Latin Songs chart. Penned by Pedro Tovar about a man drawn by a woman’s beauty, “Ella Baila Sola” made history as the first regional Mexican song to dominate the Billboard Global 200 chart, where it led for six consecutive weeks.

Additionally, Pluma topped Billboard’s Top 5 New Latin Artists of 2023 list and was No. 2 on the Top Latin Artist of 2023 list, following Bad Bunny.

Peso Pluma Among Headliners for Next Year’s Tecate Pa’l Norte Festival

Posted on November 5, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Peso Pluma is heading to Monterrey for a special performance next spring…

The 24-year-old Mexican Regional Mexican artist is among the headliners for the next edition of the Tecate Pa’l Norte festival, which has announced the extensive list of international stars that will take the stage the weekend of March 29-31.

Peso Pluma is among a list of headliners that includes Keane, Maná and Fuerza Regida.

As it does every year, Fundidora Park in Monterrey, Nuevo León, in northern Mexico, will host one of the most highly anticipated musical events, where attendees can enjoy genres such as rock, pop, hip-hop and regional Mexican music.

The first day will feature artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Peso Pluma, Keane, Aleman, Bad Religion, Belanova, Aterciopelados, Bomba Estéreo, Chencho Corleone, Deorro, Los Estrambóticos, Aitana and a large number of emerging groups.

The second day will highlight Blink-182, Louis Tomlinson, Thirty Seconds to Mars, Anitta, Danna Paola, Danny Ocean, Gabito Ballesteros, Latin Mafia, Sum 41, Yng Lvcas, Humbe, Young the Giant, R3hab, Justin Morales and many more.

The last day of the festival will feature Maná, Imagine Dragons, Placebo, Fuerza Regida, Los Enanitos Verdes, Enjambre, Kenia Os, Santa Fe Klan, Álvaro Díaz, Jay de la Cueva, Oscar Maydón, Kinky, The Warning and The Blessed Madonna, in addition to a variety of up-and-coming artists.

Created in 2012 by the entertainment company Apodaca Group, based in Monterrey, Tecate Pa’l Norte was created with the local public in mind, which had to travel to Mexico City to attend these types of musical events. Music, art, gastronomy and northern traditions come together in Tecate Pa’l Norte, considered one of the most important festivals in the country along with Vive Latino and Corona Capital, held in Mexico City by Ocesa.

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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.

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