J Balvin to Release New Album, “Rayo,” This August

Posted on July 11, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

J Balvin will be catching some rayos this summer…

The 39-year-old Colombian rapper, singer, songwriter and record producer has announced plans to release his upcoming new album, titled Rayo, on August 9.

Balvin’s 15-track LP includes collaborations with Feid, Chencho Corleone, Bad Gyal and Carín León, among others.

The set will follow the hitmaker’s Grammy-nominated Jose released three years ago, which peaked at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums chart for three weeks.

Overall, Balvin has placed four No. 1 sets on the tally since 2016, including Energía, Vibras and Oasis, his 2019 joint album with Bad Bunny.

As with all his previous albums, this one also started with a name before even recording any of the songs included. “My albums have always started with their names,” he previously told Billboard. “That way, we let ourselves be guided by the vibe.” The singer-songwriter also shared that London was a major source of inspiration for the set, specifically its nightclub scene, where he and his team would play demos sometimes. “We wanted to see fan reaction, and it was amazing,” he teased.

According to a press release, Rayo is an expression of “earnest need for human connection that drove Balvin to create an album that feels more like a house party than a collection of songs.”

On this new album, he blends elements of reggeatón with electronic pop and dembow, the statement further adds.

In April, Balvin performed a riveting sci-fi-inspired headlining set at Coachella, where he sang his biggest anthems to date, including hits recent hits such as the Tainy-produced “Colmillo” and “Dientes.”

Some of his surprise guests included Jowell & Randy, De La Ghetto and Will Smith.

The new album announcement coincides with Balvin’s new single “Gaga” in collaboration with Saiko. The Keityn and L.e.x.v.z.-produced track dropped on Thursday (July 11).

Here’s the Rayo tracklist:

“Cosa de Locos”
“Polvo de tu Vida” featuring Chencho Corleone
“Swat” featuring Luar La L
“Bajo y Batería”
“Doblexxó” featuring Feid
“3 Noches”
“Gaga” featuring Saiko
“Gato” featuring Bad Gyal
“Lobo” featuring Zion
“La Noche” featuring Dei V
“Origami” featuring Ryan Castro and Blessd
“Sólido”
“Stoker” featuring Carin León
“Ganster”
“En Alta” featuring Omar Courtz, Yovngchimi, Quevedo, Mambo Kingz, DJ Luian

Young Miko Announces XOXO Tour 2024 Across United States

Posted on April 30, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Young Miko is ready to trek across America.

He 25-year-old Puerto Rican rapper, singer-songwriter and former footballer, whose real name is María Victoria Ramírez de Arellano Cardona, has announced plans for her XOXO Tour 2024 in support of her debut album Att., which she released just three weeks ago.

Her nearly 20-date headlining tour will kick off on July 31 in Denver, Colorado, at the Fillmore Auditorium, and will make stops major cities such as Los Angeles; Austin, Texas; New York City; Boston; and Atlanta before concluding in Hollywood, Fla., on Sept. 11 at the Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood.

The news follows her recent Coachella debut performance, which took place on April 12 and 19, where she featured a gigantic boombox center stage.

In announcing the trek, she shared an Instagram reel in which the Puerto Rican rapper — who is rocking baggy blue pants and a pink long-sleeve shirt — takes a portable ghetto blaster to a graffiti-decorated alleyway. The camera pans to a fire hydrant emblazoned with the tag “XOXO Tour 2024” to announce the trek.

Miko’s forthcoming tour backs her new 16-track album, which features songs such as “Rookie of the Year,” “ID” and “Curita.” It debuted in the top 10 of the Top Latin Albums and Latin Rhythm Albums charts.

She also reeled in collaborators such as Feid, Jowell & Randy, Elena Rose, Villano Antillano and Dei V for the album.

Tickets will be available starting with an artist presale on Wednesday, May 1 at 10 a.m. local time. Additional presales will run throughout ahead of the general onsale on Friday (May 3) at 10 a.m. local time via LiveNation.com.

Here are the full tour dates:

7/31   Denver, Colo.                     Fillmore Auditorium
8/3     Wheatland, Calif.              Hard Rock Live Sacramento
8/6     San José, Calif.                 San Jose Civic
8/9     Phoenix, Ariz.                    Arizona Financial Theatre
8/10   Las Vegas, Nev.                Fontainebleau Las Vegas
8/12   San Diego, Calif.                Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre
8/15   Los Angeles, Calif.             Peacock Theater *
8/19   Austin, Texas                      Moody Amphitheater
8/20   Houston, Texas                  Smart Financial Centre
8/21   Irving, Texas                       The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
8/24   Rosemont, Ill.                     Rosemont Theatre
8/27   New York, N.Y.                    The Theater at Madison Square Garden
8/30   Bridgeport, Conn.              Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater
8/31   Philadelphia, Pa.                 The Met
9/1     Boston, Mass.                      Leader Bank Pavilion
9/4     Washington, D.C.                The Theater at MGM National Harbor
9/6     Atlanta, Ga.                          Coca-Cola Roxy
9/7     Orlando, Fla.                         Hard Rock Live
9/11   Hollywood, Fla.                    Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood

Young Miko Teaming Up with Bizarrap for New Single “Music Session, Vol. 58”

Posted on January 9, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Young Miko is readying for a high-profile music session…

The 25-year-old Puerto Rican rapper, singer-songwriter and former footballer is teaming up with Bizarrap for one of the producer’s popular music sessions.

Young Miko and the Argentine producer recently announced their collaboration on Instagram.

The pair revealed that the song will arrive Wednesday, January 10.

It’s the first time the pair has joined forces for a track.

Young Miko joins an impressive roster of artists — including Shakira, Peso Pluma, Quevedo and Milo J — who’ve jumped on one of Bizarrap’s zealously streamed music sessions.

His collab with Shakira broke numerous records, including earning a staggering 14 Guinness World Records with her “Music Session, Vol. 53,” and a No. 3 spot on Billboard‘s 100 Best Songs of 2023. It also soared on multiple Billboard charts, including Latin Pop Airplay, where it spent 12 weeks at No. 1, and peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Global 200.

The new song will follow Young Miko’s reggaetón banger “Señorita” also starring Wisin, and the club hit “Colmillo,” on which she paired up with superstars Tainy and J Balvin as well as genre pioneers Jowell & Randy.

Young Miko is set to perform in Mexico, making stops in Monterrey, Guadalajara and Mexico City starting on March 15.

Last year, the wordsmith, who was formerly a tattoo artist, landed on Billboard Latin and Español‘s 50 Best Spanish-language Rappers of All Time; she was also Billboard‘s Latin Rookie of the Year.

During Billboard Latin Music Week 2023, Young Miko joined an all-star roster of Latin female artists — including GALE, Maria Becerra, Nathy Peluso, Nicki Nicole and Kany García — for a panel dubbed Boys Club No More.

“Classy 101,” her 2023 collaboration with Feid, landed at 99 on the Hot 100.

Nicky Jam Releases High Octane, New Single “Toy a Mil”

Posted on January 20, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Nicky Jam is bringing it at 1,000…

The 41-year-old Puerto Rican and Dominican American singer-songwriter has released his latest single “Toy a Mil” via Sony Music Latin.

Packed with Caribbean-packed sounds, the track is described as a “full-on summer jam.”

The track fins Nicky Jam meshing Jamaican reggae beats with Dominican dembow, while belting sensual and playful lyrics full of Dominican slang.

An invitation to start the party, the Jorge Milliano-produced track focuses on a girl Nicky Jam was waiting for to be single.

The just-as-vibrant music video captures the veteran hitmaker having a “boys night out” with perreo duo Jowell & Randy — who doesn’t shy away from doing the signature Dembow dance, holding a party foam cup in one hand and swaying the other side to side to the thumping rhythm.

Bad Bunny Hosts “Bonita Tradición” Gift Drive in Puerto Rico

Posted on December 27, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

It’s a special post-Christmas moment for Bad Bunny.

The 28-year-old Puerto Rican superstar ended the year by giving back to his beloved Puerto Rico.

Bad Bunny helped spread holiday joy on the island on Tuesday, December 27 with the “Bonita Tradición” gift drive, which was held at the Coliseo Roberto Clemente in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Good Bunny Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded by Billboard‘s Top Artist of 2022, handed out 20,000 gifts (sports equipment, instruments, paint materials and more) to the children who attended the drive.

The event also includes stations serving traditional food and drinks, as well as live music and an opportunity to get a picture with Los Reyes Magos and Bad Bunny himself.

“We want to close the year in the best way, bringing a bit of joy, hope, and love to the children with an event that reflects the best of this time with a very special emphasis on the traditions of our island,” José “Che Juan” Torres, director of the Good Bunny Foundation, previously said in a press statement.

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A post shared by Good Bunny Foundation (@goodbunnyfoundation)

Recently, Bad Bunny — who was Spotify’s most streamed artist globally for a third consecutive year — released his new track, “Gato de Noche,” in collaboration with Ñengo Flow.

“This is to close the year,” he said on TikTok just hours before blessing fans with the surprise song on December 22.

“With the real beast,” Bad Bunny said of Ñengo when he revealed the collaboration on his Instagram Stories.

The pair has many collaborative efforts, including “Que Malo” and “Safaera” (also featuring Jowell & Randy), with the latter peaking at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart dated April 11, 2020.

Both tracks come from Bunny’s YHLQMDLG album.

Bad Bunny: Spotify’s Most-Streamed Artist for Third Consecutive Year

Posted on December 17, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Bad Bunny is (three) ringing in the New Year with a bang…

The 28-year-old Puerto Rican global superstar has generated more than 18.5 billion streams in 2022, landing him the title of Spotify’s top artist for the third year in a row—the first artist ever to claim such an accomplishment.

Spotify celebrated the artist’s success with 1,000 of his biggest fans, collaborators, and supporters in Mexico, the top market to stream his music over the last three years.

Spotify and Rimas (Bad Bunny’s label) joined forces to throw the ultimate after-party at Ragga Club in Mexico City to celebrate the end of his World’s Hottest Tour.

Artists Rauw Alejandro, paopao, Jowell & Randy, Carin Leon, Danna Paola, Kim Loaiza, Juan de Dios Pantoja, Mario Bautista, Buscabulla, and Arcángel were among some of the guests toasting Bad Bunny.

The artist even took to the stage in a surprise special performance where he thanked everyone for streaming his music and for celebrating this incredible moment with him. He surprised the crowd with an improvised performance of his hit “Despues de la Playa,” and with acoustic versions of “Neverita,” “Callaita,” and “El Apagon” with the backing of a Dahian El Apechao’s live merengue band.

Key to the celebration was the Ring Ceremony, where Jeremy Erlich, Spotify’s Global Head of Music Content, joined Bad Bunny for a celebratory moment on behalf of Spotify.

“Congratulations on the three-peat—the first time any artist is the most streamed for three years in a row,” he shared. “An epic showing for a career-defining year.”

Then, Jeremy presented the artist with three championship-style rings, designed by Jason of Beverly Hills, to symbolize each year he was the top-streamed global artist on Spotify.

Spotify also created five plaques, each representing a Bad Bunny track that has passed the one billion stream mark—“Yonaguni,” “Callaita,” “LA CANCIÓN,” “Te Boté – Remix,” “No Me Conoce – Remix”—and Jeremy presented some of these to him as well.

Bad Bunny’s music hasn’t just made an impact for the artist: It’s also contributed to the growth of reggaeton and trap Latino worldwide. Reggaeton listening grew 147% from 2018-2020, and trap Latino listening grew 187% in the same timeframe. Meanwhile, newcomers are still finding and falling in love with Bad Bunny’s music. Over the past 90 days, 95 million listeners played one of his tracks for the first time, with 51% of those plays occurring outside of Spanish-speaking markets.

What’s more, his fourth studio album, Un Verano Sin Ti, topped the world’s most-streamed album list in 2022, and the rest of his albums continue to have staying power. His first album, X 100PRE, is still ranked in the Top 100 most-streamed albums globally, coming in at slot 68. And out of the six Latin albums in the Top 50 most-streamed albums globally this year, three of them were Bad Bunny’s: Un Verano Sin Ti (#1), YHLQMDLG (#8), and EL ÚLTIMO TOUR DEL MUNDO (#21).

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.

Carlos Arroyo Releases New Single “Morena,” Featuring Nicky Jam & Jeon

Posted on July 16, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Carlos Arroyo is getting a massive assist…

The 41-year-old Puerto Rican former professional basketball player and reggaeton singer has released his new single “Morena,” as well as the song’s music video.

Reeling in reggaeton star Nicky Jam and urban newcomer Jeon, Arroyo offers up a hard-hitting reggaeton and dembow track married with Middle Eastern-infused dance beats.

Produced by Saga WhiteBlack, “Morena” is about a man who’s trying to conquer the girl he likes at the club. The song’s melodies and catchy hooks easily remind fans of old-school reggaeton singles like Don Omar’s “Dale Don.”

The edgy music video, helmed by director Gus, features all three artists in a parking garage loaded with dancers, cars, neon lights and fire.

Arroyo previously played in the NBA for teams like the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat. He kicked off his music career in 2009, collaborating with artists like Yomo and Ivy Queen. He’s currently the general manager of the Puerto Rico national team.

Balancing his love for basketball and music, Arroyo returned to the scene in 2020 after a nine-year hiatus and has since collaborated with Farruko, Rauw Alejandro, Luis Fonsi, and Jowell & Randy.

Edén Muñoz & Manuel Turizo Named Songwriters of the Year at SESAC Latin Music Awards

Posted on July 3, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Edén Muñoz and Manuel Turizo are sharing a special honor…

The 30-year-old Mexican singer, the charismatic lead singer of regional Mexican group Calibre 50, and the 21-year-old Colombian singer/songwriter have both been recognized as Songwriter of the Year at the annual SESAC Latin Music Awards 2021.

It’s the first time in awards history that the top award was presented in two categories — Regional Mexican and Pop/Latin Rhythm — and it underscores how both urban and regional Mexican music have taken a front seat in Latin music in the past year.

Muñoz won songwriter of the year in the regional Mexican category for the second time for songs penned both for Calibre 50 (“Barquillero,” “Solo Tú”) and for other groups, including Banda MS (“Cerrando Ciclos”) and Banda Carnaval (“Esta Vez Soy Yo”). All were recognized with SESAC Latina Performance Awards.

Muñoz’s publisher, Dulce María Music, won publisher of the year, Regional Mexican.

Turizo, who often writes with brother Julián and is known for his deep, velvety voice, won songwriter of the year, Pop/Latin Rhythm for the first time with his songs “TBT,” “Quiéreme Mientras Se Pueda,” “Te Quemaste,” “Pegao,” “La Nota” and “No Encuentro Palabras,” which were all recognized with SESAC Latina Performance Awards.

His publisher, Sony Sounds (Sony Music Publishing) won publisher of the year for the sixth consecutive year.

The song of the year award in regional Mexican went to Christian Nodal for “Se Me Olvidó.” The track peaked at No. 1 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay chart and spent 23 weeks on the chart.

In the Pop / Latin Rhythm category, song of the year went to Ñengo Flow for “Safaera,” the hit he wrote and performed with Jowell & Randy and Bad Bunny for Bunny’s hit album YHLQMDLG.

The track peaked at No. 4 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart.

Although these year’s winners will be announced on SESAC’s social media channels and website due to the pandemic, the organization has honored the best in Latin music every year for nearly three decades.

“There is no doubt that music makes our world a better place to enjoy life, helping us overcome any difficult situation like the one we are facing now,” said Celeste Zendejas, vice president of SESAC Latina. “Thanks to all our songwriters for capturing all their experiences and feelings in each song.”

“It has been an exciting year in Latin music, and we are proud to celebrate and honor SESAC Latina’s songwriters’ and publishers’ most performed songs,” said Sam Kling, senior vice president of creative operations, SESAC Rights Management in an official statement. “Their songs have blended genres, transcended eras, and made their way to non-Spanish speaking audiences in unprecedented ways.”

J Balvin to Launch “Neón Experience” in September, Alongside Big Name Guest Stars

Posted on March 15, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Things are looking brighter for J Balvin, and he’s sharing that outlook with some big names…

The 35-year-old Colombian reggaeton singer is heading to Las Vegas in September for a weekend of experiences and performances he’s dubbed his “Neón Experience.” And, he’s invited Karol G, Jhay Cortez, Rauw Alejandro, Jowell & Randy and producers Tainy and Sky Rompiendo.

Also included in his roster of events will be DJ Alex Sensation, Cornetto, DJ Pope, Agudelo888 and Matt Paris and La Gabi, the first two artists Balvin signed to his own label.

The Neón Experience will take place in Las Vegas during Mexican Independence Weekend, September 16-19, which traditionally has been a huge weekend for Latin music in Vegas, typically featuring big stars playing arena shows.

Balvin’s event, coming in the wake of the pandemic, is something else entirely. Capped at just 3,000 tickets, the three days and nights of events are being curated by Balvin and will include a headlining concert with him.

Different “experiences” will take place in various locales in the new Resorts World Las Vegas, including its entertainment venues Zouk Nightclub and Ayu Dayclub.

The centerpiece of the event is a 90-minute concert headlined by Balvin where, for the first time, he’ll sing the songs from his Colores album live.

“It’s the first event we’ve announced since the pandemic,” says manager Fabio Acosta, noting Balvin’s last concert was more than a year ago. “He will curate the entire weekend, down to the artists and themes. It’s the first time we do an event like this.”

Neón is presented by Pollen Presents, an event production company that develops and produces unique “experiences” in different locations around the world.

They include two upcoming Latin music experiences: Nicky Jam Jamworld, taking place May 13-16 in Miami, and Ozuna Cancún fest, taking place May 20-24 in Cancún.

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