Daddy Yankee Announces Retirement with Final Album & Tour

Posted on March 20, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Daddy Yankee is officially retiring from music.

The 45-year-old Puerto Rican rapper, singer and songwriter, known as the “King of Reggaetón,” will culminate his musical run with Legendaddy, his first new studio album in 10 years, and a world tour.

Born Raymond Ayala, Daddy Yankee’s career exploded with 2004’s breakthrough hit “Gasolina,” launching a genre that altered the sound and business of Latin music and became a global phenomenon.

Daddy Yankee had hinted at retirement and a last album and tour during an interview at Billboard’s Latin Music Week last year, but had yet to make an official announcement.

“Today, I’m announcing my retirement from music by giving you my best production and my best concert tour,” Daddy Yankee said in a statement in a press release issued on Sunday, March 20. “I will say goodbye celebrating these 32 years of experience with this new collector’s item, the album Legendaddy. I’m going to give you all the styles that have defined me, in one single album.”

Daddy Yankee’s Legendaddy will be released on May 24 at 8:00 pm ET.

His La Última Vuelta World Tour, a five-month trek, is set to kick off on August 10 in Portland, Oregon and run through December. Pre-sale tickets will go on sale on March 25, with a general public sale to follow on March 30. A full set of current tour dates is available on his official website.

Daddy Yankee has had six No. 1s on the Top Latin Albums chart, starting with 2004’s Barrio Fino, the first-ever reggaetón album to hit that spot. As of March 2022, he’s seen 76 entries on Latin Airplay and 86 on Hot Latin Songs, including the record-shattering “Despacito” alongside Luis Fonsi.

“I like to say I took the bullets,” he told Billboard in 2021 of bringing reggaetón to the mainstream music market. “I wanted people to understand my essence, where I come from, what I represent. But at the same time, I wanted to take my culture to the very top. I can’t tell you there was a formula. Reggaetón was initially only known on the East Coast. When I released Barrio Fino, the West Coast didn’t get it. I’d go to Los Angeles or Mexico and people knew Daddy Yankee, but they didn’t know what reggaetón was. I had to take the culture with me everywhere so it became permanent instead of fizzling out like other genres where artists simply promote themselves. When I did promotion, I talked about all the artists in my album: ‘This is me. But this album also features Zion & Lennox, Plan B, Ivy Queen.’ I had to play their music and say, ‘This is them. This is reggaetón.’”

Rosalia Reveals Cover Art for New Album “Motomami,” Announces New Single Release This Week

Posted on January 31, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Rosalia is revvin’ up her next project…

The 28-year-old Spanish Grammy-winning singer and songwriter has officially revealed the cover art for her forthcoming studio album, Motomami.

On Monday, about two months after revealing the album’s title, Rosalia shared an image in which she appears nude, covering her private parts with her hands. She’s rocking high pigtails and a motorcycle helmet. Her name is written in blue pen with the title “Motomami” in red graffiti.

Rosalia also revealed plans to release new music this week.

“Omg here you have the cover of MOTOMAMI and guess what new song is coming this Fridayyyy,” she captioned the photo.

Motomami, set for release this year, follow’s Rosalia’s 2018 Grammy-winning El Mal Querer, which hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Pop Albums chart dated Nov. 16, 2018 and won five Latin Grammys, including album of the year and best contemporary pop vocal album.

“La Fama,” her second collaborative effort with The Weeknd, is the first official track from the upcoming set. The all-Spanish bachata track entered the top 10 on Billboard’s Tropical Airplay chart dated January 29 and marked the first top 10 for each artist on the list. Rosalía previously clocked her fifth top 10 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart as the track hit No. 2 on the November 27-dated survey.

“Rosalía is the type to be very judicious with what she releases,” Rosalía’s manager, Rebeca León, said during a panel at Billboard‘s Latin Music Week. “She’s a writer-producer, so she pays attention to every single detail. She’s not the type to write a song in a day.”

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Nicky Jam to Launch ‘Infinity Tour’ Next February

Posted on August 21, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Nicky Jam is heading back on the road…

The 40-year-old Puerto Rican and Dominican American rapper, singer and songwriter is returning to touring in his first official post-pandemic tour to kick off in early 2022.

Entitled the Infinity Tour after his upcoming studio album, which is set to be released this year, Nicky Jam will visit major cities across the U.S. and Canada, starting February 3, 2022, at Boston’s Agganis Arena.

He’ll then make pit stops in New York, Toronto and Los Angeles, before wrapping up March 27 at the WAMU Theatre in Seattle.

“Thank you, God, for allowing us to tour again. I’ll wait for you there,” the reggaeton artist, rapper and actor told his more than 41 million followers on Instagram.

On the tour, presented by CMN Events, Nicky will sing some of his biggest hits as well as his upcoming releases live for the first time.

Tickets are officially on sale via CMNevents.com.

In addition, Nicky Jam is set to headline the 2021 Billboard Latin Music Week, returning to Miami in September with a weeklong event that unites the top Latin hitmakers, influencers and executives, and features live performances and conversations with superstars. For more information and registration, visit billboardlatinmusicweek.com.

Here’s a list of the full tour dates and venues:

February 3, 2022 — Boston @ Agganis Arena
February 5, 2022 — New York @ United Palace
February 10, 2022 — Atlanta @ Coca-Cola Roxy
February 11, 2022 — Chicago @ Rosemont Theatre
February 25, 2022 — Toronto @ Coca-Cola Coliseum
February 27, 2022 — Montreal @ Place Bell
March 3, 2022 — Orlando @ Amway Center
March 12, 2022 — Houston @ Smart Financial Center
March 13, 2022 — Hidalgo @ Payne Arena
March 19, 2022 — Ontario @ Toyota Arena
March 20, 2022 — Los Angeles @ Forum
March 25, 2022 — San Jose @ SAP Center
March 27, 2022 — Seattle @ WAMU Theatre

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Natti Natasha to Take Part in Special Motherhood Talk During This Year’s Billboard Latin Music Week

Posted on August 19, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Natti Natasha is opening up about being a new mom…

The 34-year-old Dominican singer and songwriter will be taking part in a special talk entitled “There’s No Hood Like Motherhood” at this year’s Billboard Latin Music Week.

Returning to Miami in September, the weeklong event unites the top Latin hitmakers, influencers and industry leaders, and features live performances and conversations with superstars.

Natti Natasha will appear alongside Telemundo’s Adamari López for a candid conversation on wellness, babies and superstardom.

The “Antes Que Salga El Sol” singer gave birth to her first child, a baby girl named Vida Isabelle, in May with longtime manager and fiancé Raphy Pina of Pina Records.

Recently announced panels include the “Mano a Mano” panel with Rauw Alejandro and Myke Towers, during which both chart-topping artists will discuss new projects, upcoming tours and the challenges and advantages for the new wave of reggaetón artists; “Making the Hit, Live” masterclass with Lunay and his longtime producers Chris Jedi and Gaby Music; and the “Coming Out Latin” panel with Raymix, Esteman, Erika Vidrio and Johnny Caz of Grupo Firme for an insightful and heartfelt conversation on the challenges and rewards of coming out as a Latin music act.

The star-studded 2021 Latin Music Week lineup — headlined by Daddy Yankee, Karol G and Nicky Jam — also includes participation by Anitta, Elena Rose, Myke Towers, Nicki Nicole, Rauw Alejandro, Esteman, Raymix, Kany García, Tainy and Tini, with more to be announced in the coming weeks.

The 2021 Latin Music Week will take place from September 20 to 24 at the Faena Forum in Miami and coincides with the 2021 Billboard Latin Music Awards broadcasting live via Telemundo on September 23.

To register and for more information, visit BillboardLatinMusicWeek.com.

Daddy Yankee to Headline This Year’s Billboard Latin Music Week

Posted on July 25, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Daddy Yankee is bringing the beats to this year’s Latin Music Week…

The 45-year-old Puerto Rican singer, songwriter and rapper will headline Billboard’s 2021 Latin Music Week.

Daddy Yankee’s fellow headlining acts will be Karol G and Nicky Jam.

Taking place September 20-24 at the Faena Forum in Miami, Billboard Latin Music Week returns under the slogan “The Beat of Latin Music,” making its mark as the longest running and biggest Latin music industry gathering in the world.

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Early-bird registration for Billboard Latin Music Week is now open, register here.

Netflix to Release Season Two of Diego Boneta-Starrer “Luis Miguel: The Series” in April

Posted on February 23, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Diego Boneta is ready for his next round of Sol-shine…

Netflix will release the second season of Luis Miguel: The Series, starring the 30-year-old Mexican actor/singer as the Mexican singer known as El Sol de México, on April 18, 2021, via Netflix.

The premiere comes almost three years after season one aired on April 22, 2018, and the day before Luis Miguel’s 51st birthday.

“The brighter the sun, the darker the shadows,” reads a 52-second teaser.

The series highlights Luismi‘s childhood, musical career, and the whereabouts of his missing mother, Marcela Basteri.

“The preparation and the process for this were unlike anything I’ve ever done,” Boneta said during Billboard’s 2018 Latin Music Week in Las Vegas. “I pretty much had a year to only prepare for this, which is an insane amount of time.”

Netflix revealed that a new episode of Luis Miguel: The Series will air every Sunday starting on April 18.

Carlos Vives Performs 21-Minute Set as Part of NPR Music’s Tiny Desk At-Home Concerts

Posted on October 17, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Carlos Vives is putting his desk foot forward…

The 59-year-old Colombian singer-songwriter is the latest artist to appear as part of NPR Music’s Tiny Desk at-home concerts, bringing his Colombian flavors to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.

During his 21-minute set earlier this week, during which he was joined by a seven-member band, including his longtime backup vocalist and gaita player, Mayte Montero, Vives kicked off things off with his 1995 hit “Pa’ Mayte,” showcasing the spirited champeta dance.

He then performed one of his newer records, “Cumbiana,” dedicated to the diverse community of Colombia, his Shakira-assisted bop “La Bicicleta,” and the infectious “No Te Vayas,” released earlier this year — all while dancing barefoot in the comfort of his own home.

“On this Tiny Desk during this quarantine, we have written most of the songs for our new album, Cumbiana Vol. 2, next to our producer Andres Leal and Martin Velilla,” says the six-time 2020 Latin Grammy nominee during his performance.

Vives is confirmed to speak at the 2020 Billboard Latin Music Week taking place October 20 to October 23. He’ll be joined by internationally renowned Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel, music and artistic director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, in an enlightening conversation on the power of music and the arts as a global agent of change for a better society.

The new Tiny Desk (home) concerts, which have featured special guests like Billie Eilish and BTS, are “the same spirit — stripped-down sets, an intimate setting — just a different space.”

Camilo to Perform at Billboard’s Virtual Latin Music Week

Posted on October 13, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Camilo is going virtual…

The 26-year-old Colombian singer-songwriter will perform during Billboard‘s virtual Latin Music Week taking place October 20-23.

Camilo’s showcase will wrap up Latin Music Week’s first day, October 20, and he’ll perform his hit songs “Favorito” and “Vida de Rico.”

Camilo’s showcase is the first showcase of the week, with Llane, Natalia Jiménez and Guaynaa, among others, scheduled to perform throughout the week.

Camilo is also part of the “On the Rise: Part 2” panel alongside Cazzu, Sech and Rauw Alejandro.

Inspired by Billboard’s biweekly franchise Latin Artist on the Rise, the panel will be moderated by Jessica Roiz, Billboard’s assistant editor.

Click here for the full schedule for Billboard Latin Music Week 2020.

Celebrating its 30th anniversary as the longest-running and biggest Latin music industry event, the three-day immersive experience dedicated to Latin Music, culture and entertainment, will feature intimate artist conversations, industry panels, workshops and performances. Additional participants and schedule will be announced in the coming weeks.

To reserve a spot and receive updates, RSVP here.

Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee’s “Despacito” Named Billboard Latin Song of the Decade

Posted on October 10, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee have the song of the decade…

Telemundo and Billboard have announced that the 42-year-old Puerto Rican singer and the 43-year-old Puerto Rican rapper will receive the Billboard Latin Song of the Decade award for their 2017 hit “Despacito” at the 2020 Billboard Latin Music Awards.

Fonsi and Daddy Yankee are also confirmed to perform at the awards ceremony, which is set to take place on Wednesday, October 21 live from the BB&T Center in Sunrise, Florida.

On the Billboard charts, “Despacito” topped the Hot Latin Songs chart for a record 56 (non-consecutive) weeks, spending the most weeks at No. 1 for any title since the chart’s inception in 1986. The song’s success also set the chart-topping longevity mark on Hot Latin Songs when it spent its 42nd week at the top on the February 17, 2018-dated tally, surpassing the 41-week reign of Enrique Iglesias, Descemer Bueno, and Gente de Zona’s “Bailando” in 2014-15.

In addition, “Despacito” made history at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart in May 2017, tying the then all-time mark for weeks at No. 1 (16) set by Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men’s “One Sweet Day” in 1996.

The 2020 BLMAs, led by top finalists Bad Bunny and Ozuna, is the only awards show to honor the most popular albums, songs, and performers in Latin music, the awards are determined by the actual sales, streaming radio airplay, and social data that informs Billboard’s weekly charts during a one-year period from the rankings dated February 2, 2019, through this year’s January 25 charts.

The event coincides with Billboard’s Latin Music Week 30th anniversary, a three-day virtual experience dedicated to Latin music, culture, and entertainment. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the event will take place October 20-23 and will feature intimate artist conversations, industry panels, exclusive performances, and more.

The Billboard Latin Music Awards 2020 will broadcast live from the BB&T Center in Sunrise, Fla. on October 21 via Telemundo.

Becky G Interviews Kamala Harris & America Ferrera on Her Multimedia Podcast “En La Sala”

Posted on October 7, 2020 by Tom Castaneda

Becky G is bringing in some big guns to talk politics and more…

The 23-year-old Mexican American singer/rapper’s new voting-themed episode of her En La Sala multimedia podcast features Democratic vice presidential candidate Kamala Harris and actress America Ferrera.

The candid conversation, which went live Tuesday (October 6) exclusively on Amazon Music with corresponding video on Amazon Music’s Twitch channel, touches on a wide range of topics including Harris’ experience as California’s attorney general, the importance of voting on November 3 and 2Pac.

“This is one of the biggest moments in my entire career,” Becky G says in the episode’s trailer. She also speaks with Ferrera about She Se Puede, the new nonprofit the actress and activist founded to pursue social justice and support civic engagement for Latinas. The episode will also be dedicated to the Latino Community Foundation, a nonprofit working to increasing political participation of the Latinx community in California.

Becky G is confirmed to speak at this year’s virtual Latin Music Week. The hitmaker will join Jorge and Hernán Hernández from the iconic norteño group Los Tigres del Norte to discuss the role artists currently play in engaging Latino voters who for the first time in a presidential election are the nation’s largest racial minority among eligible voters this year with a record 31.6 million Latinos eligible to vote. They will also chat about the immigrant experience as seen by two generations of Mexican-American artists. To reserve a spot and receive updates, RSVP here.

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