Luis Fonsi Releases New Album “Ley De Gravedad”

Posted on March 11, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

It’s a grave new world for Luis Fonsi.

The 43-year-old Puerto Rican singer has released Ley De Gravedad, his latest album from Universal Music Latino.

Always the romantic, Fonsi taps into his core as a singer/songwriter who writes tracks armed first and foremost with his guitar, in this collection of songs about love won and lost and reclaimed.

There are several danceable songs on the album, like the airy “Vacaciones” alongside Manuel Turizo and “Bésame,” which highlights a lighter side of Myke Towers.

And Fonsi definitely has developed a penchant for cross-genre collaborations.

On Ley De Gravedad he joins forces with a veritable who’s who of the urban world, including Rauw Alejandro, Nicky Jam, and Dalex.

But the heart of the album is the soulful ballads, like “Iglú” and the final “Girasoles,” where Fonsi sings simply accompanied by just his guitar in a hopeful reflection of the power of love and life.

Wisin & Yandel to Receive BMI President’s Award

Posted on February 23, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Wisin & Yandel are getting the presidential treatment…

The iconic Puerto Rican reggaeton duo will be honored with the BMI President’s Award at the 29th Annual BMI Latin Awards, which will be held on March 15 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills.

Wisin & Yandel will receive the honor in recognition of their outstanding achievements and contributions to the Latin music community that span over 20 years and continue to influence the next generation of songwriters, according to the music rights organization.

“Wisin & Yandel are true innovators of reggaeton and urban Latin music” Jesus Gonzalez, BMI vice president, creative, Latin, said in a statement. “Their music transcends generations and has influenced many artists across all genres, helping to propel Latin music forward. We’re thrilled to finally come together and present this distinct honor to ‘el duo de la historia,’ whose undeniable chemistry and talents have earned them legions of fans around the world.”

Since the late ’90s, Wisin & Yandel has scored a number of hits on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart, including “Rakata,” “Ahora Es,” “Llame Pa’ Verte” and “Algo Me Gusta de Ti.”

Wisin y Yandel also brought reggaetón from an underground genre to the mainstream in collaborations with different artists, including Chris Brown, T- Pain, Jennifer Lopez, Ricky Martin, Luis Fonsi and Enrique Iglesias.

The special award presented to a songwriter, composer, producer or executive who has “profoundly influenced the entertainment industry,” Wisin & Yandel join previous BMI President’s Award recipients including Carlos Vives, Gloria Trevi, Juanes, Luis Fonsi, Mario Quintero, Pitbull and Sergio George, among others.

Songwriters, publishers and administrators of the past year’s most-performed Latin songs in the United States will also be honored during the ceremony hosted by BMI president & CEO Mike O’Neill and Gonzalez. The BMI Regional Mexican Song, Songwriter, BMI Contemporary Latin Song, Songwriter and Publisher of the Year will also be named.

Luis Fonsi Teams Up with Manuel Turizo for New Single “Vacaciones”

Posted on January 21, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Luis Fonsi is taking a vacation…

The 43-year-old Puerto Rican singer has joined voices with Manuel Turizo to release “Vacaciones,” via Universal Music Latino.

Fonsi and Turizo transport listeners to summer with the new single, the first time they work together on a track.

“Baby, I have a plan, in case the routine tires you/ I invite you to the beach and you can take a break from life,” Fonsi sings at the top of the pop-reggaetón song.

Penned by hitmakers Andrés Torres and Mauricio Rengifo — the duo behind Fonsi’s smash hit “Despacito” — “Vacaciones” will be part of Fonsi’s upcoming album, which is set to drop later this year.

Ivy Queen Among Latin Recording Academy’s ‘Leading Ladies of Entertainment’ Honorees

Posted on October 15, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Ivy Queen is officially a leading lady…

The 49-year-old Puerto Rican singer, rapper, songwriter and actress will be minted as one of the 2021 Leading Ladies of Entertainment by the Latin Recording Academy.

Ivy Queen, known as the “Queen of Reggaeton,” joins a list of honorees that includes composer Mónica Vélez, publicist and marketer Mayna Nevarez and Spotify’s managing director for Latin America, Mia Nygren.

Due to limitations imposed by COVID-19, the four women, representing different arenas of Latin music, will be honored during a virtual ceremony November 16 instead of the traditional lunch that has defined the event.

Launched five years ago, the Academy’s Leading Latin Ladies initiative was created to honor and recognize “professional and socially-conscious women within the arts and entertainment fields who have made significant contributions and inspired the next generation of female leaders.”

Since its inception, the initiative has honored both artists and musicians along with executives, and this year is no exception.

Ivy Queen, considered the pioneer female artist in reggaetón, is being honored alongside Vélez, a two-time Latin Grammy winner who has written for the likes of Marc Anthony and Luis Fonsi. But she’s also being honored with Nygren, who oversees Spotify’s Latin America operations, and Nevarez, whose company – Nevarez Entertainment — is the longtime agency of superstars like Daddy Yankee and Carlos Vives.

This year the event is also partnering with She Is The Music on a collaborative mentorship program that will pair past honorees with a She Is The Music mentee.

“On behalf of The Latin Recording Academy, I am proud to honor these powerful women as this year’s Leading Ladies of Entertainment,” said Manuel Abud, CEO of The Latin Recording Academy, in a statement. “These dynamic women give us a chance to reflect on the challenges female professionals face in today’s arts and entertainment environment. There is still a lack of gender parity in the industry, and we remain focused on continuing our work to overcome the challenges that women face through educational programs, partnerships and a transparent voting process.”

The Leading Latin Ladies event will take place the week of the Latin Grammys, which will air live on the Univision network from Las Vegas on November 18.

Enrique Iglesias Reclaims Record for Most No. 1s on Billboard Latin Airplay Chart with “Me Pasé,” Featuring Farruko

Posted on September 29, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Enrique Iglesias is back in the lead…

The 46-year-old Spanish singer, songwriter, record producer, philanthropist and actor has recaptured his record for the most No. 1s on Billboard’s Latin Airplay chart as “Me Pasé,” featuring Farruko, ascends 4-1 on the October 2-dated survey.

With 32 No. 1s on the almost 27-year list, Iglesias pushes ahead of J Balvin for the most leaders. The latter notched his 31st leader as he locked up the No. 1 spot with “In Da Getto,” with Skrillex, on the September 11-dated tally.

“Me Pasé” takes over atop Latin Airplay thanks to a 26% boost in audience impressions, to 11.3 million, in the U.S. in the week ending September 26, according to MRC Data.

Notably, Iglesias has held the record for the most No. 1s on the Latin Airplay chart almost continuously since 1996, when he achieved his fifth No. 1, then passing Selena (who had a leading four No. 1s at that point).

The Latin Airplay chart began only two years earlier, in 1994. Since then, Iglesias has held the most No. 1s on the list except for a brief time earlier this year, when J Balvin tied with him for the most, when the former notched his 31st No. 1 on the September 11 chart with “In Da Getto.”

With “Me Pasé” at the summit, Farruko reaches his highest Latin Airplay ranking in 2021 as he’s scored two No. 3 high tracks (“Perfecta,” with Luis Fonsi, January 2; and “Pepas,” September 25).

Besides conquering Latin Airplay, Iglesias and Farruko also rule Latin Pop Airplay as “Me Pasé” lifts 2-1. Iglesias improves his career total to 25 No. 1s, extending his lead far ahead of second-place Shakira, with 19. Farruko captures his sixth leader.

Meanwhile, Final (Vol. 1), Iglesias’ 11th studio album, debuts at No. 2 on Latin Pop Albums. It’s his first studio effort since 2014’s No. 1 Sex and Love, and it earns him a 12th top 10. In between, Iglesias secured a No. 2 high with a Greatest Hits (2019) set, which has remained steady in the tally’s top 10 during all but one week of its 103-week run.

The 11-track Final (Vol. 1) includes five tracks that were originally released between 2015 and 2018 but were not previously released on an Iglesias album. Among them are a pair of No. 1s on Hot Latin Songs: “El Perdón,” with Nicky Jam, and “Duele El Corazón,” with Wisin.

“I took a pause in between albums because I was touring and because I wanted to enjoy the success of my previous album,” Iglesias tells Billboard. “I have never stopped writing and going to the studio though. The plan was to release the album at the beginning of last year, but once COVID hit, it delayed everything, obviously.”

Final, released September 17 via Sony Music Latin, starts with 4,000 equivalent album units earned in the week ending Sept. 23rd. Out of the 11-track set’s opening sum, 3,000 derive from streaming activity, which equates to 5 million U.S. streams of the set’s tracks. The remaining 1,000-unit sum stems from album sales and track equivalent album units.

“The biggest challenge was not being able to have everyone in the same studio and trying to follow all the precautions,” Iglesias continues. “We were trying to finish all the production aspects of the songs, which we managed to do being careful. Everyone involved wanted to see this bulk of work out and we managed to finish the process during COVID to have it ready so we could put it out now.”

On the overall Top Latin Albums chart, Final arrives at No. 12, also the Spaniard’s first appearance with a studio set since 2014. “When I work on an album, I start with 50 songs!” Iglesias adds. “Then it becomes 30, 20…so on. So, through the process, I relate to every single one in a way. I always say that if I’m going to put any music out, it must be something that I like and be willing to sing every single night, for years if needed. It’s hard to handpick just one, but I really enjoy ‘Chasing the Sun.’ It talks about staying young and staying positive. It’s a song that always puts me in a good mood.”

As Final arrives, one track launches on the all-metric Hot Latin Songs chart: “Pendejo” at No. 33. The set, however, was preceded by five songs, one of which ruled the tally for 30 weeks in 2015. Here’s the recap:

Title, Artist (if other than Iglesias), Peak Date, Peak Position
“El Perdón,” with Nicky Jam, March 21, 2015, No. 1 (30 weeks atop)
“Duele El Corazón,” with Wisin, May 14, 2016, No. 1 (14-week lead)
“Súbeme La Radio,” featuring Zion & Lennox and Descemer Bueno, April 22, 2017, No. 2
“El Baño,” featuring Bad Bunny, Jan. 27, 2018, No. 8
“Me Pasé,” featuring Farruko, Oct. 2, No. 15

Daddy Yankee’s “Con Calma” Surpasses One Billion Streams on Spotify

Posted on August 29, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Daddy Yankee has another billion reasons to smile…

This week, the 45-year-old Puerto Rican reggaeton icon surpassed more than one billion streams on Spotify with his 2019 Snow-assisted hit single “Con Calma.”

According to a press statement, Daddy Yankee is the “only Latin artist to tally over one billion Spotify streams on three tracks.”

He previously surpassed the one billion streams mark with “Despacito” with Luis Fonsi and “Despacito (Remix)” featuring Justin Bieber.

“Con Calma,” which is an energetic, bilingual remake of Snow’s 1992 hit “Informer,” peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart dated May 4, 2019, where it reigned for 14 consecutive weeks.

https://twitter.com/daddy_yankee/status/1430648878961922048

Rauw Alejandro Earns Sixth No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay Chart with “Todo de Ti”

Posted on July 28, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Rauw Alejandro is making a serious impact on the Billboard Latin charts…

In just over a year, the 28-year-old Puerto Rican rapper, singer and composer has notched six No. 1 hits on Billboard‘s Latin Airplay chart.

His most recent chart topper, “Todo de Ti,” reaches the summit on the latest ranking dated July 31, with 11.6 million radio airplay audience impressions, up 19%, according to MRC Data.

Alejandro first topped the list dated July 4, 2020, with “TBT,” alongside Sebastian Yatra and Manuel Turizo. He followed with “Tattoo,” with Camilo, in September; “La Nota,” with Turizo and Myke Towers, in January; “Baila Conmigo,” with Selena Gomez, in March; and “Vacio,” with Luis Fonsi, in May.

“Todo de Ti” holds at its No. 3 high on the multi-metric Hot Latin Songs chart, also up 4% to 9.9 million U.S. streams and 18% to 1,200 downloads sold. It becomes Alejandro’s third No. 1 on Latin Digital Song Sales, and his first on his own, following “Baila Conmigo,” with Gomez, in February, and “Cambia El Paso,” with Jennifer Lopez, just last week.

“Todo de Ti” also marks Alejandro’s top Billboard Hot 100 showing, having hit No. 32 earlier in July. The San Juan-born artist also sent the song to No. 3 on both the Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. U.S. charts in June.

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.

J Balvin Lands Two Singles on Spotify’s “Billions Club” Playlist

Posted on June 18, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

J Balvin is officially in special company…

Spotify has launched its “Billions Club” playlist to highlight the music of the members of its Billion Streams Club, including two of the 36-year-old Colombian singer/songwriter’s most iconic singles.

According to Spotify, the new playlist — which currently features more than 150 songs — highlights the megahits that have surpassed the one billion streams mark. Included on the new playlist are J Balvin’s “Mi Gente” with Willy William and his collaboration with Cardi B and Bad Bunny, “I Like It.”

In all Cardi B has three singles on the playlist. Along with “I Like It,” the other singles are “Girls Like You” with Maroon 5, and “Taki Taki,” her collaboration with Selena Gomez, Ozuna and DJ Snake.

Selena Gomez has three singles. Along with “Taki Taki,” her other singles on the playlist include “We Don’t Talk Anymore” with Charlie Puth, and “It Ain’t Me” with Kygo.

Bruno Mars has three singles on the playlist “That’s What I Like” and “Just the Way You Are,” as well as “Uptown Funk” with Mark Ronson.

Other Latin artists appearing on the playlist include Karol G, Danny Ocean, Fifth Harmony, Camila Cabello and Luis Fonsi.

“Spotify has long celebrated artist milestones and we wanted to find a unique way to honor the artists and songs fans can’t stop listening to,” Ashley Graver, Global Head of Creative Artist Partnerships, tells Billboard. “The Billions Club playlist is a natural evolution of the plaques you have seen from multiple artists, and we are excited to give fans a one-stop destination to enjoy some of the most streamed songs in the world.”

Also in celebration of the newly rounded up collection of songs, Spotify created a video sharing how various artists have reveled when learning of the milestone and receiving their One Billion Streams plaque from the streamer.

Prior to the launch of the “Billions Club” playlist, some artists have marked hitting the billion streams achievement by doing more than just showing off their shiny new plaques on social media. Several have literally eaten off the platter-shaped badge of honor: Halsey dug into some Cheetos and candy, Joe Jonas dined on some McDonald’s, and Quavo ate some scrambled eggs and waffles with plenty of syrup, for example. (See Billboard’s gallery.)

Spotify has been busy this year launching new features beyond the just announced “Billions Club” playlist.

In April, the streaming service started adding some livestream events to artist pages, and in late May, partnered with Driift for tickets to a virtual concert series.

Cardi B, “I Like It,” featuring Bad Bunny & J Balvin
Cardi B, “Girls Like Me,” with Maroon 5
Bruno Mars, “That’s What I Like”
Bruno Mars, “Just the Way You Are”
Bruno Mars, “Uptown Funk,” with Mark Ronson
Fifth Harmony, “Work From Home,” featuring Ty Dolla $ign
Karol G, “Tusa,” featuring Nicki Minaj
Selena Gomez, “We Don’t Talk Anymore,” with Charlie Puth
Selena Gomez, “Taki Taki,” with DJ Snake, Cardi B & Ozuna
Selena Gomez, “It Ain’t Me,” with Kygo
Camila Cabello, “Senorita,” with Shawn Mendes
Camila Cabello, “Havana,” featuring Young Thug
Luis Fonsi, “Despacito – Remix,” with Daddy Yankee & Justin Bieber
Luis Fonsi, “Despacity,” with Daddy Yankee
J Balvin, “Mi Gente,” with Willy William
Danny Ocean, “Me Rehuso”

Christina Aguilera Among Celebrities Urging U.S. Senators to Stop Gun Violence Now

Posted on June 8, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Christina Aguilera is calling for politicians to take action on the issue of gun reform…

The 40-year-old half-Ecuadorian American Grammy-winning singer has joined a roster of celebrities who’ve signed an open letter to U.S. Senators urging them stop gun violence now.

Five years ago, amidst a string of deadly attacks at live music venues including the horrific mass shooting at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla., on June 12, 2016, the cover of Billboard‘s July 2016 issue featured an open letter to U.S. Congress signed by 200 artists and music industry executives calling for gun reform.

Unfortunately, the need for reform has only grown stronger as shootings have continued around the country at a terrifying rate.

So now, five years later, as venues prepare to reopen after their pandemic shutdown and music fans ready to return to concerts and festivals, we stand again with the music community to ask lawmakers to take swift action to stop the violence. — Hannah Karp, Billboard editorial director

An Open Letter to Senators: Stop Gun Violence Now

As leading artists and executives in the music industry, we are adding our voices to the chorus of Americans demanding change.

Music always has been celebrated communally, on dance floors and at concert halls. But this life-affirming ritual, like so many other daily experiences — going to school or church or work — continues to be threatened, because of gun violence in this country.

The one thing that connects the tragedies like the shootings in Boulder, El Paso, Las Vegas, Parkland and so many other places in America, to the one that happened in Orlando five years ago this June, is that it is far too easy for dangerous people to get their hands on guns.

We call on the Senate to do more to prevent the gun violence that kills more than 100 Americans every day and injures hundreds more: Take action on background checks.

Billboard and the undersigned implore you — the people who are elected to represent us — to close the deadly loopholes that put the lives of so many music fans, and all of us, at risk.

Sincerely,

Christina Aguilera, Tori Amos, Sara Barielles, Aaron Bay-Schuck, Tony Bennett, Selim Bouab, Rob Bourdon, Scooter Braun, Cortez Bryant, Michael Bublé, Vanessa Carlton, Joseph Carozza, Steve Cooper, Tom Corson, Lee Daniels, Ellen DeGeneres, Brad Delson, Diplo, Mike Easterlin, John Esposito, Melissa Etheridge, Fletcher, Luis Fonsi, Becky G, Kevin Gore, Julie Greenwald, Josh Groban, Horacio Gutierrez, Joe Hahn, Halsey, Billy Joel, Craig Kallman, Alicia Keys, Kid Cudi, Carole King, Elle King, Adam Lambert, Cyndi Lauper, Kevin Liles, Dre London, Jennifer Lopez, Macklemore, Zayn Malik, Carianne Marshall, Ricky Martin, Paul McCartney, Julia Michaels, Guy Moot, Jason Mraz, Gregg Nadel, Yoko Ono, Mark Pinkus, Gregory Porter, Prince Royce, Bonnie Raitt, Dawn Richard, RMR, Paul Robinson, Maggie Rogers, Kelly Rowland, Mike Shinoda, Sia, Matt Signore, Britney Spears, Rob Stevenson, Sting, Barbra Streisand, Justin Tranter, Sir Trilli, Sharon Van Etten, Aimie Vaughn-Fruehe, Eddie Vedder, Andrew Watt.

If you’re interested in signing the letter, you can email guncontrol@billboard.com.

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