Ana Bárbara Becomes First Regional Mexican Songwriter to Receive BMI Icon Award

Posted on March 22, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Ana Bárbara is celebrating a history-making win…

The 52-year-old Mexican singer, actress, television personality and model became the first regional Mexican songwriter to ever receive a BMI Icon Award.

Ana Barbara received the award at the BMI Latin Awards, which took place on March 21 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Los Angeles.

“As an iconic female Regional Mexican artist, whose body of work continues to be an indomitable inspiration for the creative community, we’re thrilled to name Ana Bárbara a BMI Icon,” Gonzalez said in a statement. “Dubbed as La Reina Grupera, she has forged a career that spans decades. Her artistic achievements have paved the way for the next generation of female songwriters in the genre and earned the respect of the industry at large as one of the most groundbreaking songwriters of all time. For that, we salute Ana as a true icon and look forward to celebrating all our top music creators behind some of today’s most-performed Latin songs.”

The “Bandido” singer joins an elite group of artists who have received BMI’s highest honor including Carlos Santana, Gloria Estefan, Juan Luis Guerra, Los Tigres Del Norte and Los Lobos, among others. Throughout her 30-year career — which she kicked off in the early ’90s with her self-titled debut album in 1994 — Ana Bárbara has a total of 16 entries on Billboard‘s Hot Latin Songs, four of those are top 10 hits including “La Trampa” and “Me Asusta Pero Me Gusta.” On the Regional Mexican Airplay tally, she’s entered 21 songs, five of which hit the top 10.

Edgar Barrera, the prolific songwriter who seamlessly navigates between genres, was given the first ever Impact award for his remarkable presence and influence across the charts of many genres.

The evening — hosted by BMI President/CEO Mike O’Neill and BMI Vice President, Creative, Latin Jesus Gonzalez — was also evening of encores. Tainy won the contemporary songwriter of the year award for the second year in a row, and Horacio Palencia also repeated his regional Mexican songwriter of the year award, this time tying with Barrera.

Sony Music Publishing, home to Tainy and Barrera, took home the contemporary Latin publisher of the year award, marking the seventh time in 10 years that it does so.

Universal Music Publishing Group won Regional Mexican publisher of the year, and the smash “Pepas” — performed by Farruko and written by Víctor Cardenas VIIC, IAMCHINO, Axel Quezada “Ghetto” and Keriel K4G Quiróz — was named contemporary Latin song of the year. “Jugaste y Sufrí” by Daniel Balderrama Espinoza won the Regional Mexican song of the year.

But the belle of the ball was undoubtedly Aba Bárbara. The Mexican singer, resplendent in a shimmering dress with a pink feathered skirt, delivered a set of her own compositions, backed by a her band and ending with “Lo Busqué,” during which she accompanied herself on guitar. The performance was a reminder of just how prolific Ana Bárbara has been in her 30-year career, placing 16 hits on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart and 14 on the Regional Mexican Airplay chart.

“Songwriting was something I didn’t always speak about,” Bárbara told Billboard earlier. “I was always shy about my songwriting, from the time I wrote [her first major hit] ‘Quise Olvidar,’ because composing wasn’t common among women. Now, I believe in all my songs, and I believe they’re all for me.”

Her inspirations, said Ana Bárbara, were the greats of Mexican music, including José Alfredo Jiménez; Joan Sebastian and Marco Antonio Solís, who both mentored her; and Ana Gabriel, also a singer and composer.

Now, Gabriel is also inspiring a new generation, as evidenced by the opening number of the night, a tribute to her music performed by young Mexican singers Adriana Ríos, Alisun Solís, Angélica Gallegos and Lupita Infante.

Shakira’s Bizarrap-Collab “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53” Hits No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay Chart

Posted on February 1, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Shakira is on cloud nine with the success of her latest single…

The 45-year-old Colombian Grammy– and Latin Grammy-winning singer and songwriter’s collaboration with Bizarrap “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53” has hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay on the chart dated February 4.

Their in-studio diss track has now topped nine U.S. Billboard charts, including Latin Digital Song Sales, Latin Pop Digital Song Sales, Dance/Electronic Streaming Songs, Dance/Electronic Digital Song Sales, Hot Latin Songs, Latin Streaming Songs, Latin Pop Airplay, Latin Pop Streaming Songs, and now Latin Airplay.

“Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53” advances 5-1 in its second week on Latin Airplay after a strong 35% gain in audience impressions, to 10 million, earned in the week ending January 26, according to Luminate.

The new coronation extends Shakira’s record among women, with 18 No. 1s. Bizarrap clocks his second after “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 52,” with Quevedo, reached the top of the chart last November where it remained for four weeks.

Shakira, meanwhile, replaces herself at No. 1 as “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53” sends “Monotonía,” with Ozuna, to No. 5, after six weeks in charge, the most since Daddy Yankee’s “Con Calma,” featuring Snow, dominated the tally for eight weeks in 2019. Notably, it’s the first time a woman replaces herself at No. 1 since the chart launched in 1994.

Plus, the last time an act replaced itself at No. 1 on Latin Airplay was Farruko when “Pepas” dethroned his featured turn on Enrique Iglesias’ “Me Pasé” in October 2021.

“Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53” continues its winning streak across Billboard charts.

It remains at No. 1 on Dance/Electronic Streaming Songs, Hot Latin Songs, Latin Pop Airplay, and Latin Streaming Songs and Latin Pop Streaming Songs for a second week, while on Latin Digital Song Sales and Latin Pop Digital Song Sales, the track holds atop for a third week.

Over on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100, the track dips 9-13. Further, it holds steady at No. 2 on both Billboard Global 200 and Global Excl. U.S. charts.

Farruko Performs Intimate Tiny Desk Concert as part of NPR’s Latinx Heritage Month Celebration

Posted on October 15, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Farruko is celebrating a tiny moment…

The 31-year-old Puerto Rican singer and rapper performed a Tiny Desk concert as part of NPR’s Latinx Heritage Month celebration.

During his 15-minute performance, Farruko performed reimagined takes on his hit singles like “Pepas” and “En La Mia (Remix),” as well as launched his new single “Viaje.”

Farruko, real name, Carlos Reyes has undergone a spiritual transformation, even renouncing the message of his smash “Pepas” and taking the time to focus on his family and his developing relationship with God.

His Tiny Desk concert reflected that new perspective.

The concert included the participation of Armando Sanchez (guitar), Keriel Quiroz (keys), Juan Diaz (drums, percussion), Franie Laracuente (vocals) and Aaron Gonzalez (vocals).

Bad Bunny Wins Big at the 2022 Billboard Latin Music Awards

Posted on September 30, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Bad Bunny is a Billboard darling…

With nine wins — including artist of the year, tour of the year and songwriter of the year — the 28-year-old Puerto Rican superstar was the big winner at the 2022 Billboard Latin Music Awards.

Bad Bunny, who has been breaking attendance and chart records, also took home top Latin album of the year and top Latin rhythm album of the year for Un Verano Sin Ti, the longest-running album at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 so far this year, as well as Hot Latin Songs and Top Latin Albums artist of the year, male and tropical song of the year for “Volví.”

Following Bad Bunny in sheer number of wins was Farruko with his juggernaut hit “Pepas,” which won the coveted Hot Latin Song of the Year award, as well as sales, streaming and Latin rhythm song of the year.

Karol G was the top female artist of the awards, winning Hot Latin Songs and Top Latin Albums artist of the year, female, while “Mamiii,” her collaboration with Becky G, won Hot Latin Song of the year, vocal event.

Rauw Alejandro and regional Mexican stars Grupo Firme and Eslabón Armado all took home two awards each, as did 18-year-old Mexican newcomer Iván Cornejo, who won the very important new artist of the year award.

The producer of the year award once again went to Tainy.

While Bad Bunny may have dominated the charts, the list of winners represented a vast array of Latin genres and artists ranging from icons to newcomers, including Rosalía, Wisin y Yandel, Romeo Santos and Christian Nodal.

Finalists and winners were celebrated live at the Billboard Latin Music Awards, which aired on the Telemundo network from the Watsco Center in Miami.

Billboard Latin Music Awards is the only awards show to honor the most popular albums, songs and performers in Latin music as determined by Billboard‘s renowned weekly charts.

Finalists, and eventual winners, reflect performance of new recordings on Billboard‘s albums and songs charts during a one-year period, from the rankings dated August 14, 2021, through the August 6, 2022, charts. Determinations are based on key fan interactions with music, including album and digital song sales, streaming, radio airplay and touring, tracked by Billboard and its data partner, Luminate.

Here’s the full list of winners:

ARTIST CATEGORIES

Artist of the Year: Bad Bunny
Artist of the Year, New: Ivan Cornejo
Tour of the Year: Bad Bunny
Crossover Artist of the Year: Skrillex

SONG CATEGORIES

Hot Latin Song of the Year: Farruko, “Pepas”
Hot Latin Song of the Year, Vocal Event: Becky G & Karol G, “Mamiii”

Hot Latin Songs Artist of the Year, Male: Bad Bunny
Hot Latin Songs Artist of the Year, Female: Karol G
Hot Latin Songs Artist of the Year, Duo or Group: Grupo Firme
Hot Latin Songs Label of the Year: Rimas
Hot Latin Songs Imprint of the Year: Rimas
Latin Airplay Song of the Year: Rauw Alejandro, “Todo de Ti”
Latín Airplay Label of the Year: Sony Music Latin
Latin Airplay Imprint of the Year: Sony Music Latin
Sales Song of the Year: Farruko, “Pepas”
Streaming Song of the Year: Farruko, “Pepas”

ALBUM CATEGORIES

Top Latin Album of the Year: Bad Bunny, Un Verano Sin Ti
Top Latin Albums Artist of the Year, Male: Bad Bunny
Top Latin Albums Artist of the Year, Female: Karol G
Top Latin Albums Artist of the Year, Duo or Group: Eslabon Armado
Top Latin Albums Label of the Year: Rimas

LATIN POP CATEGORIES

Latin Pop Artist of the Year, Solo: Enrique Iglesias
Latin Pop Artist of the Year, Duo or Group: Maná
Latin Pop Song of the Year: Rauw Alejandro, “Todo De Ti”
Latin Pop Airplay Label of the Year: Sony Music Latin
Latin Pop Airplay Imprint of the Year: Sony Music Latin
Latin Pop Album of the Year: Rosalía, Motomami
Latin Pop Albums Label of the Year: Universal Music Latin Entertainment
Latin Pop Albums Imprint of the Year: Universal Music Latino

TROPICAL CATEGORIES

Tropical Artist of the Year, Solo: Romeo Santos
Tropical Artist of the Year, Duo or Group: Aventura
Tropical Song of the Year: Aventura & Bad Bunny, “Volví”
Tropical Airplay Label of the Year: Sony Music Latin
Tropical Airplay Imprint of the Year: Sony Music Latin
Tropical Albums of the Year: Marc Anthony, Pa’lla Voy
Tropical Albums Label of the Year: Sony Music Latin
Tropical Albums Imprint of the Year: Sony Music Latin

REGIONAL MEXICAN CATEGORIES

Regional Mexican Artist of the Year, Solo: Christian Nodal
Regional Mexican Artist of the Year, Duo or Group: Eslabon Armado
Regional Mexican Song of the Year: Grupo Firme, “Ya Supérame (En Vivo Desde Culiacán, Sinaloa)”
Regional Mexican Airplay Label of the Year: Universal Music Latin Entertainment
Regional Mexican Airplay Label of the Year: Fonovisa
Regional Mexican Albums of the Year: Ivan Cornejo, Alma Vacía
Regional Mexican Albums Label of the Year: Universal Music Latin Entertainment
Regional Mexican Albums Imprint of the Year: Del

LATIN RHYTHM CATEGORIES

Latin Rhythm Artist of the Year, Solo: Bad Bunny
Latin Rhythm Artist of the Year, Duo or Group: Wisin & Yandel
Latin Rhythm Song of the Year: Farruko, “Pepas”
Latin Rhythm Airplay Label of the Year: Sony Music Latin
Latin Rhythm Airplay Imprint of the Year: Universal Music Latino
Latin Rhythm Album of the Year: Bad Bunny, Un Verano Sin Ti
Latin Rhythm Albums Label of the Year: Rimas
Latin Rhythm Albums Imprint of the Year: Rimas

WRITERS/PRODUCERS/PUBLISHERS CATEGORIES

Songwriter of the Year: Bad Bunny
Publisher of the Year: RSM Publishing, ASCAP
Publishing Corporation of the Year: Sony Music Publishing
Producer of the Year: Tainy

SPECIAL AWARDS

Billboard Icon Award: Chayanne
Billboard Spirit of Hope Award: Christina Aguilera
Billboard Legend Award: José Feliciano
Billboard Hall of Fame Award: Nicky Jam
Billboard Lifetime Achievement Award: Raphael

Farruko Releases New Single “Nazareno”

Posted on May 20, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Farruko is talking candidly about the downside of fame…

The 31-year-old Puerto Rican singer and songwriter has released the new single “Nazareno,” where he speaks candidly about the pitfalls of fame:

“You’re surrounded by envy and hypocrisy; all eyes on you, everyone agreeing with you ‘cause you’re on top,” muses Farruko in the verse, before laying it out in the chorus: “Everyone’s around in the good times, but in the bad times, they all go their own way.”

The dichotomy here is how catchy “Nazareno” is, a reggaetón/dance track a la “Pepas” with a repeating, hypnotic motif.

The video reinforces the divergence: It kicks off with Farruko smoking and drinking at a strip club where the sexy, sexual dancers eventually morph into preying vampires.

“The music is not what’s bad; we make it bad with the messages we put on it,” he told Billboard, when asked how he balances the reggaetón beat with his current mentality. “Before, my competitiveness and my desire to reach a position enslaved me. I didn’t value everything I received from the fruits of my labor because I gave importance and I revered power and material things.

“But that doesn’t control me anymore,” he added. “Now, I control my music and my career goes at my pace, not at the pace of the industry or the public. Carlos, the human being, is above that, and family is above that and God is above me. My relationship with God is the most important priority in my life.”

Farruko’s conviction is in evidence in the “Nazareno” music video, which is accompanied by a warning for graphic images, and which ends with Farruko reflecting and a quote from the Book of Titus.

J Balvin & Ed Sheeran’s “Sigue” Replaces Their “Forever My Love” at No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay Chart

Posted on April 12, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

It’s a special follow-up for J Balvin…

The 36-year-old Colombian singer and rapper’s Ed Sheeran-collaboration “Sigue” has replaced the pair’s other single, “Forever My Love,” at No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay chart dated April 16.

“Forever My Love” rose to the No. 1 spot on last week’s April 9-dated Latin Airplay chart and falls to No. 4 on the latest ranking, making room for Balvin and Sheeran’s other collaboration, “Sigue,” to take over at No. 1.

The song leads with 8.1 million all-format radio airplay audience impressions earned in the April 1-7 tracking week, according to Luminate, formerly MRC Data.

The last act to replace themselves at No. 1 on Latin Airplay with a new song was Farruko.

He led the October 2, 2021-dated chart as a featured act on Enrique Iglesias’ “Me Pase” and then succeeded himself with his solo smash “Pepas.”

“Sigue” earns Balvin his record-extending 35th career No. 1 on the chart, and Sheeran his second.

Of Balvin’s 35 No. 1s, “Sigue” is his third of 2022, following “Una Nota” in January and “Forever My Love” last week.

He tallied five No. 1s in 2021 and nine in 2020 (his personal best).

The only other acts with multiple Latin Airplay No. 1s in 2022 are Jhay Cortez, Karol G and Ozuna, with two apiece.

Here’s an updated look at the acts with the most Latin Airplay No. 1s in the chart’s 27-year history:

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

Bruno Mars Leads Latinx Pack with Five Billboard Music Awards Nominations

Posted on April 9, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

It’s a (Silk) Sonic boom for Bruno Mars…

The 36-year-old part-Puerto Rican singer-songwriter is the top Latinx contender for this year’s Billboard Music Awards with five nods.

Mars is nominated in the Top Duo/Group category alongside Anderson .Paak for their R&B superduo Silk Sonic, which they launched in March 2021. The duo is also nominated in the Top R&B Artist category.

Silk Sonic’s An Evening With Silk Sonic earned Mars a nod in the Top R&B Album category, while the group’s chart-topping single “Leave the Door Open” is up for Top R&B Song.

Additionally, Mars is nominated for Top R&B Tour for Bruno Mars at Park MGM.

Bad Bunny has also picked up five nods this year.

The 28-year-old Puerto Rican rapper, singer and record producer is up for Top Latin Artist, Top Latin Male Artist and Top Latin Tour for El Último Tour Del Mundo and

Bad Bunny is also nominated twice in the Top Latin Song category. He’s nominated for the singles “Yonaguni” and “Volví,” his collaborations with Aventura.

Kali Uchis is the top Latina nominee…

The 27-year-old Colombian American singer is up for Top Latin Artist, Top Latin Female Artist, Top Latin Album for Sin Miedo (del Amor y Otros Demonios) ∞, and Top Latin Song for telepatía.

Farruko is nominated for four BBMAs, including one outside of the Latin field.

Along with his nods for Top Latin Artist, Top Latin Male Artist and Top Latin Song for his hit single “Pepas,” the 30-year-old Puerto Rican singer and songwriter’s track is also nominated in the Top Dance/Electronic Song category.

Rauw Alejandro has earned four nods…

The 29-year-old Puerto Rican singer and rapper is up for Top Latin Artist, Top Latin Male Artist, Top Latin Album for Vice Versa, and Top Latin Song for “Todo De Ti.”

Karol G has earned three nods…

The 31-year-old Colombian singer is up for Top Latin Artist, Top Latin Female Artist and Top Latin Album for her album KG0516.

Eslabon Armado is nominated for two awards…

The Mexican group is up for Top Latin Duo/Group and Top Latin Album for Corta Venas.

Other artists earning a nod include Aventura, FKA Twigs, J Balvin, Enrique Iglesias, Ricky Martin, Rosalia, Grupo Firme and Cardi B.

This year’s awards are based on the tracking period of March 26, 2021, through March 17, 2022. That corresponds to Billboard chart dates of April 10, 2021, through March 26, 2022.

Billboard Music Awards finalists and winners are based on key fan interactions with music, including album and digital song sales, streaming, radio airplay, and social engagement, tracked by Billboard and its data partners, including Luminate (formerly MRC Data).

The BBMAs have celebrated music’s greatest achievements for more than 30 years. Unique among music awards shows, finalists are determined by performance on the Billboard charts. Since 1940, the Billboard charts have been the most

The BBMAs will broadcast live coast-to-coast from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, May 15 at 8:00 pm ET/5:00 pm PT on NBC and will stream live on Peacock. This year’s host has not been announced.

The 2022 Billboard Music Awards are produced by MRC Live & Alternative. Robert Deaton is executive producer.

Tickets to attend the show are available to the public. Prices start at $90 per ticket and are available for purchase here. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT.

Here are the 2022 Billboard Music Awards finalists:

ARTIST AWARDS

Top Artist
Doja Cat
Drake
Olivia Rodrigo
Taylor Swift
The Weeknd

Top New Artist
Givēon
Masked Wolf
Olivia Rodrigo
Pooh Shiesty
The Kid LAROI

Top Male Artist
Drake
Ed Sheeran
Justin Bieber
Lil Nas X
The Weeknd

Top Female Artist
Adele
Doja Cat
Dua Lipa
Olivia Rodrigo
Taylor Swift

Top Duo/Group
BTS
Glass Animals
Imagine Dragons
Migos
Silk Sonic (Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak)

Top Billboard 200 Artist
Adele
Drake
Juice WRLD
Morgan Wallen
Taylor Swift

Top Hot 100 Artist
Doja Cat
Drake
Justin Bieber
Olivia Rodrigo
The Weeknd

Top Streaming Songs Artist
Doja Cat
Drake
Lil Nas X
Olivia Rodrigo
The Weeknd

Top Song Sales Artist
Adele
BTS
Dua Lipa
Ed Sheeran
Walker Hayes

Top Radio Songs Artist
Doja Cat
Ed Sheeran
Justin Bieber
Olivia Rodrigo
The Weeknd

Top Billboard Global 200 Artist (NEW)
Doja Cat
Ed Sheeran
Justin Bieber
Olivia Rodrigo
The Weeknd

Top Billboard Global (Excl. U.S.) Artist (NEW)
BTS
Dua Lipa
Ed Sheeran
Olivia Rodrigo
The Weeknd

Top Tour
Eagles (Hotel California Tour)
Genesis (The Last Domino? Tour)
Green Day, Fall Out Boy & Weezer (The Hella Mega Tour)
Harry Styles (Love on Tour)
The Rolling Stones (No Filter Tour)

Top R&B Artist
Doja Cat
Givēon
Silk Sonic (Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak)
Summer Walker
The Weeknd

Top R&B Male Artist
Givēon
Khalid
The Weeknd

Top R&B Female Artist
Doja Cat
Summer Walker
SZA

Top R&B Tour
Bruno Mars (Bruno Mars at Park MGM)
Omarion & Bow Wow (The Millennium Tour 2021)
Usher (The Vegas Residency)

Top Rap Artist
Drake
Juice WRLD
Lil Baby
Moneybagg Yo
Polo G

Top Rap Male Artist
Drake
Juice WRLD
Polo G

Top Rap Female Artist
Cardi B
Latto
Megan Thee Stallion

Top Rap Tour
J. Cole (The Off-Season Tour)
Lil Baby (The Back Outside Tour)
Omarion & Bow Wow (The Millennium Tour 2021)

Top Country Artist
Chris Stapleton
Luke Combs
Morgan Wallen
Taylor Swift
Walker Hayes

Top Country Male Artist
Chris Stapleton
Luke Combs
Morgan Wallen

Top Country Female Artist
Carrie Underwood
Miranda Lambert
Taylor Swift

Top Country Duo/Group
Dan + Shay
Florida Georgia Line
Zac Brown Band

Top Country Tour
Luke Bryan (Proud to Be Right Here Tour)
Eric Church (Gather Again Tour)
Chris Stapleton (All-American Road Show Tour)

Top Rock Artist
Glass Animals
Imagine Dragons
Machine Gun Kelly
Måneskin
twenty one pilots

Top Rock Tour
Genesis (The Last Domino? Tour)
Green Day, Fall Out Boy & Weezer (The Hella Mega Tour)
The Rolling Stones (No Filter Tour)

Top Latin Artist
Bad Bunny
Farruko
Kali Uchis
Karol G
Rauw Alejandro

Top Latin Male Artist
Bad Bunny
Farruko
Rauw Alejandro

Top Latin Female Artist
Kali Uchis
Karol G
Rosalía

Top Latin Duo/Group
Calibre 50
Eslabon Armado
Grupo Firme

Top Latin Tour
Bad Bunny (El Último Tour Del Mundo)
Enrique Iglesias & Ricky Martin (Live in Concert)
Los Bukis (Una Historia Cantada Tour)

Top Dance/Electronic Artist
Calvin Harris
David Guetta
Lady Gaga
Marshmello
Tiësto

Top Christian Artist
Carrie Underwood
Elevation Worship
for King & Country
Lauren Daigle
Ye

Top Gospel Artist
CeCe Winans
Elevation Worship
Kirk Franklin
Maverick City Music
Ye

ALBUM AWARDS

Top Billboard 200 Album
Adele, 30
Doja Cat, Planet Her
Drake, Certified Lover Boy
Morgan Wallen, Dangerous: The Double Album
Olivia Rodrigo, SOUR

Top Soundtrack
Arcane League of Legends
Encanto
In The Heights
Sing 2
tick, tick…BOOM!

Top R&B Album
Doja Cat, Planet Her
Givēon, When It’s All Said and Done…Take Time
Silk Sonic (Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak), An Evening With Silk Sonic
Summer Walker, Still Over It
The Weeknd, Dawn F

Top Rap Album
Drake, Certified Lover Boy
Moneybagg Yo, A Gangsta’s Pain
Rod Wave, SoulFly
The Kid LAROI, F*ck Love
Ye, Donda

Top Country Album
Florida Georgia Line, Life Rolls On
Lee Brice, Hey World
Taylor Swift, Fearless (Taylor’s Version)
Taylor Swift, Red (Taylor’s Version)
Walker Hayes, Country Stuff: The Album

Top Rock Album
AJR, OK Orchestra
Coldplay, Music of the Spheres
Imagine Dragons, Mercury – Act 1
John Mayer, Sob Rock
twenty one pilots, Scaled and Icy

Top Latin Album
Eslabon Armado, Corta Venas
J Balvin, Jose
Kali Uchis, Sin Miedo (del Amor y Otros Demonios) ∞
Karol G, KG0516
Rauw Alejandro, Vice Versa

Top Dance/Electronic Album
C418, Minecraft – Volume Alpha
FKA twigs, Caprisongs
Illenium, Fallen Embers
Porter Robinson, Nurture
Rüfüs Du Sol, Surrender

Top Christian Album
Carrie Underwood, My Savior
CeCe Winans, Believe for It
Elevation Worship & Maverick City Music, Old Church Basement
Phil Wickham, Hymn of Heaven
Ye, Donda

Top Gospel Album
CeCe Winans, Believe for It
Elevation Worship & Maverick City Music, Old Church Basement
Maverick City Music, Jubilee: Juneteenth Edition
Maverick City Music & Upperroom, move your heart.
Ye, Donda

SONG AWARDS

Top Hot 100 Song
Doja Cat ft. SZA, “Kiss Me More”
Dua Lipa, “Levitating”
Olivia Rodrigo, “good 4 u”
The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber, “Stay”
The Weeknd & Ariana Grande, “Save Your Tears”

Top Streaming Song
Dua Lipa, “Levitating”
Glass Animals, “Heat Waves”
Olivia Rodrigo, “good 4 u”
The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber, “Stay”
The Weeknd & Ariana Grande, “Save Your Tears”

Top Selling Song
BTS, “Butter”
BTS, “Permission to Dance”
Dua Lipa, “Levitating”
Ed Sheeran, “Bad Habits”
Walker Hayes, “Fancy Like”

Top Radio Song
Dua Lipa, “Levitating”
Ed Sheeran, “Bad Habits”
Olivia Rodrigo, “good 4 u”
The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber, “Stay”
The Weeknd & Ariana Grande, “Save Your Tears”

Top Collaboration
Doja Cat ft. SZA, “Kiss Me More”
Justin Bieber ft. Daniel Caesar & GIVĒON, “Peaches”
Lil Nas X ft. Jack Harlow, “Industry Baby”
The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber, “Stay”
The Weeknd & Ariana Grande, “Save Your Tears”

Top Billboard Global 200 Song (NEW)
Dua Lipa, “Levitating”
Ed Sheeran, “Bad Habits”
Olivia Rodrigo, “good 4 u”
The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber, “Stay”
The Weeknd & Ariana Grande, “Save Your Tears”

Top Billboard Global (Excl. U.S.) Song (NEW)
BTS, “Butter”
Ed Sheeran, “Bad Habits”
Lil Nas X, “Montero (Call Me by Your Name)”
The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber, “Stay”
The Weeknd & Ariana Grande, “Save Your Tears”

Top Viral Song (NEW)
Doja Cat ft. SZA, “Kiss Me More”
Gayle, “abcdefu”
Glass Animals, “Heat Waves”
Masked Wolf, “Astronaut In The Ocean”
Walker Hayes, “Fancy Like”

Top R&B Song
Doja Cat & The Weeknd, “You Right”
Givēon, “Heartbreak Anniversary”
Justin Bieber ft. Daniel Caesar & Givēon, “Peaches”
Silk Sonic (Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak), “Leave The Door Open”
WizKid ft. Justin Bieber & Tems, “Essence”

Top Rap Song
Drake ft. 21 Savage, Project Pat, “Knife Talk”
Drake ft. Future & Young Thug, “Way 2 Sexy”
Lil Nas X ft. Jack Harlow, “Industry Baby”
Masked Wolf, “Astronaut In The Ocean”
Polo G, “Rapstar”

Top Country Song
Chris Stapleton, “You Should Probably Leave”
Jason Aldean & Carrie Underwood, “If I Didn’t Love You”
Jordan Davis ft. Luke Bryan, “Buy Dirt”
Luke Combs, “Forever After All”
Walker Hayes, “Fancy Like”

Top Rock Song
Coldplay X BTS, “My Universe”
Elle King & Miranda Lambert, “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)”
Imagine Dragons, “Follow You”
Måneskin, “Beggin’”
The Anxiety: Willow & Tyler Cole, “Meet Me at Our Spot”

Top Latin Song
Aventura x Bad Bunny, “Volví”
Bad Bunny, “Yonaguni”
Farruko, “Pepas”
Kali Uchis, “telepatía”
Rauw Alejandro, “Todo De Ti”

Top Dance/Electronic Song
Elton John & Dua Lipa, “Cold Heart – PNAU Remix”
Farruko, “Pepas”
Regard x Troye Sivan x Tate McRae, “You”
Tiësto, “The Business”
Travis Scott & HVME, “Goosebumps”

Top Christian Song
Anne Wilson, “My Jesus”
Ye, “Hurricane”
Ye, “Moon”
Ye, “Off The Grid”
Ye, “Praise God”

Top Gospel Song
Elevation Worship & Maverick City Music ft. Chandler Moore & Naomi Raine, “Jireh”
Ye, “Hurricane”
Ye, “Moon”
Ye, “Off the Grid”
Ye, “Praise God”

Farruko’s “La 167” Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums Chart

Posted on October 12, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Farruko is back on top…

The 30-year-old Puerto Rican singer and songwriter has returned to No. 1 on Billboard‘s Top Latin Albums chart after nearly six years, as La 167 debuts atop the October 16-dated list.

The 25-track set, released via Carbon Fiber/Sony Music Latin on October 1, starts with 17,000 equivalent album units earned in the U.S. in the week ending Oct. 7, according to MRC Data.

It secures Farruko his third win on the overall Top Latin Albums chart dating back to his first champ Farruko Presents Los Menores (No. 1 start in November 2014). In between, he’s placed one more leading album: Visionary in November 2015.

“I don’t work to get a No. 1, but it’s incredible that people like what I’m doing and that they are enjoying it,” Farruko tells Billboard.

La 167 is a nod to a highway that passes through his homeland in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, and a gas station once owned by his late grandfather. The 100-minute set is stacked with Latin artists, including Myke Towers, Ñengo Flow, O’Neill, Pedro Capó, Jay Wheeler and more, and each has rendered a variety of Latin styles ranging from perreo and reggae, to pop, hip-hop and reggaetón.

“The most challenging aspect of the production was structuring an album that didn’t bore,” Faruko adds. “Where the production, lyrics and everything were different, varied; where I allowed myself to explore other genres which were not necessarily mine.”

As La 167 arrives at the summit, Farruko now has a total of six top 10s on Top Latin Albums, three of which, as previously mentioned, hit No. 1 for at least one week. Here’s a recap:

Ranking, Title, Debut Date
No. 1, Farruko Presents Los Menores, Nov. 15, 2014 (two weeks atop)
No. 8, The Ones, Sept. 19, 2015
No. 1, Visionary, Nov. 14, 2015
No. 3, Trapxficante, Oct. 7, 2017
No. 2, Gangalee, May 11, 2019
No. 1, La 167, Oct. 16

La 167 concurrently debuts at No. 1 on Latin Rhythm Albums, also his third No. 1 there. Farruko also captures his highest album yet on the overall Billboard 200, clocking in at No. 26 (Gangalee’s No. 80 start in 2019 earned him his highest debut, and peak, until now).

La 167 was preceded by only two tracks on the all-metric Hot Latin Songs chart: the No. 4-peaking “La Tóxica” (November 2020) and the now eight-week champ (and counting) “Pepas,” which takes the Greatest Gainer/ Digital honors of the week despite a 6% dip in sales (3,000 downloads sold for the tracking week ending in October 7).

“I connect with many of the tracks on the album, for instance the opening track ‘Ki,’ ‘$,’ and ‘Helicóptero’,” Farruko continues, “all based on personal experiences from a particular chapter in my life.”

In addition to “Pepas” holding strong at the penthouse, “El Incomprendido,” with Víctor Cárdenas and DJ Adoni, another rhythmic/EDM club banger, bows at No. 14. The latter interpolates Alice Deejay’s “Beter Off Alone,” the ’90s Eurodance hit that reached the top 30 on the Billboard Hot 100 in June 2000.

Farruko’s “Pepas” Reaches No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay Chart

Posted on October 6, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Farruko is continuing his chart domination…

The 30-year-old Puerto Rican singer and songwriter’s latest single “Pepas” has reached the No. 1 slot on Billboard’s Latin Airplay survey dated October 9 with a 3-1 jump.

“Pepas” rules with 11 million in audience impressions, up 14%, earned in the U.S. in the week ending October 3, according to MRC Data. The track has now reached No. 1 on nine different Billboard song charts.

The new command arrives in tandem with its Hot Latin Songs’ lead as the track took over atop the August 28-dated tally where it has remained since then (it’s currently in its seventh week), earning Farruko his first No. 1 on the chart.

The club banger has received remixes from David Guetta, Lil Jon, Don Omar, Mr. Samtrax, Nico DJ, and more. With its new Latin Airplay win, the EDM song gifts Farruko a 10th career leader.

It concurrently ascends with an equal 3-1 on Latin Rhythm Airplay, also his 10th win there.

As “Pepas” gains territory on two new Billboard charts, it adds a ninth coronation across Billboard charts. Here’s a recap in order of arrival:

Chart, Peak Date, Weeks at No. 1
Latin Digital Song Sales, August 7, nine weeks (and counting)
Latin Rhythm Digital Song Sales, August 7, nine (and counting)
Dance/Electronic Streaming Songs, August 7, 10 (and counting)
Hot Dance/Electronic Songs, August 21, eight (and counting)
Dance/Electronic Digital Song Sales, August 21, one
Hot Latin Songs, August 28, seven (and counting)
Latin Streaming Songs, August 28, 7 weeks (and counting)
Latin Airplay, Oct. 9Latin Rhythm Airplay, Oct. 9

Over on the Global charts, “Pepas” has netted Farruko his highest charting rankings and two new career top 10s: a No. 7 peak and a No. 5 high on the Global 200 tally and the Global Excl. U.S. chart (dated Sept. 4) respectively.

“Pepas” is the second single from La 167, a nod to the Puerto Rican’s homeland and eighth studio album released October 1. The album was preceded by the No. 4-peaked “La Tóxica” (Nov. 2020).

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

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