The 26-year-old Mexican American singer/rapper has released the new album Esquinas via Kemosabe Records/RCA Records.
Beck G’s new album is a heartfelt exploration of her dual identity as a proud 200 percenter. The title translates to “corners,” symbolizing the meeting point between two cultures.
Celebrating her Mexican and American roots, the Inglewood native weaves a vibrant musical tapestry that spans corridos, rancheras and baladas while showcasing her deep reverence for her heritage.
For instance, “2ndo Chance,” featuring Ivan Cornejo’s haunting vocals, kicks off the album with a dreamy, nostalgic ballad that sets the tone for an introspective journey through her bicultural upbringing. Then there’s the cheeky “Cries in Spanish,” a whimsical duet with fellow Mexican-American DannyLux, that’s set to sad sierreño. The album’s latest single, “Querido Abuelo,” stands as a touching tribute to her late grandfather, a gut-wrenching balada which honors the sacrifices made by our ancestors as children of immigrants. Becky’ Gs vocals are at their most poignant here, manifesting her maturity and emotional depth.
Also starring Yahritza y Su Esencia, Chiquis, Angela and Leonardo Aguilar, Peso Pluma, and Gabito Ballesteros, her third studio album is a testament to her growth as a “genreless” artist, she claims, and her commitment to representing her bloodline proudly.
More than 12 years after its release and its original chart run, the 37-year-old half-Mexican American singer, songwriter and actor’s single “Sure Thing” has risen to No. 1 on Billboard’s Pop Airplay chart dated May 27.
The song, on ByStorm/Black Ice/Jive/Legacy/RCA Records, completes the longest ascent to the Pop Airplay summit from a title’s release, having first hit Billboard’s charts in February 2011, following its November 2010 release on Miguel’s debut LP, All I Want Is You.
An R&B/hip-hop radio hit in its original run, “Sure Thing” crowned the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, as well as R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay, for a week in May 2011.
On the all-genre, multimetric Billboard Hot 100, “Sure Thing” reached No. 36 over a 23-week stay in March-August 2011.
In 2022, the song resurged thanks to newfound attention on TikTok, where a sped-up version has soundtracked more than 4 million clips. It debuted on Billboard’s Streaming Songs chart this January and ranked at No. 30 on the most recently published, May 20-dated chart with 10.6 million official streams in the United States May 5-11, according to Luminate.
On the May 20-dated all-format Radio Songs survey, “Sure Thing” rose 7-6, up 6% to 51.6 million in audience. On the Hot 100, it pushed 15-14, reaching a new best — as well as a new career high for Miguel, surpassing the No. 15 peak of Mariah Carey’s “#Beautiful,” on which he’s featured, in 2013.
Miguel previously tallied six Pop Airplay hits between 2012-22, rising as high as No. 12 as a featured artist on Kygo’s “Remind Me to Forget” in 2018, his best career rank prior to the revival of “Sure Thing.”
Meanwhile, the comeback to new heights for “Sure Thing” has been historic, as the single broke the record for the most weeks ever spent on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs: 78 (through the latest, May 20-dated survey, where it placed at No. 5, marking its first appearance in the chart’s top five since September 2011).
“We were keeping a close eye on the metrics,” says RCA head of promotion Keith Rothschild about the decision to promote the song to pop radio after TikTok sparked new interest in it. It debuted on the Pop Airplay chart dated Feb. 25, at No. 40, and hits No. 1 in its 14th week on the chart, up 7% in plays May 12-18.
While “Sure Thing” is far removed from its original release, “programmers were not hesitant at all,” Rothschild says, especially with other catalog songs recently finding new life on radio, whether from TikTok or synchs, including Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God),” Lady Gaga’s “Bloody Mary” and The Weeknd’s “Die for You.”
“We knew the song was a hit, as it was a No. 1 R&B/hip-hop record when it was originally out,” says Rothschild of “Sure Thing.” “It was never worked at pop, so we asked programmers to put it into callout. The numbers came back massive, and we knew it was game on.”
Following a delay caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the 77-year-old Puerto Rican musician, singer and composer has finally received his 2021 National Medal of Arts prize.
President Joe Biden doled out medals to the National Medal of Arts recipients, as well as the 2021 National Humanities Medal honorees.
The White House hosted a livestreamed East Room ceremony on Tuesday for the recipients, who included Mindy Kaling, Gladys Knight, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Bruce Springsteen and fashion designer Vera Wang. Feliciano was unable to attend the event as he’s in Hawaii after performances on the West Coast.
Feliciano was born blind as a result of glaucoma. His family moved to New York City’s Spanish Harlem when he was five years old, and he fell in love with music and playing the accordion and the guitar. While in high school, he played as a regular at a Greenwich Village coffeehouse. He eventually dropped out of high school and moved to Detroit to take a more permanent singing gig, and soon after was signed with RCA Records. He is most known for his bilingual Christmas song, “Feliz Navidad” which has been named among the most popular holiday songs of all time.
According to Billboard, Feliciano has two top-10 hits in his career and 11 top-100 songs. Feliciano is also a seven-time Grammy award winner.
The NEA website writes the decision to honor Feliciano came from his tenure in the music industry, saying “Over 60 years, 60 albums, and 600 songs, Jose Feliciano has opened hearts and built bridges — overcoming obstacles, never losing faith, and enriching the goodness and greatness of the Nation.”
The honorees received their awards about two years late due to a backlog caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
First lady Jill Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris also attended the ceremony, which Biden opened with a speech filled with quips about the honorees.
The recipients of the National Medals of Arts – the highest honor from the United States government for advancing the country’s arts – include actors, comedians and singers. Other recipients were artist-activist Judith Francisca Baca, philanthropist Fred Eychaner, Puerto Rican painter Antonio Martorell-Cardona and film producer Joan Shigekawa.
The Billie Holiday Theatre and The International Association of Blacks in Dance also received medals.
The National Humanities Medal honors those who have improved Americans’ understanding and engagement with history, literature, philosophy and more humanities subjects.
The 2021 recipients are poet Richard Blanco, anthropologist Johnnetta Betsch Cole, author Walter Isaacson, social historian Earl Lewis, Native American studies academic Henrietta Mann, novelist Ann Patchett, activist Bryan Stevenson, novelist Amy Tan, memoirist Tara Westover and novelist Colson Whitehead, as well as the organization Native America Calling.
The 24-year-old Mexican American singer/rapper, who sings in English and Spanish, has given the theme song to Netflix’s series Money Heist her own twist.
“Bella Ciao” is an Italian protest folk song from the late 19th century, and the song’s connection to the Spanish heist series (originally titled La Casa de Papel) is because “’the Professor’s whole life revolved around one idea… resistance,” according to an official statement.
In a new extended version, released under Kemosabe/RCA Records, Becky G not only gives the song an uptempo reggaeton beat, but also flaunts her Italian singing skills.
“I have always loved La Casa de Papel and the way this show connected with millions of people across the world,” she said. “’Bella Ciao’ is an iconic song and marks an important moment in the series, so being asked to reimagine it and be a part of the Casa de Papel world is truly an honor. From recording the song to shooting the video, I hope everyone enjoys this cover as much as I do!”
“Bella Ciao” premiered Wednesday alongside a music video, directed by Megan Gamez, which pays tribute to the red jumpsuit, mask and bars of gold from the Bank of Spain, seen on the series.
The show’s finale (part 5, volume 2) will premiere globally Friday on Netflix.
The 29-year-old Puerto Rican actor/singer has joined the voice cast of Trolls Holiday in Harmony, starring Trollsalums Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberlake, Kenan Thompson and Rachel Bloom.
The new half-hour animated musical special hails from the DreamWorks Animation franchise set on NBC.
Other Trolls alums joining the cast include Ron Funches, Kunal Nayyar, Anderson .Paak, Ester Dean, Walt Dohrn, Da’Vine JoyRandolph and Karan Soni.
The special will air on Friday, November 26 at 9:00 pm on NBC.
In the special, as the holidays near, Queen Poppy (Kendrick) plans the first annual Trolls Kingdom Secret Holiday Gift Swap. Things take an unexpected turn, however, when she and Branch (Timberlake) draw each other’s name. Meanwhile, Tiny Diamond (Thompson) comes down with a bad case of writers’ block trying to think of a special holiday rap for his dad.
The special, which includes four original songs, is written and directed by Sean Charmatz and Tim Heitz with Gina Shay and Walt Dohrn serving as the executive producers.
The Trolls DreamWorks Animation franchise includes the 2016 film Trolls and 2020’s Trolls World Tourstarring Kendrick, Timberlake, among others, as well as two original TV series, digital content, videos games and more.
Following its premiere on NBC, Trolls Holiday in Harmony, will be available for purchase on digital and DVD November 30 from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. A digital soundtrack for the special will be released by RCA Records on November 26 to coincide with the special airing on NBC.
The 29-year-old half-Mexican, part-Spanish American singer and her Pentatonix group mates are facing off against Wilson Phillips on Sunday night’s new episode of Celebrity Family Feud.
In a clip from the upcoming episode of the primetime ABC game show, premiering exclusively on Billboard, host Steve Harvey introduces the Grammy-winning a cappella group.
“Y’all can sing,” Harvey tells the quintet.
Harvey introduces each individual member — Scott Hoying, Maldonado, Matt Sallee, Mitch Grassi and Kevin Olusola — and pays special attention to the “smooth” pronunciation of beatboxer Olusola’s last name.
Pentatonix recently released a deluxe edition of their latest album The Lucky Ones on September 10, via RCA Records, following up the album’s initial February 12 release with seven additional songs.
One of those new tracks is “Midnight in Tokyo,” for which PTX joined forces with all-female Japanese vocal group Little Glee Monster and released a music video along with the deluxe edition.
Tune in to Celebrity Family Feud at 8:00 pm ET on Sunday night on ABC to see Pentatonix take on Wilson Phillips for harmonic supremacy.
Demi Lovato is breaking down their personal demons…
The 29-year-old half-Mexican American singer, songwriter, and actor has joined voices with G-Eazy to release the new single “Breakdown,” as well as the track’s official music video.
The Daniel CZ-directed music video first captures G-Eazy and Lovato coming face-to-face with the headlines they’ve made over the years, from Lovato’s 2018 heroin overdose to G-Eazy’s 2018 arrest on charges of assault, drug possession and resisting arrest at a Swedish club, which appear on the mirrors in front of the artists.
G-Eazy made headlines this week after he was arrested and charged Monday for allegedly assaulting two men outside of a New York hotel but was later released.
The “No Limit” MC continues watching his headlines play out on the television in his disheveled room, standing around in disarray while somberly rapping, “Been fighting my demons, but they ain’t fighting fair/ But I keep saying that ‘Everything’s alright, I swear’/ All alone in a dark space, ain’t no light in there/ What’s f—ed up is I might actually like it there.”
Meanwhile, the Dancing With the Devil singer pleads in the raw chorus, “I’m in the middle of a breakdown, baby I need you/ I need you/ Oh, I’m in the middle of a storm now, baby/ I need you/ I need you to come over, tell me this’ll be over,” while the headlines specific to them taunt Lovato all over the walls in the next room.
But Lovato and G-Eazy prove they can endure their personal storms together.
The Grammy-nominated pop star hinted “big things coming” with G-Eazy when they posted a picture of the two artists while on set of the “Breakdown” music video back in August.
“Breakdown” will be featured on the Bay Area rapper’s upcoming album, These Things Happen Too, which is due on September 24 via BPG/RVG/RCA Records. It will serve as the sequel to his 2014 album These Things Happen, which peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard 200.
KirstinMaldonado is bringin’ a little grace to the holiday season…
The 28-year-old Mexican & Spanish American singer and her Pentatonix group mates have surprised the world with the release of the music video for their new cover of “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone).”
In the Jimmy Bates-directed clip, Maldonado and her Pentatonix mates infuse the enduring gospel classic with their trademark a capella harmonies while wandering through a stunning outdoor church in the misty woods.
“My chains are gone/ I’ve been set free/ My God, my savior has ransomed me/ And like a flood/ His mercy reigns/ Unending love/ Amazing grace,” Mitch Grassi belts, while his bandmates provide crashing percussion and background vocals. Maldonado then takes over lead vocals on the next pitch-perfect stanza.
The track will serve as the lead single for the band’s upcoming sixth holiday album, We Need a Little Christmas, which is slated to drop November 13 via RCA Records.
While Pentatonix has yet to reveal the studio set’s complete track list, it will follow The Best of Pentatonix Christmas, their 2019 holiday compilation which featured collaborations with Tori Kelly (“Winter Wonderland/Don’t Worry, Be Happy“), Kelly Clarkson (“Grown Up Christmas List“), Maren Morris(“When You Believe”) and Jennifer Hudson (“How Great Thou Art“), as well as a posthumous duet with the late Whitney Houstonon “Do You Hear What I Hear?”
Previously, the Christmas-loving a capella group has also released 2012’s PTXmas, 2014’s That’s Christmas to Me, 2016’s A Pentatonix Christmasand 2018’s Christmas Is Here!
Their next non-holiday full-length, titled The Lucky Ones, is currently expected to hit shelves, digital retailers and streaming services on February 12, 2021.
Less than 24 hours later, the bilingual “Hawái” remix and accompanying video officially dropped via Sony Music Latin/RCA Records.
Marking their first-ever collaboration, The Weeknd kicks off the remix by singing in English. “So now he’s your heaven? You’re lying to yourself and him to make me jealous / You put on such an act when you’re sleeping together / All this cause I said I don’t want marriage,” he croons before flaunting the infectious chorus in Spanish. This also marks the first time the Canadian singer has sung in Spanish.
“I have always admired The Weeknd so it feels nothing short of a dream come true to have him collab on ‘Hawái’ remix,” Maluma said in a press statement. “He brought another flow to it and sang in both Spanish and English which is impressive.”
Co-written by Maluma alongside Keityn, Edgar Barrera, and Bull Nene and produced by Rude Boy, the romantic urban bop, originally released in July, is about a relationship that couldn’t work out and one of the exes “moved on” but it’s all an act.
The original music video, filmed in Miami by Jessy Terrero of Cinema Giants, shows Maluma arguing with his girlfriend, breaking up, a confrontation at her wedding with another man, and a surprising plot twist. The remix video, also at the helm of Terrero, was filmed in Los Angeles and features both artists.
“Hawái” is currently in its ninth week at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart. The song earned Maluma just his second No. 1 on the list among his 40 chart entries.
Kirstin Maldonado is preparing for the greatest Christmas…
The 27-year-old half-Mexican and part-Spanish American singer and her Pentatonix group mates have announced their latest holiday-themed greatest hits album, The Best of Pentatonix Christmas, due October 25 via RCA Records.
The festive record will feature four new songs in addition to the Grammy-winning a cappella group’s best-selling tracks from its last four holiday albums.
Pentatonix renditions of yuletide carols have been celebrated on the Hot 100 over the last few years: “Little Drummer Boy” played on at No. 13 in 2013, their Christmas version of Leonard Cohen‘s “Hallelujah” held down the fort at No. 23 in 2017, and “Mary, Did You Know?” delivered at No. 26 in 2014. The latter two hits were certified platinum.
Additionallu, the quintet will also embark on A Pentatonix Christmas Tour, presented by SiriusXM. Pentatonix will kick off the tour with two shows at New York’s Hulu Theater at Madison Square Gardenon November 30 and December 1 before heading to 14 other stops around the country.
Tickets go on sale Sept. 20 at 10:00 a.m. local time here.
Pentatonix – A Pentatonix Christmas Tour 2019 Nov. 30 — New York, NY @ HULU Theater at Madison Square Garden Dec. 1 — New York, NY @ HULU Theater at Madison Square Garden Dec. 5 — Fairfax, VA @ EagleBank Arena Dec. 7 — Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Arena Dec. 8 — Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Arena Dec. 10 — Boston, MA @ Agganis Arena Dec. 11 — Boston, MA @ Agganis Arena Dec. 12 — Hershey, PA @ GIANT Center* Dec. 14 — Verona, NY @ Turning Stone Resort Casino Dec. 15 — Philadelphia, PA @ The Met Philadelphia Dec. 16 — Philadelphia, PA @ The Met Philadelphia Dec. 18 — Rosemont, IL @ Rosemont Theatre Dec. 19 — Rosemont, IL @ Rosemont Theatre Dec. 21 — Sugar Land, TX @ Smart Financial Centre Dec. 22 — Grand Prairie, TX @ The Theatre at Grand Prairie Dec. 23 — Grand Prairie, TX @ The Theatre at Grand Prairie
Beck G’s new album is a heartfelt exploration of her dual identity as a proud 200 percenter. The title translates to “corners,” symbolizing the meeting point between two cultures.
