Karol G’s “Provenza” Music Video Becomes Ninth to Enter YouTube’s Billion Views Club

Karol G is on Cloud Nine.

The 33-year-old Colombian Grammy-winning singer/songwriter has achieved yet another career milestone as herher “Provenza” music video surpasses one billion views on YouTube, just two years after it was released.

Karol GFilmed by Pedro Artola on the island of Lanzarote, the beachy music video marks Karol G’s ninth clip to enter the coveted “Billion Views Club” as a lead, featured artist or collaborator.

She also ranks No. 17 on the Global Top Artists chart.

On the Billboard charts, “Provenza” hit No. 1 on both the Hot Latin Songs and Latin Airplay charts in 2022.

“Provenza” follows her other one-billion titles: “China” with Anuel AA, Daddy Yankee, Ozuna & J Balvin; the Nicki Minaj-assisted “Tusa”; “Secreto” in collaboration with Anuel AA, as well as “Culpables”; “Bichota”; “TQG” with Shakira; “El Makinon” in collab with Mariah Angeliq; and the Bad Bunny-assisted “Ahora Me Llama.”

Climbing up the list with more than 750 million views each are “Mi Cama,” “A Ella,” and the heartfelt “Creéme” with Maluma.

The news comes on the heels of Billboard’s 2024 Woman of the Year and Latin Woman of the Year unleashing her summer-friendly tropical tune “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido.”

The feel-good track, produced by Edgar Barrera, Sky Rompiendo and Karol, is a flirty merengue inspired by her love and admiration for the Dominican Republic.

“Its culture, its music, its colors, the hospitality, the energy … everything feels very authentic and special there,” she expressed of the Caribbean island in Instagram an post. “Its people have embraced me in a way that fills my heart and inspires me all the time.”

Anuel AA to Make Feature Film Debut in Indie Horror Film “You Lose You Die”

Anuel AA is set to make his big screen debut…

The 31-year-old Puerto Rican rapper and singer, whose real name is Emmanuel Gazmey Santiago, will make his feature debut in Carlos “Spiff TV” Suarez’s indie horror film You Lose You Die.

Anuel AAHe joins previously announced stars Freddy Rodriguez, who also executive produces, and Ashley Elizabeth Fliehr (WWE star Charlotte Flair).

Shooting is due to wrap imminently in the Dominican Republic and the project will be shopped following post-production.

You Lose You Die follows sociopathic tech expert Mr. Fantastik (Rodriguez), who runs a popular show on the dark web with two other sociopathic tech experts, Ms. Perfect (Fliehr) and Mr. Creep (Anthony Alvarez). On the show, thousands of viewers vote on games and challenges for prisoners to participate in. If the prisoners lose, viewers vote on the weapons the sociopaths use to kill them.

In addition to Anuel AA who plays EZ Money, the cast includes Josh Bredl as Mr. Large, Sophia Zimba as Kara, Ashley Hernandez as Julie, Alejandro Duran as Alfonso, Noah Crider as Chase, Marcella Acuña as Christie, Mercy Grant as Darling and Lydia Faith Gomez as Jamie.

Rodriguez, Josue “Sway” Mendez and Ulysses Terrero serve as executive producers, with Mendez also producing.

Michael Patti is director of photography.

Anuel AA is a Latin trap music pioneer. He recorded his debut album Real Hasta La Muerte (2018) which topped the U.S. Top Latin Albums chart.

He has collaborated with notable artists such as Daddy Yankee, Karol G, Ozuna and J Balvin. His hits include “Secreto” and “China.” He won the Billboard Latin Music Award for New Artist of the Year in 2019.

Karol G & Shakira’s “TQG” Music Video Enters YouTube’s Billion Views Club

Karol G has another streaming hit video…

The official music video for the 33-year-old Colombian superstar’s massive breakup anthem with Shakira, “TQG,” has surpassed one billion views, officially entering YouTube’s Billion Views Club.

Shakira & Karol G The music video, released on February 24, 2023, as the focus track of Karol G’s Mañana Será Bonito album, features the two Colombian powerhouses delivering the empowering track that’s short for “te quedó grande.”

In the bop, the artists go back and forth about moving on from their past relationships and being on another level.

“TQG” marks the eighth Billion Views Club entry for both acts as a lead, featured artist or collaborator.

For Karol, it follows “China,” “Tusa,” “Secreto,” “Bichota,” “Culpables,” “Ahora Me Llama” and “El Makinon.”

For Shakira, it follows “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa),” “Chantaje,” “La Bicicleta,” “Hips Don’t Lie,” “Can’t Remember to Forget You,” “La La La” and “Perro Fiel.” The former is No. 13 on YouTube’s Global Top Artists chart, and the latter is No. 21.

On the Billboard charts, the Ovy on the Drums-produced banger debuted at No. 1 on both the Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. U.S. tallies, while also crowning six other Billboard listings and becoming Karol G’s first top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Furthermore, the track won best collaboration at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards.

 

Karol G Lands Fifth Music Video on YouTube’s Billion Views Club with “Bichota”

Make that five music video hits for Karol G

The 31-year-old Colombian singer’s “Bichota” music video has surpassed one billion views on YouTube, marking her fifth title to enter the Billion Views Club.

Karol GThe latest clip follows “China,” “Secreto,” “Tusa,” and “Culpables.”

Karol G, who won the 2021 Latin Grammy for best reggaeton performance with this single, reached this new milestone over the weekend.

Released on October 23, 2020, the term “Bichota” (linked to the Puerto Rican slang “bichote,” deriving from the English term “big shot”) refers to “a moment of feeling sexy, flirtatious, daring, strong, empowered, and to a certain extent, [it] translates into personal motivation and self-confidence,” Karol G previously told Billboard. “We are all super ‘Bichotas’ inside. It’s about believing and working so that the rest of the world can see it too.”

The Ovy on the Drums-produced single hit the Top 20 on Billboard Global Charts, earning Karol G her ninth No. 1 on the Billboard Latin Airplay chart, and her 10th top 10 on Hot Latin Songs.

This led to her becoming the first female artist to debut in the list’s top 10 without another act in eight years since Gloria Estefan’s 2012 “Hotel Nacional.”

News of “Bichota” reaching one billion views comes on the heels of Karol G’s two-weekend Coachella debut on April 17 and 24, where she performed “MAMIII” with Becky G live for the first time, releasing her new single “Provenza,” and announcing her upcoming new trek dubbed the $trip Love Tour 2022. The trek kicks off on September 6 at the Allstate Arena in Chicago, and wraps up on October 29 at Vancouver’s Rogers Arena.

Anuel AA Releases New Single “23 Preguntas,” Dedicated to Ex Karol G

Anuel AA has some questions…

The 28-year-old Puerto Rican rapper and singer has released a new track titles “23 Preguntas,” in which he asks ex-girlfriend and singer Karol G a set of questions.

Anuel AA

In the slow-tempo trap-infused reggaeton track, Anuel AA bares his heart and soul in a bid to win Karol back. “I have 23 questions to ask you/ Just let me know if you have time to respond to me,” he kicks off the track.

Throughout the song, he asks, “So many fights that you want to erase me/Tell me if you don’t want to listen to me?,” ”Tell me if it doesn’t feel like the first time?/ Instead of finishing, let’s start again,” and “Do you love me or is your love up for sale?” “Todo de Ti” singer Rauw Alejandro also makes a cameo toward the ending of the track, repeatedly saying, “Tell me if you’re staying/ Tell me, tell me if you’re leaving.”

“23 Preguntas” officially dropped on what would have marked the former couple’s third anniversary. “I really like this song, it means a lot to me!” he expressed on his social media. “August 23rd is a date that signifies a lot to me. I hope you like it.”

Karol and Anuel AA first met in 2018 on the set of their “Culpables” music video. The pair officially announced they were dating on Anuel AA’s 26th birthday, Nov. 26, 2018. They later sealed the deal with a second collaboration, “Secreto,” out Jan. 15, 2019, in which they documented their relationship in a homemade music video. The couple was also engaged.

On April 20, 2021, the two artists revealed that they have decided to end their relationship.

“The truth is that we’re not together,” Anuel said during an Instagram Live. “The times that people have seen us together is because we still love each other. We tried to recover what was lost but we took our different paths. May God bless her and that she continues to achieve her dreams and goals.” The Puerto Rican trap artist also addressed any rumors about infidelity. “There’s no negativity between us,” he assured. “We have a great relationship.”

On her Instagram stories, Karol G stated: “For many years we tried to keep our relationship away from social media to take care of it.” They eventually decided to make their love story public because they wanted to be transparent with fans.

“The incredible things that happened to us as people and artists was a blessing and the result of a beautiful love that arrived in our lives when we most needed it,” the Colombian artist wrote. “I love you, Emmanuel, my gratitude towards you, your family, and everything we lived, grew, and learned together is infinite.”

Despite their breakup, it appears as though the couple may still have feelings for each other.

At the recent 2021 Baja Beach Fest in Mexico, where both artists performed, Anuel AA asked fans to sing “Bubalu” very loud because “if Karol G hears it, she might get back with me.” During her performance, Karol also had a heartfelt moment and shed some tears when she sang “Ocean,” the love ballad she wrote and dedicated to Anuel AA.

The pair has also been spotted together multiple times, and they continue to support each other’s careers on social media.

El Alfa Releases “A Correr Los Lakers (Remix)” Video, Featuring Nicky Jam, Ozuna, Arcangel & Secreto

El Alfa is ballin’…

The 29-year-old Dominicanartist, whose full name is Emmanuel Herrera Batista, has released the star-studded music video for “A Correr Los Lakers (Remix).”

El Alfa

El Alfa previously surprised fans with a forthcoming collaboration with Nicky JamOzunaArcangel and SecretoEl Famoso Biberon.” 

He promised his followers on Instagramthat he would release the song and video once the cover art reached 300,000 comments. Keeping his promise, he launched the production during the Fourth of Julylong weekend.

“A Correr Los Lakers,” presented by El Jefe Records, is about being the best in the game and not caring what the haters think. 

“Like Lebron, I’m a delinquent on the court,” says part of the lyrics. 

In the music video, directed by Rodrigo Films, produced by Chael and filmed in the Dominican Republic, Miami and Puerto Rico, the five artists are either shooting hoops in the basketball court, jamming to the song in a locker room, or flaunting their best Lakers gear. 

“It’s the best video of my career,” El Alfa assured his fans on a post.

On the day he announced the remix, El Alfa thanked his colleagues for jumping on board. “Thank you, Arcangel, for being the first to get on this global hit. Then, Nicky Jam for always being there for me. I love you. After 12 years of friendship, God finally allowed me to record with Secreto, much love. And finally, I want to thank Ozuna for giving me the opportunity. He told me this song will break records around the world.”

The original track forms part of El Alfa’s El Androide album released in May. The music video for “A Correr Los Lakers (Remix)” landed No. 1 on YouTube’s trending page.

Anuel AA to Speak at This Year’s LatinFest+ 

Anuel AAis ready to talk the talk…

The 27-year-old Puerto Rican rapper and singeris set to speak at this year’s LatinFest+ by Billboard and Telemundo, taking place from April 20 to 23 in Las Vegas. 

Anuel AA

He’ll participate in a panel titled “Viva Live with Anuel,” where he’ll talk about the making of his upcoming new album to be released under Sony Music Latin.

Anuel earned his first No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Latin Albumschart with his 2018 debut album Real Hasta la Muerte(on the list dated July 28). 

After the global success of hits like “Ella Quiere Beber,” “Secreto,” and “China,” his new single “KEII” opens at No. 3 on the Hot Latin Songschart (dated February 22), earning him his first top 10 debut of the year on the tally and his 14th top 10 overall. 

The new single, which is Japanese for “respect,” adds his 14th top 10 on the list, following “Me Gusta,” his collaboration with Shakira(No. 6 peak).

Other stars confirmed so far to participate at Latinfest+ include OzunaJ BalvinRosaliaCarlos Vives, and Los Tigres del NorteSechLunayManuel TurizoNatanael CanoCazzuMariahMyke Towers, and Jhay Cortezwill also participate as part of the “On The Rise: The New Generation of Urban Men and Women” panel.

Formerly known as Billboard Latin Music Week, the three-day event and panel series, which has been revamped and expanded in a partnership with Telemundo, will unite Latin music’s top artists and industry leaders. The inaugural Latinfest+ also marks the 30th anniversary of Billboard’s Latin Music Conference, the longest-running and biggest Latin music gathering in the world.

Registration for 2020 LatinFest+ is already open at http://latinfestplus.com.

Daddy Yankee’s “Con Calma” Leads YouTube’s List of Most Viewed Music Videos of 2019

Daddy Yankeeis the calma-ingforce on YouTube

With the year nearing its end, the 42-year-old Puerto Rican reggaeton rapper/singer leads YouTube’s most-viewed music videos of 2019.

Daddy Yankee

YouTube ha sunveiled its year-end stats, revealing its top global music videos of the year, with seven out of the top 10 clips belonging to or featuring Latino artists. 

Daddy Yankee and Snow crown the list with their emoji-filled dance party “Con Calma,” followed by Rosalía and J Balvin’s sky-high “Con Altura” featuring El Guincho. Both videos have amassed more than 1 billion views since their release.

Further proving the impact of Latin music globally, the top 5 most-viewed music videos also include Anuel AA and Karol G’s “Secreto” (No. 3); Anuel AA’s “China” in collaboration with Daddy Yankee, Karol G, Ozuna and J Balvin (No. 4); and Jhay Cortez’s “No Me Conoce (Remix)” with J Balvin and Bad Bunny (No. 5). The Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello collaboration “Señorita” follows at No. 6.

Next up are videos by BLACKPINKBillie Eilish and Ariana Grande, plus Maluma’s colorful street video “HP” rounding out the list at No. 10 with more than 600 million views.

Here’s the list of YouTube’s Top 10 Global Music Videos of 2019:

1. Daddy Yankee & Snow – “Con Calma”
2. Rosalia, J Balvin – “Con Altura” ft. El Guincho
3. Anuel AA, Karol G – “Secreto”
4. Anuel AA, Daddy Yankee, Karol G, Ozuna & J Balvin – “China”
5. Jhay Cortez, J. Balvin, Bad Bunny – “No Me Conoce (Remix)”
6. Shawn Mendes, Camila Cabello – “Señorita”
7. BLACKPINK – “’Kill This Love’ M/V”
8. Billie Eilish – “bad guy”
9. Ariana Grande – “7 rings”
10. Maluma – “HP”

Ezequiel “EZ” Rivera Agrees to Long-Term Publishing Agreement with Sony/ATV

Ezequiel “EZ” Riverais joining the Sony Musicfamily…

The Puerto Rican urban producer and songwriter has entered in to a long-term publishing agreement with Sony/ATV, according to Billboard.

Ezequiel “EZ” Rivera

“We are so happy to have EZ join our Sony/ATV family,” Jorge Mejia, president and CEO at Sony/ATV Music Publishing, tells Billboard. “He is an outstanding writer and producer, and we can’t wait to work side by side with him as he continues to develop his awesome career.”

Rivera has worked with artists like Arcangel, FarrukoAnuel AA, to name a few. Some of the hits he produced and co-wrote include Farruko’s “Delincuente” in collaboration with Anuel AA and Kendo Kaponi, and “Secreto” by Anuel AA and Karol G.

“Since day one Sony/ATV believed in me and made me feel part of a family,” EZ says. “I am thrilled to be part of their team and look forward to what the future will bring.” Currently, EZ is working with Anuel AA and Farruko on their upcoming individual releases.

Rivera was represented in the deal by attorneys Matt Greenberg and Stephanie Chopurian.

Anuel AA’s All-Star New Single “China” Debuts at No. 2 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs Chart

It’s an Asian invasion, of sorts, by Anuel AAon the Billboardcharts…

The 26-year-old Puerto Rican rapper and single “China,” an all-star collaboration with 

Anuel AA, Karol G, Daddy Yankee & J Balvin

Daddy YankeeKarol GOzuna and J Balvin — blasts onto the Hot Latin Songschart at No. 2 on the chart dated August 3. 

The song is the first single from Anuel’s upcoming album, Emmanuel.

“China,” produced by Tainyand co-written by each of the five artists on the track, is a reimagination of Shaggy’s “It Wasn’t Me.”

“‘China’ is the strongest song of my career up to date,” Anuel told Billboard on July 12. “It’s the mix of different cultures with each of the collaborators contributing with its own flow. I had been looking to revive a classic and when I heard Shaggy’s mix, it hit me. The original rhythm had strong Chinese elements, hence the name of the song. I sent the mix to Daddy Yankee, he loved it and recorded his part after just three days. Karol then heard it and fell in love with the vibe. Ozuna and Balvin then came on board.”

“China” opens at No. 2 on the Hot Latin Songs chart, which blends airplay, digital sales and streaming data, largely on the strength of streaming activity. It collected 14.1 million U.S. clicks in the week ending July 25, according to Nielsen Music, which enables its No. 1 debut on the Latin Streaming Songs chart.

“I always believed ‘China’ would be a hit!” Karol G tells Billboard. “Actually, I dared to tell everyone that it would be the hit of 2019! It makes me happy to be part of big opportunities such as this one, which lead the way to all those other goals that I still have to achieve.”

Sales, too, assist “China” in its Hot Latin Songs debut: The song registered 1,000 digital downloads in its first tracking week, opening at No. 1 on the Latin Digital Song Saleschart. The tune also starts at No. 34 on the Latin Airplay chart, garnering 4.8 million audience impressions in the week ending July 28.

The collaboration becomes just the second title to debut in the top two of the Hot Latin Songs chart in 2019. The only other song to debut in the top two this year was another track by J Balvin, as his collaboration with Bad Bunny, “Que Pretendes,” started at No. 2 on the July 13-dated chart.

“China” earns Anuel his 10th top 10 on the tally. It bests his second collaboration with Karol G: “Secreto,” a No. 4 high (April 27-dated list).

“China” earns Anuel his 10th top 10 on the tally and highest-charting song as a lead artist. (He’s only gone higher as the featured act on 6ix9ine‘s “BEBE,” which debuted at No. 1 on Sept. 15, 2018.) Meanwhile, Daddy Yankee, who nabs his 29th top 10, now ties with ChayanneChristian Castroand Shakirafor the third-most top 10s on the list which began in 1986.