RMAND Among Emerging Latin Artists Taking Part in NFL, Neon16 & Ntertain Content Series

RMAND is getting in the game

The Dominican singer from Netflix’s reality music competition show La Firma is among the emerging Latin artists will join NFL Latino players in an upcoming content series as part of a special partnership between the National Football League, Neon16 and Ntertain Studios for the 2023 season.

RMANDThe deal also includes new music releases that will comprise of a new volume for the next Por La Cultura mixtape.

NFL’s season-long campaign Por La Cultura will continue to spotlight Latin players, coaches and staff members to celebrate Latin excellence while telling their own stories of the community.

“Music is a leading passion point for Latinos, and we feel this partnership is an ideal platform for celebrating our Latino players and connecting more deeply with our fans,” said Javier Farfan, cultural strategist at the NFL, in a press release. “This content series brings together the commonalities of artists and athletes and their inspirational stories from humble beginnings, as they reach the top of their careers and their goal of stardom. Working with Ntertain and Neon16 allows us to authentically tell these stories with the creative vision of tastemakers at the forefront of Latino culture, music and entertainment.”

By showcasing current NFL Latino players and emerging Neon 16 music artists, the series aims to highlight the diversity and inclusivity of the NFL while celebrating the shared passion for music and football.

“We loved the concept of having our artists collaborate with Latino NFL players to create something as unique as an original song,” added Lex Borrero, co-founder and CEO of Ntertain and Neon16. “While both share Latino heritage, we know that artists and athletes also share a common drive to succeed, the talent to shine and the work ethic to thrive in their respective careers. Unifying these traits and the mutual love and respect for music has led to some incredible art that we can’t wait to share with fans this season.”

This season, the team-up will create original songs and music videos that reflects Latino NFL players and the artist’s shared passion for music, football, and community.

The first one “#0B,” an energetic electronic banger by RMAND, draws inspiration from the artist’s experience working with Miami Dolphins’ wide receiver Braxton Berrios, who is of Puerto Rican descent and wears the number zero.

“0B” is slated to release on the third week of the NFL regular season, leading up to the Miami Dolphins Latino Heritage Month game and home opener on September 24th.

Another player and artist collaboration will drop later in the season, joining the RMAND and Berrios song as this season’s Por La Cultura mixtape.

Furthermore, the NFL Shop commercial for this year will also feature RMAND as well as Neon16’s Alex Ponce and Nashy-Nashai; the commercial’s score will be done by the label. Neon16 will also produce four exclusive tracks for the NFL and its 32 clubs to use as part of their soundtrack for the upcoming season.

“With more than 31 million NFL fans in the United States, there is no doubt that Latinos continue to fall in love with the sport of football every day,” said Marissa Solis, NFL SVP global brand and consumer marketing. “We want to inspire Latinos with the lyrics and melodies created by these talented NEON16 artists in the same way they get excited for a perfectly executed pass and catch for a touchdown. This partnership unifies the heroes of stage and sport through their common bond as Latinos representing ‘por la cultura.’”

Last year, the NFL and Neon16 announced their 10-track debut Por La Cultura Mixtape: Vol. 1, featuring El Alfa, Will.I.Am., Yandel, Snow Tha Product, Anthony Ramos, Trueno and more, and beats by producers Albert Hype, Jodosky and Chael.

The NFL, Ntertain, and Neon16 partnership kicked off in 2021, when Latin artists Jodosky, Kris Floyd and Álvaro Díaz were invited guests of the NFL League.

This collaboration is one of the NFL’s ambitious plan to go all in on Latin music and its growing fanbase.

Last year, J Balvin became the first Latin headliner to perform for the league’s yearly free Kickoff Concert. Last November, the NFL also recruited Tijuana superstars Grupo Firme to perform at the halftime show for its annual Mexico City game, featuring the Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers.

https://twitter.com/rmandofficial/status/1692599481785540957

Shakira Becomes First Artist to Hold Top Three Spots on Billboard’s Latin Pop Airplay Chart in Single Week

Shakira has earned another mention in the Latin music record books… 

The 46-year-old Colombian superstar has become the first artist to occupy the top three ranks on Billboard’s Latin Pop Airplay chart in a single week.

ShakiraOn the survey dated July 29, “TQG,” with Karol G, holds strong at No. 1 for a 10th week; Shakira’s own “Acróstico” rises 3-2, returning to its best rank; and the Colombian superstar’s latest single “Copa Vacía,” with Manuel Turizo, advances 4-3 for a new high.

The Latin Pop Airplay chart, which began in 1994, reflects weekly audience impressions from a panel of over 150 Latin-formatted U.S. radio stations, as monitored by Mediabase, which provides Luminate data for Billboard charts.)

Despite “TQG” dipping 7% in audience impressions to 8.6 million in the latest tracking week, ending July 20, the team-up’s 10 weeks at No. 1 mark the second-most of 2023 – trailing only another Shakira song: Her Bizarrap collab “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53” dominated for 12 weeks beginning in February (and currently holds at No. 7).

As “Acróstico” and “Copa Vacía” ascend to Nos. 2 and 3, respectively, radio airplay continues to grow for the songs. “Acróstico” takes the runner-up slot with a 2% gain in audience impressions, to 5.7 million, while “Copa Vacia” rises with a 33% boost, to 5.4 million, procuring the track the week’s Greatest Gainer honor.

Previously, Shakira and 16 other acts had held the top two on Latin Pop Airplay simultaneously.

The full list of such artists: Rauw Alejandro, Bad Bunny, Camilo, Daddy Yankee, Luis Fonsi, Juan Luis Guerra 440, Enrique Iglesias, J Balvin, Juanes, Karol G, Maluma, Nicky Jam, Don Omar, Ozuna, Pitbull, Shakira and Tainy.

Tainy Named Executive Music Producer on SB Project’s Reggaeton Series “Neon”

Tainy is ready to light up SB Project’s Neon series…

The 33-year-old Puerto Rican Grammy-winning reggaeton record producer and songwriter, along with Lex Borrero and Ivan Rodriguez – all from Ntertain and Neon16, collectively known as Tainy & One Six, will serve as executive music producers on Neon.

TainyThe group is writing and producing original songs for the series.

The music supervisors are One Six of Neon16 and Ntertain, and Joe Rodriguez and Javier Nuno of Indice.

Deadline also exclusively revealed in May the addition of reggaeton pioneer Daddy Yankee as an executive producer, who will also cameo in the series.

The eight-episode series set to premiere later this year focuses on three friends who move from a small town in Florida to Miami with the hopes of making it big in the world of reggaeton. The show chronicles not only their larger-than-life dreams but the harsh comic realities of attempting to make it in the music industry.

Tyler Dean Flores plays Santi, a budding reggaeton artist who, with the help of his friends, Ness (Emma Ferreira) and Felix (Jordan Mendoza) and A&R rep, Mia (Courtney Taylor) hopes to become the biggest reggaeton star in the world—or at least make rent.

Neon was co-created by Shea Serrano and Max Searle, who also serves as showrunner. The series is executive produced by Serrano, Searle, alongside Scooter Braun, James Shin and Scott Manson for SB Projects, Anne Clements and Daddy Yankee.

Lex Borrero Partners with Tommy Mottola to Acquire Arro Media, Now to Be Called AM16

Lex Borrero is expanding his entertainment empire…

The Latino music executive and entrepreneur, the co-founder/CEO of Neon 16, has teamed up with Ntertain chairman Tommy Mottola  to acquire Arro Media, a music marketing and social media agency that boasts a roster of clients like Adidas, Red Bull, the NFL, Xbox, Bacardi, The Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation and more.

Lex BorreroFounded by Cristina Arcay, the company will be rebranded as AM16.

“We have built a growing agency that will redefine how brands connect their marketing and advertising to the Latin culture because we live it day in and day out,” said Borrero and Mottola in a press release. “Our team has a finger on the pulse of trends, uniquely positioned to spot them before they happen, across music, television and film. Today’s announcement further differentiates our capabilities from competitors and will bring an even more comprehensive offering to our clients and partners.”

AM16 will find the intersection among music, entertainment and culture. Together, it will bring Arro’s capabilities with Neon16’s “innovative approach to cultural storytelling and experiential activations,” they said. The merger will include brand strategy and partnerships, product development, content production, music marketing, social media management, digital marketing, public relations, creative design services and experiential events.

“Launching AM16 agency represents an exhilarating new chapter in my career and the future of Arro,” said Arcay, who is appointed as co-president. “As a Latina entrepreneur, being able to lead and learn alongside our new partners represents a huge opportunity to reshape the industry by championing diversity, elevating ideas and fostering cultural movements that resonate with audiences worldwide.”

Chief marketing officer/co-president Gerry Rojas added, “I feel empowered and excited to be working in a Latino-owned agency where we’re reimagining how brands and artists tell their stories authentically, while raising the Latin cultural currency and creating a true, positive impact rooted in music and culture.”

Neon16 works with A-listers such as Tainy, Thalia, Juan Luis Guerra and Danna Paola.

Earlier this year, the company also played a key role in the Netflix Original series La Firma — a Latin music competition that sought to sign the next big Latin music star, featuring Borrero, Tainy, Rauw Alejandro and Nicki Nicole.

Borrero and Mottola also executive-produced Thalia’s music docuseries, Thalia’s Mixtape, via Ntertain on Paramount+.

Becky G Makes Cameo Appearance in Tainy’s Just Released “La Baby” Music Video

Becky G is making a Tainy appearance…

One week after surprising he world with “La Baby,” a new single off Tainy’s upcoming studio album DATA, the Latin hitmaker has brought in a host of celebrity women, including the 26-year-old Mexican American singer, rapper and actress, for the summer-friendly track’s official video, released on Monday.

Becky GIn addition the 26-year-old Mexican American singer/atress, the star-studded music video features Camila Cabello, Lali, Elena Rose, Bad Gyal, Evaluna, RaiNao and PaoPao singing along to the verses from Daddy Yankee, Feid and Sech.

In a 90’s-inspired selfie clip, each artist is seen doing their own respective thing, such as getting ready for a night out (Bad Gyal), working out at the gym (Lali), drinking a morning coffee (Evaluna) or enjoying a late-night drive around town (Elena Rose).

“La Baby” sees Tainy opting for infectious reggaeton with hard-hitting drum beats and lyrics meant to empower and motivate the ladies.

“That kitty is lost/ She doesn’t have an owner/ An architect/ She’s building her dreams/ Everyone I show her off to/ Says she’s hot like a jalapeño,” he sings on his verse.

“Thank you to these incredible women for being a part of it,” Tainy expressed on his Instagram account.

“La Baby” is part of Tainy’s debut solo studio album DATA, slated for a June 29 release. The release also comes on the heels of Tainy unveiling its stacked tracklist including Bad Bunny, Rauw Alejandro, Myke Towers, J Balvin, Arcangel, Kany Garcia, Young Miko and many more.

“[DATA] is a representation of who I am as a person, and as a fan of music,” Tainy previously told Billboard Español. “To be able to have my own album is so special. I’m putting my everything into this, all the knowledge I’ve acquired since I started working with the people I admire.”

Keityn Named Songwriter of the Year at ASCAP Latin Music Awards

(Te) Felicito-ciones are in order for Keityn

The Colombian songwriter and musical artist who co-wrote Karol G’s “Provenza” and Shakira and Rauw Alejandro’s “Te Felicito,” was named songwriter of the year at the 2023 ASCAP Latin Music Awards.

Keityn

Me Porto Bonito” — performed by Bad Bunny & Chencho Corleone and co-written by ASCAP songwriter Master Joe — won song of the year, while Universal Music Publishing Music Group took the publisher of the year honor.

Winners at the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers’ annual awards — which recognize the songwriters, producers and publishers behind Latin music’s biggest hits — where announced on May 3 at an invitation-only event in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

A first-time ASCAP winner, Keityn (real name: Kevyn Mauricio Cruz Moreno) has also been behind chart-topping hits such as “Tusa” by Karol G and Nicki Minaj, Maluma‘s “Hawái” and J Balvin and Tainy’s “Agua,” to name a few.

In October 2021, he signed an exclusive deal with Warner Music Latina, and since then, he has released songs as a performer like “El Egoísmo” with Mike Bahía and Dekko, “Anoche” and “Nueva Versión.”

Song of the year honoree “Me Porto Bonito” — a reggaetón track infused with Latin pop and sandungueo, in which two men promise to behave nicely if the woman they’re after asked them to — spent 20 weeks at the top of Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart. It also reached No. 1 on Latin Airplay, peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. U.S. charts, and hit the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100.

Universal Music Publishing Music Group was recognized as publisher of the year for hits including “Después de la Playa,” “Efecto,” “La Corriente,” “Me Porto Bonito,” “Moscow Mule,” “Neverita,” “Ojitos Lindos,” “Party,” “Tarot,” “Tití Me Preguntó” and “Un Ratito” — all part of Bad Bunny’s uber-successful Un Verano Sin Ti, the second album in Spanish to ever top the Billboard 200.

Other 2023 ASCAP Latin Music Award-winning songwriters include Daddy Yankee (“Remix”), Jhayco (“Sensual Bebé”), Marc Anthony (“Mala”), Marco Antonio Solís (“Si Te Pudiera Mentir”), GALE (her first ASCAP Latin Award for “Ley Seca”) and Lin-Manuel Miranda (“Dos Oruguitas”).

Nashy-Nashai Wins Netflix’s Latin Music Competition Series “La Firma”

It’s a special signing for Nashy-Nashai

The aspiring Argentine artist has been declared the winner of Netflix’s La Firma, the streaming services first-ever Latin music competition show.

Nashy-NashaiLa Firma starred Rauw Alejandro, Tainy, Nicki Nicole, Yandel and Lex Borrero.

“The NEON16 team signs Nashy-Nashai for her performance on #LaFirmaNetflix, with a mission to build her presence in the music industry. Stay tuned for what’s coming in 2023 for Nashy-Nashai!” says an official Instagram post.

In a similar spirit as The Voice and Making The BandLa Firma placed 12 hopeful contestants in a mansion, and followed them for the chance to secure a record deal with Neon16 — a talent incubator founded by Borrero and Tainy.

Spectators were introduced to budding talent from Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Perú, and the U.S.

Yandel Earns 15th No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay Chart with Feid Collaboration “Yandel 150”

It’s a special quinceañera for Yandel

The 46-year-old Puerto Rican singer and songwriter has notched his 15th No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay chart as “Yandel 150,” his collaboration with Feid, rises to the top spot on the chart dated April 15.

YandelIn addition, the song also rises from 2-1 on the Latin Rhythm Airplay chart.

Yandel returns to the summit following the one-week lead of “Déjà Vu,” with Tainy, in 2021. His longest-leading champ was “Encantadora,” which held atop the chart for three weeks.

Feid, meanwhile, claims his third No. 1 just a month after his featured turn in Ozuna’s “Hey Mor” ruled the March 4-dated list.

The collaboration ousts another pairing, Myke Towers and Daddy Yankee, after one week in charge for “Ulala.”

“Yandel 150” is the fourth single from Yandel’s Resistencia, his seventh studio album as a soloist, released Jan. 13 via Sony Music Latin. The 17-track set, jam-packed with reggaetón vets and newcomers alike, including his longtime collaborator Wisin, earned the Puerto Rican an eighth straight top 10 on Latin Rhythm Albums (March 23-dated list).

Further, “Yandel 150” leads in its ninth week on Latin Airplay, tying with “Hey Mor” as the third song to rise to the summit in nine weeks or fewer among Yandel’s 15 champs. Only two other tracks climbed faster: “Como Antes,” featuring Wisin, led in its second week, while “Se Acabó El Amor,” with Abraham Mateo and Jennifer Lopez, conquered in its sixth week.

Elsewhere, Yandel also takes his 15th No. 1 on Latin Rhythm Airplay, while Feid picks up his fourth champ.

Ovy on the Drums Returns to No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Producers Chart

Ovy on the Drums is back on top…

The 32-year-old Colombian music producer, artist, and top-line songwriter returns to No. 1 for an 18th week on the latest Latin Producers chart dated March 11, due to his production work on Karol G’s latest album Mañana Será Bonito.

Ovy on the DrumsOvy produced 11 charting songs from the album (Nos. 1, 4, 6, 10, 13, 14, 16, 17, 24, 25 and 33). Only Tainy and MAG have spent more weeks at No. 1 on the Latin Producers chart: 119 and 38, respectively.

The weekly Latin Producers chart is based on total points accrued by a producer, for each attributed song that appears on the Hot Latin Songs chart.

As with Billboard‘s yearly recaps, multiple writers or producers split points for each song equally (and the dividing of points will lead to occasional ties on rankings). Billboard launched its Hot 100 Producers charts, as well as genre-specific rankings for country, rock & alternative, R&B/hip-hop, R&B, rap, Latin, Christian, gospel and dance/electronic in June 2019. Alternative and hard rock joined in 2020, along with seasonal holiday rankings in 2022.

The full Latin Producers charts, in addition to the full genre rankings, can be found on Billboard.com.

Edgar Barrera Tops Billboard’s Latin Songwriters & Latin Producers Charts Simultaneously

Edgar Barrera is pulling a rare double

The 32-year-old Mexican songwriter, producer and musician has spent an 18th week at No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Songwriters chart dated February 25, and hits No. 1 on the Latin Producers chart for the first time, with his six writing and production credits on the latest Hot Latin Songs survey.

Edgar Barerra,  Dating to the charts’ launch in 2018, Barrera is just the fourth talent to top both Latin rankings simultaneously.

Tainy first achieved the feat in November 2020, and has since doubled up 24 times. Ovy on the Drums led both charts simultaneously for two consecutive weeks in May 2022 and MAG ruled both on three occasions last November and December.

Here’s a look at all of Barrera’s credits on this week’s Hot Latin Songs chart (he’s credited as both a songwriter and producer on each song):

Rank, Artist Billing, Title
No. 2, Fuerza Regida X Grupo Frontera, “Bebé Dame”
No. 3, Carin León X Grupo Frontera, “Que Vuelvas”
No. 8, Manuel Turizo, “La Bachata”
No. 16, Grupo Frontera X Grupo Marca Registrada, “Di Que Sí”
No. 32, Fuerza Regida X Grupo Frontera, “911 (En Vivo)”
No. 43, Maluma + Marc Anthony, “La Fórmula”

Barrera’s 18 weeks at No. 1 on the Latin Songwriters chart mark the third-most in the chart’s history, after only Bad Bunny (95) and Tainy (24).

The weekly Latin Songwriters and Latin Producers charts are based on total points accrued by a songwriter and producer, respectively, for each attributed song that appears on the Hot Latin Songs chart. As with Billboard’s yearly recaps, multiple writers or producers split points for each song equally (and the dividing of points will lead to occasional ties on rankings).

The full Latin Songwriters and Latin Producers charts, in addition to the full genre rankings, can be found on Billboard.com.