Kali Uchis & Peso Pluma Top Billboard Latin Airplay Chart with “Igual Que Un Ángel”

Posted on June 26, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Kali Uchis and Peso Pluma have a hit collaboration on their hands…

The 29-year-old Colombian American singer-songwriter and the 25-year-old Mexican singer-songwriter have added a new No. 1 to their Billboard Latin Airplay chart count as “Igual Que Un Ángel” ascends from No. 3 to lead the June 29-dated ranking.

“Thank you to everyone for your support, for believing in this song,” Uchis tells Billboard. “Thank you!”

“Igual Que Un Ángel” puts Uchis back at No. 1 after almost three years, when “Telepatía” climbed 5-1 on the survey dated July 3, 2021, for her second champ on the overall Latin Airplay ranking.

Peso picks up his fourth ruler, and second in 2024, following the one-week coronation of “Qlona,” with Karol G (March 2-dated tally).

In the tracking week of June 14-20, “Igual Que Un Ángel” registered 7.93 million audience impressions, with a 13% increase from the week prior, according to Luminate.

Thanks to that sum, the collab lands at No. 1 in its 11th week. The chart’s previous No. 1, El Fantasma’s “Sabor a Michelada,” falls to No. 10 with a 36% decline in audience, to 5.5 million.

“Igual Que Un Ángel” takes the lead on Latin Airplay 23 weeks after it debuted atop the multi-metric Hot Latin Songs, Latin Streaming Songs and Latin Digital Song Sales charts dated January 27.

On the latter, it dominated for four consecutive weeks. The song also made its run across multiple Billboard charts. Here’s the recap:

Peak Date, Chart Peak Postion, Weeks at No. 1
Jan. 27, Billboard Global 200, No. 9
Jan. 27, Hot Latin Songs, No. 1, one
Jan. 27, Latin Streaming Songs, No. 1, one
Jan. 27, Latin Digital Song Sales, No. 1, four
Feb. 3, Billboard Global Excl. U.S. No. 10
Feb. 3, Billboard Hot 100, No. 22
March 30, Rythmic Airplay, No. 35
June 29, Latin Airplay, No. 1
June 29, Latin Pop Airplay: No. 1

With “Igual Que Un Ángel,” Peso Pluma switches genre gears and lands his first No. 1 on Latin Pop Airplay with his first chart entry, with a 2-1 lift. (He’s previously charted No. 1s on both Regional Mexican Airplay and Latin Rhythm Airplay.)

Uchis, meanwhile, logs her second No. 1 on Latin Pop Airplay, also three years after “Telepatía” took charge for one week in March 2021. In between, “No Hay Ley,” her second and last entry as a soloist unaccompanied by any other artist, reached No. 11 high in February 2023.

Elsewhere, thanks to its radio pull, “Igual Que Un Ángel” moves 19-16 on Hot Latin Songs, despite a 2% dip in streaming activity, with 2 million official U.S. streams during the tracking week.

Kali Uchis to Receive Billboard Latin Women in Music’s Rising Star Award

Posted on May 25, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Kali Uchis’ star is on the rise…

The 29-year-old Colombian American singer and songwriter will be honored at the 2024 Billboard Latin Women in Music program, per Billboard and Telemundo.

This celebration, which highlights the efforts of Latin women musicians who are “proactively working for positive change, inclusion and gender parity in the music industry,” will see Uchis receive the Rising Star award.

Uchis “has quickly climbed the charts since releasing her first album in 2018,” the statement continues, “earning her this year’s Rising Star honor, a recognition and celebration of an emerging talent’s success in growing their musical prowess and solidifying their place in the industry.”

The singer, songwriter and record producer has successfully alternated between English and Spanish-language projects, while defying music genres with music that blends elements of R&B, neo-soul, pop, and Latin rhythms.

Her smash hit “telepatía” has amassed over 2 billion streams and is the Billboard Hot 100 longest-running Spanish song by a solo act this decade with a 23-week streak.

Uchis joins a list of previously announced honorees for this year that include Camila Cabello, Gloria Estefan (Legend), Ana Bárbara (Lifetime Achievement), Ángela Aguilar (Musical Dynasty) and Kany García (Spirit of Change).

In the coming weeks, additional honorees and details will be announced for the second annual Billboard Latin Women in Music ceremony, which will be hosted by actress Jacqueline Bracamontes.

The Billboard Latin Women in Music program will air exclusively on Telemundo on Sunday, June 9, at 9:00 pm ET, and will be simultaneously available on the Telemundo app and Peacock.

Tainy Renews Worldwide Publishing Agreement with Sony Music Publishing

Posted on July 10, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Tainy is staying with Sony…

Sony Music Publishing has renewed its worldwide publishing agreement with the 32-year-old Puerto Rican chart-topping songwriter and producer.

The deal extends the company’s longstanding relationship with the hitmaker, which began in 2005 when he launched his career in Puerto Rico.

“I am grateful that my career has allowed me to reach new heights not only on the artistic and creative side, but also on the business side,” Tainy (real name Marco Masis) said in a statement. “And I appreciate having such great partners on the publishing end. Excited for the next chapter with the SMP family.”

Since kicking off his career, Tainy has become a go-to collaborator for artists such as Bad Bunny, J Balvin, Zion & Lennox and Wisin & Yandel. Most recently, Tainy produced nine songs on Bad Bunny’s record-breaking album, Un Verano Sin Ti, including “Ojitos Lindos” with Bomba Estéreo and the Rauw Alejandro-assisted “Party.”

In October, Tainy made history by becoming the first person to spend 100 weeks at No. 1 on any of Billboard‘s producers charts thanks to tracks like Bad Bunny’s “Yonaguni,” Bad Bunny and JhayCo‘s “Dákiti” and Kali Uchis‘ “Telepatía.”

“Tainy is one of the leading songwriters, artists, and producers in music today. He also happens to be a fantastic human being – as humble as he is talented. I have seen firsthand how he works with other artists and brings out the best in them, while at the same time adding just the right touch to the production or song to make it a lasting global hit,” added Jorge Mejia, Sony Music Publishing president & CEO, Latin America and U.S. Latin. “As an artist, he continues to rack up success after success. We are truly honored to have Tainy be part of our family and can’t wait to see what’s next in his stellar career.”

Currently, Tainy is working on Myke Towers’ upcoming record, according to SMP.

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”

Tainy Named Latin Songwriter of the Year at BMI Latin Awards

Posted on March 18, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Tainy has put his write foot forward, and it’s paid off…

The winners of this year’s BMI Latin Awards have been announced, with the 32-year-old Puerto Rican record producer, songwriter and singer taking home one of the coveted prizes.

Tainy was named the Latin Songwriter of the Year for his work on nine of BMI’s most-performed Latin songs of 2021, including the chart-topping hits “Caramelo,” “Dákiti,” “La Noche de Anoche,” “La Nota,” “La Santa,” “Safaera,” “telepatía,” “Un Dia (One Day)” and “Yo Perreo Sola.”

The Regional Mexican Songwriter of the Year award went to Mexican songwriter Jesus Omar Tarazón, who penned four of BMI’s most-performed Mexican music tracks of the past year, including “Altamente Probable,” “La Casita,” “Qué Maldición” and “Somos Los Que Somos.”

Bad Bunny and Jhay Cortez‘s chart-topping single “Dákiti,” penned by Tainy, Egbert Rosa “Haze” and La Paciencia, won Contemporary Latin Song of the Year.

Eslabon Armado’s “Con Tus Besos” nabbed Regional Mexican Song of the Year.

For the second year in a row, Universal Music Publishing Group secured BMI’s Latin Publisher of the Year award, with 19 of the most-performed songs — including “Bichota,” “Ignorantes,” “La Toxcica” and “Ritmo (Bad Boys for Life)” — among their repertoire.

During the ceremony, the legendary reggaeton duo Wisin & Yandel were honored with the special BMI President’s Award for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the Latin music community, which span over 20 years and continue to influence the next generation of songwriters, according to the music rights organization.

In their speech, the duo explained that “before being successful, touching the sky, we had a dream of being great in the art. Many, many times strange moments, moments we don’t understand brought us here.” Wisin continued, “I want to congratulate everyone who, one way or another, gets up every day intending to contribute to music and art because everyone of you is an important part of allowing thousands of people to live and support their families through art.”

Click here for the complete list of winners.

Bruno Mars’ Silk Sonic Single “Leave the Door Open” the Top Song by a Latinx Artist on Billboard’s Year-End Chart

Posted on December 3, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Bruno Mars has the top song by a Latinx artist on Billboard’s year-end songs chart…

The 36-year-old part-Puerto Rican Grammy-winning singer appears on the 2021 year-end Hot 100 Songs chart at No. 7 with “Leave the Door Open.”

The single, which topped the Hot 100 earlier this year, hails from Mars’ group with Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic.

Cardi B has the top song by a Latina artist on the chart.

The 29-year-old half-Dominican American rap superstar’s chart-topping single “Up” comes in at No. 26 on the year-end list.

Bad Bunny, the most-streamed artist globally on Spotify in 2021, has the highest charting Spanish single.

The 27-year-old Puerto Rican Latin trap and reggaeton superstar’s hit single “Dakiti,” featuring Jhay Cortez, comes in at No. 28.

Bad Bunny’s “Yonaguni” comes in at No. 83, making him the only Latinx artists to land two singles on the year-end chart.

Billboard’s year-end music recaps represent aggregated metrics for each artist, title, label and music contributor on the weekly charts dated Nov. 21, 2020, through Nov. 13, 2021. The rankings for MRC Data-based recaps reflect equivalent album units, airplay, sales or streaming during the weeks that the titles appeared on a respective chart during the tracking year. Any activity registered before or after a title’s chart run isn’t considered in these rankings. That methodology detail, and the November-November time period, account for some of the difference between these lists and the calendar-year recaps that are independently compiled by MRC Data.

Here’s a look at the singles from Latinx artists to make the year-end Hot 100 list:

7. Leave The Door Open, Silk Sonic (Bruno Mars & Anderson .Paak)
26. Up, Cardi B
28. Dakiti, Bad Bunny & Jhay Cortez
49. Telepatia, Kali Uchis
78. All I Want For Christmas Is You, Mariah Carey
83. Yonaguni, Bad Bunny
100. Todo de Ti, Rauw Alejandro

Kali Uchis to Receive Crossover Award at Variety’s ‘Hitmakers’ Celebration

Posted on November 22, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Kali Uchis is officially a hitmaker…

The 27-year-old Colombian American singer, who won a Grammy for Best Dance Recording for her feature on Kaytranada‘s single “10%,” is among the honorees for Variety’s fifth annual Hitmakers celebration.

The December 2 issue recognizes the writers, producers, publishers, managers and executives who helped make — and break — the 25 most consumed songs of the year.

Uchis will receive the Crossover Award for her dreamy pop hit “Telepatía,” which has helped expand the reach of Latin music globally. Already a Grammy winner, 2021 has proven to be Uchis’ year as she positions herself among the biggest players in pop.

Hitmakers culminates in an invitation-only brunch held on Saturday, December 4.

Amazon Music will host the red carpet pre-show and awards presentation with Variety, and present the Rising Star of the Year Award which recognizes Polo G.

The 2021 Hitmakers program includes the following awards selected by Variety’s editorial team:

BTS’ “Butter” – Record of the Year: The song “Butter” blasted out to the world in May, becoming a record smashing single for BTS. The writers and producers, including multi-hyphenate creatives/executives Jenna Andrews and Ron Perry, the K-Pop group’s own RM, Stephen Kirk, Alex Bilowitz and Rob Grimaldi, crafted the perfect hit that just won’t quit. BTS prepared a special video for the Variety Record of the Year honor.

City Girls – The Future Is Female Award: The duo who prompted the world to “Act Up,” Miami’s City Girls have quickly risen to be one of the most promising acts in hip-hop, a genre typically dominated by male performers. Closing out 2021 with a bang — JT is featured on Summer Walker’s “Ex for a Reason” and Yung Miami just released a solo single, “Rap Freaks” — City Girls are helping ensure that the Future Is Female as they pave the way for more female artists, writers and producers.

Columbia Records – Label of the Year: With a string of multi-format and -platform hits including “Montero (Call Me by Your Name)” by Lil Nas X, “Mood” by 24kGoldn ft. Iann Dior and “Stay” by the Kid Laroi and Justin Bieber — and a new album by Adele — Columbia Records artists have owned the charts for much of 2021.

Mike Dean – Producer of the Year: From Kanye West to Lana Del Rey to Don Toliver, six-time Grammy-winning producer Mike Dean has had a fruitful 2021 on top of his long-term collaborations with Travis Scott, Kid Cudi and Madonna.

Lana Del Rey – Decade Award: In October 2011, Lana Del Rey released her first single, “Video Games,” and a star was born. A decade later, she is regarded as one of the most influential singer-songwriters of the 21st century thanks to Grammy nominations and critical acclaim for her albums “Norman Fucking Rockwell,” “Born to Die,” and in the last year, “Chemtrails Over the Country Club” and “Blue Bannisters.”

Billie Eilish & Finneas – Film Song of the Year: In co-writing the Grammy-winning and critically acclaimed “No Time to Die,” Billie Eilish and Finneas have entered the iconic James Bond canon, helping the MGM film, released this year, become a box office smash that’s grossed over $700 million worldwide.

Glass Animals – Group of the Year: After a lot of “rock is back” stories that didn’t pan out in recent years, Glass Animals proved that it really is still possible to break an actual band in a big way, and now the U.K. band’s sleeper hit “Heat Waves” has become a top 10 pop hit after a year of the group being the new face of rock.

Wendy Goldstein – A&R Award: Republic Records president of West Coast creative Wendy Goldstein receives Variety’s inaugural A&R Award for her work crafting hits for the Weeknd and Ariana Grande in 2021, and a career that spans three decades.

Jack Harlow – Hitmaker of Tomorrow: From his Grammy-nominated hit “Whats Poppin” to his smash collaboration with Lil Nas X, “Industry Baby,” Jack Harlow has become one of music’s most talked-about artists. Looking ahead, the Louisville, KY rapper is poised for an even bigger 2022, making him Variety’s Hitmaker of Tomorrow.

Walker Hayes – Sync of the Year: The country singer’s “Fancy Like” was an inescapable, TikTok-driven crossover hit that got major play on Top 40 and AC stations, even before the release of a remix version with Kesha. Its mention of a “fancy” night out at Applebee’s was just a lyrical detail, not intended as a sync — but of course the restaurant chain had to have it for a TV ad campaign once they heard it.

Lil Nas X – Innovator of the Year: With the release of his debut album, “Montero,” Lil Nas X has proven to be a musical trailblazer and visual innovator whose arrival has changed the course of culture. That thanks in part to his provocative videos — on full display in 2021’s “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” and “Industry Baby” — in which the artist demonstrates a singular point-of-view and an ever-evolving fashion-forward style.

Max Lousada – Executive of the Year: As CEO for Warner Recorded Music — home to iconic labels Atlantic, Warner and Elektra, among others — Max has steered a roster that includes music giants Lizzo, Ed Sheeran, David Guetta, and Coldplay, and many of 2021’s biggest songs, among them Dua Lipa’s “Levitating,” Silk Sonic’s “Leave the Door Open,” Cardi B’s “Up” and Masked Wolf’s “Astronaut in the Ocean.”

Normani – Collaborator of the Year: Features on hit songs by Sam Smith (“Dancing With a Stranger”) and Khalid (“Love Lies”) led Normani to cameo alongside Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion in the video to “WAP.” Cardi returned the favor in 2021 on “Wild Side,” a No. 1 radio hit for Normani and the latest feather in her collaboration cap.

Polo G – Rising Star Award: Polo G’s “Rapstar” was all over playlists and radio in 2021, the result of a year-long journey for the Chicago rapper, who took the song from a short YouTube video to a TikTok phenomenon to a No. 1 single. The future looks bright for the 22-year-old newcomer, who receives Variety’s Rising Star award.

Olivia Rodrigo – Songwriter of the Year: With her debut album “Sour” released months after turning 18, Olivia Rodrigo has solidified her place as one of the most important voices of her generation. Variety celebrates her string of 2021 hits, including “Drivers License,” “Good 4 uU” “Deja Vu” and “Traitor.”

Austin Rosen – Manager of the Year: With a client roster that includes Post Malone, 24kGoldn and Iann Dior, as well as hitmakers Louis Bell, Carter Lang and Blake Slatkin, Austin Rosen’s Electric Feel Entertainment has become a powerhouse in music management that helped shape the sound of 2021.

Kali Uchis – Crossover Award: The dreamy pop hit “Telepatía” has helped Crossover Award honoree Kali Uchis expand the reach of Latin music. Already a Grammy winner, 2021 has proven to be Kali’s year as she positions herself among the biggest players in pop.

Steven Victor – Hitbreaker of the Year: The posthumous success of Pop Smoke, whose “What You Know Bout Love” and “For the Night” are among the 25 most-consumed songs of 2021, is due in part to the vision and conviction of industry veteran and philanthropist Steven Victor, founder of Victor Victor Worldwide.

“Variety’s Hitmakers issue tells the definitive story of the year in music while recognizing those who played a hands-on role in making and breaking the biggest hits of 2021,” said Shirley Halperin, Variety’s executive editor of music. “On the heels of the 2022 Grammy Award nominations, and in tandem with our own Music for Screens Summit (December 1-3), Variety has the industry covered top to bottom. We look forward to toasting the successes of 2021 and the people who really move the needle in this business we all love.”

Bad Bunny Wins His First-Ever American Music Awards Trophies

Posted on November 22, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Bad Bunny’s America’s choice…

The American Music Awards aired live from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, with the 27-year-old Puerto Rican superstar taking home his first-ever AMAs trophies.

Bad Bunny was named Favorite Male Artist – Latin, and he claimed the Favorite Album – Latin prize for his chart-topping album El Último Tour Del Mundo.

Cardi B, who hosted the star-studded awards show, won the award for Favorite Hip Hop Song for her chart-topping single “Up.” It’s her second consecutive win in the category after she took home the same award in 2020 for her single “WAP,” featuring Megan Thee Stallion.

The awards show featured performances from BTS with Coldplay, Olivia Rodrigo, Tyler the Creator, Måneskin, Walker Hayes, Mickey Guyton, Bad Bunny, Tainy with Julieta Venegas, Carrie Underwood with Jason Aldean, Kane Brown, New Edition and New Kids on the Block. Diplo was on DJ duty for the ceremony.

Bruno Mars won the Favorite R&B Song for “Leave the Door Open,” his Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 track “Leave The Door Open,” his single with Silk Sonic co-bandmate Anderson .Paak.

Becky G was named Favorite Female Artist – Latin for the second year in a row, Band MS was named Favorite Latin Duo or Group, and Kali Uchis won her first-ever AMAs trophy for Favorite Latin Song for “Telepatía.”

Here’s a look at the night’s winners:

ARTIST OF THE YEAR: BTS
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Olivia Rodrigo
COLLABORATION OF THE YEAR: Doja Cat ft. SZA “Kiss Me More”
FAVORITE TRENDING SONG: Megan Thee Stallion “Body”
FAVORITE MUSIC VIDEO: Lil Nas X “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)”
FAVORITE MALE POP ARTIST: Ed Sheeran
FAVORITE FEMALE POP ARTIST: Taylor Swift
FAVORITE POP DUO OR GROUP: BTS
FAVORITE POP ALBUM: Taylor Swift “evermore”
FAVORITE POP SONG: BTS “Butter”
FAVORITE MALE COUNTRY ARTIST: Luke Bryan
FAVORITE FEMALE COUNTRY ARTIST: Carrie Underwood
FAVORITE COUNTRY DUO OR GROUP: Dan + Shay
FAVORITE COUNTRY ALBUM: Gabby Barrett “Goldmine”
FAVORITE COUNTRY SONG: Gabby Barrett “The Good Ones”
FAVORITE MALE HIP-HOP ARTIST: Drake
FAVORITE FEMALE HIP-HOP ARTIST: Megan Thee Stallion
FAVORITE HIP-HOP ALBUM: Megan Thee Stallion “Good News”
FAVORITE HIP-HOP SONG: Cardi B “Up”
FAVORITE MALE R&B ARTIST: The Weeknd
FAVORITE FEMALE R&B ARTIST: Doja Cat
FAVORITE R&B ALBUM: Doja Cat “Planet Her”
FAVORITE R&B SONG: Silk Sonic (Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak) “Leave The Door Open”
FAVORITE MALE LATIN ARTIST: Bad Bunny
FAVORITE FEMALE LATIN ARTIST: Becky G
FAVORITE LATIN DUO OR GROUP: Banda MS de Sergio Lizárraga
FAVORITE LATIN ALBUM: Bad Bunny “EL ÚLTIMO TOUR DEL MUNDO”
FAVORITE LATIN SONG: Kali Uchis “telepatía”
FAVORITE ROCK ARTIST: Machine Gun Kelly
FAVORITE INSPIRATIONAL ARTIST: Carrie Underwood
FAVORITE GOSPEL ARTIST: Kanye West
FAVORITE DANCE/ELECTRONIC ARTIST: Marshmello

Tainy Becomes First Person to Spend 100 Weeks Atop Any Billboard Producers Charts

Posted on October 10, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Tainy is making Billboard history…

The 32-year-old Puerto Rican record producer and songwriter has entered the history books as the first person to spend 100 weeks at No. 1 on any of Billboard‘s producers charts.

The multi-hyphenate artist (real name: Marco Masis) spends a record-extending 100th week at No. 1 on the Latin Producers survey dated October 9, thanks to his production on seven tracks on the latest Hot Latin Songs chart.

Billboard launched all-genre Hot 100 Songwriters and Hot 100 Producers charts in June 2019, as well as those for country, rock & alternative, R&B/Hip-Hop, R&B, rap, Latin, Christian, gospel and dance/electronic; alternative and hard rock joined in June 2020.

“This milestone is something crazy to me, to see that we actually made it to 100 weeks,” Tainy tells Billboard. “At the end of the day, I am just truly grateful to get to wake up every day and do what I love. It’s amazing to be a part of such an important list with all these talented producers that are working at such high levels making incredible music and pushing our culture forward globally.”

Here’s a recap of Tainy’s entries on the latest Hot Latin Songs chart.

Rank, Artist Billing, Title (co-producers in addition to Tainy)
No. 4, Bad Bunny, “Yonaguni” (Smash David, Byrd, FinesseGTB)
No. 5, Bad Bunny & Jhay Cortez, “Dákiti” (Mora)
No. 6, J Balvin & Skrillex, “In Da Getto” (Skrillex)
No. 8, Kali Uchis, “Telepatía” (Manuel Lara, Albert Hype)
No. 14, Jhay Cortez & Anuel AA, “Ley Seca”
No. 30, J Balvin & Sech, “Una Nota” (Sky Rompiendo)
No. 44, Tainy x Yandel, “Deja Vu”

Almost exactly a year ago, Tainy became the first to log 50 weeks atop a producers chart, when he reached the milestone atop Latin Producers.

Of Tainy’s 100 weeks spent at No. 1 on Latin Producers, he’s ruled the past 41 frames consecutively, encompassing every chart week of 2021 so far.

Of the chart’s 120 total weeks to-date, Subelo Neo is the only other name to log double-digit weeks at No. 1, with 10 in March-May 2020. Over the chart’s existence, Tainy is the only producer to have spent every week on the survey. His collaborator Sky Rompiendo follows with 99 weeks, ranking at No. 7 this week.

Tainy scored his first production credit on Hot Latin Songs in 2006, with Tito “El Bambino” El Patron‘s “Caile,” which reached No. 2. He followed that year with his first No. 1, Wisin & Yandel‘s “Pam Pam.” He’s since added five more leaders, all since 2019: Anuel AA, Daddy Yankee, Karol G, Ozuna and J Balvin‘s “China“; J Balvin, Dua Lipa, Bad Bunny and Tainy’s “Un Dia (One Day)“; Bad Bunny and Jhay Cortez‘s “Dákiti“; Kali Uchis‘ “Telepatía“; and Bad Bunny’s “Yonaguni.”

Tainy has also produced three top 10s on the Billboard Hot 100: Cardi B, Bad Bunny and J Balvin’s “I Like It” (No. 1, one week, 2018), “Dákiti” (No. 5, 2020) and “Yonaguni” (No. 10, 2021).

Tainy concurrently places at No. 2 on the Latin Songwriters chart, thanks to his writing credits on “Yonaguni,” “Dákiti,” “In Da Getto,” “Telepatía,” “Ley Seca,” “Una Nota” and “Deja Vu.” He’s spent 17 weeks atop the tally, the second-most after frequent collaborator Bad Bunny (65).

Meanwhile, DannyLux adds a second week at No. 1 on Latin Songwriters, powered by his work on Eslabon Armado‘s “Jugaste y Sufri,” which he wrote solo and on which he’s a featured artist, at No. 7.

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).

Kali Uchis’ “Telepatia” Reaches No. 1 on Billboard’s Rhythmic Airplay Chart

Posted on August 12, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Kali Uchis is celebrating the rhythm(ic)…

The 27-year-old Colombian American singer has scored her first No. 1 on Billboard’s Rhythmic Airplay chart as “Telepatia” moves up from the runner-up spot to lead the list dated August 14.

The single’s rise makes it the most-played song on monitored rhythmic U.S. radio stations, according to MRC Data.

“Telepatia” rises to No. 1 as it essentially held steady in plays in the week ending August 8, as measured by MRC Data. The previous champ, Roddy Ricch’s “Late at Night,” vacated the top spot after it declined 2% in plays.

Uchis also wraps a slow-but-steady journey on the list: “Telepatia” reaches the summit in its 17th week on the chart, second only to the 18-week wait for Yung Bleu’s “You’re Mines Still,” featuring Drake, among 2021 No. 1s.

Uchis, who hails from Alexandria, Va., achieves her first Rhythmic Airplay No. 1 on her second chart appearance. Her only previous appearance on the chart came through a featured role on Tyler, The Creator’s “See You Again” in 2017, which cracked the chart in the anchor position — No. 40 — and lasted two weeks.

In line with its Rhythmic coronation, “Telepatia” has secured new benchmarks for Uchis’ career in multiple areas since its November 2020 release.

After the tune gained traction on TikTok in early 2021, a rush of streams powered it to No. 10 on the Streaming Songs chart in March. That activity sparked the track’s Billboard Hot 100 entrance that month and its official promotion as a single. Radio airplay, then, kicked up and helped “Telepatia” achieve a No. 25 best on the Hot 100 in July.

In addition to conquering rhythmic radio, “Telepatia” ruled the Latin Airplay chart for one week in July and earned a No. 11 high on Pop Airplay. Simultaneous success at the three formats pushes the song into the top 10 on the all-genre Radio Songs chart, where it steps 11-10 through a 3% gain in audience to 40.7 million in listenership in the week ending August 6, according to MRC Data.

While “Telepatia” represents Kali Uchis’ solo breakthrough, the singer-songwriter made her first Billboard chart splashes in featured roles on songs across multiple genres, among them, the Gorillaz’s “She’s My Collar,” a No. 36 hit on Hot Rock Songs, Juanes’ “El Ratico,” a No. 10 success on Latin Pop Airplay and the Adult R&B Airplay chart-topper “Get You” in tandem with Daniel Caesar. The lattermost title led for one week and earned Uchis her first Grammy nomination, for best R&B performance.

Hispanically Yours

Celebrating the Latino Influence

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