Victor Fontanez, aka VicBlends, Signs with William Morris Endeavor (WME)

Posted on November 23, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Victor Fontanez has new representation…

William Morris Endeavor (WME) has signed the 22-year-old part-Latino social media star, known commonly as VicBlends, for representation in all areas.

The agency will build his business across non-scripted television, podcasting, speaking, brand partnerships, licensing and beyond.

Fontanez, a barber and entrepreneur, has grown his side hustle from cutting hair in his mom’s garage to becoming a renowned celebrity barber and business mogul.

In under a year, he has amassed more than 9M followers and over 100M likes on TikTok. He also has a significant following on Instagram with 1.2M followers and YouTube with 555K subscribers.

Fontanez recently got off tour with Lil Baby, and his client list includes NLE Choppa, Nelly, Trae Young and Polo G. He is a barber by trade, but changing lives is his mission. On social media he shares inspiring videos of him giving out free haircuts to unassuming strangers. During these cuts, he engages in deep conversations from home life to personal dreams to sports to relationship advice. Giving back to his community and leaving a legacy are two major goals for Fontanez, which prompted him to launch Vic Blends Academy.

His barber school, The Vic Blends Academy, is an online curriculum for the next generation of barbers. Also he recently announced the launch of the first licensed barber schools in California prison history. This program, created with producer and social justice advocate Scott Budnick, will give prisoners the opportunity to obtain their barber’s license while incarcerated with hopes of setting them up for success upon release.

Fontanez previously was represented by A3 Artists Agency.

Mexico’s Regina Voce to Compete on Paramount+’s Drag Singing Competition “Queen of the Universe”

Posted on November 11, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Regina Voce is ready for global domination…

The Mexican drag queen is among the contestants set to compete on Paramount+’s upcoming drag singing competition series Queen of the Universe, which is executive-produced by RuPaul, the history-making, Emmy-winning host of RuPaul’s Drag Race.

Hosted by Graham Norton, Queen of the Universe hails from the MTV Entertainment Studios and RuPaul’s Drag Race producers World of Wonder.

Inspired by international singing competitions, Queen of the Universe will follow the world’s most talented drag queens as they battle it out for global domination, countries go head to head spotlighting their top talent. Contestants hail from the U.S, Mexico, Brazil, Canada, India, China, France and more.

Regina Voce has more than 30 years of stage experience and is a former performer in Cirque Du Soleil. Regina now works as a vocal coach.

Brazil’s Grag Queen will also compete on the series…

The Brazilian bombshell grew up singing in church at an early age. She now finds herself belting to the masses on social media with 2 million TikTok fans, all of whom love her outrageous performances and over the top personality.

Each episode will feature the world’s fiercest queens as they debut a new musical performance in front of a live audience and the “Pop Diva Panel” of judges in the hopes of being crowned the “Queen of the Universe” and winning a $250,000 cash prize.

Queen of the Universe is set to debut exclusively on Paramount+ on Thursday, December2. Vanessa Williams, Michelle Visage, Leona Lewis and Drag Race alum Trixie Mattel are set to judge.

Luis Vazquez Named to Billboard’s 21 Under 21 List

Posted on October 9, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Luis Vazquez is one of the young ones to watch…

The 15-year-old Puerto Rican salsa singer has been named to Billboard’s 21 Under 21 list, which features a mix of young chart-toppers, TikTok stars-turned-artists and on-the-verge breakout acts, among many more making waves in the industry right now.

Vazquez kicked off his music career at just 5 years old, having joined the musical group Los Bravitos de la Plena, founded by his musician father in Puerto Rico.

By 2019, Vazquez was discovered by artist manager Andy Martinez, who signed him to his label, JAK Entertainment, with a 360 deal. Earlier this year, Vazquez, whose biggest inspiration is Victor Manuelle, released “Tu Fan,” an urban-infused salsa track that highlights his crisp, dulcet vocals. “Tu Fan” scored Vazquez his first No. 1 on Billboard’s Tropical Airplay chart, making him the youngest soloist to arrive at the summit since the chart began in October 1994.

But Vazquez isn’t the only Latinx artist to make the list…

Lucia de la Garza, sister Mila de la Garza and their fellow The Linda Lindas members, Bela Salazar and Eloise Wong, have made the cut.

The Linda Lindas first played together in January 2018 (before they were officially a band) when Dum Dum Girls founder Kristin Kontrol had them accompany her at the Los Angeles Girlschool festival.

By April 2019, the Latinx and Asian American punk rockers had opened a one-off date for Bikini Kill. The group has since independently released its debut, self-titled EP; placed a synch in Amy Poehler’s February film Moxie; and in May — after going viral with its anti-intolerance hit “Racist, Sexist Boy” — sisters Lucia and Mila, cousin Eloise and friend Bela signed with Epitaph Records and made their late-night debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Pedro Tovar Jr., Brian Tovar and Ulises Vázquez are also celebrating their place on the list…

Together they form Eslabon Armado.

Just six months after the band’s third album, Corta Venas, debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Albums chart in January, the teenage band from Patterson, Calif., landed another chart-topper on the tally with Tu Veneno Mortal, Vol. 2. The 12-track set was the act’s fourth No. 1 in less than 13 months. With new member Ulises Vázquez now in tow, the trio — which won top Latin album artist of the year, duo or group at the 2021 Billboard Latin Music Awards — doesn’t plan to slow down.

“I have a new strategy for the remainder of the year: release music when people expect it least,” reveals group member Pedro Tovar. “I want to have that element of surprise like other mainstream artists have done.”

For the complete 21 Under 21 list, click here.

A committee of Billboard editors and reporters weighed a variety of factors in determining the 2021 21 Under 21 list, including, but not limited to, impact on consumer behavior, measured by metrics such as album and track sales, streaming volume (listed here as each artist’s career global total to date), social media impressions and radio/TV audiences reached; career trajectory; and overall impact in the industry, specifically during the past 12 months. Where required, record-label market share was consulted using MRC Data market share for album plus track-equivalent and stream-equivalent album consumption units. Unless otherwise noted, MRC Data is the source for sales/streaming data.

Vanna White to Continue Hosting “Wheel of Fortune” Through 2024

Posted on September 9, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Vanna White’s Wheels (and tiles) will keep on turnin’…

The 64-year-old half-Puerto Rican television personality and game show letter-turner and her Wheel of Fortune co-star Pat Sajak have on to continue hosting the show through the 2023-2024 season.

As part of the deal, Sajak has added consulting producer to his responsibilities.

Jim Thornton, who will mark his 10th anniversary as Wheel of Fortune announcer, will get an expanded on-screen presence in the new season, which premieres September 13. At the open of each episode, he will be featured at a new podium on stage as he introduces Sajak and White.

Here are some other changes in store for the upcoming season:

In the game show’s digital space, Maggie Sajak, Pat’s daughter, will be joining the show as Social Correspondent across all of Wheel of Fortune’s channels including: http://www.wheeloffortune.com, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.
The set and music have been refreshed for the new season. The Wheel of Fortune theme song, “Changing Keys,” which will return this season with a modernized arrangement.
Sajak will no longer do the “Final Spin” of the game. Instead, the contestant in control of the Wheel at the time will spin to determine the amount each consonant is worth during the speed up round.
More money will be up for grabs in Season 39 with the removal of the “Free Play” wedge from the Wheel, which was replaced by an $850 wedge. Also, a $4,000 bonus is being added to contestants who solve all three puzzles in the Triple Toss Up Round, making the round worth $10,000. And finally, the minimum amount that can be won on the Bonus Wheel has been upped to $39,000, in honor of the show’s 39th season in syndication.
Returning is the show’s annual “Secret Santa Holiday Giveaway.” This popular sweepstakes gives Wheel Watchers Club members the chance to win everything a contestant wins, up to the million-dollar grand prize.

“If you think about it, by doing the “final spin” I, as host, had an impact on the outcome of the game and that has always bothered me because it just didn’t feel right,” said Sajak of the change in play of the game. “With this change, only the contestants determine the outcome of the game and the host does not impose themself in any way.”

After Wheel of Fortune hostess Susan Stafford left the show in October 1982, White was selected as one of three substitute hostesses (along with Vicki McCarty and Summer Bartholomew) to co-host the show. On December 13, 1982, White became the regular hostess. And the rest is herstory.

Rosalynne Montoya Among Transgender Artists to Sign Development Deal with Ozy Studio

Posted on September 7, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Rosalynne Montoya is ready to breakthrough…

The Hispanic bisexual, non-binary transgender woman, who works as a model, actor, makeup artist and content creator, has signed a development deal with Ozy Studios, along with Puerto Rican chef Paxx Caraballo Moll, Alabama-based activist Dan Eggers.

Beginning as a digital magazine in 2013, Ozy has moved into podcasts, events and original television series featured on A+E, History, Lifetime, Amazon, Hulu, OWN, PBS and BBC.

Montoya, Chef Pax and Eggers will now be part of those multi-platform storytelling initiatives.

“At Ozy we feel the immense responsibility of pushing culture forward with the content we share and conversations we foster with our audience,” said CEO Carlos Watson. “We feel this is an important moment to highlight the complexity of humanity and the truly diverse life experiences of these incredible talents are one important way in which we can do that.”

“Amplifying voices from within the trans community is not just in-line with Ozy’s philosophy: It’s personal,” said Executive Director of Ozy Studios Chris Rantamaki. “As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I know the impact of seeing ourselves reflected in pop culture. I’m excited about showcasing a wide spectrum of trans talent in our content, alongside some of the biggest celebrities in the world.”

Montoya is well-known on TikTok and Instagram.

“Queer people need accurate representation,” said Montoya. “When I felt like I didn’t have a future or life wasn’t worth living, it was seeing positive representations in the media that proved to me that I have a happy and successful life ahead.”

Chef Pax is a trans man who was named Best New Chef in 2019 by Food and Wine magazine.

“I’m excited to work with Ozy because I felt at home with them immediately,” says Chef Paxx. “I can’t wait to highlight my culinary skills and bring my queer kitchen sensibilities to the entire world.”

The Alabama-born Eggers is the first openly transgender person to enter a top college musical theater program. Of his new deal Eggers said, “I felt that my experience would be properly honored in the Ozy family rather than tokenized…Ozy sincerely brings forward those who have often been left behind. I am ready to help #ResetAmerica!”

Piso 21 Releases New Single “Nadie La Controla”

Posted on August 28, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Piso 21 is back in control…

After making the rounds with El Amor en los Tiempos del Perreo, one of Billboard‘s best Latin albums of 2021 to date, the Colombian group – composed of Pablo Mejía (Pablito), Juan David Huertas (El Profe), David Escobar (Dim) and David Lorduy Hernández – has released the new single “Nadie La Controla.”

Produced by duo producers Súbelo Neo (Freddy Montalvo Jr. and José Cruz), “Nadie La Controla” is a pure reggaeton song that later transitions to a fast-paced merengue ripiao,’ converting this song into the ultimate party jam.

The lyrics bring to the forefront a girl who’s the center of attention and that can’t be controlled.

The vibrant music video, helmed by director Charlie Nelson, features cameo’s my famed TikTok stars Kunno and Domelipa, to name a few.

“Nadie La Controla” marks the first taste of the Colombian group’s upcoming production.

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.

Nathy Peluso Releases Salsa-fied New Single “Mafiosa”

Posted on July 11, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Nathy Peluso is embracing her love of salsa…

The 26-year-old Argentine singer-songwriter has released her latest track “Mafiosa.”

Much like “Veneno” and every other TikTok video where she’s dancing tropical classics is any indication, Peluso’s new single attests to her love for salsa.

A nearly five-minute track of pure salsa rhythms with a live orchestra (piano, trumpet, congas, guira … the whole nine yards), Peluso delivers a bossed-up track (once again!) about finding her self-worth and being the most powerful woman in the block.

“I’m going to be a gangster, a wonder woman/ May bad men fear me/ When I arrive in my car/ They despair/ They get scared and speed away,” goes the saucy chorus.

Filmed in Madrid, where she’s currently on tour, Peluso is the creative director behind the music video, in which she flaunts different provocative outfits and her killer dance moves. She’s a dangerous and empowered woman on the loose, sending a clear message in “Mafiosa”: Men are afraid of powerful women.

Kali Uchis Earns First No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay Chart with “Telepatía”

Posted on June 30, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Kali Uchis is celebrating another first on the Latin music charts…

A month after “Telepatía” reigned on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart for four weeks (May 22-June 12-dated lists), the 26-year-old half-Colombian American singer’s ubiquitous single rises 5-1 on the Latin Airplay chart dated July 3. It’s her first No. 1 on the chart.

The single is her second chart entry on the Latin Airplay chart and her first as a lead act. She previously charted via her featured role on Juanes‘ No. 23-peaking “El Ratico” in 2017.

The steady march of “Telepatía” on radio airplay sends the TikTok hit to No. 1 on the all-Latin genre radio ranking. The track climbs to the top in its 11th week on the list, and with its fourth consecutive weekly gain in audience impressions. It earned 9.6 million in audience in the week ending May 16 — up 30% from the previous week — according to MRC Data.

The song’s Latin Airplay coronation comes after it earlier reached No. 1 on the Latin Streaming Songs chart and Latin Digital Song Sales. The song ruled the Hot Latin Songs chart (which blends airplay, streams and song sales) for four weeks (May 22-June 12 charts). On the latest Hot Latin Songs chart, the track holds at No. 2.

“Telepatía” also jumps 2-1 on Latin Pop Airplay and sends Rauw Alejandro’s pop-disco “Todo De Ti” to the runner-up slot after its two-week reign.

“Telepatía” is Uchis’ first charting single on Latin Pop Airplay without an accompanying act. “El Ratico” peaked at No. 10 in September 2017 and “La Luz (Fin),” with Jhay Cortez, reached No. 16 in January.

Both “Telepatía” and “La Luz” are part of Uchis’ album Sin Miedo (Del Amor y Otros Demonios), which has spent nine weeks at No. 1 on Latin Pop Albums.

Beyond its Latin Airplay and Latin Pop Airplay No. 1s, “Telepatía” continues to climb on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 chart, as the track rises 30-25. It’s her second entry on the chart, following the No. 93 peak of “Get You,” by Daniel Caesar featuring Uchis.

Elsewhere, “Telepatía” rebounds 2-1 on Latin Digital Song Sales after its 11-week lead with 1,400 downloads sold in the week ending June 24.

Rauw Alejandro Releases Sophomore Studio Album “Vice Versa”

Posted on June 27, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Rauw Alejandro is back with new music…

The 28-year-old Puerto Rican singer, whose real name is Raúl Alejandro Ocasio Ruiz, has released his sophomore studio album, Vice Versa, via Duars Entertainment.

On his new album, Rauw opted to go experimental, trading, for the most part, his signature reggaeton and Latin R&B sound for more electro-pop, funk, and even Brazilian-inclined rhythms.

“This is the music I like to do,” he tells Billboard, crediting James Brown, Bruno Mars, and Michael Jackson as his music idols. “This album has a lot of contrast and a great selection of music.”

His best example? “Todo De Ti,” which Rauw admits was the last song to make it on Vice Versa.

“The album is incredible but the more I heard it, I felt like something was missing. That’s when ‘Todo de Ti’ was born,” he says, getting inspired from old-school sounds like funk and disco. “The most important thing in my music is the melodies. I began vibing in the studio with my producer Mr. Nais Gai and when I found the perfect melody, that’s when I began writing the concept of the song. I was so excited about the track that we finished it in two days.”

Also a phenomenon on TikTok with over one million video creations, “Todo de Ti” currently sits at No. 45 on Billboard‘s all-genre Billboard Hot 100 chart. It also entered the Hot Latin Songs, Latin Airplay, Global 200, and Global Excl. U.S. charts.

“It’s a totally different proposal and I took a risk,” he says.

Vice Versa contains only three reggaeton songs, two collaborations (one with Anitta and his longtime friend, Lyanno), and the rest, a rollercoaster of new fusions, best representing his album’s cover.

He explains the production was created between 2020 and 2021 and that he began working on it just two weeks after finalizing his debut set, Afrodisiaco. He also mentions that his entire team — which has been by his side since the beginning of his career — fully supported and respected the route he wanted to take in Vice Versa.

“I like to get out of my comfort zone,” he proudly states. “That’s what makes me happy, to be able to explore, expand and grow. I don’t judge any artist that wants to follow their line but in my case, I don’t like getting boxed in a certain type of genre. I want to experiment with the most that I can in my career and aim to become that complete

Up next, Rauw prepares to perform his biggest hits and new songs on his 2021-2022 tour in the U.S., Spain, and Puerto Rico, including three sold-out shows at the emblematic Coliseo de Puerto Rico on October 21, 22, and 23.

Hispanically Yours

Celebrating the Latino Influence

Tag Archives: TikTok