Anitta Releases New Album “Funk Generation”

Anitta isn’t afraid to funk things up…

The 31-year-old Brazilian singer, songwriter, dancer, actress, and occasional television host has released her latest album Funk Generation via Republic Records and Universal Music Latin Entertainment.

AnittaSinging in Spanish, Portuguese and English, the trilingual superstar doubles down on her efforts to globalize Brazilian funk with the new album.

The enthralling 15-track set (her third trilingual album) is a master class, as Anitta serves cheeky, club-ready dance songs that will have you grasping for air — a nod to her set opener “Lose Ya Breath.”

A fierce proponent of funk, Anitta has no intentions of adapting this music to mainstream or pop, she does quite the opposite introducing mainstream to a genre that breaks all the rules and thrives on experimentation.

For collaborations, she casts a wide net that catches artists including Brray, Bad Gyal, DENNIS, PEDRO SAMPAIO and Sam Smith.

“My new project is very special, because it signifies my intention to create an international funk album, something I’ve always dreamed of,” Anitta says in a statement. “It’s fulfilling to see that funk is now a source of inspiration and art in the global music scene — a genre with value, awards, and admiration.”

The set comes on the heels of her upcoming first-ever North American trek, set to kick off May 21

Anitta Releases Bad Gyal-Collaboration “Double Team,” Reveals Release Date for New Album “Funk Generation”

Anitta is bringing the funk…

The 30-year-old Brazilian singer, songwriter, dancer, actress and occasional television host is set to release Funk Generation, her first full-length studio album under Republic Records and Universal Music Latin Entertainment.

Anitta & Bad GyalThe album will be released on April 26.

Funk Generation is an album where I celebrate my roots,” Anitta said about the forthcoming record. “It’s where I express the power of Rio’s funk in every track its unique, danceable, and sensual beats. It’s a rhythm born in the favelas, where I grew up, and it exudes resistance and art in every community. I’m proud to work on a project about a genre that has been unfairly stigmatized in Brazil but is slowly gaining recognition worldwide.”

Funk Generation is the extended album counterpart to Funk Generation: a Favela Lovestory, the three-song bundle Anitta shared last August.

That set included the funk-imbued singles “Funk Rave,” “Casi Casi” and “Used To Be,” which gave fans an indication of where she was headed next sonically. “I dive into carioca funk,” Anitta said in a statement at the time. “The rhythm that raised me and is part of the culture from where I was born.”

Anitta also says this album includes “important collaborations” that have helped her tell the complete story of this album, including a just-released new single and music video “Double Team” featuring Bad Gyal and Puerto Rican rapper Brray.

Anitta and Bad Gyal, a Spanish singer also signed to Universal Music Latino, have also recently released “Bota Niña,” a collaboration for Bad Gyal’s debut album “La Joia.”

“Double Team” — a song that trades lines in Spanish, Portuguese and English — arrives with an accompanying music video starring Anitta, Bad Gyal and Brray and is set in a sweltering open-air baile funk party.

Pesado Signs New Record Deal with Warner Music Latina

Pesado has a new recording contract…

The Mexican norteño group has signed a record deal with Warner Music Latina.

PesadoThe new deal with Warner is a homecoming for the ensemble group, which was founded in 1993 by leading members Beto Zapata and Pepe Elizondo. They’re now returning to the label a decade later.

Most recently, Pesado had been releasing music via Disa, Universal Music Latin Entertainment’s regional Mexican label.

The signing comes ahead of the group’s 30-year anniversary and release of new music.

Pesado’s upcoming single under Warner Music Latina, titled “El Infierno,” is set for release on July 1.

“In this new era with Warner, Pesado comes as one of the best structured, most mature bands, and I think together we will again achieve great things. Pesado’s future is to continue making music, continue to sing, tell stories that people can identify with and keep doing things with a lot of passion,” Zapata, frontman and accordionist, said in a statement.

“This is important step for Pesado,” Elizondo echoed. “This was the label that made us international, that supported us in that moment and we’re back with many more dreams and encouragement to continue to grow and take our joy to all Latin American homes.”

Known for their norteño heartbreak anthems like “Loco”, “Ojalá Te Mueras”, “Dile” y “A Chillar a Otra Parte,” Pesado has placed nearly 50 songs on Billboard‘s Regional Mexican Airplay chart, including 15 top hits and three No. 1 hits.

Additionally, the group from Monterrey, Nuevo León has scored four No. 1 albums on the Regional Mexican Albums tally: Mi PromesaDirecto 93-13, Vol. 1Piensame Un Momento and Abrazame.

Added Delia Orjuela, general manager of Warner Music Latina’s new Música Mexicana division, “[Our] family is proud to welcome Pesado, an iconic group among Mexican music. I feel honored to be able to work with them in this new era.”

Selena’s “Ones” Becomes First Latin Title to Reach No. 1 on Billboard’s Vinyl Albums Chart

Selena’s still the Ones… And, she’s still making history.

The late legendary Mexican American singer’s Ones compilation album is the first Latin title to hit No. 1 on Billboard’s nine-year old Vinyl Albums chart.

Selena

The new 2-LP vinyl picture disc of Ones, released July 3 via Universal Music Latin Entertainment, was such a hot seller during its first week, it helps the album re-enter at No. 1 on the all-genre Vinyl Albums sales chart. 

The vinyl edition of Ones sold 6,000 copies in the week ending July 9. 

Ones previously spent just one week on the list, at No. 4 on the November 5, 2016-dated list, after its original vinyl release.

With Ones‘ re-entry at No. 1, it marks the first time a Latin album has been No. 1 on that tally, which launched in January 2011 as vinyl album sales began making their comeback. (Vinyl albums sales have grown yearly from 2006 through 2019.)

Selena Ones Limited-Edition Vinyl

“Selena continues without a doubt to be one of the most influential artists in the music industry today and these accomplishments are a testament that her music transcends generations and will live on forever,” says Armando Rodriguez, SVP Commercial Partners, Universal Music LatinoMachete MusicCapitol Latin.

Selena’s posthumous compilation album was originally released on October 1, 2002, a little more than seven years after her death in 1995. It debuted at No. 4 on the Top Latin Albums chart dated October 19, 2002, and peaked at No. 2 on the March 4, 2017, chart.

The album is now back in the top five on the Top Latin Albums chart dated July 18 thanks to its 8,000 equivalent album units (up 198 percent) earned in the week ending July 9, according to Nielsen Music/MRC Data. Of that sum, nearly 6,000 are in album sales.

“Selena’s legacy is an inspiration for many fans and the artistic community, including Latin and non-Latin,” says Victor Gonzalez, president, Universal Music Latin Entertainment at Universal Music Group. “There is a deep connection between Selena’s old and new followers that puts her in a relevant position every time we revisit her music.”

Thanks to new vinyl edition of Ones, the set concurrently re-enters the all-genre Billboard 200chart at No. 116 after almost four years.

Onesincludes Selena’s No. 1 Hot Latin Songs hits “Buenos Amigos,” with Alvaro Torres (1992); “Donde Quiera Que Estés,” with the Barrio Boyzz (1994); “Amor Prohibido” (1994); “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom” (1994); “No Me Queda Más” (1994); “Fotos y Recuerdos” (1994) and “Tú, Solo Tú,” Selena’s longest charting No. 1 title (1995). The set also includes a remixed version of “Si Una Vez“, by her brother, A.B. Quintanilla, retitled “Con Tanto Amor (Medley),” among other hits.

Luis Fonsi Appears on New Version of “Baby Shark”

Luis Fonsi is hittin’ the high seas… and high notes…

The 42-year-old Puerto Rican Latin Grammy winner has lent his voice to a new version of “Baby Shark,” presented by Universal Music Latin Entertainment and children’s content producer Pinkfong.

Luis Fonsi

Officially released this week, the new version of “Baby Shark” is accompanied by a colorful animated video that shows Fonsi diving into the ocean and hanging out with his friendly shark buddies. 

Fonsi’s children Mikaela and Rocco also make their singing debut on the track.

Luis Fonsi x Baby Shark

“This was a very special collaboration for my kids and I and we hope this new version of ‘Baby Shark’ brings joy and entertains kids and families around the world as much as we enjoyed making it,” said Fonsi in an official statement.

“Baby Shark,” released in 2016, became a viral hit in 2018 and was covered by many K-Pop stars in addition to James Corden and John Legend.

The song debuted at No. 32 on the Billboard Hot 100 list dated January 12, 2019.

Produced by Joel IglesiasMini Star, and Pinkfong, the Fonsi-assisted “Baby Shark” is a glimpse of the upcoming Mini Stars Vol. 1 EP by Universal Music Latin Entertainment, where artists like Sebastián YatraNacho, Greeicy,Guaynaa and Joey Montana, to name a few, reimagine children’s classics in Spanish and English.

Mon Laferte Signs Worldwide Publishing Deal with Universal Music Publishing Mexico

Mon Laferte is going global… 

The 35-year-old Chilean alt-pop chanteuse with a beguiling voice and songs has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Universal Music Publishing Mexico.

Mon Laferte

The deal will cover all of Laferte’s compositions moving forward, including her new single, “El beso,” released on Friday, September 7.

As a recording artist, Laferte is also signed to Universal Music Latin Entertainment. As a songwriter she was previously signed to Warner/Chappell.

Laferte has burst into prominence in the past year with her alt/folk fusion, winning a Latin Grammy for Best Alternative Song for her single “Amárrame.”

Most recently, she toured the U.S. with Juanes, playing 16 cities, in addition to performing for over 90,000 during her Latin American “Amarte” tour.

“The first time you hear Mon Laferte live, it’s an unforgettable experience. A deeply talented songwriter and artist, she is a bright star that electrifies with her lyrics and performances,” said Yadira Moreno, managing director, UMPG Mexico, in a statement.

Sony Music Latin Partners with Jenni Rivera’s Siblings to Develop Regional Mexican Stars

Jenni Rivera’s family is keeping her legacy alive…

Juan and Rosie Rivera, siblings of the late Mexican American Banda and ranchera singer who passed away in December 2012, have joined Sony Music Latin in a new venture to develop the next generation of regional Mexican stars.

Juan & Rosie Rivera

The announcement was made in Los Angeles earlier this week, where the Rivera family and Sony executives officially signed and agreed to commence a partnership between the Rivera’s Linea, LLC, and Sony.

“Juan and Rosie have been in the [music] game since they were born,” said Nir Seroussi, Sony Music Latin president, in an exclusive interview with Billboard. “Juan is very focused and chill. Rosie is very sharp and eloquent. We’re confident that Linea will soon become a major player in the market.”

It’s been nearly five years since Rivera died in a plane crash, while working in Mexico and since that time, numerous projects themed around the Long Beach, California, -born recording artist have been released, from albums to reality shows and merchandise.

Rosie, whose close-knit relationship with Jenni was undeniable, has spent the last five years helping to complete some of her sister’s dreams from releasing music to caring for her foundation and making sure she was there for her sibling’s children.

This new chapter, Rosie said, continues to honor her sister, but it’s different in that she will now have a more active role in the industry along with her brother, which is something that Jenni encouraged them to do years ago. While Jenni was signed to Fonovisa, under Universal Music Latin Entertainment, this new venture with Sony has nothing to do with Jenni music other than the fact that she always wanted to help launch the careers of others.

“I think Jenni would be very happy,” says Rosie. “I can see her smiling with tears of joy and her wide eyes. She invested so much love and discipline in her dreams. She told us she envisioned this for Juan and myself and she’s cheering us from heaven.”

In 2013, Rosie announced a similar venture, but it was in the form of a new label called JRE/Divina Music, which had already been in the works in 2010, two years before the singer died. That label was established to complete Jenni’s goals and that was met by supporting other artists. The new chapter begins with joining forces with Sony.

Rosie, an entrepreneur and motivational speaker, is the youngest of the Rivera family of singers. Since her sister’s death she has gone more public about her own struggles in the hopes of helping others. In 2015 she founded the movement Sister Somalia to support women who have been victims of sexual abuse, human trafficking, drugs and domestic violence in Latin America. Additionally, Rivera is active in her family’s Christian outreach ministry, helping single mothers find affordable housing through the Jenni Rivera Love Foundation.

Besides overseeing the Jenni Rivera estate with his sister Rosie, Juan is a recording artist with nearly a dozen albums to his name and has appeared in several reality shows with his family of singers that includes Lupillo Rivera and Chiquis Rivera.

Seroussi said that more details will be unveiled soon and those aspiring artists hoping to break into the business through the regional Mexican genre will have a chance to participate. The Sony executive wouldn’t confirm or deny what types of projects will be unveiled, but he reassures that they will be part of a thrill ride.

“This is a very special venture,” Seroussi said. “Having Juan and Rosie makes it that more exciting. Many things are going to happen.”

Karol G Signs with Universal Music Latin Entertainment

Karol G has Universal appeal…

The 24-year-old Colombian pop/urban singer-songwriter has signed with Universal Music Latin Entertainment.

Karol G

Karol G, born Giraldo Carolina Navarro, has amassed more than 100 million YouTube views from several videos released in Colombia.

The official music video for Karol G’s single with Nicky Jam, “Amor de Dos,” has nearly 56 million views on YouTube.

She is the first signing under Universal Music Latino new general manager Alejandro Duque.

Los Hijos de Barrón Sign with Universal Music Latin Entertainment

Los Hijos de Barrón have Universal appeal…

The Regional Mexican band-to-watch has signed with Universal Music Latin Entertainment.

Los Hijos de Barrón

The group from Sinaloa released a new single, “Lo Que Pese Mi Palabra,” and video coinciding with the announcement last Friday.

The single is the title track of the band’s next album, due out on Universal imprint Fonovisa/Disa in early 2016.

Los Hijos de Barrón are also set to tour the U.S. in February.

The group is known in Mexico as one of the most popular bands playing the acoustic guitar-supported genre called Sierreño.

Universal Music Latin Entertainment to Release New Jenni Rivera Album

Jenni Rivera may be gone, but her voice lives on with new music…

The late Mexican-American singer will be heard once more on a new album, which is set to go on sale on November 17 under the title 1 Vida – 3 Historias, according to her record label Universal Music Latin Entertainment.

Jenni Rivera

The record company offered no further details about the production, but Rosie Rivera, the singer’s sister, said last October on her Instagram account that the album will feature songs recorded during a concert the late La Diva de la Banda gave in Culiacan, Mexico.

The singer died in a plane crash along with another six people in Nuevo Leon, Mexico, on Dec. 9, 2012, hours after giving her last concert in the city of Monterrey.

A year after her death, the family of the Mexican regional music artist launched 1969-Siempre, en Vivo desde Monterrey, a live recording in two parts of the singer’s repertoire during that last performance.

Both discs were hits in sales and reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums chart.