First Stream Latin is a compilation of the best new Latin songs, albums and videos recommended by the Billboard Latin editors. Check out this week’s picks below.
Micro TDH, Myke Towers, “El Tren” (Warner Music Latina/King TDH)
“I miss the things we used to do, not you” is the opening phrase that sets the tone for Micro TDH and Myke Towers’ first-ever collaboration on “El Tren.” With his soulful vocals, Venezuelan newcomer, Micro, sings about remembering and missing someone but also overcoming the heartbreak. “Time pases and cures all / Now I’m more relaxed, despite that every time I’m more alone,” he chants.
Towers does not stay behind, singing “you came late to the station and the train left / if you say you forgot about me, I swear that me too / everything stayed behind.” Produced by Colombian hitmaker Ovy on the Drums, “El Tren” fuses reggaeton beats, R&B undertones, and even Andean rock melodies à la Enanitos Verdes. — JESSICA ROIZ
Ozuna, “Tiempo” (Aura Music/Sony Music Latin)
Ozuna gets real in his new heartbreak song “Tiempo” written by the Puerto Rican star himself and produced by hitmaker Sky Rompiendo. Set to a soft reggaeton beat, the lyrics find Ozuna reflecting about a failed relationship that was a waste of time. “I dedicated time, time that I had already lost. Love like yours, I don’t understand. Now I’m alone and that’s an issue,” he confesses. “Tiempo” was released alongside a trippy and visually striking music video directed by Fernando Lugo, which takes Ozu through fields of snow to an underwater adventure. — GRISELDA FLORES
Victoria La Mala, Soy Mala (VO Entertainment/Roc Nation)
Victoria La Mala makes her return to music with her EP Soy Mala, home to eight saucy collaborations and one solo track. On the set, the Mexican singer lets her true colors shine, incorporating mariachi, cumbia, corridos, reggaeton, and Hip-Hop, genres that have shaped her musical sound. “I feel that I’ve been put in a box for so many years,” she admits to Billboard. “It was either I did something super traditional but I couldn’t do fusions. I am more than that.”
Creating what came from her heart, La Mala penned songs about self-worth (“Cabrona”), female empowerment (“Tenme Miedo”), and immigrant struggles as heard in “Nuestra Tierra (Our Land)” with Chris Perez, Joe Ojeda, and Yorch. Standout tracks include the opening “Nada De Ti” featuring the all-female mariachi Flor de Toloache and the Western-tinged “Sexo Debil” in collaboration with Chiquis. “I did the fusions I wanted to do, not thinking about anything other than feeling and creating,” she adds. “Every song I wrote or co-wrote and it marks a new stage of my career.” Stream and listen to Soy Mala below. — J.R.
Marco Antonio Solís, “Se Veía Venir” (Marbella Music)
True to the romantic essence that’s characterized one of Mexico’s most prolific songwriters, Marco Antonio Solís delivers a mariachi-powered heartbreak anthem titled “Se Veía Venir.” On it, Solís shows off his soothing but powerful vocals emotionally singing “it was your attitude, vague and indifferent… as of today, my love, we live separate lives.”
“Se Veía Venir” is his first track in three years and it was penned by the Michoacán-born artist in 2020. It was released today (May 7) in honor of his 45 years in the industry and ahead of his highly-anticipated Mother’s Day virtual concert. — G.F.
J Balvin, “7 De Mayo” (Sueños Globales/UMG Recordings)
In honor of his 36th birthday today (May 7), J Balvin released an ultra-personal track dubbed “7 de Mayo.” Penned by Balvin and Keityn, the Hip-Hop song is an autobiographical piece intertwined with recordings from real-life commentaries, including Daddy Yankee. The global Colombian star opens up about his upbring, struggles in his career, and the legacy he wants to leave behind.
He recalls the times people didn’t believe in him because he was a Colombian doing reggaetón music and how difficult it was for him to export his talent in times where there was no social media or press. He sheds light on his mental health issues and how his mother and her prayers have kept him grounded. “If I die, don’t remember the hitmaker, remember the parcero who left a legacy,” he chants in the track.
A music video directed by José Emilio Sagaró shows a performance by Balvin laced with rare footage of his beginnings in music and some of his most successful career moments. “May 7 is the day a warrior and a dreamer was born,” he states. — J.R.
Carin Leon, Inédito (Tamarindo Rekordsz)
Carin Leon’s new album Inédito is a departure from his signature style rooted in norteño and sierreño. For this one, the Mexican singer-songwriter taps into the genres that’ve inspired him throughout his life including pop and country. The 31-year-old artist is able to take his core genre, which is regional Mexican, and fuse it with different sounds for a more mainstream approach.
“I’m at a moment in my career where I can showcase something different that is fun for me and exciting for fans,” Leon tells Billboard. “I want to see them react to the new music I’ve been creating. In it, I’m revolutionizing my sound and I want it to really reflect my taste in music, what’s inspired me.” Inédito is home to 17 tracks including the ultra pop ballad “Otra A Tu Salud” and the ukulele powered “Alguien Mejor” with a Hawaiian vibe. Listen to the album below. — G.F.
Ramón Vega, Gera MX, “Wiken” (Cové Records/Sony Music Latin)
The new generation of Regional Mexican is having a moment and Ramón Vega, alongside Gera MX, hops on the wave. Ever since his debut single, Vega let it be known that he was bringing a fresh proposal to the genre. He’s a proud Mexican, he’s Regional, and he’s also innovative.
On his new single, “Wiken,” he teams up with Billboard’s Latin Artist on the Rise, Gera MX, who recently made history on the Billboard Hot 100 as well. Vega’s sugary vocals lace with Gera’s rap verses to bring to life an edgy soul-funk, Hip-Hop track with a splash of Regional Mexican rhythms. “Wiken” is a flirtatious song about two people who want to be together but can’t, to which Vega proposes, “Why rob you for one night, if I could have you the whole weekend?” — J.R.
