From career milestones and new music releases to major announcements and more, Billboard editors highlight the latest news buzz in Latin music every week. Here’s what happened in the Latin music world this week.
Wisin Celebrates His Viral Tracks
Less than a year after launching his record label, La Base, distributed by The Orchard via WK Records, Wisin celebrates two of his most viral hits of the moment. “Fiel” with Jhay Cortez and Los Legendarios was certified double platinum in the United States, Spain and Chile. His Myke Towers-assisted “Mi Niña” was certified platinum in the U.S., Spain, Colombia, Mexico and Chile. Both tracks are part of the Los Legendarios 001 album, released earlier this year.
Headquartered in Wisin’s native Puerto Rico, La Base Music officially launched in the summer of 2020 with new signees Chris Andrew and Abdiel Larralde. La Base Music’s resident engineer and award-winning producers include Hyde Quimico and Los Legendarios, who have worked with Latin superstars like Daddy Yankee, Ozuna and Reik.
Jay Wheeler Signing
Reggaeton’s romantic voice, Jay Wheeler, has signed an exclusive contract with Elite Media and Marketing (EMM). Headquartered in Miami with offices in NY and LA, EMM will be in charge of Wheeler’s exclusive management and booking moving forward. According to a press statement, “this important alliance assures Wheeler fans that they will be able to enjoy the best live entertainment around the world.”
Gera MX & Nodal Make History
Christian Nodal and Mexico’s newcomer Gera MX made Billboard history this week with their country-meets-hip-hop collab “Botella Tras Botella.” Born during a carne asada hangout in the midst of the pandemic, the song makes history on the Billboard Hot 100 chart as the first Regional Mexican title to enter the list in its almost 63-year history. In addition, the song also debuts at No. 3 on Hot Latin Songs and in the top 10 on both Global charts: No. 4 on Billboard Global Excl. U.S. and No. 9 on Billboard Global 200. “This is something nice that’s happening to two friends from Mexico,” Gera told Billboard. “It feeds your soul and makes you believe in yourself 1,000 percent more.”
Goyo & Rafa Pabon Make a Statement
Students and workers in Colombia have taken to the streets to protest a tax reform proposal by President Ivan Duque’s government. In national unrest and outcry over poverty, inequality and unemployment, the peaceful demonstrations in cities such as Bogotá, Cali and Medellín turned violent, with many civilians injured, killed and arrested for alleged vandalism. In solidarity with the Colombian community, Rafa Pabon and Goyo dropped a video singing Pabon’s protest track “Aire.” “Without justice, there’s no law,” reads the caption. “Dedicated to those left without air and whose dreams are taken.”
De La Ghetto’s New Look
De La Ghetto has been keeping busy. If he’s not at the studio making new music, he’s hitting the gym. This week, the Puerto Rican star surprised fans with his new fit look in the music video for “Perdida,” part of his 2020 album Los Chulitos (slang for someone who’s cool). “A gift for all of you who asked for this video and make ‘Perdida’ your favorite song,” De La expressed on Instagram.
For De La, being a chulito or chulita is much more than having swag. “It’s about having that positive energy and believing in yourself. You don’t have to be a model or be fashionable to be chulito or chulita. It’s just the way you carry yourself. You have to be presentable, humble and have a winning attitude,” he previously told Billboard.
