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.
Amenazzy, Santo Niño (Rimas Entertainment)
Up-and-coming artist Amenazzy is showcasing every corner of his creative mind on his debut album, Santo Niño, out Friday (June 18) via Rimas Entertainment. Home to eight tracks, Santo Niño will keep you on the dance floor all night long, where the Dominican urbano flirts with old-school dembow and reggae en Español (“Tengo Miedo”), hard-hitting romantic reggaeton (“Trata de Quererme”) and futuristic Latin trap beats (“Siempre Van a Hablar”), to name a few. On “No Soy un Santo,” Amenazzy even reeled in renowned trap stars Brray, Eladio Carrion, Foreign Teck, and Noriel for a solid and witty perreo. “I want this material to help those who follow me get to know me better and be able to relate to what I want to convey,” he expressed in a statement. “These songs are meant to be enjoyed without fear, no strings attached and with pure freedom.” Other collaborations on Santo Niño include fellow Dominican acts Don Miguelo, Rochy RD and Tokischa, as well as his viral Jay Wheeler-assisted track “Salio.” – JESSICA ROIZ
Carla Morrison, “Obra de Arte” (Cosmica Artists)
Pop darling Carla Morrison has been on a journey of liberation and her recently-released singles are a reflection of that trek. Her latest, “Obra de Arte (Work of Art),” is no exception. It’s part three of a series that has documented Morrison’s reality with anxiety (“Ansiedad”), to freeing herself from things that have been holding her (“No Me Llames”), to the momentous “Obra de Arte,” an ultra empowering anthem on acceptance, letting go of societal expectations and practicing self-love. “I give life, I’m from the sky. I shine in every moment. I’m a woman. I am the origin of every good thing in you,” the singer declares. “‘Work of Art’ for me is the moment that I waited for so long, where I finally learned that I am perfect just the way I am,” Morrison said about her song. “Being a woman is a superpower, being imperfect is a superpower, accepting myself is a superpower, celebrating me is a superpower and I don’t have to explain it to anybody because the only one that needs to understand it, is me.” — GRISELDA FLORES
Lorenzo Mendez, “Por Curarte Las Heridas” (LM7 Entertainment)
After being the frontman of La Original Banda el Limón for more than 10 years, Latin Grammy-winning Lorenzo Mendez continues to pave his way as a solo artist. This time, the Mexican-American singer presents “Por Curarte las Heridas,” released on the heels of his viral Adal Loreto-assisted track “El Dinero Viene y Va.” On his new single, penned by regional Mexican hitmaker Erika Vidrio, Mendez is heartbroken, vulnerable and honest. He opens up about a failed relationship after curing his ex-partner’s broken heart and giving his 100 percent. “For healing your wounds, my heart is broken into a million pieces/ You’re leaving and you’re forgetting everything I did/ you used my arms like a hospital,” he belts in the heartfelt ranchera. – J.R.
Gerardo Ortiz & Los Dos Carnales “El Ranchero” (Sony Music Latin)
Throughout his 10-plus years in the industry, Gerardo Ortiz has shown that he’s unafraid to be experimental tapping into different sounds such as bachata and urban. But for his first-ever collaboration with Los Dos Carnales, Ortiz sticks to his regional Mexican roots and the sound that has identified the quickly ascending duo. The feel-good track titled “El Ranchero,” penned by Ortiz, is a traditional corrido norteño powered by an accordion that chronicles a humble lifestyle in the rancho. “Riding my horse, I live happily. I wear a sombrero and I never leave it behind,” they sing. – G.F.
Danna Paola, “Mia” (Universal Music Mexico)
“Welcome to the new me.” Danna Paola leaves behind her sorrows and heartbreaks, turning her life lessons into a new summer anthem dubbed “Mia.” In her new single, released just five months after her studio album K.O., Danna returns empowered, refreshed and advocating for self-love, now, more than ever. “Mia,” a hard-hitting dance-pop song with urban undertones, is dedicated to that person who lost their opportunity with you and now it’s too late. Singing in both Spanish and English, Danna gets her message across: she’s focused on herself and living life with no regrets. “Mia” is the first single off of Danna’s upcoming album scheduled for release in 2022. — J.R.
Carin León & Jessie Uribe “Resultó Muy Perra” (Mano de Obra, Tamarindo Recordsz)
Another first-ever collaboration on this week’s First Stream Latin. Regional Mexican singer Carin Leon and música popular artist Jessi Uribe from Colombia join forces for a ranchera song of heartbreak. “I was very thoughtful. I kept my promises but she didn’t care, she went through the door … she left me without emotions,” Leon opens the song. “She says it’s all on her. She threw the moon and rejected the stars I brought down for her the other night when she was mine and I was … sorry, I’m still hers,” Uribe adds. Both Uribe and Leon are convincingly despechados (heartbroken) in “Resultó Muy Perra” with melancholic lyrics that tug at your heartstrings. – G.F.
