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.
Reik & Rauw Alejandro, “Loquita” (Sony Music Mexico)
After making the rounds with the Maluma-assisted “Perfecta,” Reik reels in Rauw Alejandro for “Loquita.” The Mexican pop trio, who seamlessly hopped on the urban wave with hits like “Me Niego” and “Amigos con Derecho,” never cease to amaze us with their new musical era. “Loquita” is less poppy and even more urban, fusing a slow-tempo reggaeton beat with Rauw’s sultry aura. Penned alongside Keityn, the track tells the story of a confident girl who can easily drive anyone crazy. Helmed by director Fernando Lugo, the music video is a whole other vibe, showing the four artists in a fantasy garden. – JESSICA ROIZ
Carlos Vives, Mau y Ricky & Lucy Vives, “Besos en Cualquier Horario” (Sony Music Latin)
Carlos Vives teams up with Montaner siblings Mau y Ricky for the joyful “Besos en Cualquier horario” (Kisses Anytime), an ode to love but also to Vives’ native Santa Marta. Together with Vives’ daughter Lucy Vives, who sings briefly in the song, it’s a fully meshed collab where voices trade off liberally following the opening Caribbean guitar intro to settle into a beat that’s both island and vallenato, youthful and recognizable. Like all Vives’ songs, it’s immediately catchy and impossible to sit to. The Santa Marta visuals are a treat. — LEILA COBO
Ximena Sariñana, “Mr. Carisma” (Warner Music Mexico)
Ximena Sariñana has dropped a new anthem for all of those who are drawn to the “bad boy.” In “Mr. Carisma,” the Mexican crooner sings about the guy who’s no good for you yet you want to discover for yourself. “You are bad, bad but you are charming, you are Mr. Carisma,” she sings in the song. Fusing traditional cumbia melodies with alternative rock and Sariñana’s dulcet pop vocals, “Mr. Carisma” can easily transport anyone to a different place. We imagine listening to it in the streets of Mexico City as street musicians play this tune. “Mr. Carisma” marks the first single from Sariñana’s upcoming first cumbia EP. — INGRID FAJARDO
Prince Royce, “Lao’ a Lao’” (Sony Music Latin)
Prince Royce wants you to know that no one will love you the way he does in his new single “Lao’ a Lao’.” He also doesn’t need a mansion or a luxurious car, he only needs you. Co-produced and written by Royce alongside D’lesly “Dice” Lora, George Noriega, Miguel Muñoz and Giovanny Andrés Fernandez Manzu, “Lao’ a Lao’” is a sincere and humble love song à la “Corazon Sin Cara.” Perfect for a mid-summer anthem, the song is an innovative fusion between hard-hitting reggae beats and an electric bachata melody. “We are living through challenging times and with ‘Lao’ a Lao’ ‘ I just want people to temporarily disconnect and tune into that light, positive, feel-good frequency,” Royce, a five-time finalist at the 2021 Billboard Latin Music Awards, expressed in a statement. Watch the vibrant beach video directed by Nuno Gomes below. – J.R.
C. Tangana, “Yate” (Sony Music España)
C. Tangana’s new single, following the release of his El Madrileño album, is an invitation to enjoy life, go far away and keep going. If his latest Instagram reel is any indication, the Spanish singer-songwriter has been busy doing just that. “I haven’t had time to create a music video because I was living it,” he said. Co-produced by Tangana with Alizzz and Victor Martinez, “Yate” delves into flamenco music from the ’70s, incorporating soulful, sophisticated arrangements from Spanish guitars and castanets fused with electronic beats. – I.F.
Adriel Favela & El Bala, “El Bo” (UMG Recordings/Fonovisa)
It’s been a minute since Adriel Favela released new music, but he’s back and more powerful than ever on “El Bo,” his debut track under his new recording and label deal with Fonovisa Records, owned by Universal Music Latino. On his new single, the Regional Mexican star recruits El Bala, a 19-year-old aspiring artist from Navojoa, Sonora, who Favela has taken under his wings. Together, they join forces on an infectious corrido-meets-norteño fusion with honest and raw lyrics. “‘El Bo’ is whatever comes to mind, that’s what it’s about,” Favela said in a statement. “It’s a reality that not a lot of people see or understand but at the same time, many have experienced because of depression, anxiety, and other mental issues.” – J.R.
Jay Wheeler feat. Tyla Yaweh, “Take My Life” (Linked Music/Empire)
Jay Wheeler surprises fans with his new single “Take My Life,” for which he teamed up with Florida-based rapper Tyla Yaweh. Not only does he experiment with new fusions, but he also sings in English for the first time ever. “I used to believe the love that we had was forever, but now I can let it go,” Wheeler sings in the heartfelt collaboration. Produced by DJ Nelson, the song laces trap music with emo-punk and alternative pop sounds. “Take My Life” is a preview of Wheeler’s upcoming new urban English album that will drop in the fall. – I.F.
