New Music Latin is a compilation of the best new Latin songs and albums recommended by Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors. Check out this week’s picks below.
Fuerza Regida, Pa Las Baby’s y Belikeada (Rancho Humilde/Street Mob Records)
It opens with a dark and seductive tone, as a sultry female voice confidently professes her affection for corridos. Her footsteps in high heels echo in the background as she appears to pick up a machine gun, effortlessly blending sensuality with outlaw imagery, creating an intriguing juxtaposition. Welcome to Pa’ las Baby’s y Belikeada, Fuerza Regida’s eighth studio album. Across an expansive 30-track journey, the San Bernardino troupe embarks on a daring and audacious expedition, fearlessly delving into the realm of corridos bélicos with a distinctive drill influence. The album serves as a testament to the group’s evolution as they immerse themselves in la belikeada movement, embracing the realm of excess in all forms: women, power, wealth.
They deliver the expected corridos alterados, this time complete with menacing accordion arrangements; and the inclusion of tracks like “Zona de Comfort” adds a touch of cumbia sabrosura to the mix. Known for their chart-topping prowess, the album also features their previous hits like “TQM” and “Sabor Fresa.” The album’s lyrical themes stay true to their rags-to-riches narrative (“FVDP”), reminding us of the hard-fought journey to success. However, Pa’ las Baby’s also ventures into unexpected territories. “Harley Quinn” sees them collaborating with Marshmello, infusing EDM elements into música mexicana, while “Freaky Freaky” (featuring Calle 24 and Armenta) brings reggaetón rhythms. JOP even switches to English for the sinister drill number “Dafuk,” showcasing the group’s versatility.
Also featuring El Fantasma, Maria Becerra, Juanpa Salazar, Gabito Ballesteros, Manuel Turizo, Chino Pacas and more, Fuerza maintains its signature blinged-out corridos style, solidifying its place in the genre. Still, they also boldly experiment with new sounds and genres, expanding their sonic horizons. Belikeada is a testament to their ability to push boundaries while staying true to their roots, ensuring that that the group remains a reckoning force in the world of Mexican and Mexican-American music. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Anitta, “Mil Veces” (Republic Records/Universal Music Latino)
Anitta has never been shied away from showcasing her sensuality in her art, and “Mil Veces” is no exception. In her latest single, the Brazilian superstar sings about the ups and downs of a relationship while reminiscing on the “thousand times” she and her lover have been together and how much her desire is still alive. “If we get to do it again, we won’t be leaving my room,” she sings in this melodic Brazilian funk single, part of her forthcoming album Funk Generation. “I love the attractive pop notes of its lyrics, which talk about a relationship that wasn’t meant to last but continues on and on experiencing ups and downs,” Anitta says in a press release. “It’s a relationship dynamic that many people have already experienced.” The uber-steamy music video, directed by Jackson Tisi, stars Måneskin singer Damiano David as her lover. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Adriana Rios & Ana Bárbara, “A Mi Me Respetas” (Afinarte Music)
Adriana Ríos and Ana Bárbara, two powerful female voices in música Mexicana, have collaborated on “A Mi Me Respetas,” sending a valuable message about empowerment. A full-force effort to convey the importance of treating women with respect and dignity, this duet is strengthened by acoustic guitar, heavy tuba interplay, and the artists’ passionate, robust vocal delivery. The impeccable duo exhibits great strength in its lyrics and melodies in the verses to complete the song with, “And you don’t rule over me, you’re a nobody, and I’m a cabrona.” — INGRID FAJARDO
Kali Uchis, “Te Mata” (Geffen Records)
Serving as another prelude to her highly-anticipated album, Orquídeas, Kali Uchis’ “Te Mata” is a gorgeous and profound bolero powered by the artist’s deep yet delicate and spellbinding vocals. Written by Uchis and produced by Josh Crocker and Manuel Lara, the song’s lyrics are striking. “Me, I am the devil of your story. The one that knew that in order to fly, I would have to find my own wings … I allowed your actions, they hurt me like bullets, the one that cried to sleep and would wake up to continue the nightmare,” she sings evocatively. “Te Mata” is Kali Uchis’ second Spanish-language track released this year, following the sultry “Muñekita” with El Alfa and JT (of City Girls), ahead of her upcoming new set, set to drop January 12. It features collabs with Peso Pluma, Karol G and Rauw Alejandro. — GRISELDA FLORES
R3ymon, Mawell & Baby Lores, “Hazme El Amor Con Odio” (R3ymon Music)
Similar to how Puerto Rican and Colombian artists join forces to propel their local music movements, these three Cuban acts are doing the same. In their first collaborative effort, “Hazme el Amor Con Odio” (“Make Love To Me with Hate”), R3ymon, Mawell, and Baby Lores bring to the forefront a refreshing generation of Cuban acts, including Mawell who’s going viral on social media with “La Triple M.” Produced by La Companioni and Nando Pro, the track is a captivating reparto (an urban-tropical fusion that derives from the barrios in Cuba) about a man who’s trying to save his relationship. “I dare you to look at me in the eyes and tell me you don’t love me/confess to me that I’m still the man of your bed,” says part of the song, as each artist flaunts their potent, distinct vocals. — JESSICA ROIZ
Listen to more new Latin music recommendations in the playlists below:
