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.
Luck Ra, Que Sed (Sony Music Latin)
Following his debut Que Nos Falte Todo, which was Spotify’s most-streamed album of 2024 in Argentina, Luck Ra drops his sophomore set Que Sed. Argentina’s breakout star, born Juan Facundo Almenara Ordónez, continues on the same streak that made him a household name: lyrics about heartbreak backed with feel-good, party melodies and his captivating falsetto vocals. Seriously, there’s no time to be moping over an ex with tracks titled like “Que Idiota,” “Un Clavo” and “Por El Ex No Se Llora.” On the 14-track set, Luck Ra reeled in collaborators Nicki Nicole, Kenia Os, Lola Indigo, Ke Personajes, Dread Mar I, Ulises Bueno and Tiago PZK, who’s on the focus single “Fue Culpa Tuya.” It’s also home to his previously-released notable team-ups with Chayanne (“Un Siglo Sin Ti”), Elvis Crespo (“Suavemente”) and Maluma (“Hola Perdida Remix”).
Que Sed, which loosely represents his ambitious thirst and hunger in the music industry, puts the country’s cuarteto or cuartetazo movement on the map — a musical genre born in Córdoba similar to merengue — fused with urban, reggae and cumbia beats. “It’s very exciting to see the fruits of our labor come together. This album is an expression of my roots, with an eye reaching international markets,” says Luck Ra, one of Billboard’s 2025 Latin Artists to Watch. “It’s made with appreciation and love for the fans, and with an immense passion for music.” — JESSICA ROIZ
Ela Taubert, “¿Cómo Haces?” (Universal Music Latino)
Colombian singer-songwriter Ela Taubert pays a meaningful tribute to her mother in “¿Cómo Haces?,“ the latest single from her debut album Preguntas a Las 11:11, to be released on May 9. With a mid-tempo pop rhythm driven by drums and guitar, the 2024 Latin Grammy winner for best new artist sings to that unconditional person who has always been with her, through thick and thin. The music video is an emotional collage of images of Ela in concert and backstage with her mother, as well as spending time with fans. In a powerful ending, the track concludes with a version of the chorus recorded live during a show with the crowd singing along at the top of their lungs. – SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Servando & Florentino feat. Maelo Ruiz, “No te Vayas” (Goalz Music – OPJR)
The Primera brothers, Servando & Florentino, joined forces with romantic music icon Maelo Ruiz for “No Te Vayas.” This single is another preview of their awaited album, SE BUSCAN: VIVOS O INMORTALES. The track masterfully revives the authentic essence of salsa. From the first verse, Maelo Ruiz’s distinctive and soulful voice commands attention as he shares heartfelt lyric. His delivery interlaces beautifully with the harmonious and sweet high vocals of Servando & Florentino, creating a rich tapestry of sound that reflects their musical heritage. — INGRID FAJARDO
Gepe, Undesastre Delux: Cerodrama (Altafonte)
Gepe’s two-disc album Undesastre Deluxe: Cerodrama is a testament to reinvention. Building on his tenth studio album Undesastre, this deluxe edition adds three new tracks that delve into themes of transformation and healing with a whimsical essence. “NOstás,” a nylon guitar ballad, captures feelings of longing with poetic prose, while “Cumbia Chica” (featuring emerging Chilean singer-songwriter Beléncha) brings festive energy with a dash of reggaetón. On the hip-hop-tinged “Otro Plan,” rapper Bronko Yotte delivers an introspective verse alongside the Santiago de Chile musician. Disc two also spotlights “La Cueca del Canario V.2,” originally released in February, enriched by Niño de Elche’s flamenco artistry. Fluidly genre-hopping and packed with memorable hooks, Gepe deftly blends tradition with innovation, crafting music that is heartfelt, danceable, and undeniably human. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Rauw Alejandro, “Carita Linda” (Sony Music Latin)
Rauw’s first single since releasing his Top Latin Albums chart-topping LP Cosa Nuestra, “Carita Linda” is at its core a love letter to Puerto Rico — both sonically and lyrically. Powered by a hypnotizing fusion of bomba with urban beats, the single — penned by the artist himself and produced by Dímelo Ninow — continues Rauw’s commitment to elevating tropical music. The song’s lyrics capture an instant connection between two souls who are meeting for the first time, and that deep yearning for eternal love. Rauw debuted the song on April 5 during his Cosa Nuestra Tour stop in Seattle, where he sang “Carita Linda” for the first time. — GRISELDA FLORES
Banda MS & Luis Antonio López “El Mimoso,” “Sé Sincera Corazón” (Lizos Music)
Two of Sinaloa’s greatest banda exponents come together for this collaboration, with a ranchero-focused style. Written by Omar Tarazón and Sergio Lizárraga, “Sé Sincera Corazón” speaks of a relationship that is fading and of being at a crucial point to either continue it or end it. “Be sincere, heart/ Where is the arrow pointing/ Let’s revive love/ Or do we let it die?” they sing with great feeling. The union of Banda MS with Luis Antonio López “El Mimoso” is undoubtedly a pleasant surprise. The feeling they give it is the icing on the cake, which invites you to accompany it with a tequila. — TERE AGUILERA
Silvestre Dangond & Carín León, “Cosas Sencillas” (Sony Music Latin)
When Urumita, Colombia (Silvestre Dangond) meets Hermosillo, Sonora (Carín León), a new vallenato anthem emerges. The two hitmakers unite for the first time in this exciting collaboration — a partnership that was inspired by a spontaneous meeting during the renowned Vallenato Festival in Valledupar, Colombia last year. During the festival, Silvestre invited Carín to his home to enjoy a parranda with other Colombian musicians and composers. From this gathering, the idea for their collaboration was born. The song features beautiful accordion melodies that blend Silvestre’s high vocals with Carín León’s raspy tones. — I.F.
Yeisy Rojas, “Inmigrante y Qué?”
Latin Grammy-nominated Cuban artist Yeisy Rojas returns with a single, released independently, about the migrant experience and the importance of celebrating our roots, embracing our identity, and breaking down prejudices during times of tension for many immigrants in the U.S. “We live working, fighting for a dream/ You call me an immigrant, I proudly answer/ Immigrant, so what? / I bring my joy and my pain too,” Rojas sings over a contagious and sophisticated fusion of Cuban rumba, funk, salsa and hip-hop. “‘Inmigrante y Qué?’ is a song that seeks to make visible the stories of struggle and hope of those who have had to leave their homeland to build a new life,” Rojas tells Billboard Español, adding that “migrating is not a shame, but an act of courage and a source of pride.” — S.R.A.
Check out more Latin recommendations this week below:
