“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.
Jhay Cortez, “Christian Dior” (Universal Music Latin)
“Christian Dior” may start off slow, but the track quickly shifts gears into a hard-knocking reggaeton/trap song that finds Jhay Cortez singing about a luxurious lifestyle. The Tainy-produced track, which interpolates Hector El Father’s 2005 reggaeton anthem “Tu Quieres Duro,” was penned by Cortez and follows his “Kobe En LA,” an experimental uptempo reggaetón track. “Christian Dior” is the second single from his forthcoming album Timelezz. Cortez’s new release coincides with the news that he’ll perform global hit “Dákiti” with Bad Bunny at the 63rd annual Grammy Awards on Sunday. — GRISELDA FLORES
Yandel, “Meditar” (Y Entertainment/Sony Music Latin)
A more introspective, romantic Yandel comes to the forefront in this atmospheric track inspired by a family vacation in the mountains of North Carolina. Built on sparse loops and augmented by background vocals that give it a lush sound, “Meditar” showcases a completely different musical side for Yandel, compatible with his more private persona. – LEILA COBO
La Ross Maria, “Quiero Verte” (829Music Mundial)
La Ross Maria is fierce as ever in her new single “Quiero Verte” (I want to see you). Unlike on her previous bops, the up-and-coming Dominican artist delivers an infectious reggaeton produced by ElBabyR. Once again, her raspy and captivating vocals steal the spotlight, rapping about turning a long-distance friendship into a real relationship. “I’m dying to meet you, it won’t be over the phone anymore, finally I can have you in person,” she chants. “Quiero Verte” is accompanied by a vibrant music video directed by NitidoNintendoFILMS. — JESSICA ROIZ
Danny Ocean x Justin Quiles, “Cuantas Veces” (Atlantic Recording)
After collaborating on Nibal’s quarantine-inspired song “Cuando Amanezca,” Danny Ocean and Justin Quiles have joined forces once again on “Cuantas Veces,” helmed by producer Ovy on the Drums. In true Ocean fashion, the song is a rhythmic urban-pop track interlaced with electronic beats and catchy guitar riffs. We also hear Quiles stepping out of his comfort zone, adapting to Ocean’s signature sound. A music video directed by Vomba and produced by November Content, shows three girlfriends enjoying the song at the club and later meeting up with Ocean, Quiles and Ovy. “Cuantas Veces” marks the second single from Ocean’s upcoming studio album, slated for 2021. – J.R.
Selena Gomez, Revelación (Interscope Records)
A decade after tweeting that Spanish music was on the way, Selena Gomez has released her first-ever Spanish project titled Revelación. The seven-track set, produced by hitmaker Tainy, kicks off with the dreamy pop track “De Una Vez” that puts Gomez’s soothing vocals and empowering lyrics at the forefront. “She wanted us to give life to Selena Gomez in Spanish,” singer-songwriter Elena Rose, who co-wrote most of the songs on the EP, tells Billboard. “For it to be a direct translation of who she is when she’s singing in English. She’s all about empowerment, compassion, being a warrior, and being vulnerable. So the lyrics were very important here.” Revelación picks up speed with more rhythmic, soft reggaeton tracks such as “Buscando Amor,” the Rauw Alejandro-assisted “Baila Conmigo,” and “Dámelo To’” with Myke Towers. She then goes solo again with “Vicio” and “Adiós.” The EP, an exploration of her Latin roots, follows Gomez’s 2020 album Rare. — G.F.
Leoni Torres, Alma Cubana (Leoni Torres/Puntilla Music)
Paying tribute to his Cuban roots, Leoni Torres presents his new studio album, Alma Cubana, charged with traditional bolero, son Cubano, salsa and trova sounds fused with modern melodies. Home to 10 tracks that were co-penned by Torres and Kelvis Ochoa, and co-produced by the two alongside Leonardo Fabian Gil Milian, Alma Cubana contains the new single “Eres Tu,” which dropped on International Woman’s Day as a celebration of women around the world. It also includes his romantic rendition of “Si Fuera Mia” by the late Polo Montañez, who first released the song in 2000. “This album is inspired by the music my parents heard when I was a child,” Torres said in a press statement. “Going to the past and finding myself with those sounds, lyrics, and romantic melodies has been a big challenge for me.” – J.R.
Marinah, Heroínas (Nacional Records)
Marinah (real name Marina Abad), spent 13 years as the frontwoman of flamenco/hip hop group Ojos de Brujo, and those myriad global influences shine through in her solo set Heroínas (Heroines). Marinah’s mix of hip hop and rap (further highlighted with guest spots by the likes of Cuba’s La Came Blanche and Mexico’s Niña Dioz) with flamenco, electronic and the occasional cumbia, evoke a modern-day Manu Chao. It’s different, and it begs to be unpacked and listened to again. —L.C.
