Mexican music star Gabito Ballesteros has launched his own record label, HitKidz Records, debuting its first release this Thursday (August 20) with the track “Cali” — a collaboration featuring Kanito Escalante, his first signed artist, alongside Calle 24, El Bogueto and Ballesteros himself.
“Kanito has something you can’t learn anywhere. He has talent, a hunger for creation and, most importantly, his own unique style,” Ballesteros says about the young debut artist.
Originally from Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, Enrique Escalante (his real name) — who is currently 15 years old — began experimenting with music at a very young age, sharing it on TikTok, a platform where he quickly gained popularity.
“I’m really excited to start this new chapter with HitKidz and to have my first single coming out. For me, this is a huge opportunity to develop my music and grow as an artist with a team that believes in me,” Escalante says. “It also means a lot to have Gabito as a mentor. He’s someone I admire and respect greatly for all that he’s achieved, and to be able to learn from his experience and have him close during this process is very special. I can’t wait for people to hear what we’ve been working on and to discover who Kanito is.”
The music video for “Cali,” premiering at 8 p.m. ET, features the four artists in a tropical setting on the beaches of Cali, Colombia, performing this love and conquest-themed track that blends smooth rhythms with rap and urban sounds.
In an interview with Billboard Español, Ballesteros talks about his new label and how he plans to use to elevate emerging talent.
How long have you been working on the HitKidz project?
I’ve been working on HitKidz for quite some time now. It’s a project I’ve wanted to build carefully and do right because, for me, it’s not just about releasing music, it’s about creating a label where we can develop artists and give them the tools and opportunities they need to truly grow. And above all, forming a new family [following in the footsteps] of my brother Nata [Natanael Cano] and the corridos tumbados movement.
How many more artists will you have, and how do you choose them?
There are several artists we’re currently considering, and little by little, we’ll be introducing new talent. I don’t want to set an exact number because it’s not just about signing artists for the sake of signing them. I want every artist who joins HitKidz to have something special and for us to truly believe in their project. We choose them for their talent, obviously, but also for their personality, their drive to work, and because we feel they have something unique to offer. Most importantly, they need to have that God-given star quality. That’s why we say, “Stars never die.”
How will music releases roll out?
The idea is to gradually introduce each project and give each artist their moment. We want every release to have a strategy behind it and for the audience to get to know the artists, their sound and their stories. We’re not looking to overwhelm; we’re looking to build careers.
What do you look for in artists?
I look for authenticity. There are so many talented people out there, but for me, the key is finding someone with a strong identity, hunger and willingness to work. I’m not looking for fully developed artists; part of what we want to do at HitKidz is discover that potential and help it grow.
How much opportunity does any young person have to join your label?
All the opportunity in the world. One of the things that excites me most about HitKidz is the chance to find talent that may not yet have a platform, connections or millions of followers. I know what it’s like to start from the bottom and have someone believe in you. If you have talent, something unique, and you’re willing to work, you have a chance. You don’t need to come from the industry for us to listen to you.
