The urban genre has practically taken over the worldwide music biz, so it’s only appropriate that reggaeton powerhouses Bad Bunny and Ozuna lead this year’s 2020 Billboard Latin Music Awards list of finalists with 14 nods each.
Being a finalist for a BLMA is not only an achievement for each artist, but also for the genre they represent. And we can definitely say that urban music has been well represented through the years at the Billboard Latin Music Awards, which, this year, celebrates its 30th anniversary.
For that reason, Billboard has put together the evolution of the urban genre at the Billboard Latin Music Awards. Who were the first urban artists to make history? See below.
1999: The first-ever urban artist to win a BLMA was Vico C. In 1999, he won the rap album of the year category with Aquel Que Había Muerto.
2003: Four years later, duo Hector & Tito won Latin rap album of the year with A La Reconquista.
2005: Reggaeton album of the year appeared as new category and the award went to Daddy Yankee, who made history by winning with his album Barrio Fino.
2006: Reggaeton song of the year category opens. Baby Ranks, Daddy Yankee, Tony Tun Tun, Wisin, Yandel and Hector “El Father” won with “Mayor Que Yo.”
2007: Wisin & Yandel win as Hot Latin Songs artist of the year — the first time an urban act won in this category.
2010: Tito “El Bambino” made history after winning seven categories, including Hot Latin Song of the year with “El Amor,” Hot Latin Songs artist of the year, male and Latin Rhythm Airplay song of the year.
2012 & 2013: In 2012, Don Omar broke El Bambino’s record, winning eight categories, and then in 2013, he repeated the feat by winning 10 awards, including song of the year, streaming with “Danza Kuduro” and song of the year, airplay for “Dutty Love” with Natti Natasha.
2015: J Balvin wins as artist of the year, debut. Also, he won Latin Rhythm Songs artist of the year, solo and Latin Rhythm Song of the year with “6am.”
2016 & 2017: Nicky Jam comes back in a big way with “El Perdon.” In 2016, the Puerto Rican artist won seven awards, including the Hot Latin Song of the Year category. He also was a top winner in 2017, taking home six trophies.
2019: Ozuna established a new record: He is the artist who has won the most awards in one night (11 in total).
Overall, the top five urban artists with the most awards are: Don Omar (23), Daddy Yankee (22), Nicky Jam (20), Wisin & Yandel (17) and Ozuna (12).
The Billboard Latin Music Awards will close out LatinFest+, presented by Billboard and Telemundo, a three-day immersive experience dedicated to Latin music, culture and entertainment. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, LatinFest+ (formerly known as Billboard Latin Music Week) will include superstar conversations, workshops, live concerts and fan experiences and will feature artists such as J Balvin, Rosalía, Los Tigres del Norte and Ozuna, among many others.
For the latest on LatinFest+, including registration, visit LatinFestPlus.com.
