“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.
ChocQuibTown, ChocQuib House (Sony Music Latin)
ChocQuibTown presents its sixth studio album, ChocQuib House via Sony Music Latin, highlighting once again their distinguishable Afrobeat and music of the Pacific rhythms and fusions. The made-at-home, colorful album, which in part was born during the quarantine, is home to 11 tracks that take fans on a personal journey with the Colombian group. The album’s concept, which according to an official statement is “from our house to the entire community” and made with great love, is meant to help listeners get through the global health crisis. “Music is the best therapy and the best way to overcome hard times,” the group discloses. The album includes the already-released tracks “Fresa,” “Humano,” “Que Me Baile” featuring Becky G, “Pa’ Olvidarte” and its party-starting remix featuring Manuel Turizo, Zion & Lennox and Farruko. “For me, this is more time to be able to return to the basics, to the essence, and have time to grow a little more on the artistic side. It’s a nice change that allows us to dream,” Goyo recently told Billboard’s Leila Cobo of the album that also includes collabs with Dalex, Lyanno, and Rauw Alejandro. Along with the album, CQT released the music video for the opening track “Vuelve,” showing a powerful lyrical dance portraying themes of distancing as it speaks to the world’s current situation. The video was created by the Colombian production company 36 Grados. Stream and listen to ChocQuib House below: — JESSICA ROIZ
Mon Laferte, “Love” (Universal Music Mexico)
Zoe’s timeless and iconic love song gets a new version thanks to Mon Laferte’s tribute track which brings the Chilean singer-songwriter’s powerful and seductive vocals to the fore of this ultra-romantic tune. “Zoé is a very important band in Mexico and I thank them for letting me record ‘Love,’ it’s one of my favorite songs,” Mon said in a statement. Zoe’s original song was released 17 years ago as part of their second studio Rocanlover. Mon Laferte’s take on “Love” drops ahead of Zoé‘s tribute album Reversiones which recruits top Latin artists like Juanes, Bronco, Alejandro Fernández, among others, to sing re-imagined versions of Zoe’s hits. The album is slated for a release later this year. — GRISELDA FLORES
Gloria Estefan, “Cuando Hay Amor ” (Crescent Moon Records)
“Cuando Hay Amor” is a joyful celebration of love set to the beat of Brazilian and Colombian drums. The video, shot in Salvador Bahia, features Estefan dancing a samba de roda –a traditional Afro-Brazilian dance– surrounded by Bahian women of all ages. But the song itself is a mix of Colombian and Brazilian rhythms, penned by Nicolas Tovar, Emilio Estefan and newcomer Andrea Lopez. It serves as the prelude to Estefan’s upcoming Brazil 305, an concept album of classic and new Estefan tracks set to Brazilian rhythms. — LEILA COBO
Los Retros, “New Humanity” (Stones Throw Records)
Mexican-American Mauri Tapia, aka Los Retros, previews Everlasting, his new EP due out June 18, with the psychedelic-tinted “New Humanity,” a dreamy tune which echoes the soft-rock American AOR of the 70’s. Buoyed by sturdy bass strokes which builds a hypnotic groove throughout the song, bouncy drum strokes and vintage synths, the 19-year-old applies a funky spin and his sexy swagger and flaunts the range of his voice subtly calling out the new generations to find wisdom, peace and spiritual growth. — PAMELA BUSTIOS
Llane, “Como Antes” (Warner Music Latina)
After kicking off his solo career with the uptempo bops “Mas De Ti,” “Amor Bailando,” and “Pa Ti,” Llane switches gears on his new single “Como Antes.” The Colombian singer explores the captivating fusion between the timeless bolero and soft reggaeton beats. “I want to make you fall in love like the good ole’ days / the way our parents fell in love / when love was much more interesting / I just want to love you like the good ole’ days,” Llane sings in the heartfelt tune about bringing back the essence of love. “Como Antes” was co-written by Llane, Cris Chil, and Angel “Pututi.” A homemade music video, directed by Teo via Facetime, shows Llane at his Miami-based apartment performing the song in a romantic setting. — J.R.
Myke Towers & Yandel, “Mayor” (The Orchard Music)
Myke Towers and Yandel have teamed up for “Mayor,” a song that brings to the forefront a man’s obsession with a woman who’s older than him. “I want her in my bed, I don’t care if she’s older,” sings Yandel on the track. The less than three-minute song is a sensual reggaeton infused with electric guitar melodies and hints of R&B. “It’s a pleasure to feel your skin, I’m addicted to your body,” Yandel chants in the sultry lyrics as Towers emphasizes: “I already did everything she likes and she didn’t even ask me / He doesn’t have the initiative that I have.” Directed by Damian Fyffe for Marlon Films, the video shows both artists performing the song as they are surrounded by beautiful models in lingerie. — J.R.
Los Angeles Azules ft. Lali, “Las Maravillas de la Vida” (Universal Music Group)
After teaming up with Carla Morisson in 2015 for “Las Maravillas de la Vida,” Los Angeles Azules recruited Lali for a new version out today. Forming part of the group’s forthcoming album De Buenos Aires para el mundo!, which includes hits by Los Angeles along with special collabs by renowned Argentine, Chilean and Mexican artists, “Las Maravillas” fuses the distinctive sound of Iztapalapa cumbia with Argentine cumbia. In its lyrics, Lali tells the love story of a couple who wants to be together but should give their relationship time. The catchy cumbia also integrates Argentine folklore and tango. Watch the music video, recorded live, below. — J.R.
Ricardo Arjona, “Mamás de Moisés” (Metamorfosis Enterprises Inc.)
The Guatemalan singer-songwriter tackles migration in his a poignant single titled “Mamás de Moisés” off of his recently-released album Blanco. In his poetic lyrics, Ricardo Arjona is able to encompass a universal story that chronicles the plight of those who either decide or are forced to cross borders in an effort to survive. Meanwhile, the video follows the story of a young man who leaves his family behind and embark on an often costly, dangerous and difficult journey to cross geographical borders. In his new album, Arjona returns to basics in this 8-track EP recorded live at Abby Road Studios in London.— G.F.
Ozuna, “Caramelo” (Aura Music)
Almost three months after dropping the music video for “Temporal,” Ozuna returns with brand new music coined “Caramelo” (Candy). The never-before-heard song is home to an infectious hip-shaking and head-bobbing reggaeton beat about two people who have sweet chemistry. “I tried you again, your mouth does not lose its candy flavor / we let ourselves go, you are my bandit and I am your bandit,” Ozuna’s dulcet voice chants. Paying homage to its title, a colorful music video directed by Nuno Gomes shows Ozuna in a Candyland-inspired setting as models enjoy ice cream, bubble gum, lollipops, and more. The clip landed on YouTube’s trending page. — J.R.
Paty Cantú, “No Hacemos Nada” (EMI Music Mexico)
Mexican singer-songwriter Paty Cantú goes back to her roots in this stripped-down heartbreak song. “Look at me, I am scared. Don’t leave me alone with our situation. It weighs so much that it can sink us,” she sings. The achingly beautiful and melancholic lyrics find Cantú in a dark place figuring out how and if a broken relationship can be fixed. For the video, Cantú recruits Mexican actress Bárbara López who takes on the role of a heartbroken person expressing her emotions with Cantú’s lyrics. — G.F.
Dylan Fuentes, Tainy, Mau & Ricky, “Mente” (NEON16/Interscope Records)
Dylan Fuentes, recognized as one of Billboard’s Latin Artists to Discover during Quarantine, has teamed up with Tainy and Mau & Ricky for his new single “Mente.” The infectious pop-reggaeton fusion spotlights two people who love each other but are distant. Telling the story from a guy’s point of view, who is going through the heartbreak, the catchy chorus says: “Unfortunately I lost you/you are the one who’s always for me/you left your mark, tell me where you are baby / you’ll miss my warmth and all my love.” Signed by the NEON16/Interscope Records talent incubator, Fuentes is making his way in the industry with his promising sound that fuses Afrobeat, dancehall, Latin R&B, and Caribbean melodies. — J.R.
Jay Wheeler, “Fuiste Tu” (Linked Music/EMPIRE)
In collaboration with renowned reggaeton producer DJ Nelson, Jay Wheeler’s “Fuiste Tu” serves as a preface to his new album titled Platonicos released today (June 12). “With God first, I want to thank my fans for so much support. You help maintain my humility intact and give me strength to fight for my dreams. This album is a result of hard work and I hope you love it,” the rising artists said in a statement. The soft reggaetón track with an accompanying infectious beat, solidifies the Puerto Rican singer-songwriter as a a promising urbano artist with slick songwriting skills. Listen to the 12-track set here.
Chancha Via Circuito & El Búho, “El Mago Georges” (Wonderwheel Recordings)
DJ and composer Pedro Canale has been fusing electronica with Latin American folklore for over a decade under the moniker Chancha via Circuito. The forward-thinking Argentinean producer pairs up with UK-born Paris-based musician Robin Perkins, aka, El Búho in their first collaborative effort Pleamar EP (Spanish for high tide) a synthesis of Latin American indigenous and tribal echoes and downtempo electronica. “El Mago Georges” (Georges, the wizard), one of four tracks on the set, reflects on the orotund and cosmic jungle sounds of Latin America with leftfield electronic tapestries. The song arrives with an animated videoclip directed by Kati Egely. — P.B.
