Neutro Shorty has officially captured the top spot in this week’s fan-voted new music poll, with his latest project, El Disco de Salsa, emerging as the clear favorite.
In a survey released by Billboard on Friday (May 22), audiences weighed in on the week’s freshest drops, ultimately crowning the Venezuelan rapper’s bold new album as the standout release. Securing an impressive 75% of the total vote, El Disco de Salsa outperformed heavy hitters like Olivia Rodrigo’s “The Cure,” Greeicy’s Candela, and tracks from Charli xcx, Lola Young, and Brandi Carlile.
Since his breakout in 2012 with the 5 Historias mixtape, Neutro Shorty—born Liomar Ricardo Acosta Orta—has been a defining force in the Venezuelan trap scene. This latest release, however, marks a deliberate stylistic pivot. Trading his trademark gritty rap flows for a sophisticated melodic approach, he has crafted a full-length exploration of “salsa brava,” drawing deep inspiration from the iconic 1970s New York sound pioneered by the Fania All-Stars.
The album serves as a masterclass in collaboration, featuring high-profile nods from genre royalty. Notable contributions include Gilberto Santa Rosa on the track “Un Consejo,” Porfi Baloa of Los Adolescentes on “Infidelidad,” and a vibrant reimagining of the Willie Colón classic “Idilio” alongside the legendary Oscar D’León.
Following in second place, Olivia Rodrigo’s “The Cure” claimed nearly 17% of the vote. The single acts as a compelling teaser for her third studio album, You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love, slated for a June 12 release. Meanwhile, Greeicy rounded out the top three with her project Candela, which earned 3% of the tally as she continues to branch out from the pop-urban sound that launched her career.
For a deeper dive into the latest essential tracks, explore the full poll results and visit our Friday Music Guide.
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