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.
Maria Becerra, Becky G, “WOW WOW” (300 Entertainment)
After releasing a series of singles and collaborations with artists such as Cazzu and J Balvin, rising Argentine artist Maria Becerra has officially released her debut album titled Animal. The 11-song set drops with “Wow Wow” featuring Becky G as its focus track, a hard-knock reggaeton that has female empowerment anthem potential, and it marks the first time Becky and Becerra have teamed up for a collab. With a “who needs men” attitude, the track (and music video) find the pair living the best life and sharing a wealthy lifestyle with their BFFs. “Once I woke up and realized you were no longer by my side, I thought, ‘What good luck, this story has finally ended,’” Becerra opens the song. Near the minute-mark, Becky G joins Becerra on the track, singing, “Life is just one and it won’t wait for you … everything is cured with a perreo so don’t be embarrassed to get down.” — GRISELDA FLORES
Piso 21, “Nadie La Controla” (Warner Music Mexico)
After making the rounds with El Amor en los Tiempos del Perreo, one of Billboard’s best Latin albums of 2021 (so far), Piso 21 drops a fresh new single dubbed “Nadie la Controla.” Produced by duo producers Súbelo Neo (Freddy Montalvo Jr. and José Cruz), “Nadie La Controla” is a pure reggaeton song that later transitions to a fast-paced merengue ripiao,’ converting this song into the ultimate party jam. The lyrics bring to the forefront a girl who’s the center of attention and that can’t be controlled. The vibrant music video, helmed by director Charlie Nelson, features cameo’s my famed TikTok stars Kunno and Domelipa, to name a few. “Nadie La Controla” marks the first taste of the Colombian group’s upcoming production. –— JESSICA ROIZ
Maria Leon, Gloria Trevi, “Mudanza de Hormiga” (Promotodo Mexico/OCESA Seitrack)
For the first time, Maria Leon and Gloria Trevi join forces for a happy and colorful collaboration that sweetly fuses cumbia with urban sounds and mariachi trumpets. Penned by Leon, Marcela de la Garza, Trevi, and YoFred, “Mudanza de Hormida” is an invitation to do what your heart desires, from a feminine perspective. Moreover, it’s about being in love and that moment when you are ready to solidify a relationship. “I want to live with you/ I will even change my last name, and if someone asks me for my location, they could find me next to your heart,” Maria chants in the chorus. — INGRID FAJARDO
Dalex, “Pa’ nama” (Rich Music, Inc.)
Dalex is back with “Pa’nama,” a saucy track with a clever play on words. If his debut album Climaxxx was any indication, Dalex continues along the lines of the sultry lyrics and edgy reggaeton fusions that characterize him. Produced by Cromo La X, Rike Music, Ecby, and La Cone, the track tells the back-and-forth story of someone who’s playing hard to get and the other person who’s after them. “Pa’nama,” according to Dalex, “is all about the vibes, and it’s such a fun, sexy, and cheeky song that I hope makes people let loose and enjoy the moment,” he said in a statement. — J.R.
Los Tigres del Norte, “La Reunion” (RMS Music Group/UMG Recordings)
The family reunion we’ve all been waiting for. Los Tigres del Norte have blessed fans with a new single titled “La Reunión,” a norteña song that captures the essence of family in the Latin community. “Welcome to your house, my brothers. Hugging each other was necessary especially now that we are all alive and in good health. Cheers to that,” brothers Jorge and Hernan Hernández sing.
Penned by Eduardo García Márquez, “La Reunión” is a preview of Los Tigres del Norte’s forthcoming album due in the fall and, as ever, the band’s new song comes with a poignant message: a call for family unity and forgiving mistakes in order to build a strong foundation of love for their children. After the band’s longest touring hiatus, “Los Jefes de Jefes” will soon celebrate another reunion, this time with their fans in the upcoming U.S. tour set to kick off Sept. 10 in Kentucky. — G.F.
Maluma feat. Kapla y Miky, Philip Ariaz, Blessd, “L.N.E.M. (GATA)” (Sony Music Latin)
On the heels of “Sobrio” and its star-studded video featuring Scott Disick and other celebs, Maluma now joins forces with the new wave of artists from his native Colombia. Reeling in newcomers Kapla & Miky, Philip Ariaz, and Blessd, Maluma hopes to put “la nueva en el mapa” on their collaboration “L.N.E.M. (GATA).”
Co-produced by Golden Mindz and Rude Boyz, the track infectiously laces a slow-tempo perreo melody with hip-hop and reggaeton beats. “This is what making history is all about,” Maluma wrote on his Instagram.
“He wants to raise the flag,” former Billboard Latin Artist on the Rise Blessd says of Maluma. “There is no other artist like him helping those of us who are emerging so much. He’s doing a job that no one else has done. I respect him as an artist and triple as a person because of that.” — J.R.
