Maluma’s ‘Contrato’ & More: Which Is Your Favorite New Latin Music Release This Week? Vote!
This week, Billboard’s New Music Latin roundup and playlist — curated by Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors — features fresh new music from artists such as Maluma, Emilia, Karol G, Peso Pluma, and more.
Maluma has officially entered his regional Mexican music era, and this desert cumbia, titled “Contrato,” with a Tex-Mex flair is a dazzling listen. “I’m really excited to share ‘Contrato’ with all my fans,” said the Colombian superstar in a press release. “It was an incredible experience working with Nuno Gómez and Tés in Las Vegas, a city that has always inspired me. The video reflects that energy, and I hope everyone enjoys it as much as I do.”
Evolving beyond her “.mp3” oeuvre, Emilia officially kicks off her “.mpeg” moment with “La_Playlist.mpeg.” Capturing the essence of the late ‘90s and early ‘00s — a period rich in glitchy, vibrant pop tunes — this Y2K-inspired dance-pop track pays tribute to mixtapes transitioning into digital playlists, all while channeling the spirit of Vengaboys’ “Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom!!” The Argentine star conveys emotions of desire and connectivity with an energetic persuasion, merging her modern style with retro flair.
After being recognized as Woman of the Year at Billboard’s Latin Women in Music 2024, Karol G officially kicks off a summer anthem with the merengue-tinged “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido.” Set in a quaint seaside spot, its music video sees Karol as a waitress who is encouraged by a colleague to sing at a karaoke bar. Her performance ignites a festive mood, transforming the venue into a lively party that even the police join in, embodyihng true Caribbean spirit.
Peso Pluma also debuted his wildly anticipated 24-track album, Éxodo, where the Mexican superstar not only builds off the corridos that made him a superstar, but gets as versatile as can be with trap, dance-pop and reggaetón music.
Last week, music fans voted for Magneto’s “Prender El Fuego Otra Vez,” which generated more than 45% of the vote, beating out other new releases that dropped this week, including Ángela Aguilar’s mariachi ballad “Gotitas Saladas,” Mario Bautista’s new regional Mexican album Fenix, Chino Pacas‘ latest single “Mami Chula,” Santa Fe Klan and Dímelo Flow’s “Ya Valió,” and Zhamira Zambrano’s “Bienvenida,” with which she announced her pregnancy. Coming in second place is Paulo Londra’s “Paracaídas” with 32% of the votes.
Who should win this week? Vote among new releases by Jowell & Randy, El Blxnco, Wisin, and more, below:
Isabela Raygoza
Billboard