New Music Latin: Listen to Releases From Maria Becerra & Ivy Queen, Plus More
New Music Latin is a compilation of the best new Latin songs and albums recommended by Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors. Check out this week’s picks below.
Maria Becerra & Ivy Queen, “Primer Aviso” (Warner Music Latina)
“La Queen con La Mari” is the team up we didn’t know we needed. Marking the first release from Maria Becerra’s upcoming album, “Primer Aviso” is a poignant track that finds Becerra venting in rapid-fire verses about the challenges she’s faced in the industry. Set to a fiery old-school reggaetón beat, the Argentine artist is joined by Ivy Queen, who also had something to say. “I sent the song to Ivy so she could echo my bars and do ad libs like everyone else, [but] she sent me a verse directly because she identified with [the song],” Becerra says in a statement. “I loved the idea because I realized I wasn’t the only one these things happened to.” The song also features ad libs by J Balvin, Nicky Jam, Yandel, Zion, Guaynaa and Lola Indigo. — GRISELDA FLORES
Grupo Marca Registrada & Julieta Venegas, “Andar Conmigo” (RB Music)
Since their inception, Grupo Marca Registrada has showcased its versatility by venturing into Latin rock (2010’s Con Sello de Rock) and more recently, delving into the seldom-explored terrain of techno bélicos (“Alucin”). Today (March 1), in collaboration with Tijuana pop royalty Julieta Venegas, the group has given her 2003 hit “Andar Conmigo” a distinctive Sinaloense makeover. This norteño-pop fusion is seamlessly done, thanks to accordion riffs that echo Venegas’ original composition, further highlighting the band’s adaptability and innovation. Having covered Venegas’ song “Limón y Sal,” frontman Fidel Oswaldo Castro dreamed of working directly with her. “We sent her the demo and she liked it,” Castro told Billboard Español. “Julieta told me she wanted something in the style of Marca Registrada and very regional Mexican and decided to go with ‘Andar Conmigo.'” — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Alfonso Terán, “Amor De Mi Vida” (Alfonso Terán)
Independent musician Alfonso Terán — featured in October’s On the Radar Latin — surprises with the uber-romantic country ballad “Amor de Mi Vida,” a departure from his signature pop sound. Powered by guitar riffs, and the unique addition of the Venezuelan cuatro (courtesy of Héctor Molina, of the Latin Grammy-winning group C4 Trío) that gives the song a special touch. “It has a spectacular sound with that acoustic influence from Tennessee,” Terán, who recorded the song between Miami and Nashville, proudly tells Billboard Español. “Your way of kissing, your eyes when you laugh, with just one look I discover again that I’m out of breath if you’re not here, my life,” he sings in part of the lyrics, performed with beautiful backup-vocals and harmonies. The song’s music video is set to drop next week, according to the artist. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
J Balvin, De La Ghetto and Jowell & Randy, “Triple S” (Sueños Globales, LLC)
J Balvin reeled in De La Ghetto and Jowell & Randy for his new single “Triple S” — and possibly the new female anthem of 2024. An abbreviation of “suelta, soltera, sin nadie que la joda,” the Tainy and Subelo Neo-produced track narrates the story of a strong-minded and single woman who’s not to be messed with, and one who has a guarded heart and has no expectations. “Triple S” meshes futuristic reggaetón tones with hard-hitting perreo to further back its empowering lyrics. The music video directed by Patricia Alfonso and Chris Cabrera, and produced by Eat My Shorts, finds all four artists serving as the trusted henchman of a female mafia leader who poisons all of her male lovers in her lavish mansion. — JESSICA ROIZ
Manuel Medrano, “Este Cuento” (Warner Music México)
A dreamy fusion of guitar chords, drum beats and Manuel Medrano’s deep vocals give life to his new single “Este Cuento,” which can be translated to “this story.” The second single from his upcoming third album, the song takes inspiration from magical realism as it tells an evocative love story in the form of a metaphor, and displays the emotions involved in long-distance relationships. “I asked the stars to bring me back to you./ I promised love that if one day I found you./ I wouldn’t let you run away again.” Penned by Medrano and co-produced with Christian Velandia, the single thrives on a mix of folk, country and Latin pop resulting in a melody full of whimsical sounds.— INGRID FAJARDO
Listen to more editors’ Latin recommendations in the playlist below:
Ingrid Fajardo
Billboard