The Ultimate Playlist to Forget El Tóxico

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and if celebrating the romantic holiday is not your thing —especially if you just got out of a relationship — then it’s time to turn to music.

Ahead of Galentine’s Day (held traditionally on Feb. 13 to celebrate women’s friendship), Billboard compiled the ultimate Latin playlist to forget “el tóxico” or “la tóxica” (aka your toxic ex) because let’s face it — music heals the soul. A total of 70 songs form part of our empowering and unapologetic playlist that includes all-time classics such as Paquita La Del Barrio’s “Rata de Dos Patas,” Selena Quintanilla’s “Qué Creias” and Café Tacvba’s “La Ingrata,” as well as reggaeton anthems such as Nio Garcia & Casper’s “Te Boté,” Bad Bunny and Sech’s “Vete,” and Ivy Queen’s “La Vida es Así,” to name a few.

But it doesn’t stop there. Kicking el tóxico or la tóxica to the curb comes in every genre.

Elena Rose and Maria Becerra, for example, joined forces in 2024 for the saucy cumbia “Pa’ Qué Volviste?” Its notable hook even became a fan favorite on social media: “If they ask for me, tell them that I’m doing good and I’m super hot,” the Venezuelan and Argentine powerhouses sing, both wearing wedding dresses in the music video as they celebrate life, friendship and being single.

Música Mexicana classics on the playlist include Grupo Firme’s “Ya Superame” and Alicia Villareal’s “Te Quedó Grande la Yegua”; “Hector Acosta’s “Me Voy” is the ultimate divorce bachata track; and El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico sings all about being freed from a bad relationship in their salsa tune “Me Libere.”

Other anthems released in recent years? Becky G and Karol G’s first-ever collab “Mamiii” and Shakira’s “BZRP Music Session, Vol. 53” with Bizarrap, both are part of the mix.

Listen to this year’s Galentine’s playlist below to celebrate new beginnings.

Ingrid Fajardo

Billboard