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:
Daddy Yankee & Marc Anthony, “De Vuelta Pa’ La Vuelta” (El Cartel Records)
Is that Daddy Yankee singing salsa on the very first verse of a collab with… Marc Anthony? Yes, indeed. Marc, he of the voice of gold, cedes the opening spotlight to Yankee, whose pipes are, perhaps not so surprisingly, very well-suited for a traditional salsa track. This made-for-dancing classic track, which, in vintage Marc Anthony style, begins with a slow intro that then breaks into an uptempo dance beat, pairs two icons who unexpectedly meet each other halfway. No, Marc Anthony doesn’t rap, but it would have been highly predictable to merely give Yankee a rap section. That’s in here too, but at the core of this Sergio George-produced track is a fusion of two very different distinct voices with a deep respect for the genre that will no doubt give an infusion of energy to the tropical charts.
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Myke Towers x Juhn, “Bandido” (White World Music)
Myke Towers and Juhn have joined forces once again for “Bandido,” flaunting their vocal chemistry: Myke hitting the lower notes with his almost-husky voice and Juhn’s dulcet voice complementing with higher notes. Both Towers and Juhn derive from the underground Latin trap scene but in “Bandido” they bless fans with a flirtatious and radio-friendly reggaeton. In the song, the two Puerto Rican artists sing about conquering, loving, and protecting someone who had their heartbroken. Paying homage to the old-school reggaeton, they even sample Hector & Tito’s “Amor de Colegio.” The music video, directed by Squid and produced by Wildhouse Pictures, shows both acts performing at a basketball court and scenes of a woman who goes from a toxic relationship to a healthy one.
Calibre 50 – “Quiérete a Tí” (Andaluz Records)
Calibre 50’s peppy, upbeat cumbia carries a deep message. All those insecure girls out there who see themselves as chunky or not pretty enough in the mirror? Your guy loves you just the way you are. At first blush, it seems like a tried and true theme; many reggaetón songs, in particular, delve into self-love and confidence while showing bombshell models in the song videos. Calibre went where no reggaetón act did, actually featuring a real-life model in the video, and then delivering the final coup in the chorus: “It’s crazy that you don’t think you’re pretty; I like you just the way you are, because –with my virtues and defects—you also love me.” In other words, guys have defects too. Thank you for this. Finally, a song real women can relate to as well.
Nicki Nicole, Dread Mar I, Bizarrap, “Verte” (Dale Play Records)
Nicki Nicole has oftentimes declared herself a Dread Mar I fan, saying that she grew up listening to his music thanks to her mom and brothers. Today, she not only presents her dream collaboration but also her most romantic tune yet at the helm of Argentine producer Bizarrap. Showcasing one of Latin reggae’s biggest stars and the promising new wave of Argentina, “Verte” beautifully-laces reggae roots with a touch of trap. The feel-good song is about missing someone and the need to see them again. In the VHS-inspired music video, directed by Jess “La Polaca” Praznik, all three artists are seen enjoying a road trip and the nature that surrounds them.
Tito El Bambino x Jay Wheeler, “I Love You” (On Fire Music)
Tito El Bambino has recruited one of the hottest artists of la nueva for his new single “I Love You.” The down-tempo reggaeton with sultry electric guitar melodies tells the story of a man who’s convinced that his ex is not over him. “Tell me, baby, I found out you have a new boyfriend / he’s the good guy that does it bad / I’m the bad guy that does it good / I know you want to come back,” says the daring chorus. On the track, Tito takes his fans down memory lane, sampling a part of Hector y Tito’s 2004 hit “Baila Morena.” “I Love You” was co-written by Tito and Jay and produced by Jhon Paul “El Increíble.” Watch the music video directed by Unenano for Wild House Picture below.
Danny Felix, Matt Hunter, “Malas Decisiones” (Universal Music Group)
Make way for Danny Felix, one of the newcomers of the Regional Urban movement. The young Mexican artist has teamed up with Matt Hunter, of Colombian descent, for “Malas Decisiones,” the fifth single off of his upcoming album Vuelve, out in January. Singing about the bad decisions they make in life and their harmful consequences, this duet also brings to the forefront a captivating fusion between corridos tumbados and urban-pop. In the VHS-inspired music video, both Felix and Hunter are riding around town and playing pool with a couple of models.
Nacho, De Vuelta a Casa (Universal Music Group)
Nacho can navigate soulful and uptempo with equal ease. In this earthy, acoustic EP, he tackles uptempo with six relaxed, bouncy, pretty tracks that are plain fun to listen to. Collaborating with an eclectic cast of newcomers that includes Llane and Greeicy and Leo Mota, Nacho uses almost sparse arrangements for live sound.