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.
Marca MP, Despegando el Vuelo, Vol. 2 (Marca MP)
After surviving a traffic accident that left him with a “shattered femur and no recollection whatsoever of the crash,” singer Pedro Vargas focused on evolving as a composer. “The recovery was lengthy, but I took advantage of the downtime to write a bunch of new tunes and in the process grow as a songwriter,” he said in an official statement. The result is Marca MP’s five-song EP dubbed Despegando el Vuelo, Vol. 2. Penned by Vargas, DEV flaunts the Regional Mexican group’s musical proposal: spirited corridos (“Acá en Guanajuato”) and romantic ballads (“Ya Acabo”) with a fresh interplay between tuba and guitar. Stream and listen to Despegando el Vuelo, Vol. 2 below. — JESSICA ROIZ
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Gerardo Ortiz, Décimo Aniversario (Badsin Entertainment)
Regional Mexican singer-songwriter Gerardo Ortiz is celebrating a decade in music and to mark the milestone, he dropped his 10th studio album titled Décimo Aniversario. The 11-track set reflects the 31-year-old’s versatility featuring hard-hitting corridos, mariachi ballads and banda. On one end of the spectrum, you have hard-hitting corridos such as “Don Jesús” and “Gente de Joaquín.” But if corridos aren’t your thing, there’s also cumbia and slowed-down ballads such as “Mi Niña Bonita” and “Y A Mí Que Me Queda.” About his new album, Ortiz previously told Billboard, “I wanted to make an album for the pueblo. Something my grandma or my aunt can listen to at home.” — GRISELDA FLORES
Luis Fonsi & Rauw Alejandro, “Vacío” (Universal Music Latin)
Luis Fonsi took a page — or, more specifically, four lines — from Son By Four’s 2001 hit “A Puro Dolor” to create “Vacío,” his new single alongside Rauw Alejandro. The song starts as “A Puro Dolor” does, and then meanders, staying close but not identical. It’s a clever way to grab our ears, and Fonsi’s voice does justice to the original’s R&B sound. Bring in Rauw Alejandro’s more urban groove and you have a track that straddles past and present easily and convincingly. — LEILA COBO
Paloma Mami, “Religiosa” (Sony Music Latin)
Chilean newcomer Paloma Mami presents her new single “Religiosa,” which forms part of her upcoming debut studio album Sueños de Dali. The song is the fourth single following “Mami,” “Goteo” and “For Ya.” In true Paloma Mami fashion, the songstress sings in Spanish and English over a sultry Latin R&B beat. She sings about a love so pure and real that it makes her feel spiritual. “I became obsessed with your gaze/ There are no gray days by your side/ I always want you to take care of me/ I don’t like it when you say goodbye,” says part of the lyric. The homemade music video features Paloma with her real-life boyfriend. “Every song takes you on a different journey and I know so many will identify with each of these moments and feelings that I’ve expressed through each song,” she said of her upcoming album, dropping March 19. — J.R.
Alex Cuba & Lila Downs, “Mundo Nuevo” (Caracol Records)
The collaboration we didn’t know we needed! Alex Cuba & Lila Downs bless fans with “Mundo Nuevo,” a profound and spiritual Son Jarocho-infused track that finds Cuba and Downs reflecting on the simple things in life. “[The track] sets you free from loss to find solace in a new world,” the Cuban singer-songwriter said about “Mundo Nuevo.” “The song came to me quickly, as if it was a message to an answered prayer.” Born during the ongoing pandemic, the track injects a sense of hope into anyone who listens to it. “Something sad and something good always comes from anything bad,” the Mexican artist sings. “Only those who understand that will find solace.” “Mundo Nuevo” is the first single from Cuba’s forthcoming album Mendó. — G.F.
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VF7 & Lunay, “Codigo Secreto” (Sora and Company1)
Teen urbana VF7 is celebrating the release of her debut studio album Núcleo, home to 10 songs including her Jay Wheeler-assisted “No Te Quiero Ver (Remix).” After teaming up with artists such as Wheeler and Rauw Alejandro, she dropped “Codigo Secreto” in collaboration with Lunay. The catchy reggaeton is about two people who like each other and are going back-and-forth on why they’re so special. “I don’t know what I need to do so you can understand that I’m yours and you’re mine,” sings Lunay. “Codigo Secreto” is one of the two collaborations on Núcleo, which flaunts VF7’s evolution and versatility as an artist. — J.R.
Nobeat, “La Pasé Cabrón” (Interscope Records)
Fusing trap swagger, jazz grooves and an R&B bounce, producer Nobeat delivers the alternative new single “La Pasé Cabrón.” The Colombian producer (Natti Natasha, Guaynaa, Prince Royce) places all bets on the instrument-heavy track for an instant head-turning effect that will stop you from hitting next on the playlist. The refreshing track, released via Interscope Records, makes Nobeat one-to-watch for his fresh sound and relatable lyrics. — G.F.