Welcome to LATINA’s weekly roundup of the best new music. This week’s list includes the latest from Dominican rapper J Noa, BIBI and Becky G’s cross-cultural collaboration, and Nicki Nicole’s sexy single featuring Bad Gyal.
Also on the list: Joel Deleōn’s reggaeton romp, Matisse’s “White Christmas” cover with Ha*Ash, and Cami’s electronica-infused EP. Plus, Rauw Alejandro’s viral hit and Kany García’s feel-good anthem.
J Noa, “Spicy”
Following her first Latin Grammy nomination, J Noa released her new single “Spicy.” The rising Dominican unleashes her fiery flow in the empowering hip-hop anthem. J Noa name-checks Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G. as she spits rhymes about her breakthrough year. “I wrote this song talking about me, who I am, my achievements as an artist,” she told LATINA. “This single represents a shift in my career because I speak on things I haven’t dared to touch on before.”
BIBI and Becky G, “Amigos”
Two cultures collide in BIBI’s new single “Amigos.” The K-Pop singer teamed up with Mexican-American pop star Becky G. In the reggaeton-infused track, BIBI and Becky G sing together about getting involved in forbidden romances. In addition to singing in Korean and English, BIBI also joins Becky G in the alluring chorus in Spanish. “A blend of cultures, the track further proves music’s ability to transcend borders,” Becky G said in a statement. “I’m so excited for our fans to experience the crossroads of our creativity that creates an infectious beat that so many will enjoy.”
Nicki Nicole and Bad Gyal, “Enamórate”
Following the release of her post-breakup album “Alma” earlier this year, Nicki Nicole is living her best life. The Argentine pop star teamed up with Spanish rapper Bad Gyal for her new single “Enamórate.” The seductive collaboration straddles the line between dancehall and reggaeton music. Both women sing about making men fall in love with them on the dance floor. Speaking of sparks flying, Nicole recently went public with her relationship with Peso Pluma on the Latin Grammy Awards red carpet.
Joel Deleōn, “Reggaetón Viejo”
After leaving CNCO two years ago, Joel Deleōn has found his footing as a solo artist. The Mexican-American star is keeping the new music coming with his latest single “Reggaetón Viejo.” Deleōn pays tribute to classic perreo while putting a refreshing pop twist on the genre. He references Wisin y Yandel’s “Llamé Pa’ Verte” in the sexy reggaeton romp. “It’s the perfect song to grab your girl or man and meterle al perreo,” he told LATINA. The song will be included on his debut EP that is due out before the end of the year.
Matisse and Ha*Ash, “Blanca Navidad”
Mexican group Matisse is getting into the Christmas spirit with a new EP. The holiday EP “Una Navidad Con Matisse” includes a dreamy duet with fellow Mexican duo Ha*Ash. The two acts cover the song “White Christmas” in Spanish as “Blanca Navidad.” The EP also includes Matisse’s enchanting version of the Wham! classic “Last Christmas” with Melissa Robles singing lead. “We have wanted to make this EP since 2019,” Matisse shared in a statement. “We love Christmas like nothing else in the world.”
Cami, “Ganadora”
Chilean alternative artist Cami is back with her new EP. In the introspective “Los Amantes Vol. 1,” she explores dabbles in elements of electronic music for the first time. The EP includes five songs, including the triumphant “Ganadora” and the funky “Piernas De Agua.” The music video features Cami performing all the songs in the wilderness of southern Chile. “For a long time, I’ve wanted to record in the middle of nature, because it’s a place where I feel comfortable and where my creativity reaches a virtuoso level,” she told LATINA.
Kany García, “Una Buena Vida”
Kany García shined at the Latin Grammy Awards with her performance of “La Siguiente” featuring Mexican star Christian Nodal. Now the Puerto Rican singer-songwriter has released her new single “Una Buena Vida.” García embraces elements of cumbia music as she sings about finding the silver lining. On the message behind her feel-good song she told LATINA, “It is a gift for my people that despite the difficult moments in life, they have learned to live it in a good way.”
Rauw Alejandro, “Diluvio”
Rauw Alejandro shined at the Latin Grammy Awards when he performed a heartfelt cover of Laura Pausini’s “Se Fue.” The Puerto Rican superstar has also gone viral on TikTok thanks to the song “Diluvio” from his latest album “Playa Saturno.” In the freaky reggaeton banger, Alejandro sings about causing a flood in the bedroom. To celebrate the track’s success, he dropped a hot-and-heavy music video for it. “It’s been a while since I did a [TikTok] challenge or anything like that,” he shared in a statement. “TikTok is about enjoying life your way.”
Lucas Villa is a freelance music contributor for LATINA and his work is featured in Rolling Stone, Billboard, Teen Vogue, MTV News, and W Magazine.
