Welcome to LATINA’s weekly roundup of the best new music. This week’s list includes Kali Uchis’ explosive collaboration with Karol G, Danna Paola’s emotional ballad, and Melanie Martinez’s kiss-off bop.
Also on the list: Roxiny’s cutting single and new albums from Myke Towers and Steve Aoki. Plus, the debut EP from rising Colombian singer Juan Duque and the emergence of Panamanian-American singer Chicocurlyhead.
Kali Uchis and Karol G, “Labios Mordidos”
Kali Uchis teamed up with another Colombian queen for her new single. The Colombian-American star joined forces with Karol G for the fierce “Labios Mordidos.” In the freaky reggaeton romp, Uchis and Karol G sing about bringing all the women to the yard. Uchis taps into her bisexuality when she sings in Spanish, “Tonight, I’m a lesbian / You make me feel like it.” The collaboration will be included on Uchis’ next album “Orquídeas,” which will be released on January 12, 2024.
Danna Paola, “Aún Te Quiero”
Danna Paola pushes her pop to new places with “Aún Te Quiero.” After releasing a string of dance tracks, the Mexican digs deep to deliver a dark ballad. In the electronica-infused track, Paola sings about breaking free from a toxic relationship while dealing with the emotional fallout. “In these last two years, I found myself in the darkness,” she told LATINA about the inspiration behind her upcoming album. “This album is 100 percent about being reborn.”
Melanie Martinez, “Evil”
Melanie Martinez is celebrating the success of her “Portals” album with a visualizer for the song “Evil.” The singer-songwriter of Dominican and Puerto Rican descent has become one of the leading acts in alternative music this year. Martinez blends the bright pop of her past releases with the elements of grunge in “Evil.” In the kiss-off track, she sings about kicking a toxic ex to the curb. On May 10, 2024, Martinez will kick off the North American leg of her Portals Tour in Seattle.
Roxiny, “The Knife”
Roxiny has become a rising star in alternative music in both Spanish and English. The Dominican-American singer continues to use her music to highlight causes that are important to her. In honor of International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25, Roxiny released her new single “The Knife.” She channels the adversity that she has faced into an empowering rock anthem. “I hope the song helps other girls like me to find the courage to heal and love what they see when they look within,” Roxiny told LATINA. “No one can take away your power.”
Myke Towers, “La Falda”
Myke Towers is capping off his 2023 with another album. The Puerto Rican superstar released his fourth album “LVEU: Vive La Tuya… No La Mía.” The LP is loaded with 23 songs, including his global hit “Lala.” Towers seamless shifts between reggaeton bangers and swaggering rap tracks. Throughout the album, he also serenades the women who listen to his music like in the perreo-ready “La Falda” and the sexy trap track “Emrata.” The latter is his ode to model and activist Emily Ratajkowski. Towers is at his best on this top-tier album.
Juan Duque, “Q.M.P.E.V”
Juan Duque has become one of Colombia’s next stars to watch out for thanks to his hits like “Pa Terapia” and “Maria.” The Medellín-based singer-songwriter followed up that success with the release of his debut EP “Qué Momento Pa’ Estar Vivo.” The title is taken from the phrase that Duque has popularized, which translates to “what a time to be alive.” The feel-good “Q.M.P.E.V” is flowing with that abundance of gratitude. Another standout is the sensual reggaeton track “Tarea” where Duque serenades a woman that lives in his head rent-free.
Steve Aoki and Greeicy, “Cartagena”
Steve Aoki teams up with many of today’s Latin music stars for his new album “Hiroquest 2: Double Helix.” The LP includes the previous hits “Paranoia” featuring Danna Paola and “Invítame A Un Café” with Ángela Aguilar. Now the world-famous DJ teams up with Colombian singer Greeicy for the captivating track “Cartagena.” Backed by Latin house beats, she sings about having a romantic rendezvous in the beautiful coastal city. “Life always surprises me with wonderful collaborations that I learn from every day and that inspire me to keep advancing to the next level,” Greeicy told LATINA.
Chicocurlyhead, “En La Mañana”
Chicocurlyhead masterfully mixes his bicultural identity within his music. He pulls inspiration from where he was born, Panama, and where he grew up, Atlanta. Chicocurlyhead scored a hit last month with “Ahora o Nunca” featuring Mexican singer Renee. To show there’s no limit to his sound, he embraces elements of Afrobeats in the alluring “En La Mañana.” Chicocurlyhead sings in English and Spanish about sweeping his lover off of her feet. “For me, ‘En La Mañana’ is like a convincing desire: truly enticing with a hint of adventure,” he shared in a statement.
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.
