Welcome to LATINA’s weekly roundup of the best new music. This week’s list features the return of Karol G, a new album from Selena, the queen of Tejano music and the emergence of Mexican singer Selene. It’s a really good week in music for women named Selena.
Also on the list: Selena Gomez teams up with Rema, Ptazeta and Villano Antillano join forces, and Snow tha Product jumps on a Steve Aoki song. Plus, Tokischa unveils raunchy “Delincuente” and Jota Rosa makes his debut with “Como Ñengo.”
Karol G and Maldy, “Gatúbela”
Karol G has had one of the biggest hits of the year with the stunning “Provenza.” Now the Colombian superstar has finally dropped her follow-up single “Gatúbela,” which translates to “Catwoman” in English. For her scorching hot track, Karol G teamed up with half of the Plan B duo, Maldy. She channels more of Puerto Rico’s old school, perreo-ready sound as sings about being on the prowl for a good time. In the freaky music video, Karol G rocks her new red hair color for the first time. Her Strip Love Tour kicks off in the U.S. on Sept. 6.
Selena, “Enamorada De Ti”
This year, we have the opportunity to experience the music of Selena in a new way with her album “Moonchild Mixes.” The superstar’s brother, A.B. Quintanilla III, transformed songs that she recorded as a teen into modern techno cumbias and remastered her voice to sound more mature. The standout on the LP is the enchanting “Enamorada De Ti.” Backed by walls of synths, Selena brings heartbreak to the dance floor as she pleads for her lover not to leave her. “We hope [the fans] fall in love with the music that has been created for this new album,” Suzette Quintanilla, Selena’s sister, told LATINA. As for the future of Selena’s catalog, their father, Abraham Quintanilla, Jr., revealed Q Productions owns 50 of Selena’s songs. “We might do 10 more songs in a different manner, in a different genre,” he added.
Selene, “Aquel Bolero”
Selene was one of our favorites at Mexico City’s Ceremonia in April, where she performed the song “Aquel Bolero” for the first time. Now the Mexican singer-songwriter has finally released the tender track, and it was worth the wait. She co-wrote “Bolero” with her “Rebelde” co-star Saak, who also produced it. As the title suggests, she puts a fresh R&B twist on the age-old bolero genre. Trap-lite beats are included in the lush production as “La Nena de Acapulco” sings about enjoying an otherworldly romance. She sounds like a Latina Aaliyah with her light and angelic voice gliding across the track. Selene is an indie revelation with this breathtaking ballad. Mexican pop star Danna Paola recently featured Selene in her “XT4S1S” music video.
Rema and Selena Gomez, “Calm Down”
Selena Gomez dabbles in Afrobeats for the first time alongside Rema. The Nigerian singer-songwriter features Gomez on a remix of his song “Calm Down,” originally released on Rema’s album “Rave & Roses” back in March. On the delicate track, he masterfully blends Afrobeats with a rustic pop touch. Gomez finds her footing in the genre as she playfully bounces off of Rema’s rhymes. “Dance with me and take the lead now,” she sings. She beautifully follows his lead in this heartfelt and captivating collaboration. Earlier this year, Gomez teamed up with Coldplay for “Let Somebody Go” from the band’s “Music of the Spheres” album.
Tokischa, Anuel AA and Ñengo Flow, “Delincuente”
Tokischa keeps the new music flowing. Earlier this month, the rising Dominican star teamed up with Eladio Carrión for “Hola” and Ozuna for “Somo Iguales.” She continues her impressive collaborations with Puerto Rican heavy-hitters for her new single “Delincuente.” Anuel AA and Ñengo Flow feature on her raunchy dembow banger that seamlessly blends in elements of reggaeton, where Tokischa sings about wanting a baddie in her room so they can have a criminally hot time together. The sexy music video was filmed in the Dominican Republic. Anuel AA’s wife and fellow Dominican artist Yailin La Más Viral makes an appearance in the video.
Ptazeta and Villano Antillano, “Mujerón”
Two of Latin music’s rising queer stars have joined forces. Spanish rapper Ptazeta teamed up with Puerto Rican artist Villano Antillano for the empowering “Mujerón.” The collaboration marks an important moment for LGBTQ+ representation in reggaeton, Ptazeta identifies as queer and Antillano holds it down for trans women in the genre. Backed by sinister beats with a trap twist, Ptazeta and Antillano trade verses about living their lives to the fullest. The women just want to have fun, and they do just that in this fierce anthem that pushes back on machismo in the Latinx community.
Jota Rosa, Feid and Kris Floyd, “Como Ñengo”
Jota Rosa makes his debut as an artist under the wing of Puerto Rican hit-maker Tainy. Rosa has written and produced hits for artists like Selena Gomez, Bad Bunny, and J Balvin, but now he’s at the helm of his new single “Como Ñengo” featuring fellow Boricua singer Kris Floyd and Colombian star Feid. Rosa takes reggaeton into the future with his atmospheric production while including moments that hark back to the genre’s classic perreo roots. Feid’s alluring voice and Floyd’s sultry flow make this sweet love all the more irresistible as they sing about a world-class romance. “Como Ñengo” will be included on Tainy’s upcoming album “Club Dieciseis 2.”
Steve Aoki, Santa Fe Klan and Snow Tha Product, “Ultimate”
Steve Aoki is showing his support for the Mexican rap scene. The internationally known DJ teamed up with rappers Santa Fe Klan and Snow Tha Product for his new single “Ultimate.” While Santa Fe Klan proudly holds it down for Mexico, Snow Tha Product adds a Mexican-American touch with her bilingual flow. Aoki backs both artists with tribal house beats as they boast about being the best out there. Santa Fe Klan’s aggressive rhymes are rounded out well by Snow Tha Product’s fierce flow. Steve is throwing a party with this global banger and everyone’s invited to live it up with him.
