Welcome to LATINA’s weekly roundup of the best new music. This week’s list includes a comeback single from Argentine singer Nicki Nicole, Ivy Queen’s take on a Rocío Dúrcal classic and another hot guest feature from Paloma Mami.
Also on the list: Ivonne Galaz salutes Vanessa Guillén, Snow Tha Product teams up with the NFL, and Myke Tower’s epic duet with Daddy Yankee. Plus, we dive into Carlos Rivera’s latest love song and DallasK’s collaboration with GALE.
Nicki Nicole, “Frío”
Nicki Nicole is ready to break the ice with her new single “Frío.” The Argentine pop star blended reggaeton beats with a synth-pop twist and the result is mesmerizing. In the frosty kiss-off track, Nicole sings about her heart freezing over after a breakup. The cold never bothered her anyway in this heartbreak banger. About the next era of her career, Nicole told LATINA, “‘Frío’ represents a new stage for me. It’s a super futuristic song and video, showing a different side that I’ve wanted people to hear for a long time. While this song is very summery, there is always something about the cold that I’m going to like.”
Arthur Hanlon and Ivy Queen, “Ya Te Olvidé”
Arthur Hanlon is back with a second installment of his “Piano y Mujer” album series. The Irish-American pianist teamed up with a new group of Latina women for an album of duets,”Piano y Mujer II,” on which Puerto Rican reggaeton pioneer Ivy Queen features twice. She exhibits a different side of her artistry with a powerful performance of the breakup ballad “Ya Te Olvidé” that was popularized by Spanish singer Rocío Dúrcal. In her own song “La Vida Es Así,” Ivy Queen dabbles in bachata alongside Hanlon. The album also features duets with Ha*Ash, Monsieur Periné’s Catalina García, Debi Nova, and Lupita Infante. The corresponding TV special debuts on HBO Max this Tuesday, November 29.
Ivonne Galaz, “Vanessa Guillén”
Ivonne Galaz released a tribute song for Fort Hood soldier Vanessa Guillén, who was murdered in 2020. When the tragic news of Guillén’s killing came to light, Galaz felt moved to write the corrido in her honor. This year, the Mexican singer was invited to contribute her music and participate in the Netflix documentary “I Am Vanessa Guillén.” She recorded a new version of the song “Vanessa Guillén” in the form of a soulful ballad. Her heartfelt performance is beautiful. Galaz told LATINA, “My goal with this song is that the people who listen to me become aware. As women, we will always be in danger no matter who we are. That is why I want to use my platform to ensure that there is justice in this case.” The documentary is now streaming on Netflix.
Junior H and Paloma Mami, “Veneno”
Junior H released his highly-anticipated album “Contingente.”The Mexican singer takes a detour from his usual corridos tumbados sounds to embrace reggaeton music. For the alluring “Veneno,” he teamed up with Chilean-American singer Paloma Mami. Her sultry touch makes their intoxicating duet simply irresistible. In “Te Alejaste,” Junior H blends his alternative edge with a trap twist alongside Mexican-American rapper Snow Tha Product. She comes through with a fierce performance as she lyrically cuts an ex-partner down to size. Throughout the album, Junior H shows versatility to his Mexican sad boy sound. The album comes on the heels of his sold-out $AD BOYZ 4 LIFE Tour in the U.S. that relaunches next month.
Snow Tha Product, “Pa’ Atras”
Snow Tha Product released the new song “Pa’ Atras” on the album “Por la Cultura Mixtape Vol. 1.” The NFL teamed up with Tainy’s NEON16 collective to create a soundtrack of football hype anthems by Latin acts. Snow Tha Product achieved just that with “Pa’ Atras,” in which she blends a Mexican banda sound with trap music beats. The Mexican-American rapper embraces her bicultural upbringing while reflecting on her come-up in the music scene. The album also features the dembow banger “Rómpela” by Yandel, will.i.am, El Alfa, and One Six. Puerto Rican singer Kris Floyd flexes his sensual flow in the swaggering track “Ballin.” Puerto Rican actor Anthony Ramos also contributed the empowering bilingual track “Latino Activo.”
DallasK and GALE, “Exceso”
DallasK is a producer behind hits both in English and Spanish, including Fifth Harmony’s biggest hits “Work From Home” and “Down.” While working on Christina Aguilera’s smash “Santo,” DallasK met Puerto Rican singer-songwriter GALE, who also co-wrote the song. Now both behind-the-scenes acts are emerging as artists. DallasK enlisted GALE for his house reggaeton banger “Exceso” that samples Plan B’s classic “Candy.” GALE gives a hypnotic performance as she sings the familiar hook. Speaking about the experience of collaborating with DallasK, GALE told LATINA, “My first songwriting session in Los Angeles ever was with DallasK. We’ve worked a lot together, especially during the pandemic via Zoom. I can honestly say that creatively, we’re like soulmates. We’re currently working on my debut album together, and it’s very exciting.”
Carlos Rivera, “Un Viaje a Todas Partes”
Carlos Rivera is continuing to serenade the world with his beautiful love songs. The Mexican heartthrob released an acoustic version of his new song “Un Viaje a Todas Partes.” In the heartfelt ballad, Rivera’s voice soars as he sings about reflecting on the special moments he has shared with a loved one. As the year is inching towards a close, this sentimental track is the perfect way to look back on any romances. Speaking about the inspiration behind his music, Rivera told LATINA, “The lyrics in one of my songs have everything from my own life, but they seek to identify with the everyday stories of my fans. That is where my music has found its place, in the hearts of the people.”
Myke Towers and Daddy Yankee, “Ulala”
Two Puerto Rican giants collide in Myke Towers new single “Ulala.” The Boricua rapper joined forces with reggaeton pioneer Daddy Yankee in the feel-good track. Towers blends his reggaeton flow with house beats courtesy of Latin duo Play-N-Skillz. In the bass-heavy banger, Towers sounds captivating as he serenades his loved one with sexy lyrics. Daddy Yankee turns up the heat in his slick guest verse. Towers told LATINA, “‘ULALA” was a unique experience because it is the first song that is my release and in which Daddy Yankee collaborates and also my first time working with Play-N-Skillz. The intention was to create a global song and no one was better than the great Daddy Yankee to achieve it.”
LATINA New Music Picks are published every Monday.
