Welcome to LATINA’s weekly roundup of the best new music. This week’s list features the grand return of Thalia, new music from the late Jenni Rivera, and ChocQuibTown reunites for their song “Los Del Vacile.”
Also on the list: Angela Alvarez’s odes to Cuba and “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” songs from Blue Rojo and Snow Tha Product. Plus, Paulo Londra’s team-up with Feid, and Sech’s “Ya Casi Vienen” EP.
Thalia, “Psycho B**ch”
Thalia has returned with her new song “Psycho B**ch.” The fierce dance track marks the Mexican pop icon’s first new single release this year. Backed by disco-influenced beats, she sings about a lover that drives her crazy. In the playful lyrics, she references her nineties classics “Saliva” and “Sudor.” Thalia said she had no problem tapping into her inner “Psycho B**tch” when writing the song, telling LATINA, “It just came naturally. I was possessed by the music, and I just took a piece of paper and pen and I started writing down the lyrics. Like within 10 minutes we had ‘Psycho B**ch’. It just poured out of me.”
Jenni Rivera, “Misión Cumplida”
Jenni Rivera fans were recently gifted with new music by the late Mexican-American star when her estate released the new single “Misión Cumplida,” the only new release by the now-deceased artist in two years. The song arrived close to the upcoming 10-year anniversary of her death in Dec. 2012. In the heartfelt banda ballad, Rivera sings about feeling fulfilled by her fans that have kept her music and memory alive. On Rivera’s impact, her daughter Jacquie Rivera told LATINA, “With each new release we’re recognizing how much of an icon Jenni Rivera was and continues to be in the eyes and the hearts of her fans. What better way to thank them than to give them music to remember her by and continue to help them carry on her legacy.”
ChocQuibTown, “Los Del Vacile”
ChocQuibTown reunited for the band’s new single “Los Del Vacile.” Earlier this year, Gloria “Goyo” Martínez went solo to release her debut album “En Letra de Otro.” Now she’s back with bandmates Slow and Tostao. In their new single, the Colombian trio continue to export the tropical sounds of their country’s pacific coast. Goyo, Slow, and Tostao add Afrobeats to the mix and let their swaggering rap flows run wild. Speaking on ChocQuibTown’s comeback, Tostao told LATINA, “It’s a song to enjoy and dance to. It has a unique sound with a lot of rhythms. It’s a very entertaining song that captures a lot of who we are and what has defined us as a group since our beginnings.”
Angela Alvarez, “Un Canto A Mi Cuba”
Angela Alvarez made history as the oldest person to be nominated for Best New Artist at this year’s Latin Grammy Awards. This week, the 95-year-old Cuban singer-songwriter and grandmother will compete next week against younger acts like Yahritza y Su Esencia, Silvana Estrada, and Pol Granch. Alvarez was nominated for her self-titled debut album, which she made after she was convinced by her grandson to record songs that she wrote in her youth and stored away. On the album, Alvarez embraces the traditional bolero sound of Cuba while singing about her country’s resilience. In the empowering “Romper El Yugo,” she sings about wanting to break the chains that bind Cuba’s chance at freedom. The most beautiful moment on the album is “Un Canto A Mi Cuba,” her heartfelt love letter to her country.
Blue Rojo, “Inframundo”
Blue Rojo contributed his new song “Inframundo” to the soundtrack of “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” The track comes nearly a little over a year after the Mexico City-based singer signed with Universal Music Group and released his debut album “Solitario.” He was very excited to be included on an album that includes heavy-hitter like Rihanna, Tems, and Burna Boy. Blue Rojo told LATINA, “I feel amazing! I feel like my project is moving and going to new places. It seriously feels like a dream.” He also has one of the few songs that doesn’t include a feature. In the breathtaking ballad, he digs deep to emote heartbreak with his operatic voice. He definitely has a talent that’s otherworldly.
Snow Tha Product and E-40, “La Vida”
Snow Tha Product is also featured on “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” The Mexican-American rapper’s career has been on fire this past year. Last month, she released her album “To Anywhere” that featured the hit “Piña” featuring Lauren Jauregui. Now, Snow Tha Product, who was raised in the Bay Area, is teaming up with a Bay Area legend, E-40. The two artists join forces for their feel good banger “La Vida.” She trades swaggering verses with E-40 while flexing her Spanglish flow that reflects her bicultural upbringing. E-40 packs their track with plenty of lyrical enlightenment. The unexpected rap duo comes through with an anthem that celebrates living life to the fullest.
Sech, “Ya Casi Vienen”
Sech is teasing the next phase in his career with his “Ya Casi Vienen” EP. The 4-track EP marks the Panamanian superstar’s first major release since his album “42” that dropped last year. Sech said what was planned to be another single release turned into a full EP. “When I started thinking about the next song I wanted to release, I couldn’t choose one, because I love all of them,” he told LATINA. “With them I present a new era of Sech, where much more than music will come.” In the lead single “Foto En Panty,” Sech sings over reggaeton beats that shift from fast to frenetic. The stunning standout is “Party De Electronica,” where he pushes dembow music into the future with influences of electronica.
Paulo Londra and Feid, “A Veces”
Paulo Londra has made the most of his career comeback this year. Since signing with Warner Music Latina earlier this year, the Argentine singer has teamed up with artists like Bizarrap, Duki, and Ed Sheeran. Now he is joining forces with Colombian singer Feid for his new single “A Veces.” Londra blends reggaeton beats with an electronic edge in the kiss-off track. He trades with Feid about moving on from lovers that aren’t fully committed to their relationships. Feid reiterates that he has no time for that lack of romance in his slick guest verse. Londra and Feid prove to be a dream team with this knockout collaboration.
LATINA New Music picks are published every Monday.
