New Music Latin is a compilation of the best new Latin songs and albums recommended by Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors. Check out this week’s picks below.
Nicky Jam, Sunshine (NJ Music/Virgin Music Group)
After releasing Insomnio last year born from one of his “darkest moments,” Nicky Jam makes a radiant comeback with Sunshine. The seven-track EP bursts with confidence and conviction, initiating with the risqué reggaetón number “Dile a Él.” The vibe escalates as Nicky Jam ventures into Jersey club territory with “Roxxxstar,” a collaboration with Geo that promises sheer wildness.
The release features just one more collaboration, bringing in French-born African producer 4Rain on the outro track “Awita” — a sensually engaging tune that channels flirtatious, sunny vibes. Throughout the EP, the reggaetón maestro experiments with a splash of Afrobeats in “No Se” and dives into Brazilian funk with the track “Mine,” showcasing his versatility and enduring influence in the urbano genre. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Fonseca & Rawayana, “Venga Lo Que Venga” (Sony Music Latin)
Colombian star Fonseca and Venezuelan band Rawayana come together in a poetic vallenato pop collab that invites us to embrace the present and face life’s challenges with an optimistic attitude. “If the world ends/ May this catches us together/ May the archaeologists of the future/ Don’t know if we were two or one,” says part of the chorus.
“‘Venga Lo que Venga’ (Come What May) came about without pretensions, with the idea of having a good time, making music together,” Fonseca says of the collaboration in a statement. “What emerged was a song full of energy, with a call to loyal love, hope and, of course, a touch of environmental awareness. All of this wrapped in resilience and good vibes in the face of anything that faces us with the world daily.” With its romantic, uplifting message, “Venga Lo Que Venga” will be part of Fonseca’s next album. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS
Ivy Queen & Nanpa Básico, “Coincidimos” (Ivy Queen Musa Sound Corp)
Puerto Rican star Ivy Queen shines in “Coincidimos,” a departure from her signature hard-hitting rap verses and reggaetón hits that have cemented her as one of the leading forces of música urbana. For this collaboration with Colombian lyricist Nanpa Básico, Ivy sings over hypnotizing Afrobeats about an undeniable energy between two people who are just finding their perfect rhythm. Marking a new era for Ivy, this is the first of a series of tracks she’ll release ahead of her upcoming 10th studio album. About the collab, Nanpa Básico shares: “It is a great honor to collaborate with Ivy. She is an artist I admire a lot. It’s a great song that will get everyone dancing.” — GRISELDA FLORES
Zhamira Zambrano & Noreh, “Me Hubiese Gustado” (Dynamic Records)
Venezuelan singer Zhamira Zambrazo joins forces with her talented compatriot Noreh in a moving pop ballad about two people who love each other but know they are not meant to be together. Zambrano’s sweet, melodious voice is beautifully complemented by Noreh’s velvety tones. “You don’t accept the end because you love me or you’re afraid to start over,” she sings, while he responds, “Even if I don’t know how to stay, it’s no lie that I loved you.” It is Zambrano’s first release since becoming a mother last September (excluding the Christmas song “Santa” with her husband Jay Wheeler), and marks the first single from her upcoming debut album, scheduled for release later in the year. — S.R.A
Marcos Witt, “Al Estar Aquí” feat. TAYA (CanZion)
Christian music star Marcos Witt presents a new version of his 1991 hit “Al Estar Aquí,” this time accompanied by TAYA. The instrumentation and harmony of both voices merge with the ’90s feel of this anthem that is refreshed with the powerful but sweet voice of the Australian artist, who sings for the first time in Spanish. The track will be part of Witt’s upcoming duets album, Legado, to be released in May. — TERE AGUILERA
Pedro El Rapero, “Me Gusta” (Miami Sound Agency Corp.)
It’s not the collaboration with J Balvin that many were hoping for after their viral encounter at the 2024 Billboard Music Week, but Pedro El Rapero’s “Me Gusta” is an apt follow-up to his latest singles, the merengue “Hasta El Final” and the rap song “Prime.” In this Jersey club and trap fusion, the 13-year-old tenderly sings about the thrill of an adolescent love. “I know that sooner or later she will notice that I like her/ I like her/ Oohhhh, that idea scares me,” he signs in the chorus of the song, with which Pedro continues demonstrating his innate flow and charisma. The music video for “Me Gusta,” filmed in the streets of New York City, premieres Saturday (March 1). — S.R.A.
Check out more Latin recommendations this week below:
