Month: July 2022

Florida Georgia Line‘s Tyler Hubbard shared the first taste of his debut solo project with “5 Foot 9.”

“I wanted it to be really relatable,” Hubbard told Billboard of the track. “I also wanted it to be visual, you know. When I listen to the second verse, I can already see that picture in my head, whether it’s me or anybody pulling into the driveway and being met with a kiss. It just paints a picture, and it kind of makes you feel good.”

If you need a guide to follow along with Tyler Hubbard’s “5 Foot 9,” find the lyrics below:

SleazyWorld Go broke through with his viral anthem “Sleazy Flow” earlier in 2022, adding Lil Baby to the remix in May, and it subsequently debuted at No. 47 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early June.

“I was at a point like, ‘What’s the next move?’ I was dropping songs [that were] getting views, but it was only getting about 100,000. I was at a standstill. I wasn’t going backwards, but it wasn’t going up. I remember thinking like, ‘What the f–k do I gotta do to get to that next level? Yeah, I got fans and 100,000 views, but this sh-t ain’t enough,” he previously told Billboard of the track’s creation. “I’m tryna get into them doors. I never try to stick to the same sh-t. I’m always trying to make a new sound.”

He continued, “I set up the studio session because that sh-t was in my head. I was like, ‘I gotta get this song done.’ I just laid down me talking and I kept playing it back-to-back. Then I started rapping on that motherf–ker and it came out like that.”

If you need a guide to follow along with SleazyWorld Go’s “Sleazy Flow,” find the lyrics below:

Christina Aguilera was soaking up the summer sun on Friday (July 29), sharing a series of poolside bikini photos.

“Loving me for me,” she captioned the first snaps, alongside a geo-tag indicating that the “Genie in a Bottle” singer is currently vacationing in Spain. In a follow-up video, the pop star shared her “religious experience” swimming by the pool and enjoying the Spanish scenery.

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A post shared by Christina Aguilera (@xtina)

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A post shared by Christina Aguilera (@xtina)

It’s been a big year for Aguilera, who released her EP La Fuerza in January, which comes more than 20 years since her first Spanish-language album, Mi Reflejo. “I’ve always had it in me. I never stopped singing in Spanish,” she previously told Billboard. Whenever the opportunities came about where I was really passionate about a project, I’d go for it. I always say when you grow up with something, if it’s part of your household, my mom was fluent in Spanish, that’s how she met and connected with my dad, who’s from Ecuador. I heard the language so much. I always say, when it’s in you, it never leaves you.”

La Fuerza debuted at No. 2 on the Latin Pop Albums chart on the Feb. 5-dated survey. La Fuerza landed two songs on Hot Latin Songs (a blend of airplay, digital sales and streaming data): the set’s lead offering “Pa’ Mis Muchachas,” with Becky G, Nicki Nicole and Nathy Peluso (No. 37 high, Nov. 6, 2021), and “Santo,” with Ozuna, which debuted at No. 24 on the all-metric tally, at No. 29 on the all-genre Latin Airplay chart, and shooted 23-6 on Latin Pop Airplay.

Are you a Magic: The Gathering wizard? Post Malone wants to put one lucky fan’s skills to the test for the chance to win $100,000.

Live shopping platform Whatnot announced on Friday (July 29) that it’s teaming up with the “Cooped Up” singer and gaming enthusiast to offer the opportunity to play against Post in a Magic: The Gathering one-on-one match on August 11.

“I absolutely love Magic: The Gathering and I can’t wait to link up with Whatnot and battle it out with the winner,” the Grammy nominated star said in a press statement.

“We built Whatnot with the ethos of offering hands-down the best experiences for the most passionate enthusiasts, hobbyists, and collectors. Post Malone, both as an artist and as a person, fits perfectly into this growing and supportive community,” added John Walters, Whatnot’s head of special projects. “As a multi-talented artist with skills that extend beyond music — and as an avid Magic: The Gathering player and formidable opponent — we’re looking forward to seeing him battle it out live with one of our dedicated fans.”

The big event, aptly called the “Mana Y Mana: The Post Malone Magic Battle,” will take place in two parts. It all begins on August 4 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT here, when Post will go live on the Whatnot app, hosting a giveaway and randomly selecting a winner to play against him. Viewers will be able to enter by clicking the “Enter Giveaway” button on their screen.

Don’t worry if you’re a Magic: The Gathering beginner. The selected gamer, if inexperienced, will be trained by 2011 MTG Champion Reid Duke.

The main event goes down on August 11 here. The giveaway selection winner will be flown out to Los Angeles for the main gameplay streamed live from the Whatnot app. The opponent will be sitting across from Post, with a small audience of about 20 people watching and sharing commentary on the livestream — which will also have special giveaways and guests. The winner will take home $100,000 in cash.

See more information on the competition here.

Anuel AA has postponed his upcoming Las Leyendas Nunca Mueren U.S. tour, which was scheduled to begin in late August in Texas.

In a statement issued by the Puerto Rican artist on Friday (July 29), he explained that the decision was made with the intention of focusing on his personal life. “As all of my fans are aware, I have recently been on tour in Europe. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the Real Hasta La Muerte fans who attended each and every concert. I love you!”

He continued, “I’ve been thinking that I need to take some time to recharge my batteries and focus on reorganizing my personal, family, and professional lives, with the intention of finishing my next album, which I was unable to do due to my European tour. My team and I have decided to postpone the U.S. tour until later in 2023. While doing so, I’ll keep doing what most excites me, which is to keep releasing good music.”

Anuel’s world tour kicked off June 13 in Spain and had since been touring across Europe. The North American leg of LLNM, presented by CMN, was announced earlier this year in support of his third studio album, which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard‘s Top Latin Albums chart in December. The trek was expected to run from August to October. “I promise that this tour will be awesome, it’s another level,” he said then. “It’s not only music. It’s more than that. You won’t understand until you’re there.”

Most recently, Anuel made headlines after marrying his girlfriend Yailin (also a recording artist). Both took to social media on June 10 to announce they were officially husband and wife. “Everything is in God’s hands,” the “Ley Seca” singer wrote on social media. In March, the couple dropped their first-ever collaboration, titled “Si Tu Me Busca,” which peaked at No. 12 on Billboard‘s Latin Digital Song Sales chart (dated April 16).

From CNCO and Kenia OS teaming up for the first time on the groovy pop tune “Plutón” to J Balvin and Ryan Castro bringing the best of Colombian reggaeton music in “Nivel de Perreo,” Latin artists did not hold back from dropping great summer bangers this month.

Other artists who released collabs during the month of July include Piso 21 and Manuel Turizo joining forces once more in “Los Cachos,” La Arrolladora and Alejandro Fernandez’s first collaborative effort in “Nunca Dudes en Llamarme,” and Brytiago and Polimá Westcoast’s TikTok-friendly song “S.O.S.,” to name few.

Below, Billboard highlights more than 10 collabs that dropped this month and we’re asking readers to vote for their favorite one.

The new fan poll comes on the heels of Billboard unveiling the “Best Latin Collaborations of 2022 (So Far),” including Christina Aguilera & Ozuna’s “Santo” (January), Becky G & Karol G’s “Mamiii” (February), Sebastian Yatra & John Legend’s “Tacones Rojos (Remix)” (March), Bizarrap & Paulo Londra’s “BZRP Music Sessions #23” (April), Morat & Duki’s “Paris” (May), and Blessd & Rels B’s “Energia” (June).

Vote for your favorite below!

The 2021 winners for favorite Latin collaborations were Maria Becerra and Cazzu’s “Animal” (January 2021), VF7 and Lunay’s “Codigo Secreto” (February 2021), Danny Ocean and Justin Quiles’ “Cuantas Veces” (March 2021), Sebastian Yatra and Myke Towers’ “Pareja del Año” (April 2021), J Balvin and Maria Becerra’s “Que Mas Pues” (May 2021), Nobeat and Khea’s “Medio Crazy” (June 2021), Enrique Iglesias and Farruko’s “Me Pasé” (July 2021), Sebastian Yatra and Jhay Cortez’s “Delincuente” (August 2021), Sofia Reyes and Becky G’s “Mal de Amores” (September 2021), Anitta and Saweetie’s “Faking Love” (October 2021). (Editor’s note: There were no polls for November and December 2021.)

First Stream Latin is a compilation of the best new Latin songs, albums and videos recommended by the Billboard Latin editors. Check out this week’s picks below.

Rosalía, “Despechá” (Columbia Records)

Inspired by Dominican artists such as Juan Luis Guerra, Omega and Fefita La Grande, Rosalía has unleashed her first-ever mambo called “Despechá.” The Chris Jedi and Gaby Music-produced track was first teased in the midst of her tour and quickly gained social media virality. “Despechá” is a danceable electro-merengue and mambo fusion about a girl who’s hitting the club with her friends to get over a heartbreak. “There are many ways to be Despechá, in this theme it is from the freeness or the craziness, moving without reservations or regrets,” she expressed in a statement. — JESSICA ROIZ

Andrés Cepeda & Reik, “Tu Despertador” (Sony Music Colombia)

Two masters of romance, one Colombian (Cepeda), one Mexican (pop trio Reik), meet in the common ground of a heartbreak pop ballad, performed with the pathos and emotion that good lyrics permit (“If you leave because someone may steal your heart, keep mine, and let it beat for both”). Reik and Cepeda met on the set of The Voice Colombia, and a collab has been pending since. Here, they go to what they both do best: fine lyricism and melodic flair, accompanied by a guitar-based accompaniment that unapologetically embraces pop sans urban gimmicks. It’s back to basics even in the pared-down video. But it works because the music allows it to. — LEILA COBO

LIT Killa, “La Tormenta” (Warner Music Latina)

Argentine rapper LIT Killah trades his hard-hitting rap verses for more melodic lyrics in his new emo-leaning pop track “La Tormenta.” The 22-year-old artist, who in the past has dabbled in pop and alt-rock-leaning tracks, further proves to be a chameleonic singer/songwriter who can traverse from genre to genre. Produced by Big One, “La Tormenta,” where he shows off his wide-ranging vocals, is a heartbreak track on which LIT Killah sings about post-breakup nostalgia. — GRISELDA FLORES

Séssi “Party” (Universal Music Latino)

The Cuban-Puerto Rican singer returns with her new single “Party,” a summer-ready track about leaving your essence in every new adventure after a heartbreak. Penned and produced by Oplus & The Best Soundz and Gavriel “Vein” Rafael, this new single is powered by slow-tempo thumping beats, soft melodies and accompanied by Sessi’s high vocals. –– INGRID FAJARDO

Esteman, “Un Día en París” (Universal Music Group Mexico)

A true love story, “Un Dia en Paris,” created alongside Adan Jodorowsky and Technicolor Fabrics, perfectly embodies Esteman’s real-life sentimental status. He’s in love and ready to tie the knot. In the feel-good, groovy bop, inspired by his engagement to boyfriend Jorge in Paris, the Colombian singer/songwriter opens up about finally finding the one. “I’ll never doubt that, with you, I’ll be my best version each day,” he chants in the lyrics. “Paris was not only my home for a year when I was young, it was also the city where my parents got engaged,” he said in a statement. “A beautiful and perfect place to continue nurturing the commitment to Jorge and ask him to marry me.” “Un Dia en Paris” is the first single from Esteman’s upcoming album. — J.R.

Pol Granch, “solo x ti” (Sony Music España)

Pol Granch’s “solo x ti” is on its way to becoming this summer’s heartbreak anthem. The French-Spanish singer/songwriter places all bets on the ’90s pop sound for this new song that previews his upcoming album. As relatable as ever, Pol Granch appears in the music video driving down the streets of Miami feeling lost and confused after a heartbreak. “What remains from you is a photograph, lost in Miami, my nights are your days, running around the streets with 10% battery pretending you love me but knowing you’d leave. In my stories, beers with friends, but nothing matters if I’m no longer with you.” — G.F.

Lasso “Algodón” (Universal Music México)

After “Ojos Marrones,” his viral hit that became a phenomenon on TikTok, Venezuelan singer-songwriter Lasso presents his most recent single “Algodón.” A fusion of genres gives life to this anthem and takes us on a journey between electronic pop and soft, more subtle beats. His powerful, raspy vocals evolve in the story about a love that is no longer around and how much he misses it. “Lying on your skin, soft as cotton, good, good, good, I felt good when you loved me,” he sings in the chorus. — I.F.

Brytiago, Polimá Westcoast, “S.O.S.” (Business Music/ONErpm)

Marking Brytiago’s first collaborative effort with rising Chilean artist Polimá Westcoast, “S.O.S.” is a saucy, flirtatious reggaeton that best captures Brytiago’s renovated sound with Polimá’s sweet, raspy vocals. With its catchy, repetitive “if you’re hot, dial S.O.S.,” we can smell a new TikTok hit from a mile away. The track, born organically after the two artists met at the 2022 Premios Tu Musica Urbano, is helmed by producers Magic on the Beat and Dime Ecua. The music video, filmed in Dorado, Puerto Rico, by Abez, is just as colorful and playful, portraying two handymen trying to date the same girl. — J.R.

Yuridia & Banda MS, “¿Y Qué Tal Si Funciona?” (Sony Music México)

Yuridia teams up with Banda MS for a heartfelt new collaboration in “¿Y Qué Tal Si Funciona?” — part of the singer’s journey toward her long-awaited regional Mexican album, which is scheduled to be released in October via Sony Music. The single fuses Yuridia’s powerful, melodic vocals with Banda MS’ romantic sounds, starting with the strings of an acoustic guitar that then merges with a full mariachi band. The song talks about taking risks in love and what would happen if it actually worked out. “And what if it works, what we always wanted, don’t think it’s late, I want to stay,” they sing. — I.F.

Hilary Duff took part in the viral “Early Pics” challenge on Instagram this week, and her take on the trend was “so yesterday.”

In the challenge, participating couples share early photos from their relationship, and the How I Met Your Father star took it a step further by jokingly posting a picture of her husband Matthew Koma and his ex-girlfriend Carly Rae Jepsen at the 2013 Grammys.

She followed up with an actual throwback photo of herself and the music producer. “Juuuust kidding… Here we are as bbs,” she wrote. See her Instagram Stories before they disappear here.

Don’t worry, though, Koma got to throw his own playful punch as well. He shared a picture of Duff with her ex-boyfriend Frankie Muniz. The Agent Cody Banks costars dated from 2002 to 2004.

Duff and Koma were married in December 2019 in Los Angeles. The couple welcomed their first child, daughter Banks, in October 2018 and their second daughter, Mae, in March 2021. The “Come Clean” singer is also the mother to her 8-year-old son, Luca, whom she shares with ex-husband Mike Comrie.

Following Mae’s at-home birth, the singer/actress posted a carousel of images on Instagram, featuring her Younger co-star and doula Molly Bernard and Koma supporting her every step of the way.

“Feeling ready to share some photos of Mae Mae’s birth day!!! For me to feel safe during birth and get to where I need to go, it’s crucial to have the right support system. The perfect amount of space, counter-pressure, humor, stillness and people that support my power,” she began the lengthy caption.

Duff thanked Koma for being “the most calm anchor in the room when I feel like climbing the walls” and Bernard, “who sat with me when I needed to be still and quiet. She quite enjoyed the fact that I was sitting on doggy puddle pads as my water had broken hours before.”