Logic had a lot of things to get off his chest this week in a 19-minute YouTubre brain dump he titled “How I learned I can’t control the Internet.” Sitting at a desk with a projection of a beautiful sunset behind him, the rapper dug into his dating life, including opining on when it’s appropriate to pass gas in front of a new love interest and whether his thoughts will remain relevant decades from now.
The “Black Spiderman” MC also weighed in on the importance of being your authentic self.
Oh, and he broke down how monumentally stupid it was for Kanye West (now known as Ye) to wear and promote those “White Lives Matter” shirts last year at Paris Fashion Week. “I think it’s important to just be yourself unapologetically… unapologetically being yourself is the hardest thing to do,” Young Sinatra said, giggling about how in this latest phase of his career whether people are saying negative or positive thing about him, he still gets rich.
Letting out an exaggerated laugh, he added, “Only I’m not evil. So I’m not out here, I don’t know, spewing bulls–t out of my mouth or [I’m] wearing a White Lives Matter t-shirt or some dumb s–t like that,” in reference to Ye’s controversial embrace of a white nationalist catchphrase.
“F–king moron. I mean, let’s just be real,” he said. “Love Kanye by the way… stupid f–king idea.” Stepping back, he repeated that he loves West and thinks he’s a “genius,” and that he wouldn’t be where he is without him. “I can have a f–king opinion and I think as long as the opinion is respectful and from the heart it is what it is,” he said.
West was blasted by Black Lives Matters at the time for wearing the shirt, then doubled-down in a chat with recently fired Fox News network host Tucker Carlson about how he thought the garment was “just funny.” The provocation set off a months-long media tour during which West repeatedly embraced and amplified antisemitic stereotypes and hate speech that led to a near-total meltdown of the once-formidable fashion and music mogul’s formerly billion-dollar empire.
Check out Logic’s comments about Ye below.
*Editor’s Note: After an Oct. 8, 2022, tweet in which he announced he was going “death con [sic] 3 on Jewish people,” Ye repeatedly doubled down on antisemitic hate speech, even going so far as to praise Hitler, a man responsible for the systematic murder of six million Jews during the Holocaust. This arrived at a troubling time when antisemitism is on the rise, with the Anti-Defamation League noting a 34% year-over-year increase in antisemitic incidents (assault, harassment and vandalism) in America in 2021. Many companies cut business ties with the rapper/fashion designer, while numerous musicians, friends and politicians have condemned his comments.
“I’ve pivoted in my career. At this point, I want to do things that I’m truly passionate about … things that I want to leave on the table.”
One of those “things” for Radio Hall of Famer Angie Martinez, aka “The Voice of New York,” happens Saturday with the April 29 premiere of Iconic Records. Spotlighting iconic albums in pop culture, the new visual podcast series kicks off its debut season with a look back at The Notorious B.I.G.’s esteemed final studio album, the 11x platinum Life After Death. Martinez doubles as host and an executive producer of the eight-episode series from WMX, Warner Music Group’s next-generation artist services, media and creative content division. Viewers can watch the show on the WMX Hip-Hop channel on The Roku Channel (Ch. 1137; 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT).
“Celebrating B.I.G. and 25 years of this album in a different way was exciting,” says Martinez of being approached by WMX about the project’s inaugural season, which coincides with the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. “That’s because some of the people we talked to weren’t the traditional people we see or hear from and who had different types of viewpoints on him.”
The ever-busy multimedia personality also talked about a few other things she’s leaving on the table. Those include her podcast In Real Life With Angie Martinez, nominated for an NAACP Image Award in the arts and entertainment category this year, and still holding court in the afternoons on her eponymous radio show on iHeartMedia’s Power 105.1 in New York. She also shared reflections on hip-hop’s momentous birthday.
As the Iconic Records promotional trailer notes, you spoke to “25 people over five nights.” What was that like?
It was fast. [Laughs] When you do something in five days, you’re, like, immersed in it. But we didn’t want to drag it out; we wanted it to feel fresh. It was cool because the interviews would overlap. Somebody would be walking out, somebody would be walking in and it would create this storytelling energy, even off camera. [Among the guests sitting down with Martinez were Lil Cease, Fat Joe, Pusha T, Rick Ross and Too $hort.] It was this community of people reminiscing about B.I.G. and the album; personal stories that I’d never heard before. And you could feel his spirit. It was also exciting to talk to some of the producers and the people who worked at Bad Boy. There were so many who had been around for a long time and had so much impact in so many areas that I’d never had a chance to talk with before. Like, I’d never interviewed [producer/DJ] Clark Kent, who’s a friend of mine and a beacon in the culture. So to have that moment with him was great.
The first anniversary of In Real Life is in August. Why did you decide to do a podcast?
I’ve been really lucky in my career. I love what I do, always have. The reason I still love what I do is because I’m always trying to challenge myself and grow. It’s not even about reinventing. It’s about making sure my career is aligned with where I am in my life. And that was how IRL opened up. I’ve had a lot of real-life lessons: success, trauma, heartbreak, disappointment. I don’t want to say it was a calling, but I just felt compelled that this was something that I had to offer; I wanted to have this conversation about life. So I kind of jumped out the window with it, calling Lauren London and asking if she’s talk with me. She said yes. [Martinez’s guests since then include Kelly Clarkson, Mary J. Blige and Mike Tyson.]
Everything is so calculated and metrics-driven in our business now that you lose the heart of what just feels right. Honestly, the beauty of creating your own content, owning your own company and being in a position where you can operate from your gut is so freeing and rewarding. I’ve been leaning into that. Sometimes I don’t know who’s going to be the next guest. But somebody will call and say they want to talk. It’s been so natural. Even the audience community that we’re building is organic as I really haven’t done any major promotion yet. It’s been an independent effort, which I’m so proud of. Because now we have the roots that come from an honest, authentic place. And watching that grow is going to be fun for me over the next few years. I also have other ideas about doing live events and creating content for other people. So it’s going interesting as well to see where this evolving road takes me.
Why is radio still important?
Over at least the last decade, I’ve been hearing people say, “You better start figuring something out. Streaming platforms are coming and your job isn’t going to exist anymore.” [Laughs] I still love being on the radio, talking about music and with new artists. At the end of the day, it’s about connection. There are people who feel connected to their favorite radio station or personality. Radio is free, it’s local, it’s comfortable. It’s going to be there although it may shift in terms of how it operates or what the verticals need to be. But radio is just a staple.
What does hip-hop reaching such a momentous birthday mean to you?
It’s a beautiful time to reflect on its history and evolution. It’s come so far that it’s very easy to forget the history. And attention spans are so short that sometimes people skip over details. So this is a great opportunity for us to lift up hip-hop’s history and make sure people are aware of the founders, the ups and downs while celebrating the evolution. There are a lot of people doing cool stuff, which I salute and respect. Like Nas, a pillar of the culture, and what he’s doing with Mass Appeal. But then I also see people just trying to jump on the bandwagon and throwing up hashtags without offering any thoughtful or caring input on the culture. I don’t love to see that. Let’s make this anniversary important; let’s make it matter.
The cinematic black-and-white video for the somber ballad sees Adele solemnly walking alongside a bridge and several abandoned streets in Paris. At various points in the visual, the “Hello” singer locks eyes with the camera and shoots it a knowing glance while singing the emotional lyrics: “Never mind, I’ll find someone like you/ I wish nothing but the best for you, too/ ‘Don’t forget me,’ I beg/ I remember you said/ ‘Sometimes it lasts in love, but sometimes it hurts instead.’”
Released in January of 2011, “Someone Like You” was the second single to Adele’s sophomore album, 21. The track is now considered one of her signature songs. Following its release, it spent five weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and 39 weeks on the all-genre chart. 21, meanwhile, is Adele’s biggest album to date; it spent 560 weeks on the Billboard 200, with 24 of those weeks in the No. 1 spot.
“Someone Like You” is Adele’s second video to pass the two billion view mark, after “Rolling in the Deep,” which is currently at 2.2 billion. “Hello” is at 3 billion views on YouTube as of press time.
Billboard’s Friday Music Guide serves as a handy guide to this Friday’s most essential releases — the key music that everyone will be talking about today, and that will be dominating playlists this weekend and beyond.
This week, Jack Harlow grows from boy to man., Niall Horan keeps his cool, and Kesha takes a bold step forward. Check out all of this week’s picks below:
Jack Harlow, Jackman.
Jack Harlow didn’t have to release a new album in 2023: after all, his 2022 LP, Come Home the Kids Miss You, spawned a No. 1 smash in “First Class,” and in a few weeks he’ll be starring in the White Men Can’t Jump remake. Instead of resting on his laurels and focusing on Hollywood, however, Harlow is back with Jackman., a semi-surprise release and a surprisingly urgent showcase of his technical skills as an MC. Rapping over soul samples and veering away from radio-ready choruses, Harlow treats the 24-minute project as a quick simplification of his craft — after becoming a star, he’s gone back to basics to illustrate his skills before the spotlights arrived.
Niall Horan, “Meltdown”
“When it all melts down, I’ll be there,” Niall Horan promises on new single “Meltdown” — addressing a romantic partner, most likely, but also serving as a beacon of support to the millions of listeners who have leaned on his voice throughout his solo career and time in One Direction. “Meltdown” finds Horan biting off a jumpy pop-rock production and swaggering through some ooo-ooo-ooo melodies; the heartbeat of the song is steady, and the singer-songwriter underlines the reliable pop presence that he was born to inhabit.
Kesha, “Fine Line” / “Eat the Acid”
Anyone who’s been paying attention to Kesha’s output over the past few years won’t be surprised about the sparse sound and unflinching attitude of her two new singles, “Fine Line” and “Eat the Acid” — yet even as she roamed farther away from the turbo-pop sound of her career beginnings, the singer-songwriter has never approached her craft with quite this much unfiltered lyricism and musical fragility. Both songs capture the bitter exhaustion that Kesha has documented during her years-long legal battle with former producer Dr. Luke, and both are striking in their intimacy, as if the listener is sitting next to Kesha during a breathtaking, two-part confessional.
Labrinth, Ends & Begins
Earlier this month, Labrinth scored one of Coachella’s biggest flexes when he brought out Billie Eilish during the first weekend to duet on “Never Felt So Alone,” then welcomed Zendaya onstage for weekend 2 for a pair of songs from the Euphoria soundtrack. The singer-songwriter has long been a highly respected collaborator and well-connected studio presence, and while new album Ends & Begins may be arriving during a particularly high-wattage moment in his career, the project highlights what he’s always been doing: utilizing his sparkling voice to find personal redemption, tinkering with the seams of modern R&B, and playing well off of others (especially Zendaya, who appears uncredited on the searing opener “The Feels”).
Eslabon Armado, Desvelado
As regional Mexican music experiences a frankly astonishing explosion across the U.S. mainstream, “Ella Baila Sola,” the collaboration between Eslabon Armado and Peso Pluma, is helping to lead the charge, pushing into the top 5 of this week’s Hot 100 chart and setting up the California trio’s new album, Desvelado. For both longtime genre supporters and curious new fans, Eslabon Armado’s latest project functions as the perfect flash point: not only do rising stars like Grupo Frontera and DannyLux stop by along with Pluma, but the trio carve out a unique lane within regional Mexican on their own with songs like “Dame Otro Beso” and “Gracias a Ti.”
The National, First Two Pages of Frankenstein
Although The National’s ninth full-length is certainly the indie-rock stalwarts’ most star-studded affair to date — Taylor Swift, Phoebe Bridgers and Sufjan Stevens all stop by, with guest appearances that will surely cause some rubbernecking streams from unfamiliar listeners — First Two Pages of Frankenstein is not some overdue play for mainstream adulation. If anything, The National have never been this hushed before: the 11 songs here sprawl out artfully, providing subtle reflections on the evolution of relationship details and corralling the band’s famous friends into their quiet, graceful atmosphere.
As part of its Latin Women in Music package, Billboard celebrates U.S.-based “Hall of Fame” executives with over 20 years of experience in the music business, working actively for change, inclusion and gender parity in the Latin music industry.
Marta Artaso Vp of catalog, Latin region, Spain & Portugal, Sony
Artaso leads Sony’s catalog strategy in the Latin Iberia region, developing innovative campaigns such as the coincidence of a Christmas campaign with the World Cup, which resulted in a 30% increase in Christmas catalog consumption. Artaso, who was previously based in Madrid, says moving to Miami in a leadership position was “transformative.” “It allowed me to have a more regional perspective and broaden my vision of how markets work, identify growth opportunities and strengthen my leadership in a multicultural and diverse environment.”
Leslie Ahrens Senior vp of creative, Latin America, Kobalt Music
With a career that spans 20 years, eight of which have been at Kobalt Music, Ahrens says one of her “proudest and biggest achievements so far” is signing songwriters such as Karol G. “When we signed [her] in 2017, she was a relatively unknown artist. We believed in her talent, and to watch her grow and six years later become a global Latin female superstar is incredible,” she says. Ahrens credits Nestor Casonú, president of Latin America at Kobalt Music, for teaching her the publishing business since the day she started out as a receptionist.
Karol G, signed as a songwriter to Kobalt, is the first woman to reach No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with a Spanish-language album, Mañana Será Bonito.
Claudia Arcay Senior vp of entertainment, Loud and Live Entertainment
Arcay’s 20 years in the touring industry are reflected in her first decade as a promoter for NYK Productions, where she produced tours for Maná, Luis Miguel and Alejandro Sanz, to name a few; followed by eight years at WK Entertainment, where she was Carlos Vives’ tour manager and later promoted to business manager. Now, at Loud and Live, she manages multiple areas of the business with artists like Camilo, Farruko and Vives. Calling her grandmother, Carmen Gracian de Malpica, her biggest inspiration, she says: “She taught me that no goal was hard to achieve, that my voice matters and that I could be the career and family woman I always dreamt to be.”
Mary Black-Suarez Owner/president/CEO, MBS Special Events
With nearly four decades of experience in music and TV, Black-Suarez founded her own production and entertainment company, MBS Special Events, five years ago. Among the things that inspire her, she mentions good music and the opportunity to change someone’s life for the better, something she memorably remembers experiencing in the early 1990s, when she worked on an edition of the OTI Festival in the United States. “This singer-songwriter music contest gave me the first opportunity to change someone’s life,” she says. And it also changed hers: “After 30 years, I can reaffirm that I keep falling in love with this world and its stories.”
Mariauxy Castillo-Vitale Head of buzz marketing, Apple Latin America
“The creativity that exists in the Latino community” continues to inspire Castillo-Vitale. One of her passions, in fact, is “singling out new creators early on,” says the executive, whose job at Apple is to establish and develop working relationships with influential people in the Latin American region. Among her greatest achievements, she cites “unique” moments in her career, from her beginnings as a producer at MTV to working with Madonna on the Maverick label and with Ricky Martin’s management team to joining talent agency CAA. “I look at my résumé and I feel proud to be a Latina woman who has worked at iconic companies and with leaders in their categories.”
Sonia Clavell President/CEO, Clavell Marketing/Diamond Music; artist manager, Ivy Queen
As a teen, Clavell sold candy at stoplights in Puerto Rico. Now she runs Clavell Marketing — where she oversees public relations and promotions to marketing, label management and concert promotion — as well as record label Diamond Music. During a stint at Pina Records, the Puerto Rican executive worked with artists such as Don Omar and Natti Natasha, before becoming manager for Ivy Queen. “I don’t like to focus on my own personal/professional achievements,” she says. “The greatest satisfaction is to see targeted results in every project and see the artists I work with have a very successful career.”
Luz María Doria Vp/executive producer, Univision Communications; author
As vp and executive producer of Despierta América and Algo Personal con Jorge Ramos, Doria is one of the most influential figures on Hispanic TV in the United States and responsible for inviting countless artists to her shows. It is a task that she has carried out with determination since she joined Univision in 2002. But if something marked a before-and-after in her career, it was publishing her first book, La Mujer de Mis Sueños in 2016. “It gave me visibility and gave me the privilege of inspiring others with my own daily fight against fear,” says Doria, who in turn feels inspired by “people who dare and who get up early to try again because they weren’t able the day before.”
Yvonne Drazan Vp, Latin division, West Coast, peermusic
Throughout her 20 years at peermusic, Drazan has been instrumental in growing the publisher’s Latin roster, which includes artists such as Chiquis, Gloria Trevi and Chayanne. Before joining peermusic in 2003, she was label manager for Gustavo Santaolalla’s label, Surco, whose releases included Juanes’ Un Día Normal and Molotov’s Dance and Dense Denso. “The artists I work with inspire me daily. I give them everything I have,” she says. “The weight of their careers sits squarely on my shoulders, and I don’t take that lightly.”
Peermusic’s list of songwriters includes female artists such as Chiquis, who records under the Fonovisa/Universal Music label.
Melissa Exposito Managing director, Sony Music Central America & the Caribbean
Exposito began her career at Sony Music 12 years ago in brand partnerships, where she developed original content including the Pedro Capó documentary En Letra de Otro. In 2018, the film won Exposito a Latin Grammy for best long form video. Now, as managing director at Sony Music Central America & the Caribbean, she has propelled the label’s growth beyond the U.S. Latin market, helping marquee artists such as Manuel Turizo conquer new territories. Of her work ethic, Exposito says: “My grandmother taught me to work hard and make [my] dreams a reality. I’ll always be inspired by her.”
María Fernández COO/executive vp, Latin Iberia, Sony Music Entertainment
Fernández is one of the most powerful women in the industry, but she rarely thinks about power. “For me, the real power is the one that doesn’t need to be shown,” she says. But she can see herself in the success of artists like Maluma, Camilo, Kany García and Shakira, and in the relationships that Fernández maintains with her superstars’ managers. Beyond Sony’s enormous success in 2022, Fernández is particularly proud to be the first Latina member of the Fender Musical Instruments board of directors. Among her many social projects, she supports Pine Villa Elementary School in Miami, which serves low-income children.
The career of acclaimed singer-songwriter Kany García, a five-time Latin Grammy winner, has been on the rise at Sony Music, where María Fernández serves as executive VP/COO Latin Iberia.
Gabriela González Vp, U.S. Latin & Latin America, ASCAP
“My grandmother, a writer and historian, was the strongest woman I have ever known,” says González. “She helped me find my passion for Latin music, and I am grateful to have the opportunity to champion so many talented Latino creators in my position at ASCAP.” As vp, González also supports emerging composers. “We partnered with the ASCAP Foundation to create Tu Música, a scholarship for undergraduate and graduate students of Latino descent who plan to pursue a career in music,” she explains. Under her direction, they will launch Latin Beat, which will “bring together five writers to write together and spend a day learning about the industry with a Grammy-nominated writer.”
Rocio Guerrero Global head of Latin music, Amazon Music
“Never stop learning, taking risks and challenging myself” are words of advice Guerrero adopted early in her career. Before arriving at Amazon Music, Guerrero spearheaded many initiatives at Spotify, including launching the popular ¡Viva Latino! playlist. After a short stint at Warner Music Latin America, she joined Amazon Music in 2019 as its first-ever global head of Latin music. There, she has focused on identifying opportunities for emerging Latin acts and expanding the company’s global reach by launching Amazon Music LAT!N, a multiplatform hub that celebrates the nuances of Latin music.
Nerea Igualador Vp of digital business, Sony Music U.S. Latin
“One of the accomplishments I’m most proud of is how we’re finding support for Spanish-language music within environments that were previously exclusively dedicated to English-language music in the United States,” says Igualador, who oversees Sony’s relations with all digital platforms, and “working with editors who don’t know the language and being considered as equals,” she adds. For example, the release “Beso” by Rosalía and Rauw Alejandro became the cover of Spotify’s Today’s Top Hits playlist.
Paula Kaminsky Managing director, GTS Universal U.S. Latin; manager, Sebastián Yatra
Inspired by her father, respected Argentine record executive Mario Kaminsky, who was “passionate about this business with a unique vision,” Kaminsky spent more than 15 years at Sony Music Latin, where she became vp of marketing. In 2012, she began a new and very different chapter. “Ricardo Arjona called me to set up his independent record label together. He gave me carte blanche to do what I wanted … and get to know the world of live music,” recalls Kaminsky. “That’s when I realized that my next stage would come from the management side.” The results have been brilliant. In 2022, Yatra sold out all 78 dates of his Dharma tour, sang at the Academy Awards and won his first Latin Grammy.
Martha Ledezma Vp of marketing, Universal Music Latin Entertainment, Fonovisa/Disa
Ledezma has been leading marketing efforts for Fonovisa and Disa’s artists in both the United States and Mexico for more than two decades, and it all started with a rock album. In the early days of her career, Fonovisa hired her to oversee a tribute set for Los Tigres del Norte, featuring artists such as Café Tacvba and Molotov. “It was a total success,” she recalls of the release, which led her to be the band’s label manager. “Twenty years have passed,” she adds, “and this genre is now part of my life. I feel blessed.”
Rebeca León Founder/CEO, Lionfish Entertainment
Before León became a powerful figure in the Latin music industry, the Cuban descendant was inspired by Princess Leia of Star Wars. “Her ability to be in charge, to lead the army, to go into battle alongside men while remaining a woman through it all, was the first reference from a woman that made me say, ‘I want to be like her,’ ” she says. León has managed the careers of Latin superstars Rosalía, Juanes and J Balvin, among others. More recently, the Lionfish founder has dived into the world of film and TV. “This is the biggest risk I’ve taken to date,” León says, “but the one I’m most passionate about and excited about in my entire life.”
Jaime Levine CEO, Seven Mantels; manager, Shakira
Behind Shakira’s success in the past decade stands her manager, Jaime Levine, who has executed a strategy of hits and unique global actions that have kept the Colombian star relevant and at the top of the charts, in addition to closing worldwide agreements with brands like Burberry. Now, Shakira is being recognized as Billboard’s Woman of the Year at the Latin Women in Music gala. Her recognition comes after breaking 14 Guinness World Records and the success of her singles “BZRP Sessions, Vol. 53” with Bizarrap and “TQG” with Karol G.
Alexandra Lioutikoff President, Latin America and U.S. Latin, Universal Music Publishing Group
As the only woman to head a major Latin music publishing division, Lioutikoff has been instrumental and visionary in signing new artists who have become huge stars. “Rosalía has reached even more achievements; Feid, whom we signed six years ago and have worked closely with to develop, has achieved enormous fame; Yahritza made herself known,” says the executive, who completed seven years at Universal and before that led ASCAP’s Latino operation. Her great inspirations, she says, are her mother and her husband. “I wouldn’t be where I am without them,” she says. UMPG won the BMI publisher of the year award for 2022.
Singer-songwriter Elena Rose, a Warner Music artist, has signed as a songwriter with Universal Music Publishing Group. She has written for stars like Rauw Alejandro and Becky G.
Iveliesse Malavé Senior vp of communications, artist and industry relations, La Academia Latina de la Grabación
Malavé firmly believes that “communications is an organization’s soul.” In her time with the academy, Malavé has focused on creating spaces for women within the industry “where we can thrive and stand out as leaders,” she says. One of her goals throughout her career has been to expand her professional knowledge beyond the traditional communications role. “I feel that this is appreciated and cultivated at the academy. We will never achieve gender equality unless there are more women in the rooms where these decisions are made, lifting others up along the way.”
Angie Martínez Entertainment attorney
“The idea of someone feeling so strongly invested in his or her art, doing whatever it takes to make sure it’s literally ‘heard,’ makes me want to fight harder for them and protect them as their legal representative, knife in hand,” says the entertainment lawyer with 20 years in the business. Martínez has championed some of the biggest names in Latin music including Camilo, Feid, Greeicy, Ozuna and Pitbull. “I recently had the honor and privilege of representing Luis Fonsi in the purchase of his editorial catalog, including ’Despacito,’ ” she adds.
Gaby Martínez Senior vp of marketing, Sony Music Latin-Iberia
“It is a privilege to be part of an artist’s career, whatever the end result,” says Martínez, who came to Sony in 2022 after 20 years at Warner Music. “A pivotal moment in my career was when I became CEO of Warner Latina,” she recalls. “It gave me a full vision of the business by giving me the opportunity to sign artists, negotiate contracts and manage all the teams.” She is also one of the first women to run a major Latin record label in the United States. “This fills me with pride,” she adds.
Mary Nuñez Vp of sync, U.S. Latin & Latin America, Warner Chappell Music
From her start in 2004 at BMG Production Music to working 11 years as director of music licensing and creative services at Sony Music Entertainment Latin/Iberia to now at Warner Chappell Music, Nuñez says “the music publishing world was where I had envisioned expanding my music career.” At Sony, she developed the Latin synch business line from ground zero and was key in making business development deals between Latin artists and brands, such as Romeo Santos and Dr Pepper’s two-year partnership. At WCM, she says synch placements have grown over 30% year to year since forming part of the team.
Colombian Greeicy had her first child with Mike Bahía, with whom she was on tour. She is signed as a songwriter with Warner Chappell Music.
Mia Nygren GM, Latin America, Spotify
Before joining Spotify 11 years ago, Nygren lived in Spain for nearly a decade working at Universal Music Group. The Swedish native also lived in Brazil for three years but now calls Miami home. “Collecting experiences has been a personal driver that has nurtured my professional opportunities throughout the years,” she explains. Nygren says she has seen the “streaming revolution” take over Latin America with now more than 100 million users in the region. “It allows Latin music to be heard and seen like never before.”
Delia Orjuela GM, Mexican music, Warner Music
Recently, Orjuela began a new chapter in her career as GM of Warner Music Latina’s new Mexican music division. The executive, who is also the president of the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame, has been making great strides over the past year-and-a-half in her new position. “We have signed legends like [Grupo] Pesado, who is celebrating their 30th anniversary this year, and newcomers like DannyLux, who opened for Coldplay and performed at Coachella this year,” says Orjuela, adding that Los Aptos will also perform at Lollapalooza 2023.
Clara Pablo Senior vp of global marketing, WK Entertainment
With more than 20 years of experience — across areas such as public relations, marketing and now artist management — Pablo helped shape the careers of artists in her previous roles at Universal Music Latin Entertainment and Univision. In 2018, she joined the WK Entertainment team, where she has been instrumental in growing the careers of Maluma and CNCO. “My mother taught me to do what needs to be done to get the job done,” Pablo says of her biggest inspiration. “That’s something I still live by to this day.”
Luana Pagani President, SeitrackUS
Pagani was 18 years old when she began her career in the music industry — mostly compiling the label copy for new releases and assisting in the marketing budget for concerts in Europe. Later landing a job at Sony Music, she was part of the team that strategized the international careers of Shakira and Ricky Martin, among others. Now, at SeitrackUS, she takes pride in having developed the U.S. comeback of Los Angeles Azules and signing Alejandro Sanz, to name a few highlights. “Luckily after quite some years, after holding top positions at a label and reinventing myself in the management area, I don’t do label copies anymore and still go to shows with the same excitement,” she says.
Desiree Perez CEO, Roc Nation
At the helm of Roc Nation since 2019, and having spent a decade as its COO, Perez leads the company’s growth in music, management, new business development, touring, philanthropy and film/TV, among other areas. Among the greatest achievements of her career, the executive born in the Bronx to Cuban parents cites “bringing in Rihanna to start our artist management division.” What inspires her most: charitable causes.
Karina Puente Vp of promotion, Sony Music Latin
Puente has been a force behind Sony Music Latin’s dominance on the Billboard radio charts year after year. She is responsible for all of Sony’s Latin music airing on U.S. radio. “Seeing how [my] work directly impacts the history and development of an artist — whether it’s Shakira [breaking numerous] Guinness World Records on the charts or Gale reaching her first top 10 [on Latin Pop Airplay] — prompts me to look continually for different ways to grow their brand,” says Puente, who has been with the company for 18 years. “Latin music is more mainstream than ever; it’s an exciting time to keep breaking barriers and keep making history.”
Adriana Restrepo Regional director, Latin America & Caribbean, IFPI
Restrepo was named IFPI’s regional director for Latin America and the Caribbean in January after having served as president of Sony Music for the Andean region. The Colombian executive is one of the few women who have headed record labels in Latin America. Before Sony, she helmed the powerful independent Colombian label Codiscos. “I am inspired by spiritual awareness,” she says, “which unites me with transcendence, with my family, with the overwhelming young people who seek to transform the world and with the brave women who have made their way against all odds and who inspire so many others.”
Diana Rodríguez Founder/CEO, Criteria Entertainment
In her 30-year career, Rodriguez worked her way up from radio promoter for indie ToCo Records to senior front-line product manager at Universal Colombia to marketing director for EMI Colombia, to name a few of her experiences. Most notably, in 2009, she became the first woman to be appointed senior vp of EMI’s U.S.-based, Spanish-language division, Capitol Latin, where she revitalized the label with her management style. Twelve years ago, she founded Criteria Entertainment — a full-service company based in Los Angeles, with offices in Colombia and Mexico, and home to the management division Mercado Negro. Rodriguez manages Mon Laferte, Enrique Bunbury, Draco Rosa, Flor de Toloache, Francisca Valenzuela and Diamante Eléctrico, among others.
Mon Laferte, one of the most dynamic artists on the scene, is signed to Mercado Negro, the management division of Criteria Entertainment, Diana Rodríguez’s company.
Shirley Rodríguez Rivera Co-founder/CEO, Mr & Mrs Entertainment
Rodríguez Rivera helped develop the careers of Romeo Santos and Calle 13 internationally as part of the Producciones Angelo Medina team, and credits Medina as the first person to offer her an opportunity at “a time when opportunities for women and younger people were extremely scarce.” Eight years ago, Rodríguez Rivera and her husband, José “Pompi” Vallejo, launched Mr & Mrs Entertainment, a global live entertainment, marketing and media company in Puerto Rico. She is also one of the founders of Premios Tu Música Urbano.
Amy Roland Vp of synch and new business, Latin America & U.S. Latin, Sony Music Publishing
Roland began her career at Universal Music before coming to Sony Music Publishing 15 years ago. Today, she specializes in negotiating the use of music by composers such as Camilo, Tainy, Luis Fonsi, Maluma and Bomba Estéreo in advertising campaigns, film and TV, and she is proud of her efforts to achieve fair rates for the Latino catalog. No wonder her inspirations are women who overcome obstacles, like her great-grandmother, who left her home in New York to work as a doctor in India, “and artists and executives like Sylvia Rhone and Ivy Queen, who have shattered glass ceilings.”
Jennifer Sarkissian GM, Industria Works/Nacional Records
Sarkissian recalls her first day on the job: “Tomas [Cookman] put a beautiful photo of Andrea Echeverri from Aterciopelados on my desk, and told me she was an incredible woman and that she doesn’t take any nonsense from anyone.” Seventeen years later, that same photo continues to inspire her: “A woman in Latin rock as a fierce advocate and promoter of women’s rights and voices,” she says. Sarkissian has continued to elevate Latin alternative music from its underground terrain to worldwide acclaim. For example, in LAMC’s first virtual year (2020), the conference gathered 10,000 registrants. Last year, it had over 220,000 unique online visitors, and its in-person edition exceeded previous years’ registrations.
Andrea Echeverri of Aterciopelados, who was signed to Nacional Records, has been a fierce advocate for women’s rights and voices, says Jennifer Sarkissian.
Emily Simonitsch Senior vp of booking, West Coast, Live Nation
Simonitsch has been instrumental in leading Latin powerhouses like Alejandro Fernández, Maná and Marco Antonio Solís to become touring titans. Most recently, Maná had an unprecedented run at the L.A. Forum, where the band played a residency with 12 sold-out shows and 165,000 tickets sold, according to Live Nation. Marco Antonio Solís’ reunion with Los Bukis led to a historical stadium tour that landed at No. 6 on Billboard’s Top Tours of 2021. “I’m proud of promoting artists early in their careers and watching them grow,” says the Los Angeles-based executive, who cites her mother as her biggest inspiration.
Camille Soto CEO, GLAD Empire
Soto graduated from law school, but it was the death of her cousin, artist Get Low, that inspired her to launch GLAD Empire 16 years ago — a resource for artist development, digital content distribution, promotion and marketing but overall “with a focus on helping independent artists with limited opportunities, just like him,” she says. With the experience and guidance of her partner, veteran rapper MC Ceja, GLAD released the smash “Te Boté Remix” (produced by the late Flow La Movie) by Nío García, Casper Mágico, Ozuna, Bad Bunny, Nicky Jam and Darell. In addition to releasing music from artists such as García and Mágico, she is helming the career of Anuel AA.
Elena Sotomayor Executive vp of marketing, branded entertainment, CMN
For more than two decades, Sotomayor has been a fundamental part of CMN, a Latino event promoter linking top brands with top tours and artists. Inspired by Henry Cárdenas (CMN’s founder) and by her mother, who left a career in Colombia to bring her daughters to the United States, she has also devoted herself to giving women and girls opportunities through the Maestro Cares Foundation, which she co-founded with Cárdenas and Marc Anthony. “To keep inspiring women is as important to me as it is to uplift the women who have worked with me,” she says.
Laura Tesoriero Senior vp, Latin Iberia, The Orchard
If there’s something that inspires Tesoriero, it’s change — “change in technologies, change in musical genres, changes in business models. This challenges and fascinates me,” says the executive, who started in the music business in 1991 and joined The Orchard in 2004 as the industry was beginning to shift to digital. “Coming from the physical world, believing that the future was digital made all the difference,” she adds. “At that time, I made a very big effort so that Latin American music crossed the oceans and began to be part of the digital world.”
Patty Vega Founder, Chaf Enterprises
Vega has managed Chayanne for 19 years and worked with him for nearly three decades, keeping one of the most extraordinary careers in Latin music current and relevant. The Colombian executive, known for her negotiating skills, started in management when women were scarce in the field. “But I stayed,” she says. “The most complicated thing is to always say, ‘What are we going to do?’” This year includes a new album, campaigns with big brands and news of a tour. “What Chayanne does, he does with love and passion. He still has that respect for his career despite those years.”
Elsa Yep COO, Universal Music Latin America & Iberian Peninsula
A testament to Yep’s focus on consolidating Universal’s “360 powerhouse reach” is that the label’s marquee talent — including established superstars and rising stars alike — have experienced major international success. Karol G made history with Mañana Será Bonito, the first all-Spanish-language album by a woman to peak at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. And Feid’s first headlining U.S. run sold out in a matter of minutes. Her biggest inspiration: “My grandfather was a visionary and ahead of his time,” she says. “His boldness while embracing social and personal connectivity still inspires me today.”
Celeste Zendejas Vp of creative, SESAC Latina
Throughout her 22 years in this ever-evolving industry, one thing has remained a constant for Zendejas: her passion to “continue advocating” for Latin music and culture, the Los Angeles-based executive says. Zendejas, who joined SESAC in 2008, has been leading the company’s Latin creative efforts by overseeing the affiliations of superstar songwriters such as Nicky Jam, Eden Muñoz, Luciano Luna and Christian Nodal. Last summer, SESAC Latina signed a worldwide deal with sibling trio Yahritza y Su Esencia, whose debut single, “Soy El Único,” peaked at No.1 on the Hot Latin Songs chart in 2022.
Yahritza Martínez, of Yahritza y Su Esencia, is represented by the collective management company SESAC Latina, helmed by Celeste Zendejas.
New Generation and International Executives
These four innovative executives under 40 are already emerging as industry leaders.
Alessandra Alarcón President, SBS Entertainment
As the first woman to head SBS’ live-events division, Alarcón brings a bicultural and bilingual perspective to a Hispanic media powerhouse, and with it, increased profits.
As a partner in her own legal firm, Chopurian stands out for representing next generation artists such as Myke Towers and Ovy on the Drums, as well as veterans such as Arcángel and De La Ghetto.
Tania Dorantes Strategic partner manager, music label partnerships, Meta
Dorantes develops strategies and alliances in addition to educating artists, managers and labels in the United States and Latin America on the best uses of Meta to advance music and careers.
Gaby Herrera Artist manager, Prince Royce, WK Entertainment
One of the few women managers in the realm of urban and tropical, she has led Prince Royce’s career for six years and has negotiated alliances with major brands.
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The work of these five veterans in other countries directly influences the performance of artists in the United States.
Chris Falcão Managing director, Latin America, Ingrooves
After running Ingrooves in Brazil, Falcão now oversees Ingrooves throughout Latin America, signing artists from various genres, countries and levels of prominence to diverse types of contracts.
Inma Grass Founder/COO, Altafonte
Based in Spain, the independent label Altafonte has expanded its operations in Latin America, earning 26 Latin Grammy nominations last year.
María Ramírez Co-founder, Queen Street Talent
From Colombia, Ramírez leads marketing campaigns for artists throughout the region, including Andrés Cepeda and Juliana Velásquez, winner of the Latin Grammy for best new artist in 2021.
Sandra Jimenez Director/head of music, Latin America, YouTube
Based in Brazil, Jimenez oversees YouTube’s music operation for Latin America.
Rosa Lagarrigue Founder, RLM
Lagarrigue founded RLM in Spain in 1984 as the only woman with a management company for Spanish-speaking artists. Today her clients include Raphael, Rozalén and Vanessa Martín.
Billboard’s first Latin Women in Music list features 40 U.S.-based executives who have over 20 years of experience in the music business. It also includes four rising executives under age 40 and five international executives whose work has impact on the U.S. music industry.
This story is part of Billboard‘s Mujeres Latinas en la Música package.Tickets to Billboard‘s Latin Women In Music can be purchased here.
Authorities in Texas County are looking for a man who tried to abduct a young girl Thursday morning.
Summersville police say the girl was walking down fifth street, when a man asked if he could give her a ride. The girl declined and kept walking. The man persisted until the girl ran for help at a nearby house. He then drove away.
He is in his mid-20’s with a goatee and driving a light-tan, four-door car with a sticker in the window reading “Just Married.”
Transgender activists in Southwest Missouri are protesting and pushing back against Attorney General Andrew Bailey’s emergency rule that would limit transgender medical treatments.
The rule was originally going to take effect sooner, but a St. Louis area judge put it on pause until Monday, May 1st at 5 p.m. to allow time for a permenant judgement.
Activist from the local “Party for Socialism and Liberation” are traveling to Jeff City over the weekend to protest the ruling.
For the very first time, Wallen has a chart double in the land Down Under.
The country star’s hit “Last Night” (Republic/Universal) holds at No. 1 on the ARIA Singles Chart for the third straight week, while its parent One Thing At A Time (Mercury/Universal) returns to the summit of the national albums survey for a second, non-consecutive week.
Wallen, who recently completed a tour of Australia, produced by Frontier Touring, becomes the first male American country singer to achieve the chart double in more than three decades, ARIA reports.
The last was Billy Ray Cyrus, back in October 1992 when he ruled with his hit single “Achy Breaky Heart” and the album Some Gave All.
In his homeland, Wallen is facing a fair amount of backlash for scrapping a stadium show in Oxford, Mississippi at the last minute, then wiping a week of shows, citing those health issues. There were no such problems on his six-date run of arena and festival shows here last month.
Staying with the ARIA Albums Chart, published Friday, April 28, Metallica’s 72 Seasons (down 1-2 via Universal) and Taylor Swift’s Midnights (unchanged at No. 3 via Universal) complete the podium, respectively.
There’s a new arrival at No. 4 for D-DAY (BigHit Entertainment), the debut solo album from BTS’ Suga, released under his other stage name Agust D. Suga’s 2020 mixtape D-2 peaked at No. 2 in these parts.
Animated Aussie kid’s TV star Bluey fetches another No. 10 on the ARIA Albums Chart with Dance Mode! (Rkt/Orchard). It’s new at No. 7. The international phenomenon led the chart in 2021 with Bluey The Album and went on to win best children’s album at the ARIA Awards of that year.
After scooping a string of RIAA “Diamond” certifications, and releasing a greatest hits album to celebrate the achievement, Post Malone makes a sparkling chart appearance. The U.S. singer and rapper’s The Diamond Collection (Republic/Universal), which gathers eight of his most popular numbers, plus his new pop cut “Chemical,” starts at No. 16 on the ARIA Chart. It’s his fifth top 20 appearance on the tally, including two leaders with Beerbongs & Bentleys (2018) and Hollywood’s Bleeding (2019).
With Wallen reclaiming the top spot on the singles chart, TikTok star David Kushner makes his first appearance in the top five with viral number “Daylight” (Virgin/Universal), up 6-5, while ascendant K-pop girl group Fifty Fifty enjoys a fresh high with “The Beginning: Cupid” (Warner), up 9-6.
The highest entry on the latest chart belongs to The Weeknd and Future, with “Double Fantasy” (Universal). It’s new at No 9, giving The Weeknd two top 10 hits on the latest survey (“Die For You” is down 5-7), and his eighth top 10 hit in Australia across his career. “Double Fantasy” represents Future’s second ARIA top 10.
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