Arcángel & Austin San – Me Dañas La Mente
NYC-born performer Arcángel has dropped his newest album La 8va Maravilla and it’s a family affair with his son Austin San appearing on two tracks, including ‘Me Dañas La Mente’. This newest drop adds to his now nine year run of consecutive releases, Arcángel fans never go hungry. There’s synths, 808s and of course an addictive reggaetoon rhythm. The two stars take it in turns to describe while throwing in an innuendo or two like “Te tengo un regalo, déjame envolvértelo” or “Que en esas aguas benditas me bautizo, yes (Amén)” – Crude but creative.
Kenia Os – Belladonna
The bittersweet banger might be a tried and trusted formula in pop music but now Os adds her own twist. If the fast-paced piano melody and sharp violin strings didn’t make it clear enough, this single exudes melodrama. Add in synth stints, drums and some spoken-word from Os and it becomes melodramatic-disco pop. Throughout ‘Belladonna’, the Mexican musician warns listeners of past romances like an intrusive Wall Street accountant or Tómas, reminiscent of Fernando Vicente. Expected to feature on her latest album K de Karma, there’s no lyric better than when she sings “Si el amor te mata, soy criminal”. Chef’s kiss.
Luísa Sonza and Roberto Menescal – Um Pouco De Mim
Brazilian 2010s-star Sonza teams up with Bossa Nova pioneer Menescal for a 14 track project which is a homage to past sounds. Although the chilled instrumentals might differ from her recent feature spots on ‘Bunda’ and ‘Tocando Madera’, this sound isn’t too far out of Sonza’s comfort zone with her previous LP Escândalo Íntimo being heavily acoustic. This song in particular sees Sonza accompanied by Menescal on guitar as she discusses the highs and lows of love. The chorus is beautiful with Sonza singing about things she admires about her lover before stating, “Talvez, eu teria um pouco de mim”.
A$AP Rocky & Tokischa – Flackito Jodye
It was only a matter of time before US rapper and music visionary A$AP Rocky tapped into the world of Latin music, and what better companion than Dominican leading lady Tokischa. It’s not everyday that an artist would admit “Had to put Tokischa in the friend zone” but when you’re dating the equally beautiful performer Rihanna, this is a given. It seems Toki doesn’t mind either as she’s pretty preoccupied singing “Le meto la mano, ya está mojá'”. The chorus is simple but powerful as A$AP chants “Flackito, Flackito Jodye” over a hard-hitting dembow track. They match each other's energy perfectly.
Luis Fonsi and Feid – Cambiaré
When reading these two names next to each other, fans would not be expecting a track like this. Instead of pursuing a pop/rap crossover, Feid puts his best bars on hold and instead belts out some heartfelt lyrics with Fonsi. The Colombian MC opens his verse with “Nunca olvides el día en que dije: "Mi amor, cambiaré"” and it couldn’t come at a more poignant time, since it’s reported he’s split from a three year relationship with Tropicoqueta mastermind Karol G. Fonsi pleads, “Tú ere' la única mujer, sorry, baby, perdóname” as a brass arrangement grows louder. The yearning is real.
2016 Bonus Track:
Shakira and Maluma – Chantaje
Apparently social media has decided it’s 2016 all over again, so here’s a throwback from 10 years ago – ‘Chantaje’. The music video for this song is ingrained into fans’ memories. Shakira’s pink hair, a direct colour match to the pet pig she’s walking round the corner shop, Maluma’s flirty facial expressions and the longstanding cat and mouse chase that takes place from start to finish – Iconic. The song itself is a Latin pop staple, and both Colombian stars still hold such a hold over the 2020s music scene. There’s reggaeton, there’s dance, there’s pop, no wonder this became a global anthem.
