From career milestones and new music releases to major announcements and more, Billboard editors highlight the latest news buzz in Latin music every week. Here’s what happened in the Latin music world this week.
Superstars at Latin Music Week
With the 2021 Billboard Latin Music Week just a week away, more exciting news was announced, including the participation of Daddy Yankee, Karol G and Nicky Jam. Karol G will take center stage in The Superstar Q&A on Sept. 21 for an in-depth conversation about her career, music, love and upcoming projects. On Sept. 22, fans will get up-close-and-personal with Yankee as he discusses his 25-year career that launched reggaetón around the world in the second installment of The Superstar Q&A. The Puerto Rican hitmaker is also set to perform for a Billboard En Vivo concert that night at the Faena Forum exclusive to Billboard Latin Music Week registrants. Meanwhile, Jam will bring his Rockstar Show live to Latin Music Week with Jhay Cortez as his special guest. This intimate experience set to take place Sept. 22 is exclusive to Billboard Latin Music Week registrants, and capacity is limited.
Natti Natasha’s New Album
This week, Natti Natasha surprised fans with the cover, title and tracklist of what would become her sophomore studio album. NattiVidad, which is a combination of her artistic name and her daughter’s name, Vida, is home to 16 songs including previously released singles “Noches en Miami,” “Las Nenas” and “Ram Pam Pam,” to name a few. On the all-rose gold album cover, we see a baby carriage, flowers and a microphone, all representing Natti’s new motherhood stage. NattiVidad, which follows her 2019 release, Illuminatti, will be released Sept. 24.
Justin Quiles’ Late-Night TV Debut
In celebration of his third studio album, La Ultima Promesa, Justin Quiles made his late-night television debut on The Late Late Show with James Corden. In a quick three-minute interview, the Puerto Rican star talked about the creative process of his album and described it as “exciting.” He also explained how his collaboration with Maluma on “La Botella” was born before performing his focus single on the show. Watch it below.
J Balvin & Jimmy Fallon
This week, J Balvin also appeared on late-night TV, visiting The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon. During the interview, Balvin talked about his new album José, describing it as his “personal playlist.” He also talked about becoming the first Latin artist to have Fortnite skin and his upcoming North America 2022 tour, set to kick off April 19, 2022, in San Antonio. At the end of the interview, Balvin even hyped up host Fallon to do the viral dance challenge of “In Da Getto.” Check it out below.
Billboard Latin’s New Podcast
Billboard launched a new podcast called Latin Hitmaker, which will tell the stories of the executives behind the biggest Latin artists and their hits. Hosted by Billboard’s Leila Cobo, the first episode — featuring Walter Kolm, whose company WK Entertainment manages Maluma, Wisin, and Carlos Vives, among others — aired Wednesday (Sept. 8). Additional confirmed guests include Rebecca Leon, CEO of Lionfish Entertainment; Juan Diego Medina, CEO of La Industria Inc.; and Jimmy Humilde, founder of Rancho Humilde Records. Latin Hitmaker’s new episodes will run every Wednesday, and you can stream the podcast on Spotify, Audible and any other podcaster platform.