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.
Marco Antonio Solís, Qué Ganas de Verte (Marbella Music)
Marco Antonio Solis just announced his upcoming studio album Qué Ganas de Verte, launching four of the songs today, including the title track. In the first-part EP, the prolific, award-winning Mexican singer-songwriter taps into traditional ranchera music, using his distinct, powerhouse vocals to sing honest love songs. “With mariachi sounds and bolero rhythms, the songs that compose it seek to connect in an intimate and deep way with all those hearts that hear them,” the artist elaborated on his Instagram.
The EP release comes on the heels of Los Bukis’ successful Una Historia Cantada stadium tour, marking the group’s first tour in 25 years since the famed Mexican band’s last show in Guadalajara, the same year of its last top 10 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart. — JESSICA ROIZ
Nicki Nicole, “Parte de Mi” (DALE PLAY Records/Sony Music Latin)
In what seems like a fresh start, Argentine trap artist Nicki Nicole wiped out all of her photos on Instagram and made space for her new single “Parte de Mi.” Accompanied by a melancholic piano melody and a somber second voice, Nicki strips down and wears her heart on her sleeves in this ultra-personal track, where she sings about feeling alone and empty, and yearning for advice. “We are incomplete and we join parts,” says a message in the official music video, which shows real-life footage of Nicki growing up. On Instagram, Nicki revealed that “Parte de Mi” is also the title of her upcoming studio album. — J.R.
Manuel Medrano, Eterno (Warner Music Mexico)
Colombian singer-songwriter Manuel Medrano releases his 12-track set Eterno this week, inspired by the power of music and words, and produced by his longtime producer Juan Pablo Vega. Returning to his roots, each song on Eterno tells a meaningful, compelling story, set to his classic combination of guitar, keyboard, drums and percussion. The album also includes four cuts of exotic music that complement its extensive cultural and musical diversity, with marked influences from bambuco, champeta, reggae, and bolero — as heard in tracks like “Negra”, “Tesoro”, “No Sé Si Salga El Sol” and “La Distancia.” Meanwhile, in the focus track “Tengo que llegar a tiempo,” fans will come across soulful fusions of electric guitars with his signature deep vocals. — INGRID FAJARDO
Leslie Grace, “Bachatica” (Sony Music Latin)
After her remarkable acting debut in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s In The Heights, and in the midst of filming Batgirl, Leslie Grace dropped “Bachatica,” her first solo track in five years. Dedicated to her loyal fans, the Dominican-American artist returns to her musical roots in a sensual bachata fused with urban and R&B undertones. She crafted the song alongside emerging music artists Maye, Musiana, and Eddie Perez. “I knew this song was a gift and we finished it together that same day,” she expressed on Instagram. “Thank you for sharing your genius with me.” Bringing the song’s romantic lyrics to life, Leslie reeled in her boyfriend Ian Eastwood to appear in the 1920s-inspired music video, helmed by Jorge G. Camarena. — J.R.
Rels B, “Shorty Que Te Vaya Bien” (iLoveRibs!/MÉCÈN Ent.)
Ocean waves, a guitar melody, and a wounded heart bring to life Rels B’s latest, “Shorty que te vaya bien.” Transitioning to an instrumental reggaetón melody just 41 seconds in, the Spanish singer-songwriter and producer opens up about life after a breakup and how he’s better off single. “Shorty, I hope it goes well for you in your world of illusions and fake friends/I loved you and there are many witnesses,” he croons over an edgy urban beat. Born Daniel Heredia Abidal in Palma, Spain, Rels B’s distinct, hoarse voice fits perfectly alongside the voices of other emerging artists, such as Nathy Peluso, Micro TDH, and DUKI. — J.R.
