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:
Farruko Reveals Album Name
This week, Farruko took on Instagram to reveal the name of his upcoming studio album. “LA 167 is coming!!” he expressed. “Are you ready for my new album? I’m getting ready, I’m not here to play.” The video shows the Puerto Rican artist riding a bike with Don Omar’s “Yo Puedo Con Todo” sounding in the background.
Billboard can confirm that Farruko’s next album is titled 167 in honor of one of the main highways in Puerto Rico, near his hometown. The reggaeton singer first hinted at his album’s name in the music video for “La Toxica” during the club scene.
A Soda Stereo Tribute
In the midst of the global Coronavirus health crisis, Los Rabanes had no choice but to reinvent themselves and get creative. They even kicked off a project called “Pandemia Records,” releasing a cover of Roberto Carlos’ “Un Millon de Amigos” in collaboration with Los Pericos.
Born during the quarantine, the Panamanian rock band now presents a revamped ska version of Soda Stereo’s “De Musica Ligera,” teaming up with La Ley’s Beto Cuevas and Molotov’s Randy Ebright. “From a distance, we began to cover songs that changed our life,” Emilio Reguiera of Rabanes tells Billboard. “Soda Stereo is a band that we love and Gustavo Cerati is an inspiration to Latin rock.” Check out the homemade music video below.
RBD Makes A Comeback
Twelve years after their last concert in Madrid, Spain, RBD returned to the music scene. Although an actual comeback is much-needed, the Mexican pop group’s music is officially available on all streaming platforms, from their debut album Rebelde to their sixth and final LP Para Olvidarte De Mi.
“The six band members [Anahí, Alfonso Herrera, Dulce María, Christian Chavez, Maite Perroni and Christopher von Uckermann] have an independent career and have chosen different paths but if there’s something they all have in common is the love they have for their fans,” says Guillermo Rosas, CEO of T6H Entertainment (which manages Anahí, Chavez and von Uckermann).
Junior H Drops Surprise Albums
Regional Urban artist Junior H had a “change of plan” this week, surprising fans with not one but two brand new albums on September 2. Cruisin’ with Junior H is home to 12 mesmerizing songs with all the vibes for driving around town with the windows down and the wind in your hair.
The album includes collaborations with Ovi, Esteban Gabriel, and Alto Linaje. In Music <3, the former Billboard Latin Artist on the Rise also dropped 12 new songs, including features with Compa Steve and Jose Mejia. Stream Cruisin’ with Junior H here and Musica <3 here.
Maluma’s Virtual Concert
Earlier this week, Maluma gifted fans with his first-ever virtual concert during the Coronavirus pandemic. In the one-hour Livestream, presented by Michelob ULTRA, the Colombian artist performed some of his biggest hits on a private island in Miami. Joined by four dancers, he sang “HP,” “Felices Los 4,” “11 PM,” and “Corazon,” to name a few. He also presented tracks from his new album Papi Juancho, such as “ADMV” and “Hawai.”
During the live concert, Maluma presented his eco-friendly unisex merch, which is a 12-piece collection that brings a tropical ambiance to life by infusing photographer Will Nichols’ iconic palm tree prints paired with warm hues that resemble golden hour sunsets. In case you missed the show, watch it below.