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.
Tokischa & Rosalía, “Linda” (Sony Music Latin)
One of the most attractive pairings of the year, Dominican Republic newcomer Tokischa and Spanish star Rosalía teamed up for a certified bop. With ultimate BFF vibes, the pair confess that friends who kiss make for the best company. “You are pretty, I am ruling, we kiss but we are homies,” they sing on the dembow anthem “Linda” with underlying flamenco claps. “She is a great inspiration to me,” the emerging artist Tokischa said in a statement. “Rosalía is a very disciplined, hard-working and lovely person. She is like an angel. I am very grateful for this opportunity to learn and grow.”
Mike Bahía & Lenny Tavárez, “Colorao” (Warner Music México)
Mike Bahía recruits Lenny Tavárez for his new single, “Colorao” slang for red in Spanish. A slow-tempo with reggaeton beats, the collaboration offers a combination of Bahía’s romance with Tavárez’s sensuality. The song came into Mike’s hands thanks to the Colombian producer and composer Sky Rompiendo. It was re-written by Mike Bahía, Cauty, Sky Rompiendo, JuanJha, Nina, Spreadlof, Eudis and Lenny Tavárez. The lyrics of the song reflect the earnest hope of a young love who seeks to spend the rest of his days with the one he loves: “All I want is to live by your side/as an old man with red eyes/because of all the kisses you gave me; I’m, I’m in love.”
Jhay Cortez & Anuel AA, “Ley Seca” (Universal Music Latino)
Puerto Rican artists Jhay Cortez and Anuel AA join forces for “Ley Seca,” a medium-tempo, stylized reggaeton track featured in Cortez’s sophomore album, Timelezz. “This is a global track, and it’s a shout out to women,” Cortez recently told Billboard. The Tainy-produced song finds the pair trading verses about a woman’s newly-found independence. “With all of hers at the club ending the dry law searching for the one she’ll sin with,” they sing in the chorus. The “Dákiti” singer’s 17-track set solidifies Cortez as a versatile artist who can go from hardcore reggaeton club bangers to dance to house to very introspective material. “This album has everything that excites me and everything that allowed me to grow,” he said. “It highlights the music and experiences that made me the artist I am today, for better or for worse.”
Nicki Nicole & Mora, “Toa La Vida” (Dale Play Records/Sony Music Latin)
Rising Argentine rapper Nicki Nicole and Puerto Rican hitmaker Mora teamed up for their first-ever collaboration “Toa La Vida,” a slowed-down reggaeton track that, at its core, is a love song about understanding that you don’t need more than each other. “This song with Mora came out of the blue,” Nicole said about the writing process. “We really liked each other’s work so when I was in Miami we wrote to get together and it happened. When we met in the studio we instantly had a great vibe and the song flowed very naturally and organically. He brought his style and I brought mine, and the song turned out amazing.”
Yari M, “Te Pienso” (Yari M)
Emerging Puerto Rican artist Yari M, signed to Black Diamond Music, is placing all bets on a pop-infused slow-tempo reggaeton track for her her third single titled “Te Pienso.” The melancholic song finds a vulnerable Yari who can’t get past a failed relationship. “I still ask myself what’s the deal. If we both want to, why aren’t we together? What’s happening with you? What’s happening with me? I’m here without you but I can’t forget you, no,” she confesses in the chorus. Produced by Hi Flow and YoFred, “Te Pienso” follows Yari M’s previously released singles “Fulana” and “Maltrato.”
