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.
Randy, Romances De Una Nota 2021, Vol. 2 (Randy Nota Loca)
Randy of famed reggaeton duo Jowell y Randy has launched his solo project Romances de Una Nota 2021, Vol. 2, released four years after Vol. 1. On this 18-track set, it’s evident that Randy had creative liberty, focusing heavily on R&B above all. “No Exit,” “Las Nubes” featuring De La Ghetto, and focus track “Loquita” with Jay Wheeler are some of the best examples of the sultry R&B fusions found on this album. Randy also taps into chill EDM melodies as heard on “Remember” with The Martinez Brothers, his take on the 1991 Michael Jackson classic “Remember the Time.” Of course, it wouldn’t be a Randy album without some reggaeton, as heard in Zion-assisted “Baila Baila” and the pure perreo on “23” featuring Ape Drums. Other collaborations on this galactic album include Rauw Alejandro, Lenny Tavarez, Dalex and Justin Quiles, to name a few, and wraps up with a stripped-down romantic ballad called “Amor a Ciegas.”
Anitta feat. Saweetie, “Faking Love” (Warner Records)
Following the release of her uptempo bossanova “Girl From Rio,” Anitta reels in Saweetie for an all-English collaboration called “Faking Love.” “She is the badass boss bi—,” the Brazilian artist said on Instagram. Produced by Andres Torres, Mauricio Rengifo and Ryan Tedder, the song is an edgy, midtempo Brazilian funk track featuring Saweetie’s slick rap verses. “I’ve been faking love with you,” Anitta sings in the track that’s about a girl who shows no remorse after a breakup. The music video, helmed by director duo Bradley & Pablo, shows both artists in a cheeky and conceptual setting.
Camilo & Evaluna Montaner, “Indigo” (Sony Music Latin/Hecho a Mano Music)
Marking the couple’s third collaborative effort following “Por Primera Vez” and “Machu Picchu,” the song is not only about having good luck in their dream-come-true relationship, but also their clever pregnancy announcement. “What good luck of mine. I won without playing the lottery. With you, Christmas came early because the love of my life has arrived,” they sing. Stepping away from pop-urban and sultry fusions, “Indigo” — which is the name of their baby — is a sugary indie-alternative love song that gives us early 2000s vibes, à la Belanova or Julieta Venegas. In the music video, both Camilo and Evaluna announced the exciting news that they will become first-time parents. Scenes toward the end of the video document the moment Evaluna found out she was pregnant and the sweet reactions of their loved ones, including Latin pop icon Ricardo Montaner.
Gente de Zona & Maffio, “Háblame de Miami” (Sony Music Latin/Magnus Media)
Like true Miami natives, Gente de Zona and Maffio have joined forces for “Háblame de Miami,” a party-starting track that can easily become the 305’s newest anthem. Produced by the Dominican hitmaker, “Háblame” is an infectious mambo-merengue-and-Cubaton fusion with on-beat claps and, in true GdZ fashion, pura gozadera. “Talk to me about Miami/ Where the mamis are/ Today we’re going to drink until the morning/ Today I’m going to party,” the Cuban duo chants in the chorus. In the music video directed by Pedro Vazquez, we see the three artists enjoy the Magic City in all its glory.
Sael, “Ajá” (Black Koi Entertainment)
In less than three minutes, Argentine newcomer Sael easily demonstrates that he’s a well-rounded artist. The singer-songwriter and producer raps, sings and navigates different genres in “Ajá,” his new single under Sky Rompiendo’s label. Co-produced by Sael and Emma Beats, the track kicks off with a smooth hip-hop melody and transitions to a hard-hitting perreo. With his soulful vocals, Sael sings about unrequited love, which is also represented in the nostalgic music video directed by Lucas Emiliani.
