The year 2019 is almost over, and is it just me, or was this the year of reggaeton and urbano music? Not only was this year filled with tons of perreos but trends were set and Instagram challenges were accepted like no other. Here’s a look at the top 19 best songs, trends, and social media challenges in Latinx pop culture of 2019!
“Secreto” by Anuel AA ft. Karol G
First and foremost, “Bebesitaaa!” This song gives me literal chills. If you haven’t seen the video or kept up with Anuel and Karol G’s relationship, at least listen to the song because it will change you. This song had originally leaked before it’s official release date and Anuel and Karol G’s people were pretty mad. They almost didn’t release it! Thank God they did because it hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay chart and No.1 on my personal pregame playlist.
“Soltera” (remix) by Lunay ft. Bad Bunny & Daddy Yankee
This song is like the Latin version of Beyonce’s “Single Ladies.” In May of 2019, rising artist Lunay teamed up with Daddy Yankee and Bad Bunny to release the remix of “Soltera.” Honestly, any song that has DY and El Conejo Malo is a guaranteed hit these days. Have you seen the video? If I were living my best life, I too would sit on top of a giant cake next to Reggaeton’s finest while popping bottles of champagne. Lunay ended up winning New Artist of the Year at the 2019 Latin American Music Awards and the “Soltera” remix came in at No. 5 on the Spanish iTunes chart.
“Con Calma” by Daddy Yankee Dance Challenge
I love Daddy Yankee. His music videos gives me the motivation to believe that I too can be a social media star. Remember when Drake released “In My Feelings” and people danced alongside their moving cars? Well “Con Calma” was sort of like that but on steroids. The “Con Calma” challenge had dance groups and individuals from all over the world shaking things up in hopes that Daddy Yankee would repost their video on his Instagram account. And this isn’t DY’s first rodeo. He did the same thing for his song “Dura” in 2018. Anytime an Instagram trend starts because of a song, you know it’s going to be a hit.
“China” by Anuel ft. Ozuna, Daddy Yankee, Karol G, & J Balvin
This song is a solid club banger. Honestly, they had me at Anuel and Ozuna with this song. Daddy Yankee, Karol G, and J Balvin are just a bonus if you ask me. The lyrics are my 2019 mood: “Porque estaba contigo perreando.” This spin-off of Shaggy’s “It Wasn’t Me” landed on the top of the chart on the Billboard Hot 100.
Oasis by Bad Bunny & J Balvin
Get ready to overplay a whole new batch of songs. Bad Bunny and J Balvin decided to release an LP entitled Oasis with songs inspired by influences from their childhood. Their love for rock en español and Afrobeats helped them in creating this masterpiece. Each song is either a club banger or a slow jam. My personal favorite is “La Cancion.” The first time I heard it I was like “Ohhhh dang!” Anyway, this LP debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Latin Albums during the summer of 2019.
“Chicken Noodle Soup” by J-Hope ft. Becky G
K-pop is hot right now. J-Hope from the popular boy band BTS linked up with Becky G to bless us with the remake of DJ Webstar’s classic “Chicken Noodle Soup.” The trilingual song that blends English, Korean and Spanish lyrics came in at No. 1 on Billboard’s World Digital Song Sales chart and gave Becky G her first-ever entry on World Digital Song Sales. It doesn’t stop there. J-Hope and his team pulled a Daddy Yankee and started the #CNSChallenge. If you search it online, be prepared to fall deep into the #CNSChallenge hole.
“Rebota” by Guaynaa
This song is literally me and my girls every weekend. If you’re looking for a perreo like back in the day, this is it. This song peaked at No. 28 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs and scored Guaynaa his first-ever entry Billboard chart appearance. In an interview, Guaynaa told Billboard that it took him about 20 minutes to come up with the lyrics.
“Baila Baila Baila” (remix) by Ozuna ft. J Balvin, Daddy Yankee, Farruko & Anuel AA
Ozuna had a great year. He was one of the artists with the most views on YouTube and recently broke the record for most Billboard Latin Music Awards nominations. His newly released album, “Nibiru” has the “Baila Baila Baila” remix, which hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay chart in May 2019. This remix will make you want to…well, dance.
Tiny Sunglasses inspired by Bad Bunny
Is anyone really surprised that Bad Bunny brought back the tiny, colorful sunglasses trend? It’s basically the new “it girl” accessory. He began rocking the sunglasses in 2018 but I feel like it really caught on this year. I honestly could not be happier with the comeback.
“Soy El Diablo” (remix) by Bad Bunny & Nataneal Cano
I’m not usually a big fan of corridos. When I found out that Bad Bunny was teaming up with Nataneal Cano to bring us a Latin trap/corrido track I wasn’t initially about it. But the second I hit play, I was able to appreciate it. This song has some serious Mexican vibes to it. Bad Bunny and Nataneal Cano nailed it. Bad Bunny even said that this song was meant to “promote unity among all Latinx communities.
“Con Altura” by Rosalia ft. J Balvin
Rosalia is a newer artist from Spain and her song “Con Altura” really put her on the map in the reggaeton world. Not only did she perform at Coachella, but chismes were going around that she was hooking up with Bad Bunny after he posted a pic of them on Instagram with the caption “creo que me enamore.” But getting back to the music, “Con Altura” won Best Urban Song at the Latin Grammy’s this year.
“Otro Trago” by Sech ft. Darell
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Vm5GhpLsCo
This song was one of the best songs of summer ’19. Sech came out of nowhere and tore up the scene. This song is for someone dealing with a breakup at the club, which is like, relatable. It came in at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs and the Latin Airplay charts.
Neoperreo
It’s pretty obvious that we are living in the course of a Latinx music revolution. And while most people are cruising on the perreo train, I am one step ahead of the game. I’m talking about the uprising of neoperreo. Tomasa Del Real introduced the world to neoperreo at Coachella. The Chilean singer stated that it’s a “global sound inspired by reggaeton, but created to perrear.” It’s basically perreo but on a whole new level.
Maluma’s Album 11:11
I don’t know what’s better: Maluma’s new album or the fact that he’s newly single. Well, his album, 11:11, is pretty damn good. This album has a romantic tone and great vocals from the singer. It’s got “HP” and “11 pm” on it but most importantly, it features “No Se Me Quita” with Ricky Martin. On this track, Maluma sings about one amazing night with someone special.
Music Festivals
Ahh, festival season. Usually, I’m hesitant to pick up my phone and scroll through Instagram because I know it’s going to be full of Ferris wheel photos and basic “festival” outfits. But this year was different. This year, Instagram brought us some interesting content: Latinx acts. Coachella had 10 Latin artists in the lineup, the most it’s ever had. J Balvin made history by becoming the first Latino headliner at Lollapalooza. And Baja Beach Fest became the biggest Latin trap/reggaeton party on the West Coast.
Fashion Collaborations
I finally have a reason to shop at Forever 21, because they are collaborating with CNCO on a clothing collection. But this isn’t the first time Forever 21 has worked with Latinx artists on capsule collections. Back in March, to celebrate Women’s History Month, Forever 21 and Girls Inc. teamed up with Natti Natasha for a collection promoting female empowerment. J Balvin also got his foot in the fashion door and released his “Vibras” collection with GUESS in early February.
“Callaita” by Bad Bunny ft. Tainy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Ts9YRHEmtA
I’ve heard this song in every bar, Uber, and pregame over the past year. It’s about a shy girl who likes to party hasta que salga el sol and lives her best life – extremely relatable. It debuted at No. 8 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart over the summer and currently sits at No. 68 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Crossover Hits
Unless you’re living under a rock, you’ve probably heard a bunch of new mainstream English songs featuring Latinx artists. Top performers have reached new heights with their crossover hits. There was “Haute” by Tyga featuring J Balvin and Chris Brown, “Loco Contigo” by DJ Snake featuring J Balvin and Tyga, and “R.I.P” by Sofia Reyes featuring Rita Ora and Anitta (just to name a few).
Shakira and J.Lo to Perform at the Super Bowl
Okay, let’s all take some deep breaths. God has answered our prayers because J.Lo and Shakira will be performing at the Super Bowl Halftime Show in February. This is such a good move by the NFL. The game will be in Miami where there is a large Hispanic population and both Shakira and J.Lo are two Hispanic women who have achieved great success with both Spanish- and English-speaking audiences. This is going to be an epic show.
