Ryan Castro Releases “El Cantante del Ghetto” & More New Latin Music

New Music Latin is a collection of the best new Latin songs and albums it recommends Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors. Check out this week's picks below.

Ryan Castro, COQUE & La Eterna, “El Cantante del Ghetto” (Ryan Castro)

In the first single from his upcoming album, Ryan Castro pays tribute to salsa legend Hector Lavoe aka 'El Cantante' with a slow salsa titled 'El Cantante del Ghetto'. “Loves like yours are not bought, they are not compared, they are not known/ If I gave everything for this relationship to last/ Look me in the face and tell me you don't know me,” the Colombian reggaetón star sings passionately over classical instruments brass, strings and percussion salsa. The single comes days after the National Recording Registry announced the inclusion of Lavoe's “El Cantante” in its preserved works.

Castro, also known as “El Cantante del Ghetto”, which will also give the name to his album, released the song with a 1970s-style music video in which he appears dressed and styled like Lavoe at the time – the white two-piece suit over a red shirt, aviator glasses and all — singing with an orchestra in a nightclub. The single previews his new LP, out May 9, which, according to a press release, is inspired by the singer's humble upbringing in barrio Pedregal in the hometown of Medellín.

“Salsa is one of my favorite genres and I always listened to Héctor Lavoe growing up in my barrio Pedregal,” says Castro. Billboard Español. “With this album I wanted to show my essence and that's why this salsa is part of it. To do this song, to pay tribute to a master like Héctor Lavoe, is an honor for me.” — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS

iñigo quintero, “Desconocido” (Acquiistic)

Last year, Spanish singer-songwriter iñigo Quintero found success (seemingly out of nowhere) with his 2022 song “Si No Estas,” which topped the Billboard Global Excl. US Songs Chart (dated November 4). Following up his global anthem is a five-song EP, the solo music, which hosts “Si No Estas” and other previously released singles. It also includes his new track, “Desconocido,” once again putting all bets on his melodic approach to pop ballads with a raucous and explosive chorus that can be easy to remember and harder to get out of your head. — GRISELDA FLORES

Tei Shi, Valerie (Tei Shi LLC)

Colombian-Canadian singer-songwriter Tei Shi (real name Valerie Teicher Barbosa) returns to her Latin roots with her new self-titled album Valerie. With the bilingual 13-track set, she navigates life-changing experiences, such as “Falling From Grace,” where she channels her emotions after a near-death pregnancy. Tei Shi rediscovers her artistic and personal essence, facing the challenges of life, love and career with an ethereal sound painted on a predominantly R&B, indie and pop canvas, but also in Latin rhythms such as bachata.

“On Valerie, I peel back the original layer and expose my most personal and intimate thoughts during one of the most confusing periods of my life,” the producer also said in a statement. Other standout tracks on the album include “BAD PREMONITION,” where she explores her return as an independent artist, the self-reflective “Valerie,” “MONA LISA,” “¿QUIÉN TE MANDA?” and the bachata “QQ (QUÉDATE QUERIENDOME).” Tei Shi is about to embark on her North American tour, which kicks off on May 1st and will visit cities such as New York, Boston and Los Angeles. — LOUISA CALLE

Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso, Baño Maria (5020 Entries)

Rich with sizzle and glitz, Argentina's Ca7riel and Paco Amorosa bring their incredible charm to the global dance floor — and steamy hot tubs — with Baño Maria. Their joint debut album opens with 'Baby Gangsta', a dynamic drum and bass number fueled by infectious bass lines. “La Que Puede, Puede” moves into industrial territory with its mechanical, challenging beats, before plunging into an EDM-rich realm (“Llegó Paquito, el que le gusta a tu suegra ya los chavalitosAmoroso spits). The pair cozy up to a risky venture on “Mi Diosa,” while “Dumbai” sparkles with shimmering production over a reggaetón beat and flirtatious lyrics.

“What is the feature Baño Maria is that it's an album by two friends who have known each other since they were 6 years old, who have been making music their whole lives but had never made an album together,” says the duo. Billboard Español. “We left a lot of songs behind to create this great album made in the USA, a place we've never been, with very spicy producers in a very fun process.”

Baño Maria artfully traverses themes of love, disappointment, audacity, revelry and social ironies, creating a bold exploration of youthful debauchery. Bolstered by the supreme production of around a dozen producers (Federico, Vindver, Vibarco, Gino Borro, Sir Nola and others), the duo's soulful and troubled electronic tracks oscillate between dance-punk frenzy and kitsch-pop charm. Meanwhile, Ca7riel and Paco Amorosa bring to mind the joy of a new crush. — ISABELA RAYGOZA

Nicky Jam & Trueno, “Cangrinaje” (Sony Music Latin)

In a first collaborative effort — finally, after many collaborative efforts (according Nicky Jam) — Nicky and Trueno unleash “Cangrinaje.” Produced by Jorge Milliano (real name: Jorge Alberto Erazo), the track is a tribute to reggaetón's vieja escuela beats that became very popular in the early 2000s, especially in the underground party de marquesina (street party). Giving it that ultimate throwback and nostalgic touch is a sample of Nicky's 2002 track “Mi Yal Eres Tú” featuring DJ Playero.

“[Trueno] he's a rapper whose delivery is very similar to mine when I would [rap] battles,” the Puerto Rican artist said on social media. “He reminds me a lot of a younger version of Nicky Jam. I respect him a lot and for me he is one of the best artists from Argentina. It's very versatile and can do reggaetón, hip-hop, trap, whatever.” On “Cangrinaje,” Trueno further demonstrates his effortless adaptability between his melodic vocals and fiery rap lyrics. — JESSICA ROSE

Damien, El Tropical Feeling (Vallenato & Cumbia Edition)(Feel The Power Agency)

As a reflection of his contagious energy in the Caribbean, Colombian singer-songwriter Damian presents his latest musical production, El Tropical Feeling (Vallenato & Cumbia Edition). The album — which the artist describes as a love letter to his native Colombia — features 10 tracks that combine various tropical rhythms, such as vallenato and cumbia, as well as tropical fusions, promising to take listeners on an infectious journey beats and touching lyrics. The album, which was written and produced by Damian and Luis Ortega, includes previous hits such as “El Amor No Es Amor”, “Sabrosura” and “Me Enamoro”. The centerpiece 'TE ADORO' is a tribute to Colombia, celebrating the beauty of the country's landscapes, the richness of its culture and the warmth of its hard-working people. — INGRID FAJARDO

Hear more suggestions from Latin editors in the playlist below: