Emilia Drops Y2K-Inspired ‘La_Playlist.mpeg’ & More New Music Latin

Luisa Calle, Sigal Ratner-Arias, Isabela Raygoza and Jessica Roiz
·3 min read
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New Music Latin is a compilation of the best new Latin songs and albums recommended by Billboard‘s Latin and Billboard Español editors. Check out this week’s picks below.

Emilia, “La_Playlist.mpeg” (Sony Music Latin)

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Stepping into a dance-pop groove that flickers with Y2K nostalgia, “La_Playlist.mpeg” evolves past Emilia’s .mp3-themed releases, and echoes classics like Vengaboys’ “Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom!!” Capturing the essence of the ‘90s and early ‘00s — a period rich in glitchy, vibrant pop tunes — this track is a tribute to the epoch of mixtapes transitioning into digital playlists. She conveys emotions of desire and connectivity with an energetic persuasion, merging her modern style with retro flair, also showcased through playful nods like fuzzy pink notebooks and a 1999-era lime green iMac, as seen in the music video. The Argentine pop star initiates a fresh mpeg phase, bridging decades and eras in technology, as she stands at the cusp of a nostalgic-yet-innovative musical resurgence. — ISABELA RAYGOZA

Karol G, “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido” (Bichota Records/Interscope Records)

“Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido” is the second single that Colombian star Karol G has given her fans this year, and one where she immerses herself in merengue. The sweet song, which already promises to be a hit this summer, explores in its lyrics the possibility of having met a potential love interest before he was with someone else. “What would have been?/ If I had met you before/ Surely, you would be dancing with me/ Not as friends” she sings in the infectious chorus.

Prior to its release, the Colombian star shared on her social media a clip of the song released at her concert in London where she expressed her love for the Dominican Republic: “RD It is a country to which I owe a lot.” In the music video, La Bichota transports us to the Caribbean, reflecting the warmth and joy of its people. In one part of the video, she is seen leading a long dance train. “It represents the flavor not only of a country, but of our Latin community around the world… cheerful, happy, jovial, contagious,” she added. — LUISA CALLE

Justin Quiles x Rawayana, “BOOM BOOM” (Warner Music Latin)

In a first collaborative effort, Justin Quiles teams up with Rawayana for “Boom Boom.” The feel-good and summer-friendly track, co-produced by Botlok and Fux Beat, combines the Puerto Rican artist’s distinct sugary vocals with the Venezuelan group’s chill reggae melodies. In its flirty lyrics, the two acts chant about the feeling “unfocused, trapped in a vice,” “writing songs and dedicating captions” and “floating without touching the sand” when they are near the girl they like. The music video, filmed at a towing lot, features famed Patito Feo actress Brenda Asnicar as the lead model. “Boom Boom” marks Quiles second single, following “Su Gato,” off of his upcoming studio album Permanente. — JESSICA ROIZ

Iñigo Quintero, “CLASSICO” (Acquistic)

Iñigo Quintero welcomes the summer with “Classico,” an upbeat pop single in which he seems to address the unexpected fame he achieved in 2023 with the viral success of “Si No Estás,” the song that not only put him on the map but at the summit of the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart. “I didn’t want you at all/ But you changed my way of speaking/ I just didn’t expect it/ You filled everything with your electricity,” the Spanish artist sings with his hoarse, passionate voice, before saying in the chorus: “You were going to kill, but I’m a classic guy/ I don’t appear on covers/ Supernatural and it plays on the radio/ The most listened to.” He may not have been ready for what was coming, but Quintero has since proven with a series of releases that he is no one-hit wonder; He is here to stay. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS

Listen to more editors’ Latin recommendations in the playlist below:

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