The Best Latin Music of 2019
A look at the best Latin music of 2019, including artists like Bad Bunny, J Balvin, Ozuna, and more.
Introduction
It’s no secret that Latin music has taken over the world in recent years. From reggaeton and Latin trap to cumbia and bolero, there is no shortage of amazing music coming out of Latin America and the Latino diaspora.
And 2019 was no different. This year saw the release of some truly groundbreaking albums, singles, and EPs from both established artists and newcomers.
So without further ado, here are the best Latin albums of 2019.
Best Albums
There were so many good Latin albums in 2019 that it was hard to narrow it down to just 10. From J Balvin to Bad Bunny, Ozuna, Rosalía, and more, these are the best Latin albums of 2019.
J Balvin – Vibras
Released in May, Vibras is the fifth studio album by Colombian reggaeton singer J Balvin. The album features some of the biggest names in Latin music, including Willy William,Pharrell Williams, and Bad Bunny. Vibras debuted at number one on the Billboard Top Latin Albums chart and has been certified double Platinum in the United States.
Bad Bunny – X 100pre
If anyone was going to lead the charge in taking Latin trap worldwide, it was going to be Bad Bunny. The Puerto Rican singer’s 2018 debut album, “X 100pre,” is a sprawling and sonically diverse record that cements his place as one of the most innovative and exciting artists in music today. From the anthemic “MIA” to the heart-wrenching “Solo de Mi,” Bad Bunny is at the top of his game on “X 100pre.”
Ozuna – Aura
Ozuna’s Aura is the best Latin album of 2019.
Aura is a masterclass in modern Latin pop, with Ozuna’s suave delivery and knack for earworm melodies on full display. The production is lush and polished, yet grounded in reggaeton and trap traditions. It’s an addictively listenable album that is also culturally significant, as Ozuna is one of the most popular Latin artists in the world.
Highlights include the smooth single “Baila Baila Baila”, the hypnotic “Te Soberanía”, and the anthemic “Coméntale”. But there isn’t a weak track on the album – it’s packed with hit after hit. If you’re looking for the best Latin album of 2019, look no further than Ozuna’s Aura.
Karol G – Unstoppable
2019 was another great year for Latin music, with new albums from some of the biggest stars in the genre. Karol G’s “Unstoppable” was one of the best of the bunch, a catchy collection of reggaeton and pop songs that showcased the Colombian singer’s impressive vocal range. Other standouts included J Balvin’s “Oasis” and Bad Bunny’s “X 100pre”, two albums that pushed the boundaries of Latin trap. And let’s not forget about Anuel AA’s long-awaited debut album, which finally arrived after years of delays.
If you’re looking for the best Latin music of 2019, you can’t go wrong with any of the albums on this list.
Natti Natasha – ilumiNATTI
Natti Natasha’s first studio album is an impeccable showcasing of her artistry, which has earned her the title of “The Queen of Urban Music.” The Dominican singer, songwriter, and rapper released ilumiNATTI on October 11, 2019, and it features a plethora of artists such as Raphy Leavitt, Darell, Ozuna, Manuel Turizo, Sky, Feid, Reykon, and Zion & Lennox.
Produced by Mambo Kings and co-produced by Natti Natasha herself, ilumiNATTI is a journey through Latinate pop music that weaves in reggaeton, bachata, trap music, R&B Ballads, and even cumbia. Natti Natasha sings about love and heartbreak with the same level of articulation regardless of the genre she’s working in. There are no fillers or skippable tracks on this album–each one is a gem.
Although it was released at the end of 2019, ilumiNATTI is already one of the best Latin albums of all time. It’s a masterclass in pop songwriting with crossover appeal. We can’t wait to see what Natti Natasha does next.
Best Songs
“Mia” – Bad Bunny ft. Drake
“Mia” is a song recorded by Puerto Rican singer Bad Bunny. It was released on October 11, 2018, through Rimas Entertainment and OVO Sound. The song was written by Bad Bunny, Drake, Boi-1da, Teddy Walton, and Allan Pineda and produced by Boi-1da, Walton, and CuBeatz. A Spanish-language remix featuring Columbian singer J Balvin was released on the same day.
The song peaked at number one in several countries including the United States, Puerto Rico, Chile, and Spain. In the US, it became Bad Bunny’s first number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100 and Drake’s 25th overall. It is also the first mostly Spanish-language song to top the chart since Los Del Rio’s “Macarena” in 1996.
The song received critical acclaim for its catchy melody and its fusion of trap and Latin music. Time magazine named it one of the best songs of 2018 and Rolling Stone ranked it at number four on their list of the 50 best songs of 2018.
“Te Bote” – Casper, Nio García, Darell, Nicky Jam, Bad Bunny, Ozuna
Casper, Nio García, Darell, Nicky Jam, Bad Bunny, and Ozuna join forces for the reggaeton anthem of the year. The six artists bring their individual styles to the track, creating a catchy and unforgettable tune.
“Dinero” – Jennifer Lopez ft. Cardi B, Dj Khaled
“Dinero” is a song recorded by American singer Jennifer Lopez, featuring rappers Cardi B and Dj Khaled. It was released on May 25, 2018 as the lead single from Lopez’s upcoming film Second Act. The song peaked at number 43 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
The music video for “Dinero” was directed by Eif Rivera and released on June 4, 2018. It features Lopez, Cardi B and Dj Khaled in various luxurious settings such as a yacht and private jet.
“Mi Gente” – J Balvin ft. Willy William
“Mi Gente” is a reggaeton song recorded by Colombian singer J Balvin and French singer and record producer Willy William. The track was released on June 23, 2017, through Scorpio Music and Universal Music Latin, as the third single from Balvin’s third studio album, Vibras (2018).
“No Me Conoce” – Jhay Cortez ft. J. Balvin, Bad Bunny
With its catchy beat and lyrics, “No Me Conoce” by Jhay Cortez ft. J. Balvin and Bad Bunny is the perfect song for a night out. The three artists bring their own unique style to the track, which is sure to get stuck in your head after just one listen.
Conclusion
2019 was another year filled with great music from a variety of genres, but Latin music continued to dominate the airwaves and sales charts. From the return of major stars like Jennifer Lopez and Shakira to the breakout success of newcomers like Bad Bunny and Rosalía, there was plenty to enjoy.
As we look ahead to 2020, it’s safe to say that Latin music will continue to be a major force in the industry. So, be sure to keep an eye out for new releases from your favorite artists and don’t miss out on any of the great music that’s sure to come our way in the new year!
