De Los turns 2. Here's what we did over the last year
Wednesday marked our second anniversary, and let me tell you, the last 12 months have been quite a ride. Whereas Year 1 was full of growing pains, Year 2 was all about us hitting our stride.
During this period, we've extensively covered the ever-growing popularity of Latin music, profiling some of the genre's biggest stars and providing context on some of the year's most important albums — take this story, which explains how Bad Bunny's 'Debí Tirar Más Fotos' isn't just a love letter to Puerto Rico, but a history of the island as well. Curious about the current state of Latin music? We put together a roundtable of hitmakers and asked them to weigh in.
The De Los team also proved to be ambitious during our sophomore year, undertaking three separate packages: a deep dive into the many ways in which música Mexicana has influenced Southern California culture; the De Los 101, a curated list of 101 businesses and organizations we felt represented the best of Latino L.A.; and a retrospective on the impact of Selena Quintanilla's legacy 30 years after her death.
In addition to our culture coverage, we also supplemented The Times' great coverage of major news events by reporting on how these effected the Latino community, whether it be the L.A. wildfires or the ongoing ICE raids. We also partnered with the Cultivating Inland Empire Latino Opportunity (CIELO) Fund at the Inland Empire Community Foundation to expand our coverage into the Inland Empire, a relationship that has yielded one of my favorite De Los stories to date — a feature on Las Valentinas del Valle de Coachella, a group of middle and elementary schoolers who are keeping the traditional Mexican sport of escaramuza alive.
Beyond our reporting, the last 12 months saw us be more in community with our audience. We were at South by Southwest in March for our second annual music showcase. A month later, we were at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books with two days of programming at the De Los Stage in association with L.A. Times en Español. Last summer, we co-presented a free concert with Grand Performances headlined by Daymé Arocena, and we'll be back again on Aug. 2 with Adrian Quesada and his 'Boleros Psicodélicos' — you can RSVP here. We're also planning something special for Día de Muertos, so stay tuned for more details.
None of this would have been possible without your continued support. The De Los team is heartened every time one of you stops by our live events, or shares one of our stories or Instagram videos with your friends.
Thank you and here's to Year 3!
Julio Salgado is a visual artist based in Long Beach. His work has been displayed at the Oakland Museum, SFMOMA, and Smithsonian American Art Museum. (@juliosalgado83)
Two Camp Mystic counselors from Mexico describe managing campers through the Texas floods
Silvana Garza Valdez and María Paula Zárate, 19-year-old camp counselors from Mexico, recalled the events during the deadly disaster that killed more than 100 people, including 27 campers and counselors, in an interview with NMás on Saturday.
Amid ongoing ICE raids, the Chicxs Rockerxs summer camp moves to protect community
Based in Southeast Los Angeles, the rock 'n' roll camp has gone online this year out of safety concerns for campers and their families.
Commentary: The 'Love Island USA' scandal highlights how prevalent racist language is among Latinos
Contestants Yulissa Escobar and Cierra Ortega were removed from 'Love Island USA' for past use of racial slurs.
'Dora the Explorer' turns 25 this year. Her legacy transcends generations.
The beloved bilingual kids show celebrates its anniversary with a new live-action film, 'Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado.'
Journalist Mario Guevara is still in ICE detention despite being granted bond
Journalist Mario Guevara has released a statement from an ICE detention facility. He was arrested during a 'No Kings' protest in metro Atlanta in June and has been in ICE custody since.
Commentary: Pixar's 'Elio' is not a political movie, but it arrives at a political time
'It's not a stretch to think that the premise of a Latino kid alienated for who he is and who believes that he won't ever feel fully accepted in the place he calls home could speak to millions of Latino children across this country,' writes contributor Carlos Aguilar.
Manuel Masalva of 'Narcos: Mexico' 'reborn' after 105 days in hospital
Actor Manuel Masalva shared his first public message in an Instagram post Monday after spending 105 days at a Dubai hospital following a severe bacterial infection.
Heavily armed immigration agents descend on L.A.'s MacArthur Park
They came with horses and armored vehicles, carrying rifles and in tactical gear in the middle of what is the heart of immigrant Los Angeles. But there were few of their supposed targets to be found Monday — immigrants without documentation.
Immigration raid at cannabis farm leads to violence in Camarillo as hundreds protest
Protesters blocked the roads in and out of one of the farms, and at one point federal agents drove their vehicles through the fields.
Cal State L.A. allows online classes, excused absences as students express fear amid ICE raids
In a letter to faculty, the university provost said that after hearing from students 'scared to take public transit and fearful of driving to campus,' leaders reiterated policies that also allow professors to provide excused absences and alternative makeup work arrangements for concerned students.
Federal arrests in L.A. approach 2,800 since raids began, DHS says
Arrests continue to mount in the aggressive federal operation that began more than a month ago to track down and detain undocumented immigrants in Los Angeles, according to Homeland Security figures released Tuesday.
Honduran home cook sells internet-viral burritos for the workers of L.A.
The cooking videos of Maria Sanchez — also known as 'Maria la de los Burritos' — went viral, and her business selling burritos from the trunk of her car took off.
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Forbes
6 hours ago
- Forbes
Missed Out On Bad Bunny Tickets? No Problem—Here's Why Puerto Rico Is Still The Place To Be
SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO - JULY 11: Bad Bunny performs onstage during Night One of Bad Bunny: "No Me ... More Quiero Ir De Aqui" Residencia En El Choli at Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot on July 11, 2025 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Photo by)So you didn't snag tickets to Bad Bunny's sold-out residency in Puerto Rico? Well, don't let that keep you from exploring the beautiful island, which is full of fun, flavor and culture that goes way beyond the concert gates. On Friday, July 11, the global reggaeton superstar, born Benito Ocasio, kicked off his groundbreaking 30-show residency titled "No Me Quiero Ir de Aquí" ( "I Don't Want to Leave Here" ) at the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum (El Choli) in San Juan. The residency runs until September 14, 2025, making it the largest and longest-running in Puerto Rican history. Bad Bunny announced the concert series in January 2025 and sold out within four hours, even after adding 10 more shows. The first three weeks of the residency were reserved exclusively for residents of Puerto Rico, exemplifying his deep affection for his homeland and opens to the rest of the world on August 1. At the opening night concert, fans enjoyed multiple stage setups that mirrored the island's natural beauty and culture. Lush greenery and palm trees created the atmosphere of the Puerto Rican jungle. The "El Clúb" singer also incorporated elements that represent the colorful indigenous history and authenticity of the island, including Bomba dancers, screens displaying historical messages and even live chickens. Apart from its cultural significance, the concert series is projected to have a major economic and tourism impact. San Juan Mayor Miguel Romero shared that the residency was set to "bring $36 million in direct revenue to the Puerto Rican government including $2.3 million for the city's municipal treasury." Included in that monetary boost is an expected influx of 500,000 travelers visiting Puerto Rico with 40,000 hotel rooms booked over a three-month period — an 88% increase compared to the same time frame last year. According to data from shared via CNN, flights to the eastern Caribbean island skyrocketed by 217% during the residency announcement window. Bad Bunny has always been unapologetic about his pride in Puerto Rico, from being vocal about the island's political landscape to supporting local businesses and his goal of inspiring unity among citizens, and "No Me Quiero Ir de Aquí" is another step in his quest. Although the residency has supercharged the island's tourism, Puerto Rico has enough to celebrate well after Bad Bunny takes his final bow. So whether you're headed to Puerto Rico with the massive wave of Los Conejos ( "The Rabbits," alias for Bad Bunny fans ) or looking for a vacation you'll never want to end, here are some of the best ways to experience Puerto Rico. How To Get There With Google Trends reporting that 'no passport travel' is currently at an all time high, venturing to Puerto Rico is often viewed as an uncomplicated trek. The island has three major airports, with Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) as the primary gateway located in the heart of San Juan. Most major airlines offer direct flights from larger cities such as New York, Miami, Atlanta and Charlotte. JetBlue is the largest airline serving Puerto Rico, offering nonstop flights from almost every major city not only to San Juan but also to Aguadilla's Rafael Hernández International Airport (BQN) and Ponce's Mercedita International Airport (PSE). Shops and cafés in Old San Juan/Viejo San Juan, historic colonial district in the capital city San ... More Juan, Puerto Rico, Greater Antilles, Caribbean. (Photo by: Marica van der Meer/Arterra/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) Arterra/Universal Images Group via Getty Images Just in time for the concerts, JetBlue Vacations, the airline's travel curation sector, has begun offering personalized trip experiences and services for travelers through its Insider Experience program. The brand is a one-stop shop for flight, hotel and 24/7 customer service support, ensuring an unforgettable travel experience. In addition to a seamless travel experience, JetBlue Vacations offers travelers a range of experiences including a complimentary Old San Juan walking tour. Where To Stay Fairmont El San Juan Hotel The iconic Chandelier Bar is the epicenter of the Fairmont El San Juan's famously elegant nightlife. Fairmont El San Juan Hotel The Fairmont El San Juan Hotel is a timeless icon in the capital city. Since its grand opening in 1958, the massive hand-blown chandeliers, cherry mahogany woodwork and Italian marble, along with the hand-blown chandeliers, reflect the location's distinguished blend of timeless elegance, culture and luxury. Located along the award-winning Isla Verde Beach, this iconic resort holds memories of star-studded entertainment and legendary performances from names like Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole and Sammy Davis Jr. Today, the Fairmont boasts 388 guest rooms, suites and villas that feature floor-to-ceiling windows and breathtaking views of the ocean or city. The property also includes upscale private villas, bungalows and signature suites, offering a sophisticated island living experience with access to four magnificent pools and cabanas. The onsite Well & Being Spa delivers personalized spa journeys including custom aromatherapy massages and facials, and its state-of-the-art fitness center offers a range of classes from Pilates to CrossFit. San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino The San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino has evolved from a staple for business travelers to ... More one of the island's most beloved resort-style destinations. San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino The San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino is dubbed as the epicenter of fun on Condado Beach. As the oldest Marriott casino in Puerto Rico, the Stellaris has undergone several transitions. Following an $80 million property-wide renovation in 2024, the location has evolved into its current resort-style space inspired by the island's natural splendor. Guest rooms and suites are now outfitted with sleek modern furniture featuring color palettes that echo the nearby ocean. The location now features a resort-style pool with cabanas and adult-only areas as well as new dining venues led by new culinary concepts including Cosecha, an open-air eatery serving traditional Puerto Rican food with a twist, and Sakana, the in-lobby bar restaurant celebrating Nikkei cuisine blending the bold flavors of Japan and Peru. In May 2025, the San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino celebrated 30 years of leading the way in "bleisure" travel accommodations. Wyndham Palmas Beach & Golf Boutique Resort Experience paradise on the eastern coast of Puerto Rico at the Wyndham Palmas Beach & Golf Boutique ... More Resort. Wyndham Palmas Beach & Golf Boutique Resort If you're looking to stay clear of the hustle and bustle of San Juan, the Wyndham Palmas Beach & Golf Boutique Resort is the perfect choice. Located on the eastern coast of the island in the exclusive Palmas del Mar community, the Palmas has become a favorite destination for travelers seeking relaxation and holistic wellness experiences. The tranquility and serene setting of Palmas is enhanced by the sounds of the coquí (small tree frogs), trails leading to the private beach and ponds full of turtles guests are welcome to feed. The location offers an array of activities to support guests on their wellness journey, including invigorating yoga sessions and tranquil mat pilates. The expansive resort is also equipped with 25 tennis courts and two world-class championship golf courses. In addition to the standout transformative experiences, the shining star of Palmas is its acclaimed signature restaurant Trova. Starting with its name, which pays homage to the musical expression of the island, Trova is a love letter to Puerto Rico written by renowned chef Daniel Lugo. Fusing local ingredients he grew up with with global techniques he honed through years of culinary training, Chef Lugo has created a menu that reimagines classic dishes to satisfy every palate. Guest favorites include the local roasted snapper complemented by inventive sauces and a vegan Trova Burger crafted from garbanzo beans with island root chips. Dorado Beach Ritz-Carlton Reserve Interior of a ground-floor room with a plunge pool at the Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, is the embodiment of extravagance on Puerto Rico's northern coast. As a featured destination in The Edit by Chase Travel collection, Dorado Beach is a top choice for pure luxury on the island. Spread across 50 acres, the serene oceanfront resort blends natural beauty with the Ritz-Carlton's signature hospitality. Guests will enjoy residences and villas with breathtaking ocean views, private plunge pools and direct beach access. The onsite spa, Spa Botánico, offers complete rejuvenation using indigenous practices and techniques. The flavors of the Caribbean are celebrated through the property's restaurants, including COA, which offers contemporary dishes cooked in a wood-burning oven; Posi+ivo Sand Bar, which blends Asian and Latin influences; and Flor de Sal, which features Mediterranean al fresco experiences. La Cocina Gourmet offers a culinary marketplace for coffee enthusiasts and food artisans. The 24-hour room service is also highly favored. In keeping with the top-tier service synonymous with the brand, guests have access to a dedicated Embajador (ambassador) to attend to their every need. Where To Eat 100% HP 100% HP incorporates Puerto Rican flavors into its menu by offering vegan and vegetarian versions of ... More classic island dishes. 100% HP Puerto Rico 100% HP specializes in vegan and vegetarian renditions of classic and contemporary Puerto Rican dishes with a bright eclectic street-art-themed setting that enhances the dining experience. Diners can chow down on unique interpretations of beloved dishes like vegan relleno de papa, empanadas and 'faux meat' tacos, all of which capture the island's flair without sacrificing flavor. Meat Market Meat Market stands out as one of Puerto Rico's premier steakhouses and full-service restaurants, ... More offering a varied menu that specializes in premium cuts of meat. Meat Market Meat Market stands out as one of Puerto Rico's premier steakhouses, praised for its unique menu concepts that blend international and native cuisine. Following a $2 million renovation, the restaurant, located in the Fairmont El San Juan, abandoned the traditional steakhouse concept and introduced an elevated nightlife ambiance and world-class gastronomy. Although the restaurant specializes in premium cuts of meat including Wagyu ribeye, Cowboy ribeye and the Instagram-worthy Flaming Tomahawk, its seafood and gourmet-quality sides have garnered rave reviews. The reimagined eatery also boasts a curated wine and craft cocktail list featuring various locally distilled spirits. Café Con Ron Bad Bunny-inspired bar and restaurant Café Con Ron is a nod to the restaurant and bar scene of Old ... More San Juan. Café Con Ron Café Con Ron in Old San Juan is a must-visit for any Bad Bunny fan. Located on the infamous Calle San Sebastián, or "La Calle," a cobblestone street known for its nightlife and bars, Café Con Ron is an authentic homage to Old San Juan. The laid-back but lively location is a physical representation of the energy depicted in the artist's single of the same name, "CAFÉ CON RON." The small bar serves small plates and quick bites alongside its extensive list of creative cocktails including the Café Con Ron Old Fashioned featuring Puerto Rican rum and coffee. As deeply connected as Café Con Ron is to the musical lore of Bad Bunny, it's even more embedded in the genuine identity of San Juan. 1919 Restaurant 1919 offers guests world-class dining, focusing on locally sourced, artisanal ingredients, presented ... More with contemporary flair. 1919 Restaurant Led by Michelin-starred Executive Chef Juan Cuevas, 1919 Restaurant offers a diverse array of carefully crafted dishes that showcase the island's finest offerings. It is widely regarded as one of the island's top fine dining destinations thanks to its exceptional food, attentive service and stunning oceanfront setting. The luxury restaurant has established its niche in crafting culinary masterpieces featuring fresh locally sourced seafood including lobster, tuna crudo and wild king salmon. 1919 is a wine lover's paradise, boasting an extensive wine list of over 1,400 bottles spanning global regions, which earned the restaurant the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence in 2025. What To Do The Spoon Experience Old San Juan Walk & Taste Food Tour SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO - MARCH 20: People enjoy an evening in Old San Juan on March 20, 2021 in San ... More Juan, Puerto Rico. As tourism on the island continues to surge, Democrats in Congress have introduced legislation to begin the debate on determining Puerto Rico's future status, including its relationship with the mainland and the possibility of statehood. Puerto Rico has seen an influx of tourists from the mainland asCOVID-19 has kept many other destinations closed. (Photo by) Getty Images The best way to experience the history-rich city of Old San Juan is through an immersive walking tour. The Spoon Experience Old San Juan Walk & Taste Food Tour offers tourists the opportunity to savor delicious authentic Puerto Rican cuisine from some of the most beloved local restaurants while learning about the island's rich history and traditions. Tourists will get to try everything from customary street food and slow-roasted pork to handcrafted chocolates and other sweet treats. El Yunque National Forest Watercourse in the rainforest, El Yunque National Forest, Puerto Rico. De Agostini via Getty Images Paradise awaits 45 minutes outside of the city. El Yunque rainforest is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. Acknowledged as a sacred place in Puerto Rican culture, El Yunque is home to over 240 plant species, rare animals like the endangered Puerto Rican parrot and the iconic coquí frog, making it one of the most biodiverse tropical rainforests in the Caribbean. Visitors can choose from a variety of scenic trails and covered peaks to explore such as Mt. Britton and Yokahu Towers. After conquering the trails, they can rejuvenate in the numerous waterfalls and natural pools. Taller de Bomba N"Zambi Dancers from the Taller de Bomba N'Zambi participate in traditional Bomba dance ceremonies in Loiza, ... More Puerto Rico. Discover Puerto Rico Bomba is one of the island's oldest living musical and dance traditions. It is both a music and dance form that emerged in Puerto Rico's sugar plantations during the colonial period, developed by enslaved West Africans and their descendants who were brought to the island by Spanish colonizers. The art form is deeply connected to the story of the island's formation, resistance, resilience and self-expression. Today, the town of Loíza is regarded as the mecca for all things Bomba as it remains a powerful symbol of Afro-Puerto Rican identity and cultural pride. Taller de Bomba N'Zambi is an artistic heritage space dedicated to teaching and preserving the history of Bomba. Under the leadership of Sheila Osorio, this workshop curates performances, educational events and ancestral nights that give new life to and celebrate the rhythms and movements of the island's ancestors. Hacienda San Pedro Hacienda San Pedro is a family-owned farm that has cultivated, harvested, and processed coffee the ... More same way for over three generations. Discover Puerto Rico Rum isn't the only liquid gold that flows through the veins of Puerto Rico. With over 15 coffee farms, the island has a thriving and esteemed coffee culture. One of the longest-running farms is Hacienda San Pedro, located in the verdant mountains of Jayuya, Puerto Rico. The brand's story begins over a century ago when a 13-year-old Emeterio Atienza came to the island to work on a coffee farm and learned the trade. Now, the business he started out of his suitcase is still run by his descendants four generations later. Tours of the farm include a journey through the lush coffee fields where visitors learn firsthand how coffee is cultivated, harvested and processed using the Atienza family's time-honored techniques. Guides share how coffee is deeply intertwined with Puerto Rico's history. Ultimately, tourists will have the opportunity to visit Hacienda San Pedro's café and enjoy freshly prepared espresso, lattes or iced coffee picked straight from the grounds.
Los Angeles Times
6 hours ago
- Los Angeles Times
Latin Grammys 2025 predictions: Bad Bunny, Natalia Lafourcade and Rauw Alejandro among the frontrunners
This year promises to be one of the most exciting editions of the Latin Grammys. As the Latin Recording Academy prepares to unveil the nominations for the award's 26th edition on Sept. 17, the eligibility period — from June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 — includes a number of high-profile albums that not only contributed to the ongoing Latin music boom on a global level, but also pushed the movement forward with their radical choices and genre-defying sounds. Now a vital part of the Latin pop DNA, the urbano genre continues to redefine and challenge itself, while the rootsy strains of música Mexicana have deservedly gained a privileged seat on the table like never before. The fields of folk, rock, electronica and tropical are still expanding, and artists such as Bad Bunny, Rauw Alejandro, Becky G, Fuerza Regida and Natalia Lafourcade are vying for awards with some of the most ambitious albums of their careers. De Los assistant editor Suzy Exposito and contributing writer Ernesto Lechner discuss their predictions on the songs and albums that are most likely to be nominated. The following conversation has been edited for length. Ernesto Lechner: This seems to be an easy year in terms of the two obvious candidates for Latin Gammy history. Bad Bunny's 'Debí Tirar Más Fotos' is the kind of album that defines not only the year it came out — 2025 — but also the entire decade. And Natalia Lafourcade's mystically tinged 'Cancionera' finds the perennial Grammy favorite at the apex of her craft. Going back to Benito's masterpiece, its conceptual gravitas is almost grander than the songs themselves. Suzy Exposito: I'm really gunning for Album of the Year for this one. The amount of thought and intention that he placed on this record. The cultural significance of the songs, not just in terms of the history of Puerto Rico, but the way in which he directly engages with the Caribbean diaspora at large through salsa. E.L.: I love how lovingly he delves beyond salsa to also include plena. He goes back to Rafael Cortijo — the roots, the very essence of boricua culture. And the album has this Beatles-like quality where it's incredibly commercial — a No. 1 record, the album that everybody is listening to — but there's no compromise on the artistic front. It's an ambitious, fully realized statement. S.E.: Is any album by Benito just another Bad Bunny album? I don't think he dabbles in filler the way other artists do. E.L.: The photo of the plastic chairs on the cover could have been taken in the suburbs of Lima, or San Salvador, or Medellín. Benito makes such an inclusive, pan-Latin statement. Which brings me to nominate the title track, 'Debí Tirar Mas Fotos,' as a perfect contender for Song of the Year. S.E.: When I first heard it, I started to cry. It's a very sentimental song. I was recently in Puerto Rico and went to a plena jam session. It was happening in the street, and you could see people of all ages playing together, singing traditional songs, drinks in hand. There was something really beautiful and timeless about that communal experience. E.L.: A similar passion for music permeates Lafourcade's 'Cancionera.' Recorded live on analog tape, it has a pristine, wooden-floor kind of warmth. She embodies this mystical character, the cancionera, and it's a very mature album. I love 'Cocos en la Playa' — a frisky, beautiful tropical song that's so lovely and authentic. For my money, it's going to be a battle between those two albums in all the major categories. S.E.: I feel that Natalia Lafourcade is the conservative choice at the Latin Gammys, and it feels bizarre to say it. This is a woman who was making pop-rock in the 2000s. She is a virtuosa, and a master of her craft, but her nomination is predictable because now she represents the gold standard for the Latin Academy. E.L.: She's definitely the safest choice between the two. Besides Benito and Natalia, there are a few albums that could very well appear in the major categories, and one of them is Cazzu's 'Latinaje.' S.E.: That album is such a statement piece. I loved seeing Cazzu break away from the Latin trap sound that she defined and blending it with other things. She's a great songwriter, and her transformation is fascinating. I think this is the year when many young people are going back to their roots, and then making something new out of it. E.L.: I had a conversation with Cazzu a few months ago and told her that 'Latinaje' made me feel vindicated. As a fellow Argentine, I've always felt that we're an integral part of Latin America. She proved it with this beautiful love letter to so many essential genres. There's salsa, merengue, South American folk, and 'Dolce,' a gorgeous corrido tumbado about that infamous red dress that went viral. And she did it all so genuinely. S.E.: It may be hard for her, because she came up as an MC. I wonder if the Latin Academy will know in what categories to place her, since this is such a multi-genre album. I mean, she's an international girl. E.L.: And of course, Rubén Blades has a new album out, and it's beautiful as always. 'Fotografías' is another sumptuous, big band salsa session. It combines new compositions with songs that Rubén had given to fellow Fania artists in the '70s, and now recorded them himself. S.E.: That's a great move on his part. 'Hey, remember those songs? Yeah — I wrote them!' It sounds ridiculous to say that Rubén is another safe choice, but I can see him in all the big categories. Which brings me to another artist who made a salsa-influenced album: Rauw Alejandro and 'Cosa Nuestra.' E.L.: I love the Afro-Caribbean vibe on 'Cosa Nuestra' and the silky duet with bachata star Romeo Santos on 'Khé?' I feel this one has been overshadowed a little by Benito's 'Debí Tirar Más Fotos.' My favorite Rauw Alejandro album remains 2021's 'Vice Versa' with the awesome, '80s influenced mega-hit 'Todo De Ti.' S.E.: My favorite song on 'Cosa Nuestra' is 'Se Fue,' the duet with Laura Pausini, which is also like a moody '80s song. Raúl has made it a point to polish up his nostalgia for old forms of music. Michael Jackson is one of his most influential artists. By the way, we should mention Fuerza Regida and their ninth studio album, '111XPANTIA.' They have never been nominated for a Latin Grammy, so I'm rooting for them because they have experimented in a really bold way. Their lead singer, Jesús Ortiz Paz, has shown a lot of intention behind his creative decisions beyond making the same corridos or mining from the same old '90s rappers. Their music is cheeky; sonically, it pushes boundaries. E.L.: You're never gonna have a bad time with this new wave of música Mexicana stars, considering the staggering melodic richness of their songs and the immediacy of the lyrics. S.E.: On that note, I think it's time for Ivan Cornejo to get a Latin Grammy nod for 'Mirada' — the production has this ethereal quality that sounds so mature and progressive for the genre. I also want to applaud DannyLux for his ambitious 'Leyenda,' which is a psychedelic take on sierreño music, à la George Harrison. E.L.: What about Becky G? Last year I was asked to write about 'Encuentros,' and I just had to surrender to the elegance of this pristine música Mexicana session. Her voice sounds huge on this record. S.E.: I really hope they don't silo her in the música Mexicana categories, because this is a very mature album for her. She grew up singing mariachi music with her family, so it's a beautiful full circle moment for her. E.L.: 'Encuentros' would be a perfect Album of the Year candidate because it celebrates the music of her grandparents but at the same time transcends it. I love that Becky said she's never looking back after recording her two traditional albums of rancheras and lush Mexican pop. This brings me to a more general observation: I believe we're experiencing an era of absolute splendor, and the Latin Grammys nominations are bound to reflect that. It's like every single Latin American country has blossomed, wearing its most elegant clothes and throwing some amazing parties. The richness and breadth of the music being recorded throughout the continent is off the charts. S.E.: I agree. Creatively, the last couple of years have been the most exciting for Latin music in a really long time. I think we're going to remember the 2020s for the bold decade that it is.
Los Angeles Times
8 hours ago
- Los Angeles Times
‘Love Island's' JaNa Craig and Kenny Rodriguez, a fan-favorite duo, call it quits
JaNa Craig and Kenny Rodriguez have gone from 'Love Island' to Splitsville. The pair of reality TV stars who kindled a romance last year on 'Love Island' Season 6 have called it quits, The Times confirmed Monday. Craig broke up with Rodriguez on Sunday, a day after they were among the guests at YouTube star David Dobrik's birthday party. 'They will not be getting back together,' a source confirmed to People. A representative for Craig declined to comment. The Times did not immediately hear back from Rodriguez. Though Craig and Rodriguez fell short of winning their season last year (fellow contestants Kordell Beckham and Serena Page took the prize), the pair continued their relationship off-screen. Craig opened up about her relationship with Rodriguez to People in October 2024, telling the magazine that time away from the cameras meant 'we can take our time.' 'We always forgot that there was cameras anyways so nothing's really changed,' she said at the time. Craig and Rodriguez's relationship came back into the 'Love Island' spotlight earlier this month for Peacock's 'Love Island: Beyond the Villa.' The series, which premiered July 13, follows the Season 6 contestants 'as they navigate new careers, evolving friendships, newfound fame, and complex relationships,' according to a press release for the show. Right before the premiere of 'Love Island: Beyond the Villa,' fans bid farewell to 'Love Island' Season 7 — which was notably marred by controversy. Two contestants — Yulissa Escobar and Cierra Ortega — left the series weeks apart after they came under fire for their off-air use of racial slurs. The season ended with contestants Amaya Espinal and Bryan Arenales taking home the $100,000 grand prize.
