8 Bilingual Pop Songs That Prove Latin Music Is Taking Over Mainstream Radio
Up until the radio takeover of last year's "Despacito," there had been only two Spanish-language singles to crown the Hot 100: Los Lobos "La Bamba" and Los del Rio's "Macarena," both dance floor staples that predated Luis Fonsi's summer insta-bop by at least 20 years. But "Despacito" was more than a mere crossover success, it was a cultural phenomenon, breaking half a dozen records and changing the face of the Top 40.
One year later, bilingual pop has become the go-to ticket for crafting hits. "Despacito" still reigns supreme, but it's no longer an anomaly. Below, check out some of the many tracks it helped to spawn.
- 1
J Balvin + Willy William ft. Beyoncé, "Mi Gente"
Just as Fonsi and Daddy Yankee did with Justin Bieber, J Balvin and Willy William enlisted some major star power for this pulsating Latin club-kindler, looking to none other than Queen B.
- 2
Camila Cabello ft. Daddy Yankee, "Havana" (Remix)
Camila Cabello gave her ode to Cuba an extra dose of Spanish flavor with a feature from Puerto Rican hitmaker Daddy Yankee.
- 3
Liam Payne ft. J Balvin, "Familiar"
The One Direction alum recently hopped on the bilingual bandwagon with April's "Familiar," a seductive, Latin-punched serenade featuring reggaeton king J Balvin.
- 4
Luis Fonsi + Demi Lovato, "Échame La Culpa"
Demi Lovato channeled her Latin roots for Luis Fonsi team-up "Échame La Culpa," an infectious, big beat crowd-pleaser.
- 5
Little Mix + CNCO, "Reggaetón Lento"
Latin boy band CNCO tapped British favorites Little Mix for this hip-swiveling remix of their 2016 track.
- 6
Pitbull ft. Fifth Harmony, "Por Favor"
Just before announcing their indefinite hiatus, Fifth Harmony linked up with Pitbull for this hip-hop-saturated genre mash-up.
- 7
Cardi B, Bad Bunny, + J Balvin, "I Like It"
Even rap queen Cardi B jumped onboard with "I Like It," a J Balvin and Bad Bunny-assisted cut that samples Boogaloo classic "I LIke It Like That."
- 8
Luis Fonsi + Daddy Yankee ft. Justin Bieber, "Despacito"
No list would be complete without the chart triumph that started it all.