As 2017 comes to a close, we’ll be looking back at the deluge of Latin remixes that flooded our timelines this year. There’s the remix of “Krippy Kush,” Quavo’s verse on the Karol G and Bad Bunny bop “Ahora Me Llama,” and of course, the Latin trap remix of Cardi B’s “Bodak Yellow,” which helped boost Cardi to the no. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100.
Today, we add the Latin remix of Post Malone and 21 Savage’s “rockstar” to the long list of hip-hop and urbano collaborations that changed the pop music landscape in 2017. Last night, Post Malone surprised fans with the rework on his YouTube channel. The remix finds Nicky Jam and Ozuna riffing on Post Malone’s musings on fame and fortune. “Mi movie siempre está en play (play)/Vivo la vida como un rockstar,” spits Nicky. “Yo soy una estrella, todas las babys a mi me quieren, me reclaman,” coos Ozuna. Refreshingly, Nicky Jam and Ozuna’s verses are thoughtful and elaborate, a breath of fresh air from many of the hit-or-miss verses that major labels dropped off in 2017.
Whether these remixes are a sign of mutual respect between artists, a product of label maneuvering intended to maximize sales and reach RIAA certifications, or a combination of both, they remain a sign of the times. Here’s hoping 2018 brings more dedicated collaborative efforts between mainstream trap artists and reggaetoneros, and that our increasingly globalized music landscape helps foster the growth of hybrid sounds.