19 New Songs to Listen to This Week From El Malilla to Ela Minus

08.08.25 at 02:06

This is our weekly compilation of bite-sized reviews of newly released songs by our talented music writers. Discover new favorites, read nuanced criticism of the week’s hottest releases, and much more. Who knows, you might walk out of this with a new fave or two. Some of the featured artists include El Malilla, Ela Minus, and Alejo. Follow our playlist featuring these tracks and more on Spotify or Apple Music.

El Malilla - “Rebeca”

El Malilla is back with a sexy romp called “Rebeca,” part of his newest six-track EP TU MALIANTE BEBÉ. Driven by a throbbing bass and flirty high-pitched synths, the Mexican reggaetonero lays verses about an all-naturally fit frikitona that turns heads and loves to party. With “Rebeca,” a name derived from “Re Bellaka,” El Mali continues to drop banger after banger, signaling that he’s far from being done in the Mexican reggaeton scene. In fact, he’s not going anywhere – he’s here to elevate LA ESQUINA INC’s tremendously risqué perreo. “It’s good to grow and explore, but never forget,” he shared about the EP. “Tu Maliante Bebé is that: a reminder. We’re reggaetoneros, and we’re building something big. To do that, we can’t forget what put us on the map: Mexican reggaetón.” – Jeanette Hernandez

Ela Minus - “QQQQ (Nick León Apocalypto Mix)”

Colombia’s Ela Minus surprise-dropped a collection of new mixes and edits of “QQQQ,” her standout single from this year’s celebrated album DÍA, which includes two contributions from Miami producer and previous collaborator Nick León. One of them is his “Apocalypto” mix, which strips the original away from a beat and plagues it with equally hard-hitting arpeggiated synths and thumping bass lines. On his take, León injects melancholy into Ela Minus’ euphoric cry for things to come to an end in a world that already feels apocalyptic, and he masterfully creates tension through dynamics. – Cheky

Alejo - "En la Orilla"

Following an already applause-demanding slew of singles this past year, and an already productive previous one, rapper Alejo’s latest teaser is an encapsulation of steady growth and practice. “En La Orilla” is the latest track from the Puerto Rico hypeman and demonstrates a step up in production in contrast to his previous singles, offering dreamy synths to accompany a harrowing trap beat. Compared to Alejo’s recent works, “En La Orilla” brings the most energy and character, seeing the singer branch out of his usual vocal range for something out of his comfort zone, but vividly more interesting than what we’ve seen before. From start to finish, Alejo riddles the track with gut-wrenching vocals and toils in an emotional state for an undoubtedly hyped “sad boy” type of performance. – Alan Baez

Hoyer - “Mía”

Known for his work behind the scenes, Mexican-American artist Hoyer steps into the spotlight with the release of “MIA,” the first track off his upcoming debut album. The project has been in the making for over four years, and it is a work of love, patience, and dedication to one’s artistry. Hoyer’s smooth yet quiet voice is delicately woven into the melodies of an acoustic guitar, creating a carefully enticing sound that guides the listener into understanding the true meaning of the song, beyond its initial seduction. “MIA” is sexy, yes, but it is, above all, about yearning, love, and finding peace within one’s own true feelings. – Júlia Henn

Mariana Beauchamp - “Niña”

Singer-songwriter Mariana Beauchamp digs into her memories for her latest single, “Niña,” which finds her reminiscing about her childhood and younger self. Serving as a conversation with her past, Mariana imparts both assurances about the future and reconciliation about the past. Her soft indie pop and folk fusion — produced by Rigoberto Alvarado — allows for the grace of her lyrics to carry through, and for the song’s catharsis to breathe when it arrives. Beauchamp’s music, like “Para protegerme” and “Pessimist,” has always leaned on the holistic and a messaging of being kind to oneself during fraught times, betting on music being the salve some of us need to heal and grow. — Juan J. Arroyo

Fabio Capri - “Amor Prestado”

Rising star Fabio Capri might just have a classic for the ages in his hands. This brand new pop-corrido has all the ingredients to become one of those tracks that everybody knows and sings in unison at the “should I call my ex?” point of the party. With a production true to its corrido roots and enough modern details like heavenly background instrumentation and barely-there choruses that make it sound more mellow, romantic, and current, “Amor Prestado” has what it takes to become a massive hit. The accompanying visual complements the music with its simplicity, where we see a heartbroken Fabio Capri rocking the look of a timeless bad boy: jeans, a white shirt, a black leather jacket, and a messy blonde hairstyle. He’s lovingly haunted by the shining memory of a former lover. His vocal and on-screen delivery feels honest and raw, and he has a relatable quality to him that is sure to reach a speaker near you (perhaps at 3 a.m.). – La Morra Lisa

Giorgio Siladi - “Zafiro”

Over a recent string of singles including “Bandido” and “El Diablo Se Soltó,” Dominican heartthrob Giorgio Siladi has showcased impressive production chops, plunging into disco, old school funk, and meticulous sound design that all coalesce into delicious pop gold. For his latest effort, “Zafiro,” he layers cascading percussion, digital strings, and groovy keys into a whirlpool of sound meant to blur the lines between dancing and thrusting. But at the center stands Siladi, with his deep, Miguel Bosé-esque timber, seductively crooning to a paramour as he tries to convince them that the weather outside is frightful but his bed is oh so delightful. While “Zafiro” is an anthem of unabashed lust, it’s also another crucial chapter in the overdue – artistic and personal – liberation of Giorgio Siladi. — Richard Villegas

Lucrecia Dalt - “caes (ft. Camille Mandoki) (Nick León dub)”

While the original version of “caes” was a harmoniously pleasant and rhythmically adventurous track, this new remix by producer extraordinaire Nick León doubles the dose down. Taking the ethereal grace and steady groove of the original, León goes full-on Jamaican dub, splicing vocals and instruments to mangle them with effects, and layering them to make them sound like they are coming from outer space. Meanwhile, synth swells become part of the groove and flesh it out to a full-on dembow, still giving the mix a ton of elbow room. With this remix, León emphasizes the elements that make the original so irresistible, taking “caes” from headphones to the dancefloor. — Marcos Hassan

BEL - “Amor”

LA-based indie pop artist BEL delivers another snippet of her upcoming album with “Amor,” a shimmering bilingual confessional that’s romantic in tone but bruised in spirit. Wrapped in soft synths, warm basslines, and a honeyed vocal performance, it’s an anthem for the romantically unfulfilled and emotionally self-aware that sways like a love song but cuts like disillusionment. Sliding between English and Spanish, she captures the quiet spiral that doesn’t miss a person so much as the comfort they once gave, even if it was always half-hearted. There’s a sweetness laced with the haze of dating fatigue and emotional depletion. That particular ache of craving connection so deeply you start mistaking what once disappointed you for something worth wanting again. It all builds to that dangerous blur where loneliness takes the shape of longing, and suddenly you’re staring at an unsent message like a bad idea you can’t quite delete. — Jeanette Diaz

Kobi Cantillo - "Chikiluki"

Venezuelan lover boy Kobi Cantillo is embracing the Afro-pop wave. With “Chikiluki” – Venezuelan slang for something of high quality – he merges R&B hues with sticky Afro-pop, a distinctive musical style that he’s becoming synonymous with the help of Venezuelan producer and frequent collaborator JAB. On the lyrical forefront, Cantillo matches the melody’s high energy as he tenderly croons about someone he’s completely infatuated with. The cherry on top? An infectious chorus that stays in your head like successful pop songs tend to do. Bottom line is Cantillo’s new musical chapter is one to follow, especially if you’re interested in what Venezuela’s pop scene has to offer. – Jeanette Hernandez

Paira - “Sua Casa”

Balaclava Records’ breakthrough Brazilian duo Paira are days away from dropping their second EP aptly titled EP02, and with their latest single, they keep pushing forward their now signature blend of ‘90s indie/emo and newly-repurposed dance breaks. “Sua Casa” is a balancing act between beefy jungle-referencing drumming and delicate crystal-clear guitarwork, with member Clara Borges hauntingly floating above, conveying the feeling of time sitting still while everything around us is falling apart. Distorted layers on the chorus and the occasional string synths add dimension, immersing us in this emotional journey. – Cheky

Andrea Cruz, Vicente Cifuentes - “Décima”

Singer-songwriter Andrea Cruz transforms a set of poignant love letters into diaristic décima poetry on her new single and latest preview of her upcoming album Bienquererse. “Décima” speaks to all of the ephemeral moments and traces of love that live on through letters and written words, even if the love isn’t guaranteed to last. Cruz maintains her signature full-of-life sound with layers of soft, soothing acoustic guitars, lush piano, and shuffling percussion as artist Vicente Cifuentes croons beside her in this earthy and charming folk song. – Nayeli Portillo

Gab Ferreira - "Law of Nature"

Emerging from a pre-TikTok virality brand of synth and bedroom pop, Gab Ferreira’s latest track is her most mature yet. The São Paulo-based artist presents a myriad of complex textures, blended for a dreamy experience, one built from a genuine love for music and a dedication to experimentation. “Law of Nature” contextualizes Ferreira’s upbringing from indie pop soundscapes, but flourishes in textures ranging from trip-hop, Japanese psych rock, and electronica, culminating in such a sonically sound and focused track. It’s subtle, yet provocative, utilizing indie rock elements in its minimal drum loop and slow introduction of sonically interesting layers throughout the track. Ferreira’s influences are worn proudly on her sleeve throughout the track, but they never impose, showcasing just how many other territories she has explored to reach this point in her career. “Law of Nature” is the main psychedelic look into the journey culminating on Ferreira’s upcoming project Carrossel and proves to be the best teaser she’s released yet. – Alan Baez

Síntese - “Bruxismo (Prod. Riff, Teo Guedx)”

Brazilian rap project Síntese, led by rapper and lyricist Neto, presents their latest release, “Bruxismo.” The track gets its name from the stress-related condition that makes people grind their teeth during sleep, pointing out the contradictory moments of everyday life that directly confront our essence as human beings, which we still need to withstand to carry on with our existence. Throughout the entirety of the song, Neto’s voice asks whoever is willing to listen to reflect upon the contrasts of being overestimulated by so many forces that push us from all sides, while still living in an age of detachment and alienation. The rather simple accompanying music video reinforces that notion by having Neto rap in a room bathed by the light of a big window that reveals the sight of a city landscape below, the apparent stillness of the view concealing the never-ending buzz of a metropolis. – Júlia Henn

Baby Pau - “MEAN GIRL”

Baby Pau was featured on our recent “Rising Puerto Rican Artists We Wish Bad Bunny Would Collab With” list, and now she’s back with her newest single and ready to prove we were right. Her attitude — or “pikete” as she’d call it — is fearless, and she expresses as much in the lyrics to “MEAN GIRL.” The track is all bravado and confidence, but she backs it up with actual raw bars and sauce to spare. Pau flexes with the best of ’em, and like she says: if you’re not on her level, you can’t sit with her. — Juan J. Arroyo

Sofish - “Me Caigo”

Pop emergency! Diva alert! Right away: Iconic. Guadalajara singer-songwriter Sofish softly delivers verses both in romantic Spanish and mesmerizing French verses over a track featuring complex layers like a ghostly operatic choir. The inescapable electronic Euro beat packed with Latine heat wraps around you, making you want to feel it again and again. Mexican pop can rest easy knowing there are new artists like Sofish out there keeping it fresh and elegant. Its memorable chorus is fit for any dancefloor — a modern and romantic sound but with a drop of obscurity and grandioseness, as a diva does. This first single, “Me Caigo,” marks the beginning of a new era and album for Sofish, and if this is just the first taste, the full experience will surely be something unique, addictive, and legendary. It bears repeating: diva alert! – La Morra Lisa

NMNL - “Yari Yerk”

The Dominican Republic has emerged as a hub of boundary-pushing club sounds by way of multi-faceted producers like Mediopicky and Diego Raposo, plus a thriving and constantly evolving dembow scene. But a new generation of artists, like Santiago’s NMNL, is ushering a wave nourished more directly by internet brainrot and a plethora of jittery SoundCloud genres, perfectly encapsulated onto his latest single, “Yeri Yerk.” Pouring all his lust and angst into a noisy, bass-heavy jerk beat, NMNL’s anthem to throwing ass like it’s a pro sport is simultaneously outrageous and heartfelt – exactly the range of emotions you want to feel on a sweaty dance floor. — Richard Villegas

Chika Di - “Muros (Walls)”

In these conflicting times we’re living in, music remains an important bastion of resistance and unity, something that Chika Di seizes in her new track. The Colombian singer delivers Spanglish lyrics about speaking out and finding happiness while opposing hateful rhetoric. Musically speaking, the song lets the rhythm flow and hooks land instantly where they should, with Chika Di riding the beat to sing statements of boldness in the face of repression and joy as an act of resistance. With “Muros (Walls),” Chika Di gives us an anthem that’s deeper than your typical late summer bop, adding the song to the long tradition of party songs that speak out against injustices. — Marcos Hassan

OKAN, Munir Hossn - “PUMPUM”

Afro-Cuban duo OKAN teams up with Brazilian multi-instrumentalist Munir Hossn on “PUMPUM,” a liberatory, rhythm-forward celebration of movement, flavor, and transcontinental soul. The track bursts open with rich polyrhythms and an infectious bassline that anchors the track in groove-heavy funk that instantly invites bodies into motion. OKAN’s powerhouse vocals harmonize with force and fluidity, while syncopated horns and textured percussion summon the energy of a block party steeped in a spiritual sensuality that is equal parts dancefloor and ritual. Each listen honors both tradition and innovation that radiates joy, freedom, and ancestral fire meant to be moved through, not just heard. – Jeanette Diaz

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