20 New Songs to Listen to This Week From La Gabi to Jazlyn Martin

Drenched in Afro-dancehall and R&B influences, La Gabi is back with her newest single, “Maldita Guerra.” The new single explores post-breakup sentiments that lead to the realization of moving forward in the name of self-love. As she tugs back and forth in a mental war of daunting memories vs. reminding herself she deserves better than a disposable relationship, you get an intimate peek at the singer’s new musical chapter. With Instagrammable verses like “Tú eras sombra y yo buscaba sol,” the Dominican queen bares her soul in a sensual melody that begs to be swayed to, giving both heartfelt (and fierce!) lyrics and a new track to dance to. – Jeanette Hernandez

A deep, harp-like melody gains power gradually as “Follow Your Direction,” the new single from actress and singer Jazlyn Martin, begins, exploding right away into an inescapably catchy and groovy atmosphere. Her enamoured voice welcomes us into her world with the promise, “Let me tell you about being in love.” As the beat and energy pick up, the electronic sound becomes bubbly, and a rhythmic clap invites us to join in while the retro-futuristic mix of R&B and soul influences becomes the perfect stage for Martin’s vocals to pierce through and deservedly take over the spotlight. Her thundering voice, especially in the chorus, fills any room with a potent golden energy. Her passionate delivery of lyrics like “say the word, I’ll be on the first flight” or “you look as good as you taste” makes it clear that this is the most sensual part of her multifaceted new era, where she aims to explore as many different types and layers of love as possible. Through her magical and talented perspective, we cannot wait to see what she has in store on her path to (I’m calling it early) EGOT status. – La Morra Lisa

MÓRIA’s last EP, MADRE…amen, embraced the “darkchata” vibe that the Dominican artist has been pioneering since her debut. This week, her first single of the year fuses that sound with a popetón base that edges it closer to being a club-ready spin. The sound of “Be.BE” comes from her interest in fusing—as the music video also shows with its visuals—the subversive DR roots of darkchata with the vibes and reality of her Toronto hometown; goth Caribbean meets North America and its pop leanings. MÓRIA continues to be an underrated creator and artist, who pushes on the walls between art and commerce in exciting ways. — Juan J. Arroyo

This collaboration between duo Coastcity and singer R!ch Yashel serves as a balm to the soul in its softness and romantic energy. The reggaeton meets R&B in “Bajo La Luna,” a track that not only highlights the best aspects of its producers, but also brings out a special feature: the presence of Puerto Rican flutist Néstor Torres. His instrument’s presence during the bridge elevates the track to a new level, transforming what was already good and pleasant to the listening ear into a beautiful arrangement of different genres and artistic expertise. “Bajo La Luna” is romantic, but most of all, it’s hopeful in all its facets. – Júlia Henn

The way Planta Industrial is casually dropping fire with ease is almost unfair, but the way they keep blurring the lines between genres makes it all worthwhile. On “Barra Payan,” they find the missing link between bachata guitars and shredding solos, with a post-punk bass and drums combo taking the listeners to both the dancefloor and the moshpit. Saso and AKA The Darknight use this groove to deliver lyrics about thirsting for a baddie with equal parts desire and humor. With “Barra Payan,” Planta Industrial continues to fuse different musical ideas and gives us a hell of a good time. — Marcos Hassan

Exploring tender themes through mature song orchestration, the latest from Bronx-based artist Selines moves at its own pace to complete its conceptual journey. “Ay Amor II” demonstrates a refined touch for thematics and an even stronger pen for heartbreak. For a dreamy four-and-a-half-minute run-time, Selines compacts vivid textures and luscious melodies into a focused and meticulous piece of songwriting. She maintains the melancholic, warm pace in atmosphere without overloading it with excessive textures. The subtle increments of background instruments layer over increasingly yearning vocals that cut deep for an emotionally cathartic experience. “Ay Amor II” acts as the emotional counterpart of the previous “Ay Amor,” which was released years ago. Both are coupled with a visually stunning video, but are two completely different explorations of the heart and relationships. While “Ay Amor” explores yearning and captures the excitement and fear of a new romance, “II” explores the reality of it failing. – Alan Baez

Mexican artists Chzter and FLVCKKA join forces with angely2k for their new single, “3SOME.” The track is a bold, danceable, and playfully raunchy anthem that captures the chemistry between the three rising voices. Blending the edgy swagger of neobuchonismo with the glossy flair of belikiada fresa, “3SOME” delivers a fresh, genre-bending sound that feels irresistibly fun. Pulsing beats, confident lyricism, and an infectious hook make it impossible not to vibe along from start to finish. “3SOME” marks the first single from Chzter’s upcoming album, #sesbianlex, setting the tone for a project that promises to push boundaries and celebrate fearless self-expression. With this collaboration, Chzter, FLVCKKA, and angely2k prove that their creative synergy is as dynamic as it is unapologetic, offering listeners a track that’s equal parts provocative, playful, and primed for the dance floor.– Natasha Melina Argudo

Beautiful disillusionment permeates Extranjero, the new collaborative EP from Francisco Victoria and Juan López. While the former is one of Chile’s most in-demand pop producers, co-helming recent records from Princesa Alba, Javiera Mena, and Francisca Valenzuela, the latter cut his teeth among Argentina’s irrepressible Rip Gang, contributing sullen bars and fuzzy guitars to multiple releases. Of course, they’ve each launched robust solo projects, oscillating between shimmering electronic music and stripped-back garage, but together, their seemingly disparate sensibilities complement each other exquisitely. The EP’s title track actively seeks common ground, as both lament the changing names and faces in their respective corners of the world, not in an oldhead or xenophobic way, but rather examining the inevitable state of flux in which we all exist. Twanging guitars and crisp, lurching drums give the song a bittersweet vibe, though perhaps there’s comfort in knowing that home is a universally elusive feeling.— Richard Villegas

Rubio is reaching a turning point on “Mi Chica,” the luminous focus track from her newly released album Espero podamos ver un ovni juntxs. While the Chilean artist’s catalog often lives in existential tension and electronic sheen, her latest feels disarmingly grounded. Built on live instrumentation and an organic warmth that leans into psychedelic-tinged alt-pop, the track unfolds like a realization spoken out loud, the moment love shifts from impulse to intention. There’s a softness that emerges, but it carries resolution more than fragility, guided by gentle guitars and steady percussion. Fran Straube’s voice is the throughline here, bridging Rubio’s previous sonic universe with this new chapter. As the album’s emotional exhale, the track embraces romance without naïveté, lingering devotedly in that crossroads where arrival and departure briefly coexist. — Jeanette Diaz

Two of the most notorious cumbia-loving names in the game, Mexican Institute of Sound’s Camilo Lara and Meridian Brothers’ Eblis Álvarez, have joined forces and collaborated on the upcoming 10-track album Ruido Tovar, a clear reference to one of the genre’s icons, Mexico’s Rigo Tovar. The first single from this brand new project is “Cumbia Fantasía,” and it’s everything its name promises. The song is a successful balancing act between MIS’s electronic aesthetics and Meridian Brothers’ oddball psychedelia, packed with contagious organ riffs and a keyboard solo by Lauro López, and a short chorus that repeats “Vivo en fantasía pero tengo pocas alegrías” like an escapist mantra. — Cheky

Gen Z swooners Saul Villarreal and Fabio Capri teamed up for the new piano ballad “Llorar.” With emotional croons about missing a special someone and wishing they could hold them again, the emerging duo delivers a tear-jerking anthem—with utmost remorse—as they mirror vocalized notes to each other. As they sing lyrics like, “No te aproveché cuando te tuve aquella vez / Y ahora me toca llorar y llorar,” the delicate piano gently accompanies, giving their reverbed voices the spotlight they deserve without any distracting noise. “Llorar” is part of Villarreal’s highly anticipated 13-track debut album, Ambición y Delirio. At the end of the track, you can’t help but wonder: who hurt him? – Jeanette Hernandez

Right away, the landscape presented feels ominous, dark, and of massive proportions as the sinister synths of Venezuela-born producer Safety Trance begin to build a cyborg-like sound that works like videogame soundtrack where you meet an eldritch goddess of immeasurable power worthy of fear and awe. With iconic blood running through her veins, Lolahol joins the track, delivering seductive and irreverent verses where her voice has been processed in such a way that makes it echo into a larger-than-life feel, yet retaining soft and whisper-like qualities reminiscent of a spell being recited. If this first taste of Safety Trance’s new era already feels this massive and visionary, we cannot wait to see what the full project has in store from this artist whose nature is to inhabit and create at the forefront, surrounded by a coven of like-minded creatives. – La Morra Lisa

Last summer, Musiana and partner Rick Moon debuted their collab effort Dos Perlas with the single “SABE QUE VA.” While that project is still ongoing, she drops the new song “Morfa” this week under her own name and recaptures the sound and evocative songwriting that garnered her fans. Rick is still here, doing work on the track’s production, guitars, and keyboards. While Musiana bares her heart and waxes poetically about a relationship in tatters, and wonders where it might have gone wrong and if there’s any chance of reclaiming it. The song is exclusive to Bandcamp, but arrives with a whimsy music video that shows her looking for emotion in a colorless forest where she finds remnants of love still lying around. — Juan J. Arroyo

La Favi throws her audience headfirst into what feels like a fever dream with her newest release, “Hate Me,” which repeats the partnership with French producer Rosaliedu38. The single ends just under the two-minute mark, but in all its dangerous and electric atmosphere, it feels like it lasts forever, leaving an impression that doesn’t fade easily. The EDM and house beats that permeate “Hate Me” only contribute to its hypnotic and, at times, disturbing vibes. The collaboration between artist and producer is a key element to how strong the narrative feels in this work. – Júlia Henn

Inspired by the legendary Clube Da Esquina album by Milton Nascimento and Lô Borges, Brazilian singer-songwriter Dorea takes lessons from the GOATs to mix experimentation with tunefulness. On “Áte Que Seque,” the rhythm swings with a folky looseness, while Dorea’s vocals soar with soulfulness. However, there’s more to it than rootsy depth. Underneath his undeniable melodicism, we find layers of synths that ebb and flow like seas of alien bodies of water, adding a bit of edge and darkness. Displaying a brilliant balance between conventional catchiness and an adventurous, experimental spirit, Dorea presents himself as a forward-thinking songwriter. — Marcos Hassan

A deep cut from Puerto Rican singer-songwriter Anonimous gets the extended posse cut treatment. “Toda La Vida” assembles the avengers of melodic trap, bridging multiple genres together while showcasing the powerhouse that is High Ground Music. The chorus of the operation is brought in part by Anonimous, who lends his vapid, velvety, suave vocals to soothe over an extendo of stern and boisterous bars. The shiny and newly polished remix brings a bounce and resolve to an already loud and confident track, bringing together influences and flavors from different pockets of dembow, reggaeton, and trap. Each artist brings something different to the table while amplifying one another’s swagger and presence. A verse from Brytiago hits hard and is immediately followed by melodic lines from Bryant Myers, acting as an alley-oop, furthering the sting of the combined. Each actively donates their confidence for a synergetic and confident remix. – Alan Bae

Tokischa returns with explosive energy on “TU NO ERE DE NA,” recruiting fellow Dominican powerhouse Ezzy R for a hard-hitting dembow anthem that pulses with raw authenticity. Inspired by the movement Ezzy R has been steadily building within the genre, the track is rooted in the original dembow sound. It’s unfiltered, bass-heavy, and fiercely proud of its Caribbean origins. From the very first beat, the record commands attention, blending gritty production with sharp delivery and confidence. The chemistry between Tokischa and Ezzy R feels effortless, their flows bouncing off each other with charisma and conviction. Accompanied by a vibrant music video filled with people dancing y en rulay, the song celebrates street culture and community. Together, they represent a new generation of Dominican dembow artists determined to defend their sound, honor its roots, and push it forward. – Natasha Melina Argudo

Still fresh from dropping Subestimada, her 2025 sophomore album that further carved her name in the Brazilian rap and trap scene, Cashley now adds a new entry to her list of rap bangers. “AURORA” features a ridiculously heavy beat produced by bwhatudoin and Yoko Hated that perfectly matches Cashley’s grit and take-no-prisoners attitude. With her Zona Sul de São Paulo flow, Cashley surfs this tsunami with ease and bravado, shaking to the rumble of the deep 808 bass as she slays opps, flaunts her riches, and romances her man in the same breath, letting us know exactly who she is in under two minutes. — Cheky

There’s a longstanding musical love affair between Colombia and France, laying the groundwork for cult Bogota venue Matik Matik and sonically adventurous bands like Pixvae. This year, we’re treated to the reinvention of beloved cantadora Nidia Góngora, who after earning wide acclaim for her sprawling 2025 LP Pacífico Maravilla, has teamed up with the French electronic trio Reco Reco for a new project called Nuevos Ríos. Reconvening the musicians of her breakthrough roots group, Canalón de Timbiquí, the stacked team has been hard at work dropping joyful, percussive anthems like “Sumba Ale” and “Malvada.” Their latest release, “Si Yo Fuera,” pivots into solemnity, harnessing a haunting funeral song native to Colombia’s Pacific region and guided by Góngora’s powerful vocals. The highly atmospheric track is practically begging for the remix treatment, and as a release from popular electronic music label ZZK, thumping variations are likely to begin flowing like a river.— Richard Villegas

Longtime collaborators and real-life besties Joules and Cameo Adele are entering a new era together under the fitting moniker bestie., and have debuted this new venture with single “Freaky Sauna Butterfly.” From the jump, there’s something hypnotic in its off-kilter charm. Equal parts sweaty, surreal, and emotionally unguarded, the duo’s voices intertwine with lived-in ease as the track drifts between vulnerability and playfulness over a hazy, slightly woozy island-kissed groove. Overall, it’s a little freaky, a little tender, and instantly addictive, a song that feels like summertime whipped up in a melody you want to keep on repeat. If this is the introduction to bestie, consider it a magnetic one. — Jeanette Diaz