Danny Ocean – “Me Rehúso”
Don’t pretend these iconic synths didn’t make you rush to the dance floor. We were all there.
It Feels Like 2016: 16 Songs That Still Hit in 2026
Art by Stephany Torres for Remezcla.
Can you believe 2016 was 10 years ago? It marked a time right before Latine music took over the mainstream, largely thanks to the 2017 banger “Despacito.” But before the Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee hit, changes in the Latine music landscape were already brewing across various genres, setting the groundwork for who would be leading the charts throughout the next decade. Let’s take a trip down memory lane to kick off 2026, shall we?
Prior to the música mexicana boom was the “Despacito” craze. But before those two mainstream phenomena happened, there were artists like Shakira, J Balvin, and Maluma pushing Latine music to the radio one hit at a time. This year was also special because we started hearing about the now-icon Bad Bunny, thanks to his 2016 hits “Diles” and “Soy Peor,” which helped him gain fans beyond his SoundCloud listeners. We also got acquainted with other Spanish-language emerging artists, like Rosalía and C. Tangana, who are now powerhouses in their own right. 2016 championed genres like reggaeton, pop, and trap in the mainstream.
Although reggaeton and pop music dominated media, música mexicana was also present in its own way. Before the corridos tumbados rise, fans were listening to songs like Banda Los Recoditos’s “Pistearé,” Calibre 50’s “Amor Del Bueno,” and La Arrolladora’s “Me Va A Pesar.” During the same time, many regional Mexican fans were also mourning Ariel Camacho after his passing in 2015. Camacho, an inspiration to many of música mexicana’s popular artists today, left his mark with iconic songs like “Yo Quisiera Entrar” and “La Vida Ruina” from the album Hablemos (2015), which gained even more popularity after his death.
From Danny Ocean’s biggest hit to date “Me Rehúso” to Shakira’s major collaboration “Chantaje” with Maluma, here are 16 tracks that defined 2016—and that we still can’t get over today.
CNCO – “Reggaetón Lento (Bailemos)”
CNCO’s Spanglish song “Reggaetón Lento (Bailemos)” was a huge hit from their debut album Primera Cita, setting the tone for their career.
Bad Bunny – “Soy Peor”
Yeah, Bad Bunny is a household name now, but in 2016, he was proving that he was trap’s Latine king. A decade later, he’s one of the biggest stars in the world today, ahead of his upcoming 2026 Super Bowl LX Halftime Show on Feb. 8.
J Balvin – “Safari”
Before linking with Bad Bunny (and their fallout), J Balvin was already one of Latine’s biggest, established hitmakers in the market. In 2016, he released Energía, including mega hits like “Safari” featuring Pharrell Williams, BIA, and Sky, and “Ginza,” which helped his “Latino Gang” brand soar.
Bomba Estéreo – “To My Love”
We know we’re not the only ones who get nostalgic once the intro whistles to “To My Love” comes on. Though the song was released in 2015, it received the Tainy treatment a year later, which popularized both versions even more.
Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony – “Olvídame y Pega la Vuelta”
Part of the reason why this Pimpinela cover collaboration was so iconic was that Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony performed it at the 2016 Latin Grammys after their separation five years earlier. The drama? Epic. It also gave the ‘80s track a second life.
Deorro, Elvis Crespo – “Bailar”
Deorro’s “Bailar” opened the pathway for EDM and Latine music to go mainstream. It ushered in a new wave of Latine DJs to reconnect with their roots, and at the same time, champion popular artists like Elvis Crespo in electronic music.
Alex Anwandter – “Siempre Es Viernes En Mi Corazón”
Nothing will hit as hard as Alex Anwandter’s “Siempre Es Viernes En Mi Corazón” in 2016. With no doubt, it’s a moment electro pop enthusiasts wish they could relive.
Ms Nina, Chico Sonido – “Chupa Chupa”
Where were you when you heard “Chupa Chupa” for the first time? 2016 was the neoperreo era.
Princess Nokia – “Tomboy”
From her album 1992 Deluxe, Princess Nokia’s “Tomboy” was another song we loved from 2016.
Helado Negro – “It’s My Brown Skin”
Helado Negro’s Private Energy was a game-changer, specifically with his song “It’s My Brown Skin,” which resonated with many listeners in 2016.
Ricky Martin, Maluma – “Vente Pa' Ca”
Maluma was a go-to artist for features in 2016. And in Ricky Martin’s “Vente Pa’ Ca,” he demonstrated why.
Nicky Jam – “Hasta El Amanecer”
In 2016, Nicky Jam was one of Latine’s most popular reggaeton hitmakers—you couldn’t escape him at the club.
Banda MS – “Me Vas a Extrañar”
If there’s one thing Banda MS is known for, it’s their way of dropping a heartfelt post-breakup anthem.
C. Tangana, Rosalía – “Antes De Morirme”
Before Rosalía and Rauw Alejandro, there was Rosalía and C. Tangana. Their undeniable chemistry shone in collaborations like “Antes De Morirme,” released in 2016.
Shakira, Maluma – “Chantaje”
Shakira’s “Chantaje” is another hit that features Maluma. It was undoubtedly one of 2016’s go-to hits on both the radio and on the dance floor