Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee’s “Despacito” remix featuring Justin Bieber sits at no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for the third week in a row, a feat that has sparked a dialogue on Latin pop’s continued evolution. The ubiquity and meteoric success of “Despacito” might mark a new chapter for Latin pop, but if you’ve been following Spanish-language for more than five minutes, you know the current landscape extends far beyond a Bieber feature.
To paint a picture of the new movements taking shape in reggaeton, Latin trap, and beyond, Remezcla Music Editor Isabelia Herrera joined Jezebel Culture Editor Julianne Escobedo Shepherd and NYTimes Pop Music Critic Jon Caramanica on this week’s episode of The New York Times Popcast.
The episode, titled Latin Pop Thrives, No Bieber Required, dives deep into the authenticity debate surrounding the Canadian superstar’s “Despacito” feature, the sweeter textures of Colombian reggaeton, and Latin trap’s surging popularity. For a full primer on Spanish-language music’s vibrant new stripes, head over to The New York Times website and stream the full episode below.