Tag: Selena

‘La Tierra de Texas’ Celebrates the Tejano Legacy of Música Mexicana at the Houston Rodeo

March 7, 2024

On February 26, 1995, Selena walked into the middle of the Astrodome as the headlining act for the Houston Rodeo’s Go Tejano Day and delivered a performance that would help solidify her status as a musical legend. And nearly 30 years later, not only have her fans streamed her songs more than 2 billion times on Spotify, but they’re still talking about that iconic performance. 

Just as Selena was more than a singer, the Houston Rodeo is more than an annual event for many Texans—they are both institutions beloved across generations. And as millions of people enjoy this year’s three-week celebration of all things cowboy, Spotify is helping music take center stage at the rodeo once again with La Tierra de Texas. With live musical performances including Ivan Cornejo and Los Tigres del Norte, Música Mexicana was ever present in 2024’s Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.  

On March 10 during this year’s Go Tejano Day—one of the biggest highlights on the Houston Rodeo calendar—we’re paying homage to Tejano culture’s impact on Música Mexicana and celebrating the genre’s evolution, from Selena to Peso Pluma.

Over the past year, Música Mexicana streams on Spotify have grown by 47% globally as the genre has quickly become one of Spotify’s most popular. In 2023, luminaries Peso Pluma, Junior H, Natanael Cano, Fuerza Regida, and Grupo Frontera not only propelled the genre forward and helped redefine what it could be, but they all also finished the year among Spotify’s Top 50 global artists. Moreover, many struck gold with hit collaborations inside and outside Musica Mexicana, including “Ella Baila Sola” by Eslabon Armado and Peso Pluma, “un x100to” by Grupo Frontera and Bad Bunny, and “Peso Pluma: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 55” by Bizarrap and Peso Pluma, all of which topped the Spotify global charts.

At the same time, Selena has shown that Música Mexicana’s global appeal isn’t just about new hits; fans love the classics too. To date, Selena’s songs have been streamed more than 2 billion times on Spotify, with more than 1 billion of those coming from her breakout album, Amor Prohibido, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this month.

But her popularity only continues to grow on Spotify. Over the past five years, Selena’s streams have increased by 227% globally.

A big reason for this is that Gen Z listeners stream Selena on Spotify roughly as much as millennials do. In fact… 

  • More than 15 million Gen Z listeners streamed at least one Selena song in 2023. 
  • Each week for the past year, Gen Z listeners streamed Selena songs more than 3.5 million times. 

And of course, Gen Z loves current Música Mexicana as well…

  • In 2023, more than 83 million Gen Zs listened to at least one Música Mexicana song on Spotify.
  • Over the past year, Gen Z Música Mexicana fan streamed an average of nine songs per day on Spotify. 

As Música Mexicana has evolved, Tejano culture continues to influence the genre. Spotify is committed to recognizing those contributions through moments like the Houston Rodeo and last year’s special La Tierra del Corrido showcase, which featured performances from top artists including Chino Pacas, Esteban Gabriel, Xavi, Grupo Marca Registrada, and Luis R Conriquez. 

Looking for more of Música Mexicana’s biggest hits? Stream Rompiendo Texas now.

From Tony Bennett to Tyla Yaweh, Here Are the Artists 18- to 24-Year-Olds are Discovering

May 20, 2019

In the soundtrack of your life, every day probably sounds just a little bit different. The weather, your workout, your mood—anything can inspire a song that brings out your best dance moves, has you reaching for tissues, or something in between. On Spotify, not only is there music you already know and love for every moment, but there’s also a world full of new artists, songs, and genres to explore. Just ask any 18- to 24-year-old Spotify user: This important audience has a unique and somewhat unexpected taste for discovery.

In fact, listeners in that age group in particular have no boundaries when it comes to the artists they stream for the first time. We looked back at the musicians they played over the past 60 days and found that they’re as drawn to the “latest and greatest” as they are to “oldies but goodies.” They’re discovering the artists their parents and grandparents listened to, like Gladys Knight and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, as well as playing the jams their own peers—like Normani and Nora en Pure—are creating. They have their fingers on the pulse of pop culture and are simultaneously interested in learning about the bands that inspired them.

Below are 10 artists, both emerging and established, that 18- to 24-year-old listeners have streamed for the first time over the past six months. Get to know them for yourself:

THE EMERGING

Kina

2018 saw the introduction of Italian electronic production duo Kina. Pasquale Renella and Giuseppe Garotti create downbeat-electronic lo-fi music with a lot of heart. They site XXXTENTACION, Shallou, Madeon, and Porter Robinson as being their greatest musical influences.

ITZY

This burgeoning South Korean all-female K-pop group is the latest to be formed by JYP Entertainment. They’re considered monster rookies, meaning they’ve found significant early success. Case in point: ITZY set a new record for the most-viewed K-pop debut music video on YouTube and won their first music award just nine days after dropping their single “DALLA DALLA.”

Au/Ra

If you like Billie Eilish, you should check out Au/Ra—another teenage singer-songwriter making waves in the music world. Born in Ibiza, Spain, and raised in Antigua by her parents (including her father, German producer Torsten Stenzel), Au/Ra found a love for music and writing at an early age. Her single “Panic Room” was featured on Norwegian DJ Alan Walker’s “Darkside.” Look out for the multilingual singer-songwriter on her first tour.

Cuco

If Spanglish lyrics combined with a meme-influenced sense of humor is your jam, check out Cuco. The LA-based Mexican-American producer, singer, and self-taught multi-instrumentalist creates a music all his own that combines pop, jazz, and hip-hop. Recently, he’s made his voice known in more ways than one by headlining a benefit concert series for immigrant families.

Tyla Yaweh

The singer, rapper, and songwriter originally from Orlando, Florida, has toured with XXXTENTACION and Post Malone. Now he’s making a name for himself on stages at SXSW and on Jimmy Fallon’s Tonight Show. “I’m living an ultimate high,” he says. “I went from being homeless to traveling the globe with rock stars, being able to connect with and spread positive vibes to so many different people.”

THE ESTABLISHED

Billie Holiday

Arguably among the most influential jazz singers of the 20th century, Billie Holiday is usually uttered in the same breath as Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald. Along with her vocal power, she could alter lyric phrasings and tempo in manners that can be traced all the way through to today’s pop music.

Tony Bennett

Hit machine Tony Bennett is still singing and recording at 92 years of age, and even in recent years has been attracting contemporary collaborators such as Lady Gaga. His soulful voice first attracted attention in the 1950s. He came roaring back in the ’80s and ’90s by connecting with young audiences, culminating in an MTV Unplugged appearance in 1994. He hasn’t slowed down on performing or collaborating since.

Grateful Dead

Deadhead or not, you can’t help but be mesmerized by Grateful Dead—be it their lengthy jams, poetic lyrics, or eclectic sound. The band was a true product of ’60’s counterculture, combining elements of rock, folk, country, bluegrass, reggae, and space rock. Adored by baby boomers Gen X’ers, and now a new generation, The Dead is anything but.

Selena

The gone but not forgotten Queen of Tejano music paved her way in an overwhelmingly male-dominated genre to become one of the most celebrated Latin artists of all time. Her reach spans fashion, cosmetics, television and film. Texas even celebrates her birthday, April 16, as “Selena Day,” keeping her music and energy alive year after year.

LL Cool J

No one straddles the lines of hip-hop and R&B quite like LL Cool J. He’s a man of firsts—one of the first hip-hop artists to find mainstream success, and the first rapper to receive Kennedy Center Honors. He started rapping at age nine, recorded his first demos at 16, and released his first record before turning 20. And through it all, he’s kept his cool.

And there’s plenty more where that came from. Stream our playlist of the artists 18- to 24-year-olds are discovering from around the world and across the years.

Represent! Celebrate the Diversity of Latin Music for Hispanic Heritage Month

October 9, 2018

Latin music—from salsa to bachata and reggaeton—has greatly influenced pop music in America, culminating in record-breaking mainstream hits like “Havana” and “Despacito.” Every year during Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15), Spotify celebrates the diversity, uniqueness, and unification of Hispanic culture by showcasing the stories behind Latinx artists’ curated playlists and videos—and honoring the impact they’ve made on American music and culture.

“For this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month, we really wanted to celebrate the richness of US Latinx culture by shining a light on the new wave of artists who represent for the diaspora,” says Rocío Guerrero, Head of Global Cultures at Spotify. “From Camila Cabello to Nicky Jam and Kali Uchis to Cuco, there’s an incredibly deep talent pool of Latinx artists who are connecting with fans and creating music that reflects no language or cultural boundaries.”

“With new playlists like 100% LatinX, LatinX Indie, New Tejano and Bodega Sounds, our vision is to help more fans discover music that reflects their unique experience in the world,” explains Rocío.

Rising stars like Jarina de Marco and Jencarlos Canela were given the spotlight to create playlists of their own, along with 6 other Hispanic artists. Their takeovers included favorite tracks and accompanying videos in which they reminisced on the importance of Hispanic Heritage Month.

“Our community is a melting pot of African, Native, and Iberian cultures, all mixed and represented in our music, food, and languages,” explains Jarina. “There is so much to discover, which is why Hispanic Heritage Month is the perfect opportunity to delve more deeply into the history of our ancestors and help create an intimate knowledge of the role that the Latinx community has played in U.S. history.”

“It is important to recognize and celebrate our culture more than ever,” Jencarlos says. “Our Hispanic heritage is so rich in diversity and stories we just need to learn to love ourselves and support one another more and more. We already have our place in history it’s up to us to claim our place in the present and future. That is why, if you ask me if it is important to celebrate HHM, I say ‘let’s do it BIG AND LOUD BABY.’ That’s how we do!”

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month big and loud with some of the songs from each Represent! Playlist–including some from Jarina and Jencarlos—that showcase the diversity and unity across the Latin diaspora.

Nicky Jam – Represent: Puerto Rico

The Puerto Rican-Dominican-American artist is best known for his reggaeton-style beats and Spanish-language hits, including “Te Bote,” “X,” “El Perdon (Forgiveness),” and “El Amante.” His playlist includes:

  • “Almost Like Praying” – Lin-Manuel Miranda feat. Artists for Puerto Rico: Released to provide funds for Hurricane Maria relief, this song was written by Lin-Manuel Miranda and features Jennifer Lopez, Camila Cabello, Alex Lacamoire, and more in a mix of samples and original lyrics in English and Spanish.

Kap G – Represent: Mexico

The 24-year-old Mexican-American rapper, singer, collaborator, and actor who was born and raised near Atlanta, Georgia, has said in past interviews that he hopes to unite his Mexican heritage with the culture of the African-American neighborhood in which he grew up. Check out:

  • “La Bamba” (Ritchie Valens) – The legendary Mexican folk song was popularized by Ritchie Valens and was recognized by Rolling Stone as one of the 500 greatest songs of all time.

Jencarlos Canela – Represent: Cuba

Born and raised by Cuban parents in Miami, Jencarlos got his start by starring in Pecados Ajenos, a popular telenovela on Telemundo. In 2009, Jencarlos created his first solo album, Buscamé, and has since landed major hits with “Tu Cuerpo,” “Bajito,” “Dime,” and “Mi Corazon Insiste.” He loves:

  • “Guantanamera” – Celia Cruz: Recognized as one of Cuba’s most patriotic songs, Guantanamera has been evolved and adapted by many artists over the years. The song was initially intended to be about a love affair gone wrong, but has evolved to represent Cuban pride.

Kali Uchis – Represent: Colombia

Singer/songwriter, artist, and music video director Kali Uchis was born in Colombia and moved to Virginia with her family as a child. Some of Kali Uchis’ greatest hits include “Get You,” “Know What I Want,” and “Lottery.” Try:

  • “Tirano” – Kali Uchis feat. Fuego: One of Kali’s own collaborations, this is a softer, slower song that still carries a heavy beat. “Tirano,” which translates to “tyrant,” is a song Kali has called “a postapocalyptic love song” about leaving the honeymoon p
  • hase of a relationship and having to deal with real issues.

Amara La Negra ­– Represent: Dominican Republic

Amara, the daughter of a Dominican immigrant, rose to fame in the U.S. on the first season of VH1’s Love and Hip Hop: Miami. “Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the beautiful culture of being Latin,” she says. “I am very proud to be Hispanic. I celebrate being Latina everyday and this month gives more of an opportunity to educate the public on the beauty of our diversity, food, culture and language.” Her hits include “Insecure,” “Ayy,” “Asi,” and “Dutty Wine.” If you love her, you might enjoy:

  • “Quimbara” – Celia Cruz and Johnny Pacheco: This song’s accelerated beat grabs the listener’s attention from the start. Celia Cruz appears numerous times throughout the Represent! playlists.

Jarina De Marco – Represent: Brazil

Jarina De Marco was born in the Dominican Republic, but grew up in Brazil and later lived in Brooklyn and Los Angeles. Jarina’s music reflects her diverse background, unifying her various cultural experiences in a unique form of folkloric tropical pop. Her songs include “Paranavigar,” “Tigre,” “Bilingual,” and “STFU.” Go to her playlist for:

  • “Lek Lover” – Negro Leo: This Portuguese and English-language song features a contemporary, almost indie sound. With a few unexpected stylistic turns, the beat is very interesting and ever changing throughout the track.

Francisca Valenzuela – Represent: Chile

Valenzuela was born in San Francisco but moved to Chile at age 12, which is where her music career and fame took off. Her hits include “Dulce,” “Afortunada,” Tómame,” and “Muleta.” Check out:

  • “Corazones Rojos” – Los Prisioneros: This angry song continually vacillates between rap and lyrics in a lament about women being treated as second-class citizens, abused, and undervalued by men.

Jesse Baez – Represent: Guatemala

Baez is a Guatemalan-American R&B musician who is known as one of the first R&B artists from Guatemala and the Central American region. His hits include “Quiero Saber,” “Rihanna,” “Mama Lola,” and “Sabor.” His playlist includes:

  • “Como La Flor” – Selena: This soft, tropical-sounding song about heartbreak mimics its title, which translates to “like a flower.” It’s also included on Kap G’s playlist—which shows how Hispanic culture carries across countries.

Visit the LatinX hub through October 15 for more selections that celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. But don’t worry – you can still find great Latinx music on Spotify.