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Without a single doubt, 2017 has been an incredible year for Latin music.
While an artist’s worth should never be measured by their mainstream success, many Spanish-speaking artists had their share of cross-over hits this year. The Rolling Stone called 2017 the year of Latin pop‘s takeover and the year of Latin Trap‘s take-off.
Check out some of the most iconic hits of Latin music in 2017.
1“Despacito” Hits #1
One of the biggest hits of the top of 2017 was undoubtedly Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee’s “Despacito.” When Justin Bieber hopped on the track a couple of months later (and lowkey ruined it), the song skyrocketed and lived at the top of the Billboard charts for 16 weeks, making it the second-longest leading Hot 100 No. 1 of all time.
2 Cardi B Blows Up With “Bodak Yellow”
While we know that Cardi’s been rocking the mic for quite some time now, 2017 was definitely her year. Her single “Bodak Yellow” blasted from speakers all over the world, booking her deals all over, most recently with Steve Madden. “Bodak Yellow” is the longest running No. 1 song on the Billboard charts by a solo woman rapper.
3 J Balvin Collabs With Beyoncé
Thanks to Blue Ivy, Beyoncé graced the mic alongside the iconic Colombian artist J Balvin and newcomer Willy William this year. The “Mi Gente” Latin remix skyrocketed to fame on the heels of “Despacito” on the Latin Music charts, where it dethroned the track after 35 consecutive weeks.
4 Puerto Rican Artists Rise Up After Natural Disasters
In light of the earthquake in Mexico and Hurricane Maria, many artists used their talents to raise money and awareness for causes they cared about. Lin-Manuel Miranda released his song “Almost Like Praying” where he brought in 20 other Latinx artists to collaborate and raise money for Puerto Rico. Farruko released his heavy hitting resistance song “Me Levanto” as an edgier alternative to raise awareness around the crisis post-Hurricane Maria.
5 Selena Quintanilla Receives Star on Walk of Fame
Finally, the Queen of Tejano music got the respect that she deserves. Selena Quintanilla received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame this year for her contributions to music and pop culture. Her family, including her father Abraham, sister Suzette, brother A.B., and widower Chris Perez were all there to witness the iconic moment.
6 CNCO Collabs With Little Mix
The Latinx pop boy band definitely made 2017 their crossover year. The “La Banda” winners took home two Teen Choice Awards and collaborated with Little Mix for their hit “Reggaeton Lento.” The YouTube video has over 100 million views to date.
7 Krippy Kush Takes Over Latin Trap
Farruko, Bad Bunny, and Rvssian created what is debatably the Latin trap anthem of the year with “Krippy Kush.” Most recently, the trio joined forces with Nicki Minaj and 21 Savage to skyrocket it to mainstream fame.
