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September 15th marks the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, and what better way to honor the beautiful Latinx community than to commemorate their infinite contributions to music. Latin Music legends like Celia Cruz, Gloria Estefan and Marc Anthony have paved the way and set the tone for young Hispanic musicians to reach their full potential.
Jennifer Lopez, one of the most famous faces in Latin music, isn't shy about embracing the newer talent who she's inspired over the years. Back in 2018, J. Lo gushed about her Hustlers co-star and "Dinero" collaborator, Cardi B, and what makes her fellow Bronx native so special. She told MTV News,
"I followed Cardi on Instagram for about 4 or 5 years now. She [speaks] in a way that makes sense to me. I found her very funny and amusing --- I guess it's because she reminded me of the girls that I grew up with. And my family. She’s such a natural."
Cardi B's success begets a whole new generation of Latinx artists conquering the world of music. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, check out these Latin American musicians that are breaking new barriers and taking over the music industry.
Bad Bunny
The Puerto Rican rapper -- real name Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio -- is sometimes referred to as the King of Latin Trap.
Notable: In 2018, the then 24-year old released his highly anticipated record "MIA" featuring Drake, which shot to number on the Apple Music Charts seemingly overnight. That feat marked the first time in history that an all Spanish song reached No. 1 on the chart in the United States.
J Balvin
The Columbian singer -- real name José Álvaro Osorio Balvín -- is known as Prince of Reggaeton.
Notable: Balvin made history in 2019 as the first Latin act to headline music festival Lollapolooza. He's also one of the best selling artists in Latin music history, selling more than 35 million records worldwide.
Becky G
The Mexican-American songstress -- real name Rebbeca Marie Gomez -- knew the power of social media early on in her career. Back in 2011, she'd use her Youtube channel to cover songs by popular artists at the time, which caught the attention of producer Dr. Luke who quickly offered her a record deal.
Notable: In 2020, she won the America Music Award for Favorite Female Latin Artist and she continues to be one of the most popular influencers/singers on social media.
Tainy
The Puerto Rican producer and songwriter-- real name Marco Masís -- is responsible many of the current Reggaeton hits of today.
Notable: The multi-Grammy and BMI Award winner produced several internationally successful hits, including "I Like It" by Cardi B ft. Bad Bunny & J. Balvin and "Un Dia" with Dua Lipa, Bad Bunny & J. Balvin.
Sofia Reyes
The Mexican-born singer/songwriter -- real name Úrsula Sofía Reyes Piñeyro -- is known for mastering the perfect blend of reggaeton, pop, dance, and R&B in her music.
Notable: Known as one of the most talented vocalists in Pop music, Reyes as won several awards for her work, including a Latin America Music Award for Favorite Video and an MTV Millennial Award for Pop Explosion of the year.
Ozuna
The Puerto Rican singer -- real name Juan Carlos Ozuna Rosado -- delivers a fresh mix of Reggaeton, Salsa and Trap in his music.
Notable: All five of his studio albums have topped the Billboard Top Latin Albums chart, with Aura reaching number seven on the Billboard 200.
Camila Cabello
The Cuban-born American songstress -- real name Karla Camila Cabello Estrabao -- is one of pop music fans' favorite talents of today.
Notable: The former member of Fifth Harmony found much success following the group's split. In 2020, she became the first artist to have two multi-format number one singles as the first two singles from their debut album.
Join iHeartRadio in celebrating the heritage and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities by enjoying these shows from some of the most notable Latinx stars of today; including Eva Longoria, Wilmer Valderrama and more. Each show tells a profound story, promotes inclusivity, representation and celebrates the beauty of culture. Check them out here.