NFL Week 12 big questions and takeaways: Five wild endings, huge upsets and division-race shake-ups
NO. 20 TEXAS A&M 81, RUTGERS 77Ennore plant expansion project will ensure stable power system: Senthilbalaji
Celtics vs. Pacers Injury Report Today – December 29Southampton boss Russell Martin was left infuriated by two crucial refereeing decisions during his side's defeat to Liverpool . Martin saw his side give up a 2-1 lead as a Mo Salah brace handed Arne Slot his 10th Premier League victory , after Dominik Szoboszlai's strike had been cancelled out by goals from Adam Armstrong and Mateus Fernandes. The result leaves Southampton bottom of the table with only a late penalty from Liverpool's star Egyptian denying the south coast side a point at St Mary's. The 38-year-old coach pinpointed his side being denied a penalty when Caoimhin Kelleher collided with Armstrong as a pivotal moment where the video assistant referee should have intervened. Martin was also left frustrated when offside was not awarded in a phase of play before Liverpool scored. "Adam Armstrong not getting a penalty at 2-1 up, I have a big issue with that. After watching it back in slo-motion, it’s what VAR is there for," he said. "Adam is trying to play the ball, the goalie tries to play the ball and misses it and collides with Adam – then it’s given as a handball against Adam. "So in my opinion it’s a penalty. It’s not the reason we lose, but at 2-1 that’s a big, big moment. “Then of course it’s subjective about Yuki [Sagawara]’s handball [for Mo Salah ‘s penalty winner], I haven’t seen it back so I have to accept that. But I have a big problem with that decision [against Armstrong]. “There’s a real, clear offside as well. We ask our guys to defend a high line from a wide free-kick, maybe a minute and 50 seconds or whatever before they score, but there’s five of their players offside and it doesn’t get given. So I’m annoyed at that, I am annoyed at that. “I’m proud of a lot of the performance, I’m annoyed at the goals we concede and I’m disappointed we don’t get anything from the game.” Reds boss Arne Slot was also left frustrated with the officials after Southampton were awarded a penalty after a foul that did not appear to be in the box. "In general sometimes you could have made a different decision or not, but for me with the offsides and deciding if a ball is inside or outside, that is just black and white," he said. "It was a foul, that was clear, so if they saw it was inside then, yes, it’s a penalty. Sometimes with a knock, yes or no, or red card, yes or no. There was also an incident in the first half where you could argue if it’s a red card, yes or no. Those things you can argue, but offside and inside or outside the 18-yard box is something you cannot argue." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Sky has slashed the price of its Sky Sports, Sky Stream, Sky TV and Netflix bundle in an unbeatable new deal that saves £240 and includes 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
T-Mobile Declares Quarterly Cash DividendPHILADELPHIA (AP) — Corey McKeithan scored 28 points as La Salle beat Temple 83-75 on Saturday night. McKeithan shot 10 of 19 from the field, including 3 for 6 from 3-point range, and went 5 for 5 from the line for the Explorers (6-2). Demetrius Lilley added 13 points while shooting 5 for 12, including 2 for 4 from beyond the arc while he also had six rebounds. Jahlil White shot 3 of 13 from the field and 5 of 5 from the free-throw line to finish with 11 points, while adding 12 rebounds. Quante Berry led the Owls (4-3) in scoring, finishing with 18 points, 15 rebounds and two blocks. Temple also got 15 points from Jamal Mashburn Jr.. William Settle had 13 points and seven rebounds. La Salle took the lead with 14:45 to go in the first half and did not relinquish it. The score was 42-33 at halftime, with McKeithan racking up 16 points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
Are you looking for the next crypto to explode in 2025? Here are 5 game-changing picks you need to watch now. Since investors are always hunting for the next crypto to explode, due to how fast the crypto world evolves. As new projects emerge every day, spotting the right one early can help deliver massive returns. Many cryptos are showing promise for next year. They are doing this through innovation, utility, and growth potential. We’ve narrowed down the top five to watch, each with unique strengths and a clear roadmap. We chose these projects for their groundbreaking ideas, as they solve real-world problems. They also target growing markets like gaming, AI, and finance. Each of these projects has strong fundamentals. And the teams behind them are innovative with a clear vision. These qualities make them stand out in a crowded market. Next Crypto To Explode This list will help you identify profitable opportunities. Each project has detailed analysis. You’ll learn why they could be the next big thing. Don’t miss out on this guide to crypto success. 1. Aureal One (DLUME) Aureal One Token is the backbone of the DarkLume Metaverse. This metaverse is more than just a virtual world. It combines gaming, trading, and immersive experiences for users. Players can live, trade, and conquer within this innovative ecosystem. Click here to know more about Aureal One Also, Aureal One introduces Clash of Tiles, a strategic game gaining massive traction. This game rewards players for their skills, making it both fun and profitable. The platform leverages blockchain technology to ensure transparency and fairness in gameplay. DLUME the Aureal One’s network token has multiple uses. It powers in-game transactions, digital asset purchase, and governance. Also, the token allows players to vote on game updates and ecosystem changes. This feature creates a sense of community ownership for the platform users. Aureal One’s team has big plans. They aim to expand the ecosystem with more games, virtual assets, and partnerships. Their roadmap includes cross-platform integrations and advanced features for immersive user experience. Darklume and Clash of Tiles have already captured attention in the metaverse gaming world. The blend of entertainment and blockchain utility makes them stand out. With such strong fundamentals, DLUME could be the next crypto to explode. DexBoss brings innovation to decentralized trading. It offers a multi-chain DEX aggregator for DeFi space. On the platform, users can easily swap tokens across chains. And the platform ensures low fees, fast transactions, and the best prices. DexBoss doesn’t stop at swaps, it includes staking, yield farming, and liquidity pools. These features create earning opportunities for users. The team behind DexBoss is experienced in DeFi, and they continually enhance the platform with fresh updates. Upcoming updates include cross-chain NFT trading and lending services. With its diverse offerings, DexBoss is set for massive adoption. It could redefine DeFi in 2025, as the next crypto to explode. AI meets crypto with yPredict. This platform uses AI to provide trading insights for crypto traders. It predicts market trends with high accuracy, and smart traders rely on yPredict to make smarter decisions. YPRED powers this ecosystem, and users can stake and access premium insights with the token. The platform also offers AI tools for sentiment analysis and price prediction. yPredict targets the growing AI and crypto market with its cutting-edge technology. The project has a clear vision and strong backers. As AI adoption grows, yPredict could dominate. It’s a strong contender for the next crypto to explode, and one investors should watch out for. 4. Marsik (MARSIK) Marsik takes space exploration to the next level through blockchain. This Web3 project brings space enthusiasts together in a decentralized ecosystem. It combines cutting-edge technology with the dream of exploring the cosmos. The MARSIK token allows users to participate in virtual space missions. This allows players to explore galaxies, mine virtual asteroids, and build colonies on distant planets. Each activity integrates NFTs, giving players ownership of unique assets like spacecraft, resources, and planetary outposts. Marsik also hosts challenges and rewards, encouraging collaboration in its universe. The Marsik roadmap is ambitious. It includes partnerships with space-tech companies and organizations, making the project one of the next crypto to explode. These collaborations aim to merge blockchain with real-world space exploration initiatives. 5. COTI (COTI) COTI is a fintech-focused crypto. It powers fast, scalable, and secure payments. Businesses use COTI to create their own payment solutions. The platform offers high-speed transactions and low fees. Its DAG-based technology ensures scalability. The COTI token powers the network, while supporting stablecoins and loyalty programs on the platform. COTI has already partnered with major brands. Its adoption is growing in e-commerce and finance. The project continues to innovate. In 2025, COTI aims to expand globally. It could become a major player in digital payments, this positioned it as one of the next crypto to explode. Conclusion The crypto market is full of potential. Aureal One, DexBoss, yPredict, Marsik, and COTI lead the pack. Each has unique strengths and a clear growth plan. Among them, Aureal One stands out above peers. Its focus on the metaverse and gaming is timely. Darklume Metaverse and Clash of Tiles offer immense potential. If you’re looking for the next crypto to explode, Aureal One is a strong pick. Stay ahead of the curve, as these projects could define the future of crypto in 2025. However, it’s very important to do your own research before investing in any Web3 project.
Donald Trump Taps Space Billionaire Jared Isaacman to Lead NASA Amid Crypto, Space Revolution
The Sweden midfielder hailed Saturday’s 4-0 thrashing of the champions as the best game of his career. The 24-year-old delivered an outstanding performance as Spurs shattered the champions’ 52-game unbeaten home run, helping start the rout with a superb cross for James Maddison’s opening goal. Kulusevski said: “I believed (we would win) this because in the past years, we’ve come here and played really well. “So this is the game I look forward to most in the year and, once again, it happened – glory to God. “I’d say it’s the best result ever in my career. It’s a big night for the whole club, for the coach, for the players. “Because City have a lot of the ball sometimes, we can rest when we defend. There’s also so much space up there, we play one against one and then it’s always dangerous because we have a lot of quality. “It’s always great to play great teams because they always want to play football. When you play lower teams, sometimes it’s not. There’s not much football played because they are a lot of fouls, a lot of injuries and it’s slow going.” Maddison stole the show with two goals in quick succession in the first half while Pedro Porro and Brennan Johnson later got on the scoresheet. Kulu-chef-ski cooked 👨🍳 📊 — Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) Yet Kulusevski’s performance was also eye-catching and the player himself believes there is plenty more to come from him. Asked if his form made him feel “unstoppable”, Kulusevski said: “I feel like that. I feel very good and I’m trying to keep this way. I’m very happy, I’m trying to improve. “I started the season good but there is over half of the season left and I hope I can do much better. “I think I have something that no other player has. With my engine, with my heart – I don’t get tired – I feel like I can do a lot still in my career.” Spurs have won more matches against Pep Guardiola's Man City than any other side 👀 — Premier League (@premierleague) Tottenham’s scintillating performance marked a spectacular return to form after their dismal loss to Ipswich in their previous Premier League outing. Kulusevski said: “We have to be much more consistent. It’s not a turning point. We just have to be better in other games. “This game suited us perfectly but we have a lot of improvement to make in the other games.”TROY, N.Y. — The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Engineers (5-5-1) men’s hockey team faced a tall task as they hosted the No. 5 University of Maine Black Bears (9-2-2) at Houston Field House on Saturday afternoon in Troy. In the first of a two-game set, the Black Bears slowly built up a lead and busted it open in the third period for a 6-0 victory. The Black Bears opened the scoring at the 9:37 mark of the first frame. Sophomore forward Charlie Russell, from Owen Fowler and Lynden Breen, made it 1-0. Speaking of Breen, the graduate student forward had quite [...]Social Security tackles overpayment ‘injustices,’ but problems remain
With so many constant releases in Latin music , it can sometimes feel hard to keep up — but lots of songs rose from the din and stood out this year. Some of the best ones were new inventions (take, for example, a style Dominican rising star Letón Pé coined “demvogue”) or unexpected collaborations (no one saw Los Ángeles Azules and Emilia teaming up!) Others, like Luisa Almaguer’s “Un Día Nos Vamos a Morir,” worked best when artists showed their vulnerable side. Here’s what we loved and kept playing in 2024. San Pedro Bonfim’s latest LP Corazón de Guagua is an ambitious study in Andean songwriting traditions and spoken word theatrics, where the fluttering title track stands out as a paean to the disarming power of love. But while the Ecuadorian troubadour concedes to romance, his affections extend to territory and ancestry, drawing parallels with the delicate eco-diversity of South America and weaving percussive samba nods to his family’s Brazilian origins. — R.V. “Igual Que un Ángel,” Kali Uchis’ turn toward dreamy disco pop, was a surprise even for an artist who’s down to experiment with most sounds and genres. She practically coos the lyrics, about a woman owning her autonomy, juxtaposing the strength of the message with an air-light touch. Then there’s another unexpected moment: Mexican crooner Peso Pluma slides in for a verse, his gravelly voice suddenly soft and silk-smooth. Their quick chemistry might be why the song made the Top 10 of Billboard‘s Global 200 earlier this year. —J.L. Latin dreampop had a big moment in 2024, and indie artists like csndra are a huge part of why. The Atalnta-based singer of Puerto Rican roots released her debut EP, Lovers Club, Vol. I , this year and its lead single “cuida” quickly became a fan favorite. Her airy singing, coupled with the mellow production and charming puppy love lyrics, transport you to a simpler time when scribbling your crushes’ name a hundred times over in a notebook was reasonable. And after hearing the song enough, you might ask yourself why something so wholesome was left in the past. — J.A. Rauw Alejandro’s new LP, Cosa Nuestra , is a treasure trove of songs that could make this list. But “Tú Con Él,” his cover of the Frankie Ruiz salsa classic, stands out as one that checks all the marks: it exemplifies his album’s stated goal of channeling old school Latin culture, it gives him an opportunity to present his range in an undeniable way, and it can attract reggaeton agnostics who still resist the idea that these artists are genuinely talented. It’s a passionate statement track that doubles as an early victory lap, and he earns all of it. — J.A. Over the last few years, Mexican cumbia legends Los Ángeles Azules have strengthened the impact of their cumbias sonideras by fusing their traditional roots with modern pop productions and lyrics while tapping artists of the moment. This year, Argentine star Emilia joined the cumbia group on “Perdonartre, ¿Para Qué?,” delivering the sass of her own pop sound on the electro-cumbia: “Forgive you? For what? So that you can fail me again?” she questions. “No, thank you.” After corridos took over in 2023, could 2025 be the year of the cumbia? — T.M. This year, Venezuelan pop and alt-R&B singer Irepelusa released her sophomore album, IRENE ALEJANDRA . She called it her most personal work yet, and songs like “TE AMÉ TEMPRANOp-k8u” show why. Teaming up with Colombian artist Esteman, they trade verses, waxing about the anxiety of suspecting something is wrong in a relationship and the dread that comes with that knowledge. Wrapped in a lively and danceable pop beat, the earnest lyrics take on a new color that fends off melancholy. It’s a fantastic use of pop as a medium, and a showcase of one of LatAm’s underrated best at it. — J.A. Boza has long stood out as one of Panama’s most melodic crooners, and he had a chance to smooth his suave image out even more on the playful “Orion,” which took over the charts this year. Partway through the track, Elena Rose — the singer and songwriter who has become a secret weapon in the Latin music industry — chimes in with crystal clear vocals, and the two artists basically just charm listeners for four straight minutes with their chemistry and easygoing energy. — J.L. Shakira channeling her Nineties rock-era energy was not on anyone’s 2024 bingo card, but we sure as hell will take it. On the track off her 12th LP, Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran , the Colombian singer taps into the angsty soundscapes of her classic 1998 album, Dónde Están los Ladrones? , for an exquisite pop-rock moment. Shakira proclaims, “Life’s a bitch,” before using this grungy cut to essentially say “Fuck it” and remind herself and her listeners to seize the moment, no matter how, where, or when . — M.G. ‘Uwu^^’ happened almost by accident. Rusowsky mistakenly sent BB Trickz a sparse, hazy track that he wasn’t even thinking about releasing. BB Trickz loved it and helped develop the song, making use of Rusowsky’s muted vocals and a quieter side of her rap abilities. The song ended up being one of this winter’s most heart-bruised moments, tracing two people getting locked into a complicated love affair. (“And I’m spending hours with her/While my girlfriend is crying,” Rusowsky sings.) BB Tricks steps in with a verse about how much the whole thing sucks: “And it hurts a lot more because you’re my friend/Don’t talk to me about love, my heart is cold.” — J.L. Myke Towers and Bad Bunny have been frequent collaborators throughout the years. But “Adivino” is their most unexpected link-up yet, starting with the song’s dark, dubby production and thudding electronic beat, thanks to work from producers Cruz, Eiby, Finesse, Jarom Su’a, and Tainy. From there, Bad Bunny and Towers keep things unpredictable: Bad Bunny charges in and throws some cryptic lines about an old relationship that instantly got the internet wondering who he was referring to, while Towers goes hard on his verses, even rapping a few lines in English. — J.L. Alex Anwandter puts a spotlight on pure desire on the dancefloor. “Give me what you want,” he pleads on “Gaucho.” “Can’t you see I’m desperate?” The Chilean pop prince sings to his masculine horseman muse on the Eighties disco-house-inspired track, juxtaposing the rough image of the man he loves with the song’s bright, electric melodies. “I know you have a secret you want to tell me,” he insists. “At dusk you prefer me.” — T.M. “Tu Boda” delivered some of the most colorful lyrics in música mexicana this year. On the track, Óscar Maydon and JOP’s heartbreak is so intense that they’re thinking of going Romeo & Juliet on a girl who’s ready to marry someone else. Written by El Chachito, Maydon sings, “One hundred guests, and everyone will have to watch that our love will go to the afterlife.” Backed by melancholic sierreño requinto strums, Maydón and Fuerza Régida come to terms with the lost love by the end of the relatable song. For Maydon, “Tu Boda” continued his epic 2024 filled with star-building collabs. — T.M. For Quevedo, his album Buenas Noches was meant to capture late-night celebrations and late-night thoughts and longing, and no song on the LP did that as well as the title track. Easily one of the best songs in his catalogue, it’s a tender rumination on life before fame and how Quevedo feels like he wants to be two places at once: He dreams of being back home on the Canary Islands with someone who means a lot to him, but his mind also races as he thinks about the demands of his career. All of it is down over a sparkling beat that doesn’t fall into melodrama; in fact, the contrast of how upbeat the song is makes it even more poignant. — J.L. On “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido” — which translates to “If I Had Met You Before” — Karol G pays homage to the Dominican Republic in an uplifting, wistful merengue. Inspired by her time in the country while recording last year’s Mañana Sera Bonito, the song talks about a deeply personal missed connection, with the retrospection of someone who came out on the other side with a newfound maturity. “What would have been, if I had met you before?” she asks, as the song builds layer by layer, culminating in a joyous and communal refrain. — R.C. Hedonism made a glorious return in 2024 — and leading the charge was Argentine club queen Six Sex with the deliciously horny Satisfire EP. Its strobing centerpiece, “4 NoviosS,” is a King Doudou-produced slice of nasty girl techno about using and losing suitors at the bat of a lash. But it was the music video’s spin class turned rave that sent the track stratospheric, delivering sweaty, glitter-spackled camp for a new generation of revelers. — R.V. Latino artists have always been overlooked in classic soul, R&B, and funk but recent acts like The Sinseers and Los Yesterdays have made significant inroads with fans. 54 Ultra’s silky “Heaven Knows” snuck in under the radar this summer and wowed listeners with its authentic sound and undeniably catchy Spanglish lyrics. The son of Dominican and Puerto Rican parents, 54 Ultra stands out with his smooth-voiced vocals, inviting old and young listeners to embrace the timeless energy of the track. The accompanying music video makes it clear what era he’s aiming for, and he hits the mark perfectly. — J.A Venezuelan acts Rawayana and Akapellah doubled their star power by teaming up for the vibrant “Veneka,” a song that went viral almost as soon as a tiny snippet was shared on social media. The track puts Akapellah’s smooth flow on display while deploying the ultra-colorful sound that’s made Rawayana a breakout favorite recently. The song keeps things lighthearted by celebrating Venezuelan women, but its upbeat message of pride and beauty became all the more poignant after a complex and difficult year in the country. — J.L. 2024 ushered an exciting new age of Dominican electronic music with boundary pushing gems of techno , ambient , and jerk . But producer and animator Adriel.sfx managed to cut through the stylized noise with a series of singles colliding future funk nostalgia and glitchy asymmetry. “Euforia Checkpoint” is a throbbing, psychedelic Internet collage that manipulates jittery breakbeats and anime samples, defying SoundCloud hashtags while banking on pure, unabashed fun. — R.V. Letón Pé has been one of the most imaginative rising stars out of the Dominican Republic, and “¿Cuándo Se Va’ir El Calor?” is another showstopper that introduces the world to a sound she coined “demvogue.” The moniker refers mixing the rapid-fire rhythm of dembow and with flashy club flourishes for a high-octane summer anthem that captured how stifling delicious insanely hot days can feel. “I felt the need to do it on my own terms,” Pé told Rolling Stone . “Being such a fan of Nineties house music, we decided to intersect these two, creating a fresh sound that represents my culture and my influences.” — J.L. Villano Antillano, or Villana to her diehard fans, broke barriers with her hit debut album La Sustancia X in 2022. This year, she came back for more and put out the even better LP Miss Misogyny . She wastes no time in reminding people who she is, dropping the crackling boast rap “1-800-CRISTAL” out of the gate. Her furious style hasn’t missed a step, nor has her wealthy encyclopedic knowledge which she weaponizes with aplomb, taking references like forgotten Nick Cage movies and Manifest Destiny and lyrically wielding them against her doubters in the savage way she knows best. — J.A. Natanael Cano and Óscar Maydon go pop, playing lover boys for the girls on “Madonna” without straying too far from their signatuere lifestyle-flaunting lyrics. “You tamed my animal instincts,” sings Maydon in the chorus dedicated to a “güerita” who looks like Madonna. “How many Rolexes do you need me to buy you for just a kiss?” The pair go to lengths to please their love interest with luxuries, as they take a note from other stars in the genre by naming their song after a pop icon. — T.M. Colombian pop singer Ela Taubert had a breakout year, scoring the 2024 Latin Grammy for Best New Artist. Part of the reason she attracted so much attention has to do with her instantly catchy, heart-on-her-sleeve songwriting, and ‘Para Que?’ is a solid example. The kiss-off to an ex who wants her back borrows folk and pop-rock sounds and showcases just why so many people have been drawn to her confessional lyricism and bubbly production style. — J.L. On “Un Día Nos Vamos a Morir,” Mexican singer-songwriter Luisa Almaguer unspools the existential dread that hangs over a romance on its last legs. A standout from her emotionally harrowing LP, Weyes , the song eloquently captures fear of finality, rehashing sensual memories over a mercurial canvas of acoustic strums and rapturous alt-rock. The result is a furious rejection of loneliness, and a universal plea for more time with those we love. — R.V. Argentine rap auteur Dillom is nothing if not brazen, and on “Buenos Tiempos,” the definitive banger from his conceptual opus Por Cesárea , a night of drug-addled exploits sends his protagonist spiraling into oblivion. In the song’s uproarious chorus, he leaps from sniffing poppers with the gays to fantasizing about the death of President Javier Milei, plunging ever further into madness and grabbing ass on the way down. — R.V. FloyyMenor and Cris MJ’s low-fi reggaeton hit has been everywhere this summer. The track found an audience on TikTok first and then started winding up the charts at the start of the year. Part of its appeal lies in its stars: FloyyMenor was a mysterious, hard-to-pin-down Chilean artist whose face and identity had been hidden from the internet before he teamed up with fellow Chilean and rising star Cris MJ. Now that the song has blown up, it’s spent the past few months ka-booming out of cars and shadowy clubs across the globe. — J.L.
African Union chairperson candidates advocate for permanent UN Security Council seats
With so many constant releases in Latin music , it can sometimes feel hard to keep up — but lots of songs rose from the din and stood out this year. Some of the best ones were new inventions (take, for example, a style Dominican rising star Letón Pé coined “demvogue”) or unexpected collaborations (no one saw Los Ángeles Azules and Emilia teaming up!) Others, like Luisa Almaguer’s “Un Día Nos Vamos a Morir,” worked best when artists showed their vulnerable side. Here’s what we loved and kept playing in 2024. San Pedro Bonfim’s latest LP Corazón de Guagua is an ambitious study in Andean songwriting traditions and spoken word theatrics, where the fluttering title track stands out as a paean to the disarming power of love. But while the Ecuadorian troubadour concedes to romance, his affections extend to territory and ancestry, drawing parallels with the delicate eco-diversity of South America and weaving percussive samba nods to his family’s Brazilian origins. — R.V. “Igual Que un Ángel,” Kali Uchis’ turn toward dreamy disco pop, was a surprise even for an artist who’s down to experiment with most sounds and genres. She practically coos the lyrics, about a woman owning her autonomy, juxtaposing the strength of the message with an air-light touch. Then there’s another unexpected moment: Mexican crooner Peso Pluma slides in for a verse, his gravelly voice suddenly soft and silk-smooth. Their quick chemistry might be why the song made the Top 10 of Billboard‘s Global 200 earlier this year. —J.L. Latin dreampop had a big moment in 2024, and indie artists like csndra are a huge part of why. The Atalnta-based singer of Puerto Rican roots released her debut EP, Lovers Club, Vol. I , this year and its lead single “cuida” quickly became a fan favorite. Her airy singing, coupled with the mellow production and charming puppy love lyrics, transport you to a simpler time when scribbling your crushes’ name a hundred times over in a notebook was reasonable. And after hearing the song enough, you might ask yourself why something so wholesome was left in the past. — J.A. Rauw Alejandro’s new LP, Cosa Nuestra , is a treasure trove of songs that could make this list. But “Tú Con Él,” his cover of the Frankie Ruiz salsa classic, stands out as one that checks all the marks: it exemplifies his album’s stated goal of channeling old school Latin culture, it gives him an opportunity to present his range in an undeniable way, and it can attract reggaeton agnostics who still resist the idea that these artists are genuinely talented. It’s a passionate statement track that doubles as an early victory lap, and he earns all of it. — J.A. Over the last few years, Mexican cumbia legends Los Ángeles Azules have strengthened the impact of their cumbias sonideras by fusing their traditional roots with modern pop productions and lyrics while tapping artists of the moment. This year, Argentine star Emilia joined the cumbia group on “Perdonartre, ¿Para Qué?,” delivering the sass of her own pop sound on the electro-cumbia: “Forgive you? For what? So that you can fail me again?” she questions. “No, thank you.” After corridos took over in 2023, could 2025 be the year of the cumbia? — T.M. This year, Venezuelan pop and alt-R&B singer Irepelusa released her sophomore album, IRENE ALEJANDRA . She called it her most personal work yet, and songs like “TE AMÉ TEMPRANOp-k8u” show why. Teaming up with Colombian artist Esteman, they trade verses, waxing about the anxiety of suspecting something is wrong in a relationship and the dread that comes with that knowledge. Wrapped in a lively and danceable pop beat, the earnest lyrics take on a new color that fends off melancholy. It’s a fantastic use of pop as a medium, and a showcase of one of LatAm’s underrated best at it. — J.A. Boza has long stood out as one of Panama’s most melodic crooners, and he had a chance to smooth his suave image out even more on the playful “Orion,” which took over the charts this year. Partway through the track, Elena Rose — the singer and songwriter who has become a secret weapon in the Latin music industry — chimes in with crystal clear vocals, and the two artists basically just charm listeners for four straight minutes with their chemistry and easygoing energy. — J.L. Shakira channeling her Nineties rock-era energy was not on anyone’s 2024 bingo card, but we sure as hell will take it. On the track off her 12th LP, Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran , the Colombian singer taps into the angsty soundscapes of her classic 1998 album, Dónde Están los Ladrones? , for an exquisite pop-rock moment. Shakira proclaims, “Life’s a bitch,” before using this grungy cut to essentially say “Fuck it” and remind herself and her listeners to seize the moment, no matter how, where, or when . — M.G. ‘Uwu^^’ happened almost by accident. Rusowsky mistakenly sent BB Trickz a sparse, hazy track that he wasn’t even thinking about releasing. BB Trickz loved it and helped develop the song, making use of Rusowsky’s muted vocals and a quieter side of her rap abilities. The song ended up being one of this winter’s most heart-bruised moments, tracing two people getting locked into a complicated love affair. (“And I’m spending hours with her/While my girlfriend is crying,” Rusowsky sings.) BB Tricks steps in with a verse about how much the whole thing sucks: “And it hurts a lot more because you’re my friend/Don’t talk to me about love, my heart is cold.” — J.L. Myke Towers and Bad Bunny have been frequent collaborators throughout the years. But “Adivino” is their most unexpected link-up yet, starting with the song’s dark, dubby production and thudding electronic beat, thanks to work from producers Cruz, Eiby, Finesse, Jarom Su’a, and Tainy. From there, Bad Bunny and Towers keep things unpredictable: Bad Bunny charges in and throws some cryptic lines about an old relationship that instantly got the internet wondering who he was referring to, while Towers goes hard on his verses, even rapping a few lines in English. — J.L. Alex Anwandter puts a spotlight on pure desire on the dancefloor. “Give me what you want,” he pleads on “Gaucho.” “Can’t you see I’m desperate?” The Chilean pop prince sings to his masculine horseman muse on the Eighties disco-house-inspired track, juxtaposing the rough image of the man he loves with the song’s bright, electric melodies. “I know you have a secret you want to tell me,” he insists. “At dusk you prefer me.” — T.M. “Tu Boda” delivered some of the most colorful lyrics in música mexicana this year. On the track, Óscar Maydon and JOP’s heartbreak is so intense that they’re thinking of going Romeo & Juliet on a girl who’s ready to marry someone else. Written by El Chachito, Maydon sings, “One hundred guests, and everyone will have to watch that our love will go to the afterlife.” Backed by melancholic sierreño requinto strums, Maydón and Fuerza Régida come to terms with the lost love by the end of the relatable song. For Maydon, “Tu Boda” continued his epic 2024 filled with star-building collabs. — T.M. For Quevedo, his album Buenas Noches was meant to capture late-night celebrations and late-night thoughts and longing, and no song on the LP did that as well as the title track. Easily one of the best songs in his catalogue, it’s a tender rumination on life before fame and how Quevedo feels like he wants to be two places at once: He dreams of being back home on the Canary Islands with someone who means a lot to him, but his mind also races as he thinks about the demands of his career. All of it is down over a sparkling beat that doesn’t fall into melodrama; in fact, the contrast of how upbeat the song is makes it even more poignant. — J.L. On “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido” — which translates to “If I Had Met You Before” — Karol G pays homage to the Dominican Republic in an uplifting, wistful merengue. Inspired by her time in the country while recording last year’s Mañana Sera Bonito, the song talks about a deeply personal missed connection, with the retrospection of someone who came out on the other side with a newfound maturity. “What would have been, if I had met you before?” she asks, as the song builds layer by layer, culminating in a joyous and communal refrain. — R.C. Hedonism made a glorious return in 2024 — and leading the charge was Argentine club queen Six Sex with the deliciously horny Satisfire EP. Its strobing centerpiece, “4 NoviosS,” is a King Doudou-produced slice of nasty girl techno about using and losing suitors at the bat of a lash. But it was the music video’s spin class turned rave that sent the track stratospheric, delivering sweaty, glitter-spackled camp for a new generation of revelers. — R.V. Latino artists have always been overlooked in classic soul, R&B, and funk but recent acts like The Sinseers and Los Yesterdays have made significant inroads with fans. 54 Ultra’s silky “Heaven Knows” snuck in under the radar this summer and wowed listeners with its authentic sound and undeniably catchy Spanglish lyrics. The son of Dominican and Puerto Rican parents, 54 Ultra stands out with his smooth-voiced vocals, inviting old and young listeners to embrace the timeless energy of the track. The accompanying music video makes it clear what era he’s aiming for, and he hits the mark perfectly. — J.A Venezuelan acts Rawayana and Akapellah doubled their star power by teaming up for the vibrant “Veneka,” a song that went viral almost as soon as a tiny snippet was shared on social media. The track puts Akapellah’s smooth flow on display while deploying the ultra-colorful sound that’s made Rawayana a breakout favorite recently. The song keeps things lighthearted by celebrating Venezuelan women, but its upbeat message of pride and beauty became all the more poignant after a complex and difficult year in the country. — J.L. 2024 ushered an exciting new age of Dominican electronic music with boundary pushing gems of techno , ambient , and jerk . But producer and animator Adriel.sfx managed to cut through the stylized noise with a series of singles colliding future funk nostalgia and glitchy asymmetry. “Euforia Checkpoint” is a throbbing, psychedelic Internet collage that manipulates jittery breakbeats and anime samples, defying SoundCloud hashtags while banking on pure, unabashed fun. — R.V. Letón Pé has been one of the most imaginative rising stars out of the Dominican Republic, and “¿Cuándo Se Va’ir El Calor?” is another showstopper that introduces the world to a sound she coined “demvogue.” The moniker refers mixing the rapid-fire rhythm of dembow and with flashy club flourishes for a high-octane summer anthem that captured how stifling delicious insanely hot days can feel. “I felt the need to do it on my own terms,” Pé told Rolling Stone . “Being such a fan of Nineties house music, we decided to intersect these two, creating a fresh sound that represents my culture and my influences.” — J.L. Villano Antillano, or Villana to her diehard fans, broke barriers with her hit debut album La Sustancia X in 2022. This year, she came back for more and put out the even better LP Miss Misogyny . She wastes no time in reminding people who she is, dropping the crackling boast rap “1-800-CRISTAL” out of the gate. Her furious style hasn’t missed a step, nor has her wealthy encyclopedic knowledge which she weaponizes with aplomb, taking references like forgotten Nick Cage movies and Manifest Destiny and lyrically wielding them against her doubters in the savage way she knows best. — J.A. Natanael Cano and Óscar Maydon go pop, playing lover boys for the girls on “Madonna” without straying too far from their signatuere lifestyle-flaunting lyrics. “You tamed my animal instincts,” sings Maydon in the chorus dedicated to a “güerita” who looks like Madonna. “How many Rolexes do you need me to buy you for just a kiss?” The pair go to lengths to please their love interest with luxuries, as they take a note from other stars in the genre by naming their song after a pop icon. — T.M. Colombian pop singer Ela Taubert had a breakout year, scoring the 2024 Latin Grammy for Best New Artist. Part of the reason she attracted so much attention has to do with her instantly catchy, heart-on-her-sleeve songwriting, and ‘Para Que?’ is a solid example. The kiss-off to an ex who wants her back borrows folk and pop-rock sounds and showcases just why so many people have been drawn to her confessional lyricism and bubbly production style. — J.L. On “Un Día Nos Vamos a Morir,” Mexican singer-songwriter Luisa Almaguer unspools the existential dread that hangs over a romance on its last legs. A standout from her emotionally harrowing LP, Weyes , the song eloquently captures fear of finality, rehashing sensual memories over a mercurial canvas of acoustic strums and rapturous alt-rock. The result is a furious rejection of loneliness, and a universal plea for more time with those we love. — R.V. Argentine rap auteur Dillom is nothing if not brazen, and on “Buenos Tiempos,” the definitive banger from his conceptual opus Por Cesárea , a night of drug-addled exploits sends his protagonist spiraling into oblivion. In the song’s uproarious chorus, he leaps from sniffing poppers with the gays to fantasizing about the death of President Javier Milei, plunging ever further into madness and grabbing ass on the way down. — R.V. FloyyMenor and Cris MJ’s low-fi reggaeton hit has been everywhere this summer. The track found an audience on TikTok first and then started winding up the charts at the start of the year. Part of its appeal lies in its stars: FloyyMenor was a mysterious, hard-to-pin-down Chilean artist whose face and identity had been hidden from the internet before he teamed up with fellow Chilean and rising star Cris MJ. Now that the song has blown up, it’s spent the past few months ka-booming out of cars and shadowy clubs across the globe. — J.L.Sagittarius, Weekly Horoscope, December 29 to January 04, 2025: Midweek celebrations boost moraleNone
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