Today, the term "urban music" has become one of the most important movements in the music scene. It's danced to in clubs, its main artists headline the best festivals, it fills stadiums, it tops the charts, and it's a hit on streaming platforms like Spotify and YouTube.
But what does this "urban music" sound like? And how has it managed to conquer a wide audience, primarily young people, worldwide?
Today, urban music is a mix of textures, rhythms, and sounds drawn from traditional genres such as soul, R&B, hip-hop, reggae, and dance hall, among others. It also encompasses sonic touches of more contemporary genres such as dembow, bachata, and trap.
The rapid spread of the movement is mainly due to two factors: the variety of rhythms and styles that encompass it and globalization, which has made it heard in every corner of the world.
Currently, big names in the music industry, already rooted in a more "classic" style, so to speak, are delving into urban music, both in collaborations with other artists and solo, with the goal of captivating the masses driven by this unstoppable genre. At the same time, this genre is so broad that it allows artists to create their own offerings, define and find their style, and differentiate themselves from the rest in a movement where almost anything goes.
In its early days, around four decades ago, this musical genre spoke of rebellion, excess, and the struggle against established norms. Today, its themes are as broad as they are varied, addressing topics such as love, power, desire, street life, and the artists' personal experiences.
Urban music stars
What began as a small movement of misunderstood artists against society has become the best way to express to the world the songs of a new generation of artists who have a lot to say.
At the national level, the highlights include Madrid-born C.tangana, with works such as 'Mala Mujer' and 'Tú me dejaste de querer'; Rels B; the multifaceted Lola Índigo; rapper PTAZTA; the top of the top Rosalía, with albums such as 'El mal querer' and 'Motomami' that are setting trends within the movement; Recycled J; the innovative Quevedo, who has made a strong entrance with the most-played track of the year on Spotify, "Bzrp Music sessions, Vol. 52," with more than 772 million plays in just 4 months; and Bad Gyal, Omar Montes, and Morad, with music from the neighborhood for the world.
Internationally, the list of urban music artists who are making waves is endless, but some of the most notable are North Americans Drake, Quavo, and Cardi B, with a style very close to hip-hop. Latin Americans Feid, Eladio Carrión, Karol G, Anuel AA, Ozuna, J Balvin, and Rauw Alejandro, with a more festive style closer to reggaeton. And of course, global star Bad Bunny, whose album "Un Verano Sin Ti" (A Summer Without You) has provided the soundtrack to vacations around the world.
Within Latin America, Argentina is another country with top artists moving in this genre, including Duki, Nathy Peluso, Nicki Nicole, and producer Bizarrap, whose tours have crossed the pond and sold out stages all over Europe.
But we can't leave this section without mentioning Daddy Yankee who, despite his retirement from music this year with the album 'LEGENDADDY', left us songs that will remain in people's minds for all eternity, such as 'Gasolina' or 'Lo que pasó, pasó'.
Looking ahead to 2023... There are a few things coming.
If you've reached this point, aside from having a lot of music to listen to from now on, I imagine you're interested in knowing what new developments in urban music are coming in 2023.
Well, not much is confirmed yet, since if there's one thing that characterizes musical releases, it's their secrecy. But the little that is known for sure is the release of Vol. 2 of Anuel AA's mega-hit album, "Las leyendas nunca mueren." Also releasing albums this coming year are Americans Travis Scott ('Utopía') and Cardi B ('Tiger Woods'). From the land of mate, the new album, "La nena de Argentina," by the incomparable María Becerra will also arrive. From Spain, the current number 1 artist, Quevedo, will release his debut album, "Álbum Mode," while Lola Índigo will once again be heard everywhere with "El Dragón."
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