Ricky Martin faces Bad Bunny in Grammys’ first battle between Latin pop and urban albums Jaime Rodriguez
Incorporating a wide range of genres from hip-hop to alternative to pop, the Latin music categories at the Grammys (not to be confused with the Latin Grammys, a different ceremony that took place last fall) shine due to the great selection of albums that the panel constantly chooses. This year we got everything from blockbusters to critical favorites and veterans all gunning for Grammy glory come March 14. Let’s consider who’s out front to win two of the most anticipated races.
Best Latin Urban or Pop Album
Singer-songwriter Natalia Lafourcade (Photo by Manuel Zúñiga)
Three years ago, the strongest earthquake to hit Mexico in decades destroyed large parts of the southern half of the country. Among the wreckage was a vital community center focused on preserving the regional culture and music of Veracruz known asson jarocho.
That’s when singer-songwriterNatalia Lafourcade,who lives nearby, decided to step in.
With the help of musicians from Mexico,Lafourcadeput together a fundraising album called “Un Canto Por Mexico Vol. 1.” All proceeds benefit the reconstruction ofCentro de Documentación del Son Jarocho in Veracruz.
The record has been a hit, winning the Latin Grammys Album of the Year award with special recognition ofLafourcade’s original song, “Mi Religión.”