It's a drizzly Thursday afternoon in New York City, and Nicki Nicole has spent most of her day answering back-to-back interview questions from journalists. For someone who just concluded a tour between Latin America and Europe, not to mention nine sold-out shows at the Movistar Arena in Buenos Aires, where more than 100,000 fans were in attendance, you'd think she was ready to slow down. But hours before our conversation, she announced that her first US headlining tour would kick off next month in Mexico City. You can see the tunnel vision in her green eyes. Her fans, who have been by her side since day one, are what motivate her to keep going.
The 23-year-old budding singer, rapper, and songwriter has cemented a name for herself in her native country of Argentina. Nicole Cucco prides herself on never sticking to just one genre when creating music; it helped define her place as a multidimensional creative keen on bridging the gap between singing and rapping.
With the announcement of the US leg of her tour comes new music that does just that. Her first single of the year, "Ojos Verdes," is a cumbia ballad inspired by personal situations she's gone through, quite possibly alluding to her recent public breakup with Peso Pluma. The lyrics translate to: "But I brought out the best in you / And you realized it the day I left."
"Since I was a young girl, I've listened to cumbia and know so much about it. The only other time I've worked on a cumbia song before was with the [band] Angeles Azules," she says. "Now I feel comfortable and prepared to make my own song, so this is me doing it on my own."
Nicole has come a far way in a short amount of time. Her 2019 debut album "Recuedros," filled with sprinkles of pop, soulful R&B, and urbano tones, includes her standout single, "Wapo Traketero," which she performed a couple of years later on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" - making her the first Argentine artist to ever perform on the late-night show.
Meanwhile, her 2021 sophomore studio album, "Parte de MA," plays around with reggaeton, hip-hop, and upbeat pop sounds, along with heavy collaborations from acts like Rauw Alejandro, Mora, and Mon Lafarte, just to name a few. "ALMA," a self-exploration album that ties reggaeton, Latin R&B, and dark ballads all together, was nominated for "Best Urban Album" at the 2023 Latin Grammys.
"The truth is, every album and every song I put out has really helped me to evolve my sound," she says. "If you listen to my first and third albums, you can see the growth not only vocally but down to the overall concepts, even the way I express myself. I love when people can notice that evolution in my music."
Her fourth studio album is still a work in progress, but Nicole notes that the project's overall concept is finished. "I don't want to limit myself or rush the album. I'm always learning something new. Just being here in New York for a week, I made some incredible songs," she says. "For this next project, when it comes to structure and melodies, there will be a lot of hip-hop, R&B, and rap - that will be the focus. Musically, though, aside from my next project, there will be many surprises that will come about this year."
Growing up, Nicole's musical influences varied. She grew up listening to tango, cumbia, rock, and various genres. "Amy Winehouse, Christina Aguilera, Kendrick Lamar are some of the artists who have influenced my music. I've never worked on rock music as a solo artist, but that's something I plan to explore as well," she says.
Nicole's love for hip-hop began when she was 15, around the time she started attending freestyle battle competitions. She remembers being intrigued by "The Get Down," the Netflix series that centers on the birth and rise of hip-hop in New York City, and wanting to learn more about the genre's origins.
"Before watching [the series], I knew somewhat of the history of hip-hop, but as I continued watching I wanted to learn more about this world, it really caught my attention," Nicole says. "I started to listen to more rap music; I fell in love with it all. I was sad that there was only one season of the show."
At 17, a younger Nicki Nicole was joining in on freestyle competitions, which helped shape her wordplay today. Her favorite past and present rappers include Nuyorican rapper Hurricane G, Lauryn Hill, Ivy Queen, Nathy Peluso, and her sister, SofAa Gabanna. The rise of hip-hop culture in Argentina isn't new; it's been a movement for some time now. Nicole is grateful for El Quinto EscalA3n, dubbed Argentina's most prominent rap competition, which was held from 2012 to 2017 in Buenos Aires. Duki, Paolo Londra, Milo J, and many others - each with their own style and essence - have all participated in the competition and are key players in the Argentine hip-hop scene today.
As a white Argentine woman, Nicole understands that she occupies a space created and originated by Black folks - hip-hop is Black history. It was never hers to begin with, so as an outsider, it's imperative for her to navigate it thoughtfully and avoid any appropriation of the culture.
"This didn't start out as my fight, and it's easy for anyone to co-opt a space that they didn't begin in, but I'll never take ownership of a space I'm a guest in," she says. "To know the origins of hip-hop is important, bringing visibility to things that went on in the culture in the past, and so many incredible rappers that make up these spaces, appropriating the space is something I don't ever plan to do."
She says she also owes hip-hop and rap culture for helping her get out of her shell and shaping her ability to freestyle.
"I feel like hip-hop, but mostly rap, taught me how to express myself when freestyling. Not just musically, but also it taught me how to get out of my shell because I used to be really shy," she shares. "Everything I didn't have the [courage] to say in person, I would say it in a freestyle, in a studio, in a battle, and I learned to express myself this way. And through freestyling, I learned how to socialize, and it also served me in my personal life in how to speak to people."
With so much music and talent coming out of Argentina - Cazzu, Emilia, Tiago PZK, Duki, Maria Becerra, and so many more - Nicki Nicole is proud of the greatness coming from her country.
"I know that every single Argentine artist that is putting in the work right now really deserves all of the recognition," she says. "I know a lot of them personally, so it makes me happy because I know all of the work and effort that goes behind it all, and I know that they do all of this because they dreamt it. It's an honor to know them."
As Nicki Nicole prepares for her tour and plans her world domination, she is unphased by any outside noise - anything that comes between her work. Nothing can stop her, unless it's an opportunity to get in the studio with the legendary Tego Calderon or electropop band Miranda, which she hopes will happen one day. What's keeping her grounded is her family and friends, and enjoying what she does.
"I'm really achieving everything I ever dreamed of, and that's what keeps me going," she says. "To be able to support my parents, to be able to spend time with the people I love, that's the most important thing to me in this world of music."
Brenda Barrientos is a Peruvian American journalist and social strategist with more than seven years of experience. In addition to her work in social media, Brenda writes about music and culture, with a particular focus on Latine creators. In addition to PS, her writing has been published by Billboard, Byrdie, People en EspaA+-ol, Refinery29, Rolling Stone, and more.
Revisiting Jennifer Lopezas 2011 Album aLove?a and What It Signifies Today
As the anniversary of Jennifer Lopez's sixth studio album "Love?" approaches, it's a fitting time to reflect on this album's significance within J Lo's career, its impact on fans, and its continued relevance in light of her recent endeavors.
Released on April 29, 2011, "Love?" came at a time when Lopez was already a multifaceted force in entertainment. Music, film, and fashion-she'd conquered them all. Yet, "Love?" transcended mere career markers. It delved into love, a theme central to Lopez's personal narrative.
This wasn't just an album; it was a declaration. Through "Love?" Lopez explored her own quest for love and fulfillment. The title track, "(What Is) LOVE?" beautifully captures this yearning. Lopez laid bare her vulnerabilities through her music, creating an emotional connection with her audience. Take the poignant question - "Is this just a dream / Is this what it seems?" - which echoes a longing for validation, her desire to be someone's girlfriend, and the fulfillment of romantic love.
Fast forward to 2024. Lopez's recent projects, including her latest album and musical film by the same name, "This Is Me... Now," and the documentary "The Greatest Love Story Never Told," were released on Amazon in March and offer a deeper look into her relationship with self-worth, love, and her ex-fiance turned husband, Ben Affleck.
The documentary sheds light on the last two decades of Lopez's personal life, including her struggles with self-love and the pressures of fame. Although the documentary has been arguably overshadowed by a viral clip where she references being from the Bronx, Lopez is still very raw about her emotions throughout the doc. She shares why she had been constantly searching for love and highlights her self-love journey. She also admits that her back-to-back marriages and relationships resulted from not being in a good place with herself.
Similarly, her musical film underscores her journey toward self-acceptance and empowerment. In these works, Lopez confronts the need for validation head-on, emphasizing the importance of self-love and resilience.
While "Love?" may not be Lopez's biggest commercial success, its strength lies in its raw honesty. The album humanizes her, connecting listeners with her experiences and emotions. Debuting at number five on the US Billboard 200 chart, it holds immense significance in J Lo's journey of love, self-love, and healing for a few key reasons. Produced while she was pregnant with her twins Emme and Max, "Love?" marked a period of introspection for Lopez and served as a platform for her to shed her usual glamorous image and expose her vulnerabilities.
"Love?" explored Lopez's own needs and desires but marked a crucial step in her journey towards self-love and understanding. She seemed to prioritize honesty over mainstream appeal, baring her insecurities and desires for love. The themes Lopez explored in "Love?" laid the groundwork for her recent documentary and self-love music video/album, echoing the messages of self-acceptance and resilience first seeded in this album.
In many ways, the album served as a turning point for Lopez, allowing her to explore her inner world and pave the way for her continued growth and self-discovery. Despite all of Lopez's accolades throughout her career, some still question her talents, as she openly shared in her 2022 documentary "Halftime." Lopez's achievements speak volumes. Her multifaceted success includes her influence on the Latine community, her role as a businesswoman, and her contributions to pop culture through film, music, fashion, and beauty.
Ultimately, "Love?" is a testament to Lopez's authenticity and resilience as an artist. It reminds us that even the most celebrated figures crave love and acceptance. As we celebrate the album's anniversary, let's appreciate its honesty, acknowledge its impact, and recognize J Lo's continued significance as an artist and cultural icon.
Kimmy Dole is a contributor for PS Juntos known for her sharp insights and compelling storytelling. An entertainment enthusiast, Kimmy immerses herself in the glitz of the industry, delivering a captivating blend of celebrity interviews, insights from industry experts, and the latest pop culture trends. Her work offers readers a genuine and relatable perspective, especially when exploring the complexities of relationships.
Thalia's "A Mucha Honra" Album Is a Love Letter to MAosica Mexicana
Throughout her illustrious career, Thalia has proudly represented Mexican culture through her music, iconic looks, and unforgettable performances. With mAosica Mexicana going global, the Mexican pop icon is tapping into the sounds of her roots through her new album "A Mucha Honra," where she pays homage to the music of her country while embracing the new wave of corridos.
"This album is called 'A Mucha Honra' because, as a Mexican, it makes me so excited to sing this music," she tells PS. "It's in my DNA. I feel like with everything happening now with our music on a global level, it's made us so proud. This is a celebration of our music and Mexican culture."
Thalia's career spans five decades since she entered the scene in the '80s as a member of the Mexican children's group Timbiriche. In the '90s, she launched her solo career, which took her worldwide, transforming her into a global artist. Among the many genres she's explored as a top Latina pop star, Mexican rhythms like mariachi and ranchera have always been present in her biggest hits like the empowering "Piel Morena" or the sultry "Amor a la Mexicana." Thalia credits her longevity to always changing with the times.
"Follow your pulse," she says. "Follow your intuition, which will soon guide you in learning different things about yourself. Sing different styles of music. Embrace things that will help you refresh your style and help you grow, change, and evolve. You have to dare yourself to take chances. I believe that's always been a principle of my career."
"A Mucha Honra" isn't Thalia's first rodeo in the mAosica Mexicana realm. In addition to her aforementioned hits, she also released a banda music album in 2001. "Thalia Con Banda: Grandes Axitos" included her classics like "Arrasando," "Entre el Mar y una Estrella," and "MarAa la del Barrio," the theme song to one of her famous telenovelas, which was rerecorded in the banda style. Thalia shakes off the criticisms of people who overlook her past in the mAosica Mexicana genre.
"In my music, I've always sung with Mexican arrangements in different albums throughout my career," she says. "It's something that's always been constant within my discography. I have a wonderful fan base. My Thali-familia are incredible for remembering things that we've done together. That's beautiful because they have a strong connection with me. This isn't something that I'm doing out of nowhere. I've always done it."
What is different about Thalia's latest exploration of mAosica Mexicana is that she's taking on contemporary sounds. What has helped the genre go global is the rise of corridos tumbados, or the trap-infused take on the traditional Mexican corrido and sierreA+-o. Corridos tumbados were first popularized in 2019 by Mexican singer Natanael Cano and his LA-based label Rancho Humilde. More Gen Z artists like his labelmates Junior H and Fuerza Regida and Mexican superstar Peso Pluma have pushed corridos tumbados to the top of the charts. SierreA+-o has also made waves thanks to the success of the Mexican American group Eslabon Armado. For "A Mucha Honra," Thalia tapped Rancho Humilde founder Jimmy Humilde and Edgar RodrAguez, who has produced hits for this new generation of artists. She seamlessly blends sierreA+-o and pop in the heartbreaking ballad "BebA(c), PerdA3n."
"[Edgar] has the Yellow Room [recording studio] where all the mAosica Mexicana stars have recorded," she says. "This album was created at the center of the Mexican movement that's taking over. It has that strong and intense essence of that movement and captures what Jimmy and Edgar do best. The songs and arrangements are spectacular."