NMF: Un Poco de To From Don Chezina to The Anomaly & Glory(Glou)
Mis corazonzones, this week was much easier on the ears. Unlike last week, where I found myself digging through release after release looking for the records that truly stood out, this week delivered an abundance of music worth revisiting. In fact, narrowing down my selections was the hard part. From veteran artists reminding us why they've endured to emerging voices pushing the culture into exciting new territory, there was no shortage of songs competing for a spot on repeat.
The good news? That means the playlist keeps getting stronger. Here are four of the many records I added to the #AlertaPendiente playlist this week. These are songs that made me stop, listen twice, and ultimately hit save. Whether you're looking for perreo, heartbreak, innovation, nostalgia, or simply something that sounds good in your headphones, there's a little something here for everyone.
Glory is back. La Gata Gangster, la mamá de los pollitos, the unmistakable voice heard on classics like Gasolina and Dale Don Dale returns with a five-track EP that bridges old-school reggaeton sensibilities with contemporary sounds. As one of the genre’s true pioneers and a Reggaeton Hall of Famer in every sense, Glory approaches this project not as an artist chasing trends, but as someone reminding listeners why her contributions helped shape the genre in the first place.
Ironically, my favorite track on the project is the melodic standout, Yo Tu Gata. From the production to the vocal arrangements, flows, and subtle switches throughout the song, everything lands in a sweet spot that feels both nostalgic and current. The record showcases a version of Glory that sounds mature without losing her edge, confident without relying on past achievements, and fully aware of how to adapt her artistry to today's landscape. More than a comeback, “Yo Tu Gata” feels like proof that veteran reggaeton artists can evolve gracefully while still giving listeners something fresh to get excited about.
1 Aries is a seductive R&B record that beautifully showcases both the versatility of Afro-Dominican artistry and the possibilities of R&B en Español when it fully embraces the genre’s emotional core. Rather than simply borrowing from rhythm and blues aesthetics, the song captures the essence of what makes R&B work: intimacy, chemistry, vulnerability, and groove. Red6xteen and GabyCabral! complement each other effortlessly, creating a dynamic that pulls the listener deeper into the record with every verse and melody. There’s a natural push and pull between their performances that keeps the song engaging from beginning to end, and that ability to continuously draw an audience in is much harder to accomplish than it sounds.
The song also benefits from knowing exactly how much it needs to say. Its runtime feels intentional, giving both artists enough room to leave an impression without overstaying its welcome. The result is a track that feels smooth, complete, and highly replayable — the kind of song that ends and immediately makes you want to hear it again.
Don Chezina and Danger close things out with Mala Suerte, a record that arrives with one mission: to let the frustration fly. From the opening lines — “que te vaya mala y dolorosa...” — the song embraces resentment, disappointment, and unresolved feelings without trying to soften the edges. It's direct, confrontational, and refreshingly honest about emotions that people are often encouraged to suppress.
In an era where we're constantly being sold positivity, healing, and "good vibes only," there's something compelling about a song that makes room for anger. Not because anger is inherently virtuous, but because it's real. It's a valid emotional response that often gets dismissed, minimized, or gaslit in favor of more socially acceptable feelings. Art has always been one of the healthiest places for those emotions to exist, and “Mala Suerte” understands that.
Whether this record is rooted in a real beef or simply playing with the tradition of the tiraera almost doesn't matter. What lands is the feeling. The irritation, the sarcasm, the desire to finally say the thing you've been holding back. Don Chezina and Danger channel that energy effectively, turning personal grievance into something broadly relatable. Not every song needs to make you dance, cry, or fall in love. Sometimes a song just needs to let you be mad for three minutes — and “Mala Suerte” delivers exactly that. That's why it earned a spot on this playlist.
Ojalá is one of those records that feels designed to carry you through a good time. A standout from The Anomaly, the six-track debut EP from El Cezar and Ruthless Geo, the track effortlessly blends Afro House textures with Spanish-language songwriting to create something both dancefloor-ready and emotionally inviting.
Much of the song's magic comes from Anza, whose gorgeous vocals elevate every moment of the record. Her performance glides over the production with ease, creating the perfect counterpart to El Cezar's flows and presence. Together, they create a chemistry that feels natural and immersive, drawing the listener deeper into the song with every verse and refrain.
What makes “Ojalá” stand out is its ability to balance movement and mood. It's club music, but it's also romantic. It's energetic, but never overwhelming. The Afro House en Español approach feels refreshing, offering a rhythm that's built for dancing while still leaving room for melody and atmosphere. I'd easily place this alongside records from Nino Augustine and La Gabi — the kind of songs that soundtrack a sexy, feel-good evening carried by un ritmo diferente.
