Ryan Castro, Baby Rasta y Gringo desglosan sus éxitos de reggaetón en Latin Music Week 2026

At the Billboard Latin Music Week 2026 held in Miami, prominent reggaetón artists Ryan Castro and the veteran duo Baby Rasta y Gringo took center stage on October 20th to discuss the trajectory of their careers and the evolution of reggaetón music. Moderated by Billboard’s Ingrid Fajardo, the panel entitled “From Cassettes to Streaming: The Evolution of a Reggaetón Hit” offered an in-depth look at how these artists have navigated shifts in the industry while maintaining their distinctive musical identities.

Colombian singer Ryan Castro shared reflections on the continuity of his artistic style, emphasizing that the flow and energy he infused into his breakthrough track “Styling” remain consistent with the essence he has cultivated over the past fifteen years. This long-standing musical DNA, Castro suggests, forms the core of his urban sound and has helped him maintain relevance across changing trends.

Meanwhile, Baby Rasta y Gringo, pioneers from Puerto Rico, highlighted the cross-generational appeal of their 2000s hit “Me Niegas.” They noted how the song’s digital success was a defining moment, resonating initially with younger listeners who have now matured into concert-going fans. This underscores the song’s enduring capacity to bridge generational divides within the reggaetón community.

Discussing the track “Jordan,” Ryan Castro revealed that the song’s unexpected success came during a turbulent phase in his career marked by mismanaged investments and frustrations. Despite the lack of promotional efforts, the track connected deeply with audiences, earning him significant recognition and exemplifying the unpredictable nature of hitmaking in the digital age.

Baby Rasta y Gringo also reflected on their intentional lyrical shift with “Mañana Sin Ti,” a song that marked a departure from the genre’s traditionally explicit themes. By adopting a more romantic tone, they aimed to broaden reggaetón’s appeal and achieve greater mainstream popularity, a strategy that proved influential within the industry.

Both acts are among the finalists for the 2026 Billboard Latin Music Awards, which will be held on October 22nd at Miami’s James L. Knight Center. The event will be broadcast live on Telemundo and Peacock, with additional access through Universo and the Telemundo app, targeting audiences across Latin America and the Caribbean.

This year’s awards spotlight Peso Pluma, who leads with 17 nominations, including Artist of the Year and Latin Album of the Year for "DINASTÍA" (a collaboration with Tito Double P). Tito Double P follows closely with 15 nods, while Fuerza Regida, Karol G, Prince Royce, and Bad Bunny round out the top nominees.

Special honors will also be presented during the ceremony. Cristian Castro is set to receive the Billboard Lifetime Achievement Award, Fuerza Regida will be recognized with the Billboard Vanguard Award, Rosalía will be inducted into the Billboard Hall of Fame, and Rubén Blades will be celebrated with the Billboard Icon Award.

The presence of Ryan Castro and Baby Rasta y Gringo at Latin Music Week 2026 highlights the ongoing dialogue between reggaetón’s past and present, demonstrating how artists from different eras continue to shape the genre’s future. Their discussions offer valuable insights into the creative processes behind their music and the strategic adaptations necessary to thrive amid the ever-evolving Latin music landscape.