Every month, Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors spotlight a group of rising artists whose music we love. Think “diamantes en bruto,” or “diamonds in the rough.” These are newcomers who have yet to impact the mainstream — but whose music excites us, and who we believe our readers should make a point to discover.

Our latest edition of On the Radar Latin includes a wave of emerging artists, who we discovered by networking, coming across their music at a showcase, scrolling through social media, or elsewhere. See our recommendations this month below:

Artist: Alejandro Preschel

Country: Venezuela

Why They Should Be on Your Radar: With a sweet, powerful voice perfect for country music, and his superstar looks, Venezuelan-American singer-songwriter Alejandro Preschel moved to Nashville a year ago in pursuit of his dream, and has been creating music in this genre in both English and Spanish ever since. Inspired by artists like Stevie Ray Vaughan, Santana, and David Gilmour, he began playing blues guitar as a young man. Over time, he fell in love with country, exploring the work of icons like George Jones, Merle Haggard and Del Reeves, and eventually finding his own voice. His direct, emotional lyrics in songs like “Free Venezuela” and “Extranjero” demonstrate not only that he has the chops, but also something to say. Preschel is currently working on new music for his first album of original songs, which he plans to release in late 2026. — SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS

Song for Your Playlist: “Extranjero”

Artist: Aria Vega

Country: Colombia

Why They Should Be on Your Radar: Billboard predicted that 2026 would be a vibrant year for Caribbean sounds, with Kompa, Champeta, and Dancehall taking center stage, echoing the rhythms that dominated 2025. It is no wonder that one of the year’s first breakout hits is “Chévere” by Aria Vega, a track that pulses with irresistible zouk sounds (originating in the Caribbean, featuring fast,percussion-driven rhythms and prominent synthesizers). TikTok and social media have played a huge role in catapulting the Barranquilla-born singer-songwriter into the spotlight, making her one of the most thrilling new artists to watch.

Not only are her new, fresh sounds captivating, but sonically, lyrically and visually, she’s giving us a glimpse into her world. Her “CHÉVERE (premium_remix)” featuring Ryan Castro showcases her signature style as “La Nena de Quilla,” infusing her music with fresh energy and a deep connection to her Barranquilla roots. During the recent Barranquilla Carnaval, she lit up the stage at multiple shows, including a surprise performance with Ryan Castro that electrified the crowd. Riding this wave of success, Aria has now signed a management deal with Lionfish, led by renowned manager, Rebeca León. — INGRID FAJARDO

Song for Your Playlist: “CHÉVERE (premium_remix),” Aria Vega, Ryan Castro

Artist: Carlos Neda

Country: El Salvador

Why They Should Be on Your Radar: Listening to Carlos Neda, with his poignant storytelling and smooth, emotive voice, can evoke the great exponents of Latin American trova (folk music.) But Neda, born in Miami and raised in El Salvador during a period of extreme violence in the Central American country, has found his own voice, interpreting his poetry over a fusion of folk, Latin pop, and hip hop. The independent artist, who returned to Miami as a teenager, quit his job as a waiter to sing on the streets of Lincoln Road before embarking on a five-year journey through nearly 100 cities around the world. In 2017, he formally broke through with “Sin Complejos de Disney,” and in 2021 he released “Mezcal,” his most successful track to date, which now boasts nearly 12 million streams on Spotify alone. His most recent singles include “Oveja Negra” and “Quién Soy,” part of his first EP released in January, Para Caídas, whose songs are credited to Carlos Neda & Carlitosss, his younger self. — S.R.A.

Song for Your Playlist: Carlos Neda & Carlitosss, “Quién Soy”

Artist: Kris R.

Country: Colombia

Why They Should Be on Your Radar: Kicking off his career in 2018, Kris R. (real name: Kristian Rangel Betancur) immediately got the stamp of approval from artists such as Rauw Alejandro, Ñengo Flow, Jowell & Randy and Pablo Chill-E. Over the past years, the New York-born, Medellín-raised artist has solidified his space in the Latin trap scene thanks to his raw lyricism, street-rooted identity, and fearless vision. In the midst of all this, he’s collaborated with renowned acts such as Arcángel, Myke Towers and Anuel AA, and in 2025, he inked a record deal with Warner Music Latina. Kris R. recently reached No. 1 on the Billboard Colombia Hot 100 chart with “Yogurcito Remix” alongside Blessd, Anuel, Yan Block, Luar la L, and ROA — and will soon release his new album, El Trap de Kolombia. — JESSICA ROIZ

Song for Your Playlist: “MIL D AURA”

Artist: Witto El Menor

Country: Nicaragua

Why They Should Be on Your Radar: Thanks to the power of social media, despite being based in Miami, I came across an emerging act that resides on the other side of the country, in Los Angeles. Witto el Menor first caught my attention in 2024 with his track “Deakachimba,” named after a Nicaraguan phrase that loosely refers to feeling good or cool. After kicking off his career in 2020, initially doing rap music, Witto widened his fanbase and captivated an organic audience with this urban-tinged cha-cha-cha that resonates with the hundreds and thousands of Nicaraguans living in the exterior.

Fueling off that momentum, the Nicaraguan-born artist has collaborated with other Nica artists such as the Latin Grammy-nominated La Cuneta Son Machín on “El Baile de los Coyotes,” renowned rapper Daffy El Audio on “Legendario,” and most recently with Feyamor on “Brujilita.” For the most part, Witto’s lyrics are about being proud of his Nicaraguan culture — and his strong, raspy vocals power suave, romantic Afrobeats and catchy reggaetón tracks, among other genres. — J.R.

Song for Your Playlist: “San Juan del Sur”

Wu-Tang Clan cofounder Oliver “Power” Grant has died, the iconic hip-hop group confirmed on its social media accounts on Wednesday (Feb. 25). He was 52 years old.

“Rest in Power, Power,” Wu-Tang captioned a clip of Grant on Instagram.

Grant, a childhood friend of RZA’s, played an integral role in constructing the legendary Staten Island, N.Y., crew and invested in the brand from its earliest stages. He also served as an executive producer for all of Wu’s albums.

Once news of Power’s passing became public, an outpouring of support followed on social media, including from Wu-Tang members.

“Paradise my Brother safe Travels!! #pookie #power Bruh I am not ok,” Method Man captioned a photo of the two together on Instagram.

Raekwon added on his own Instagram account: “POWER we been everywhere …. now you everywhere ! the most high is merciful love you.” The Chef had previously shouted out Grant on Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…‘s “Incarcerated Scarfaces.” “Scholars, word life, peace to Power and my whole unit,” he raps on the 1995 track.

GZA chimed in and declared that there would essentially be no Wu-Tang without Power. “Word life, peace to Power and my whole unit’ We couldn’t have done it without him,” he wrote on Instagram. “Wu wouldn’t have come to fruition without Power. His passing is a profound loss to us all. My deepest condolences to the fam.”

Power’s calling card came with cofounding the pioneering streetwear brand Wu Wear, which became a lucrative and trailblazing venture for the group.

“Wu Wear was pretty much like our entry in the fashion biz, but before I was in Wu Wear, I was making and marketing the first Wu records with RZA,” Power relayed in 2011 to Passion of the Weiss. “Everything that we learned was hard-knock life. You figure it out as you go along and take cues from those that are actively doing things … A lot of it was trial and error. There were no models.”

Cam’ron, DJ Premier and executive Steve Rifkind, who signed Wu-Tang Clan to Loud Records, also delivered heartfelt tributes.

“You certified a worldwide movement. A PIONEER for The Culture,” Preemo added. “WU-TANG IS FOREVER… I had some fun times touring with you and our mutual connections kept us in touch.”

The news of Grant’s passing comes nearly in tandem. Earlier the same day, the Wu-Tang Clan earned its first Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nomination for the Class of 2026.

J. Cole’s Trunk Sale Tour made a final stop in Los Angeles earlier this week, and the Dreamville boss was seemingly caught off guard when asked about potentially making a guest appearance on Drake’s Iceman album.

“Cole, can we expect you on Iceman?” Bars asked Cole amid the chaos of fans around them while he was signing autographs in a clip posted to Instagram on Tuesday (Feb. 24).

“I don’t know about that,” he cryptically replied.

Drake and J. Cole previously teamed up on For All the Dogs‘ “First Person Shooter,” which topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 2023. They also joined forces for the Big as the What? Tour in 2024.

However, it’s unclear where their relationship stands after J. Cole bowed out of potentially battling Kendrick Lamar in 2024, which led to Drake and Kendrick’s main event feud shortly after in April 2024 and seeping into May.

J. Cole is coming off the release of his The Fall-Off album earlier in February, which earned him a seventh No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 with 280,000 equivalent album units, according to Luminate. Drake wasn’t among the featured guests, as the album saw Future and Tems make appearances.

The North Carolina rapper described the LP as the final project in the “J. Cole story,” but still left the door open for more projects down the line rather than a strict retirement.

As for Drake, he’s continued to tease Iceman and posted to social media confirming the project is slated for a 2026 arrival. there’s no firm release date for the project, which will be the 6 God’s first solo outing since his battle with Lamar.