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 scrolling on social media, networking, or coming across their music at a showcase, for example. See our May 2026 recommendations below.
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Name: DIA
Country: Puerto Rico
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: DIA has quickly become a strong force in the música urbana space since his debut single in 2020, “ONEMVNARMY.” The artist born Alexis Díaz kicked off his six-year career as a songwriter and producer for artists such as J Balvin, Rauw Alejandro, and Yandel. Now, at the forefront with a progressive solo career, DIA’s signature trapsoul and reggaetón sound is backed by his sultry, smooth vocals as heard in “¿te ACUERDAS de mi?,” “SUSTANCiAS CONTROLADAS,” “Pidiendo Saoco,” and “LLamando de Nuevo,” to name a few.
The rising Puerto Rican artist — who’s a Latin Grammy nominee and a skilled piano player — became popular name in 2023 with his participation on “Merry Remix” with Jay Wheeler and Randy Nota Loca. In 2025 he dropped his debut studio album ¿QUE DICEN EiAS? (Casablanca Records/GLAD Empire), and he’s currently making the rounds with the ultra-perreo “Super Estrellá” in collaboration with Yomo, Alejo and Subelo NEO. — JESSICA ROIZ
Song for Your Playlist: “Llamando De Nuevo”
Name: El de la Tinta
Country: Mexico
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: El de la Tinta (real name: Ulises) is quickly becoming a sensation, thanks to the viral hit “Holanda” with Angel Cervantes and Sahir Montoya, and its catchy “ra-ta-ta” chorus. This song has ignited a creative wildfire, especially on Tiktok, where it boasts over 500,000 video creations — including Tito Double P and Manuel Medrano jumping on the trend. During the pandemic, Ulises picked up the guitar, but driven by his shyness, he first released his music anonymously online. As his confidence grew, his corridos tumbados struck a chord with a new generation. His songs weave together acoustic guitars, the rich resonance of the toloche, and soulful trumpets, creating a lush soundscape for his vocals — a gentle rasp that radiates warmth and sincerity. This unique mix of instruments and heartfelt vocals brings to life songs about heartbreak, like “Ojitos Marrones” and “Insomnio,” and celebrates love in tracks such as “Besitos” and “La Niña De Casa.” — INGRID FAJARDO
Song for your Playlist: “Holanda” feat. Angel Cervantes, Sahir Montoya
Name: Emjay
Country: Mexico
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: This singer-songwriter has emerged as one of the most intriguing new voices in Mexico’s latest generation of pop, thanks to her natural, raw, and uninhibited style—inspired by alternative rock aesthetics, or what she herself has dubbed “Heavy Pop.” Her introspective lyrics and explosive stage presence position her as one of the finest performers on the country’s current music scene; her appearance at the Tecate Emblema Festival earlier this month was a testament to this, as she stood out as one of the top acts.
Emjay (a name derived from her initials, María José) began her career in the trap and hyperpop genres, with projects such as LAS MORRAS TAMBIÉN HACEN TR444P. However, her latest EP, Confesiones De Las Que Me Voy A Arrepentir — released last March via Warner Music Mexico — marks a turning point in her career, featuring ’90s-style guitars and a rawer, more emotive energy. She recently served as the opening act for Doja Cat at the Palacio de los Deportes in Mexico City. Her “Pop Pesado 2026” tour across Mexico has already been announced, with several dates scheduled for the coming months. — NATALIA CANO
Song for your Playlist: “Bellaka”
Name: Los Dos De Tamaulipas
Country: Mexico
Why They Should be on Your Radar: So far in 2026, the Mexican duo has made a surprising and successful breakthrough in the Regional Mexican music scene. Their single “El Chavalón” reached No. 1 on the Regional Mexican Airplay chart and No. 2 on Latin Airplay; the same success followed with the tracks “Supercargada” and “Ayúdame,” both included on their album Expansión, released in April. This album paved the way for their first U.S. tour with more than 40 sold-out dates.
With their traditional norteño music and a distinctive performance style, brothers Rolando and Orlando Zapata have joined the ranks of Regional Mexican music — no longer merely as rising prospects, but as established fixtures. Artists such as El Fantasma and Luis R Conríquez have collaborated with and championed these singer-songwriters, who hail from Tamaulipas in northern Mexico. The duo was recently honored by ASCAP for the success of their compositions featured on the album Arriba La Compañía, released last year. — TERE AGUILERA
Song for your Playlist: “El Chavalon”
Name: Omar Camacho
Country: United States
Why They Should be on Your Radar: Born in San Diego, California, Omar Camacho is part of the urban music movement of Mexican-American singers who fuse their style with leading figures of the new Regional Mexican genre. His growing fanbase — totaling over 13 million monthly listeners on Spotify — positions him as one of the most promising rising artists under 21. His debut album, Nunca Voy A Morir (Warner Music México) — dropping this May 28th — serves as proof of his talent for navigating diverse sounds, featuring collaborations with Víctor Mendívil, Santa Fe Klan and Código FN, among others. Camacho is currently participating in the successful “Rico o Muerto” tour headlined by Óscar Maydon — a former Billboard Latin Artist on the Rise. — T.A.
Song for your Playlist: “Dos + Dos” (feat. Victor Mendivil)
Name: Quelle Rox
Country: United States
Why They Should Be on Your Radar: Puerto Rican-Cuban artist Quelle Rox is carving out a dreamy Spanglish lane that feels intimate, sensual and quietly magical. Based in New York, originally from Florida, she blends indie-soul, dream-pop and Latin warmth into songs that shimmer with soft-focus heartbreak. Her latest single “Mint Cherry Red (pa’ olvidarte amor)” is a strong example of that world: supple bass, hazy textures and breathy vocals that glide between English and Spanish with an ease that feels lived-in. There’s an early Kali Uchis quality to her aesthetic — ethereal, delicate and seductive — but Quelle’s perspective feels distinctly her own, rooted in bilingual confession and the kind of post-heartbreak glow-up that turns pain into style.
In the video for “Mint Cherry Red,” she leans all the way into that mood, cruising in a convertible, hitting the carnival and Coney Island in red tights, animal print and a beret, serving soft-girl glamour with a knowing edge. With songs like “Más Bonita” and “Apareces de la Nada” continuing to build traction, and a full Spanglish project on the way, Quelle Rox feels like an artist stepping into a more defined era — and one worth catching now. — ISABELA RAYGOZA
Song for your Playlist: “Mint Cherry Red (pa’ olvidarte amor)
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