Chalino Sánchez, the “King of Corridos,” would have turned 65 on Aug. 30. While his tragic murder in May 1992 ended his life, his musical legacy continues to thrive.
Thanks to technology, some of his timeless recordings are being brought back to life through collaborations with other artists. Fifteen of Sánchez’s tracks, owned by Cintas Acuario — a label based in Long Beach, California — are being reimagined for a new project.
“I bought the songs from him; they’re mine. That’s how we did business,” Pedro Rivera, owner of the label, shared exclusively with Billboard Español. (Rivera is the father of regional Mexican music stars Lupillo Rivera and the late Jenni Rivera.) “We respected each other deeply. Chalino was one of the most loyal men I’ve ever met — he always kept his word.”
The first release from this project is “Rigo Campos,” a song written more than 30 years ago by Mario Quintero, the lead singer of Los Tucanes de Tijuana. Chalino recorded his own version back in the day, but the two never met in person. Now, through the magic of technology, they’re singing together in a music video that premiered on Thursday, Aug. 28.
“It took over three years from the first meeting to today’s release,” Quintero, thrilled by the song’s reception, told Billboard Español. It has already become a trending topic in Mexico. “Unfortunately, I never got the chance to meet Chalino… [But] technology made it possible for Los Tucanes and Chalino to appear together in the video as if he were still here.”
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Sánchez rose to fame in the late ’80s and early ’90s with his corridos in the California music scene. His raw, unpolished voice and straightforward style resonated with migrant communities and working-class listeners. Songs like “Nieves de Enero,” “Alma Enamorada” and “Baraja de Oro” became classics.
On May 16, 1992, he was murdered in Culiacán, Sinaloa, after a performance. He was only 31 years old.
Quintero, who as the leader of Los Tucanes heads one of the most respected norteño and corrido groups in the market, spoke to Billboard Español about “Rigo Campos,” the current restrictions on corridos in Mexico, and even a possible World Cup anthem in the works:
Billboard Español: What are the Origins of “Rigo Campos”?
Quintero: The song is based on a well-known event in Tijuana, I think it was around 1991. It was talked about a lot on the news in both Mexico and the U.S. Back then, we were just starting out, and even to this day, I draw inspiration from real-life events. I wrote the song, and it became popular locally. I used to go to record stores to check out new releases and see if anyone had recorded one of my songs. One day, I was surprised to find the song on a cassette by Chalino Sánchez. I remember opening it and seeing that it credited him as the author. My excitement immediately turned to disappointment. Turns out, he had heard it from us, liked it and recorded it with Cintas Acuario. The song was already registered to me, so we cleared everything up.
How did this particular collaboration come about?
Juan Rivera [Pedro Rivera’s son] reached out to invite me to take part in this album they’re producing with Chalino’s songs. I thought it was such an exciting idea, and of course, I was honored to include my song. It took over three years from our first meeting to now releasing “Rigo Campos.” We’re overjoyed with the public’s response. Unfortunately, I never got to meet Chalino. There was this one time he had a press conference in Tijuana, but we were busy working and couldn’t go. I had wanted to thank him for recording my song, but the opportunity never came up. Now, through technology, we were able to bring him back to life in the video, and it’s as if he’s really there with us. It was a huge effort by the teams at Cintas Acuario and Master Q Music to make it happen. The hardest part was bringing Chalino’s essence into the present, but they nailed it.
Why do you think Chalino’s legacy endures so many years after his death?
Chalino had this unique ability to take well-known songs and make them his own with his distinctive style. That’s what made him so successful. Of course, he was also heavily criticized, but people couldn’t ignore his authenticity. He wasn’t trying to imitate anyone — he was born to be an original, and that’s why he’s still such a massive influence in norteño and banda music. Producing this song was such a fulfilling experience. Listening to his voice straight from the original tapes, you realize how powerful it was. He didn’t need backing vocals; he was naturally in tune and simply incredible. Back then, there wasn’t the technology we have now, so hearing him sing was truly special. Recording this duet with him now feels like a dream come true. It didn’t happen before, but it’s happening now — and that’s what matters.
What do you think of the current bands and restrictions of corridos in Mexico?
We love corridos, but we also respect the rules in every place we perform. We understand the situation. The problem isn’t with corridos themselves; there are broader social issues at play. I think the authorities have good intentions, and we always follow any rules or restrictions. For example, at our recent show at the Auditorio Telmex in Guadalajara, we weren’t allowed to perform any corridos. Of course, some fans wanted to hear them, but we respect the law. At the end of the day, the law is the law, and we have to follow it as citizens. Where we’re allowed to perform corridos, we will. Where we’re not, we’ll just play “La Chona” three times, or “El Tucanazo,” or “Me Gusta Vivir de Noche.” We’ve got plenty of songs in our repertoire.
Speaking about “La Chona,” it’s become a major hit and played in many sporting events. Any plans to use it during the World Cup?
As the composer of “La Chona,” it’s such an honor and a privilege to see it still going strong. Every day, we get videos from all over the world of people dancing and singing along to it. When we first recorded it, I didn’t even like the song that much — I preferred others. But it carved out its own place, and now, more than 30 years later, new generations are still loving it. For the World Cup, we’re working on a project that I think fans are going to love. In the meantime, we’re heading to Chile, Colombia, Honduras, Guatemala and Bolivia this year, and next year we’ll be taking our music to Spain. Europe is becoming such an important market for regional Mexican music.
A few days ago you played for over 100,000 people. Why do Los Tucanes still draw big crowds?
I think we’ve earned the love of our fans through our music and the way we are. Los Tucanes are one of those groups that can do it all — romantic songs, corridos, cumbias — we mix norteño music with other genres. I think that’s why we have such a special place in people’s hearts. There are also people who grew up listening to our music but never got to see us live, so they come to our shows now. And it’s so touching to see multiple generations at our concerts — parents, kids, even grandparents. It’s such a blessing.
Liam Payne’s older sister Nicola Payne is reflecting on her final moments with her brother.
On Friday (Aug. 29), which would’ve marked Liam’s 32nd birthday, Nicola shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, remembering the last time she saw the former One Direction star. Liam passed away in October 2024 after falling from the balcony of his hotel room in Argentina.
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“A year ago today, we were so full of hope and excitement for what the years ahead would bring you,” Nicola wrote on Instagram. “That night, celebrating your birthday with bowling and McDonald’s, we celebrated you, your show, your dreams, and spoke of all the plans you had for the future. We ended the evening with a hug, telling you how proud we were and how much we loved you.
She continued, “If I had known that would be the last time I’d see you, I would have said so much more. I wish I could step into a time machine and relive that night, hug you tighter, capture your smile and voice, ask more questions and write it all down so I’d never forget. I hope you’re happy, at peace and know just how deeply you are loved. I miss you every single day, and I don’t think there will ever be a day that I don’t.
Nicola ended her emotional message by sending birthday wishes to her brother in heaven.
“So today, on your birthday, I want to wish you the happiest heavenly birthday,” she wrote. “Whenever you are, I hope you’re celebrating and hopefully you’ve scored a few strikes too.”
Payne’s older sister wasn’t the only one remembering him on what would have been his 32nd birthday. The singer’s girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, also shared an emotional message in his honor.
“My dearest Liam, it breaks my heart being that I can’t hand you a physical birthday card today,” Cassidy wrote on Instagram. “That I can’t hear your laugh, or tell you all the things I wish I’d said a thousand more times. I’ve been struggling to find the right words, but I’ll start with the most obvious, happy birthday.”
She continued, “Today, you would have been 32. In your 31 years here on this earth you brought so much joy, happiness and hope to so many- especially to me. I hope you know how brightly you still shine, even from up there.”
The social media influencer concluded her tribute by promising to carry Liam’s memory with strength and love, despite the grief she continues to face since his passing.
“I promise you I will celebrate you extra today, honor your life, and cherish the beautiful times we’ve had,” she wrote. “August 29th will be a date that sits in my heart for the rest of my life. I love you so much.”
Payne died at the age of 31 on Oct. 16, 2024, after falling from a third-story hotel balcony in Buenos Aires. According to toxicology reports released after his death, the X Factor alum had multiple substances in his system and a dangerously high blood-alcohol level at the time of the incident.
Love is in the air for French Montana, who got engaged this summer.
On Friday (Aug. 29), the Morocco-born, Bronx-raised rapper, 40, and Dubai royal Sheikha Mahra, 31, announced their engagement in a joint Instagram post.
French Montana proposed during Paris Fashion Week in June, shortly after making his runway debut in the Spring/Summer 2026 show for 3.PARADIS, according to People. TMZ was the first to report the news.
In the Instagram reveal, the couple is seen holding hands as Sheikha Mahra, a Princess of Dubai, shows off her stunning engagement ring — an emerald-cut, 11.53-carat diamond custom-designed by celebrity jeweler Eric The Jeweler of Mavani & Co. The ring is reportedly valued at $1.1 million.
“The elegant and rare design is a perfect symbol of the couple’s unique love story,” reads a press release from French Montana’s PR team, according to People.
The press release adds, “Representatives confirm that while wedding plans are underway, specific dates and arrangements are still being finalized by both families, who are reportedly excited and supportive.”
Rumors of their romance first surfaced nearly a year ago, in October 2024, when Sheikha Mahra shared photos of herself giving the “Unforgettable” rapper a tour of a city in the United Arab Emirates, according to E! News.
The couple went public with their relationship this summer, stepping out hand-in-hand at several Paris Fashion Week events.
Sheikha Mahra is the daughter of Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. She was previously married to Sheikh Mana bin Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mana Al Maktoum, with whom she shares a daughter. The couple split in July 2024. Montana also has a 16-year-old son named Kruz.
See Sheikha Mahra’s massive engagement ring photo on Instagram here.
Lady Gaga is returning to the MTV Video Music Awards stage.
On Saturday (Aug. 30), MTV announced that the 39-year-old pop superstar will perform at the 2025 VMAs, airing live from New York’s UBS Arena on Sept. 7 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The show will be hosted by LL Cool J.
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“Need all of my fellow Little Monsters to COME TO THE FRONT! Why, you ask?! Oh, because MOTHER MONSTER HERSELF IS PERFORMING AT THE 2025 #VMAs!!!!” MTV posted on X.
Gaga joins an already stacked lineup of performers, including Jelly Roll, Doja Cat, Post Malone, Tate McRae, Mariah Carey, Sabrina Carpenter and J Balvin.
This will mark Gaga’s first VMAs performance since 2020, when she took home multiple trophies, including artist of the year and song of the year for her “Rain on Me” collaboration with Ariana Grande.
She’s leading the pack at this year’s awards with 12 nominations, followed closely by her “Die With a Smile” collaborator Bruno Mars with 11. Other top contenders include Kendrick Lamar (10), Sabrina Carpenter (nine), ROSÉ (eight), Ariana Grande and The Weeknd (seven each), Billie Eilish and Tate McRae (six each), Charli xcx (five), and Alex Warren, Bad Bunny, Doechii, Ed Sheeran, Jelly Roll, Miley Cyrus and Morgan Wallen (four each).
In the lead-up to the show, Gaga has been teasing her next single “The Dead Dance,” which is set to debut Sept. 3. The track will be featured in Netflix’s Wednesday series, starring Jenna Ortega. Gaga is also slated to make a surprise cameo in the show.
“The Dead Dance” will be Gaga’s first new release since her Mayhem album, which dropped in March and debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. She’s currently promoting the set on her Mayhem Ball tour.
This year’s VMAs will be the first to air on CBS, while also simulcasting on MTV and streaming live on Paramount+ in the U.S.
Check out MTV’s announcement on X below.
Need all of my fellow Little Monsters to COME TO THE FRONT! Why, you ask?! Oh, because MOTHER MONSTER HERSELF IS PERFORMING AT THE 2025 #VMAs!!!! @ladygaga
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Ahead of her special performance celebrating “A Summer of Don Julio” in New York City, Mexican artist Majo Aguilar spoke with Billboard to share her pre-show routine, revealing everything from her glamorous mariachi wardrobe secrets to her favorite Don Julio cocktail.
Majo Aguilar: My beautiful people, I hope you are all doing well. I am Majo Aguilar, and I am going to share some secrets with you before the show.
Before going on stage, I always give thanks, first of all, for being fortunate enough to be living my dream. The audience is there waiting with love, just like me, and with a lot of enthusiasm. What can you expect from today’s show? Heart, joy. I always put my whole heart into my shows. They are also very joyful shows. You’ll have a great time.
Let’s talk about Brindis, Rampi’s partner, and the fact that we have very good venues, which is very important. I feel deeply what I’m singing, and I think that’s key for others to connect with me, and I’m deeply grateful for that.
Tequila, what does it mean to me as a Mexican? I can proudly say that it’s the drink we’ve brought to the world. And it’s tradition — it reminds me a lot of mariachi, of celebration. If I had to describe my show tonight in a tequila cocktail, it would definitely be a paloma with a little bit of spice.
The look I’m going to wear today for the show is what I wear for all my performances, which are stylish charra-style outfits. This time I chose black because I wanted it to go with the night, and this time they’ll see me looking sexier in black. What I like most about the glam process — that is, putting on makeup, doing my hair, all that — is the buildup to the glory, which is being on stage. Feeling that excitement that soon I’ll be in my place, which is definitely the stage.
What can’t be missing from my green room? It’s funny, but I can’t do without chamoy sweets and tequila. I like to have a little drink, just to clear my throat a little, but yes, those two things can never be missing from the camberina. Now you know some of the things I do as a ritual before going on stage. Cheers.
