2021 has seen a ton of artist make huge steps toward international super stardom. So many artists had huge years that it’s hard to choose the very best. But again, that’s why we get paid the big bucks. Let’s talk about the best artist of 2021.
For the best album of 2021, click here.
For the best songs of 2021, click here.
Before we choose the winner, let’s talk about a few of the artists that made this year their own.
Anuel AA
Two albums and some of the best songs of the year. Talk about a big year for the Puerto Rican star. Despite breaking up with Karol G earlier this year, the artist was able to deliver some of the best music of his career. While Los Dioses was a bit of a letdown in it’s execution, his latest album Las Leyendas Nunca Mueran was a personal look into the mind of the Puerto Rican artist. He’s put out almost nothing but hits all year and I don’t imagine that streak slowing down anytime soon.
Karol G
The Colombian Queen of Reggaeton had herself a big year. Her album KG0615 produced a number of great hits that carried us throughout the year. “Location” was a unique country/reggaeton blend that set the stage. “El Makinon” was a fantastic track and one of the best of the year. We can’t forget “Leyendas” the journey though the history of reggaeton. With tracks like that, Karol G positioned herself right in between the past and future.
Rauw Alejandro
Spoiler for our Best Songs of 2021 list, but Rauw won with “Todo De Ti”. Rauw has been on an absolute tear all year. One of the most ingenious moves of the year was not including Track 4 on the initial release of his album Vice Versa and then replacing it 6 months later with another banger. It’s a great way to restart interest in an album. Beyond his album, Rauw has appeared on tons of tracks throughout the year. He’s dominated Latin music all year.
Jhay Cortez
After the massive hit that “Dakiti” was in 2020, it was hard not to expect a lot out of Jhay Cortez in 2021. Even then, he surpassed all expectations. His album Timelezz was one of the best of the year. He put out hit after hit this year, rising to the top of the Latin world. His career has evolved in all of the right ways. 2022 begins with Jhay Cortez as a leader in the newest generation of Latin artists.
Bad Bunny
Bad Bunny didn’t put out a ton of new music this year. Does that matter? No. Bad Bunny made his presence felt worldwide. His collab with Adidas gave us another iconic shoe from a Latin Artist. He also tore it up on the WWE circuit. 2021 saw Bad Bunny go from a Latin star to a global icon.
Eladio Carrion
Putting out three albums in one year is no small feat. Especially when all three are quality productions. Eladio has positioned himself as one of the leading voices in Latin trap and in urbano in general. He’s right on the precipice of the elite level of artists going into 2022.
Now, without further ado, let’s choose the winner.
Winner – Rauw Alejandro
Rauw broke barriers this year. For an artist not named Bad Bunny or J Balvin, Rauw crossed major barriers this year. “Todo De Ti” was our top track of the year and it was a mainstream hit without an English remix in the US. His album Vice Versa was a genre-bending smash. Rauw is one the leaders in all of Latin music and a global ambassador for the genre.