Every week, La Alternativa delivers the very best from the Latin alternative scene by curating a blend of emerging and established artists within the Latin diaspora, while providing a platform to champion our growing local music scene. Listen on demand here and on 88Nine from 10-11 p.m. every Wednesday.
Elvis Crespo is a staple in Latine households. Personally, there wasn’t a family gathering or quinceañera left unscathed by the sounds of “Suavemente,” his 1998 hit that’s reached 477 million listens on Spotify to date. It's a classic, a song to be added to the family playlist for joyful occasions.
More recently, Crespo has been making a comeback with new collaborations and an album released within the first 48 hours of 2026, Poeta Herío (Colmadito Edition). The project featured “la patadita,” a collaboration with 22-year-old Colombian singer-songwriter Beéle that only brings positive vibes through an upbeat fusion of merengue and reggaeton
The song and music video pay tribute to iconic Colombian television program El Show de las Estrellas, created and hosted by Jorge Barón, who would give guests “la patadita de la buena suerte” (the kick of good luck). The music video recreates the show, while the song unites generations and audiences to celebrate and dance.
Also featured in this episode is “MVELM (Mi Vida En La Maleta)” from Mexican rapper Mare Advertencia, an artist of Zapotecan descent who explores themes of feminism and collective work. Her latest single is about migration, and the nostalgia and love that accompanies the complex realities of leaving a place or people behind.
For the track, she pulled in Colectivo Atepee, a group of community members from Acayucan in southwest Mexico who are dedicated to arts and culture education rooted in community work and the traditions of Son Jarocho.
Episode playlist
- Mare Advertencia, “MVELM”
- Sotomayor, “Vida”
- BRATTY, “tu nombre”
- canela, “(no quiero ver) television”
- Eddy & Ed Maverick, “CASI TU”
- Beéle & Elvis Crespo, “la patadita”
- Cuco & Jean Carter, “My 45”
- Niko Rubio, “30 Mil Pies”
- Idea Blanco, “Violeta, tu estrella en la frente”
- Twin Shadow, “Dominoes”
- Control Machete, “Si Senor”
- Nathy Peluso & Rawayana, “MAL PORTADA”
- Humbe, “fantasmas”
