19-year old Spanish pop singer Abraham Mateo enlists American artists Austin Mahone and 50 Cent for a superb, sexy single, “Háblame Bajito.”

Latin music has ‘come up’ in 2017.  In the mainstream, the genre is experiencing arguably its greatest relevance ever. “Despacito” seem to precipitate the wave, with other hits following including “Mi Gente” (J Balvin & Willy Williams, remix featuring Beyoncé) and “Échame La Culpa” (Luis Fonsi & Demi Lovato).  19-year old Spanish heartthrob Abraham Mateo is the latest Latin-pop artist to enlist American artists for the assist.  In the case of “Háblame Bajito” (“Talk to Me Short[y]”), he taps American heartthrob Austin Mahone and veteran East Coast rapper, 50 Cent. 

“Háblame Bajito” establishes a sexy vibe from the jump – it welcomes the listener in with open arms. The production is in a minor key, giving it a dark, seductive, ‘lights off,’ bedroom oriented vibe. Abraham Mateo delivers playful, yet soulful vocals, clearly sounding invested in, well the girls.  Clearly, the talk that he wants carries over from the club to the pad. You don’t have to speak Spanish to see where Mateo is going with “Háblame Bajito.”

Later, Austin Mahone arrives, naturally, singing in English.  Notably, he showcases more mature, bass-ier vocals. He matches the sexiness conveyed by Mateo, singing over a contrasting beat.  The argument could be made that 50 Cent is long past his prime.  Sure, he doesn’t have the same impact he once did when hits like “In da Club” and “Candy Shop” dominated radio, but he also delivers a fitting verse on “Háblame Bajito.” He spits over the same beat that Mahone blesses with his vocals.

Final Thoughts

Simply put, Abraham Mateo has a hit on his hands with “Háblame Bajito.”  This is a slick pop record with tons of crossover appeal.  Mateo is the star, but he casts well bringing Mahone and 50 Cent to accentuate this gem.

Abraham Mateo • Háblame Bajito (Ft. Austin Mahone & 50 Cent) – Single • Sony Music Entertainment • Release: 12.8.17

Photo Credit: Sony Music Entertainment