Latin Artist of the Month for January 2026

Bio

Hassan Emilio Kabande Laija, aka Peso Pluma, is a Mexican singer and rapper. Born in Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico, Pluma gained an interest in music at a young age, self-teaching himself how to play a guitar and songwriting in his diary. 

Pluma began his music career writing songs with fellow artist and cousin Roberto Laija Garcia, and eventually they worked on and released two live albums, Disco en Vivo and Disco en Vivo, Vol. 2.

Eventually, Pluma would release his first two studio albums, Ah y Qué? and Efectos Secundarios, each grabbing him a significant amount of positive reception, though his singles, Por Las Noches and El Belicón, gained him the most recognition.

A year later, Pluma would release an EP, and his single Siempre Pendientes would gain his first entry on Billboard’s Global 200 list. Pluma would gain his first major music award in 2023 following the release of his third album, Genesis, for Best Música Mexicana Album. Both his third and fourth albums charted top ten on the Billboard 200 chart.

Overall, Pluma has released four studio albums and has over 40 million monthly listeners on Spotify.

intro

Past Picks of the Month

The Marias

Luis Damon

Gilberto Santa Rosa

Alejandro Sanz

Ricardo Arjona

Soleil

Hey! Are you enjoying NYCTastemakers? Make sure to join our mailing list for NYCTM and never miss the chance to read all of our articles!