Two Spanish-Language Albums Top Billboard 200

Two Spanish-Language Albums Top Billboard 200

For the first time in the 69-year history of the Billboard 200, two Spanish-language albums have claimed the top two spots.

This landmark achievement highlights the growing influence of Latin music in the U.S. Bad Bunny’s Debí Tirar Más Fotos and Fuerza Regida’s 111XPANTIA made history on the chart dated May 17, 2025. The success reflects the rising popularity of Spanish-language music, driven by streaming and cultural resonance.

The Albums and Artists

Debí Tirar Más Fotos by Bad Bunny, a Puerto Rican superstar, returned to No. 1 on the Billboard 200. The album, a love letter to Puerto Rico, jumped from No. 7 after a vinyl release sold 48,000 copies. It earned 84,500 equivalent album units, with vinyl sales making up over half. This marks its fourth week at No. 1, having previously topped the chart for three weeks starting January 25. Bad Bunny, a global icon, has dominated Latin music, holding Billboard’s Top Latin Artist title for six years.

Fuerza Regida, a Mexican-American band from San Bernardino, debuted 111XPANTIA at No. 2. The album earned 76,000 units, with 37,000 from streaming (50.4 million on-demand streams) and 39,000 from sales. Released under Rancho Humilde and Street Mob Records, it’s the band’s ninth studio album. The 12-track set, expanded to 15 with a deluxe edition, returns to their corrido roots. It’s the highest-charting Spanish-language album by a duo or group and the top regional Mexican album ever.

Why This Matters

This milestone is a first for Latin music on the Billboard 200, which ranks albums by sales, streaming, and track equivalents. Spanish-language albums have topped the chart before—Bad Bunny and Karol G have done it—but never simultaneously at Nos. 1 and 2. The achievement underscores Latin music’s commercial surge, with U.S. revenue hitting $1.4 billion in 2024, 98% from streaming. Posts on X celebrated the moment, with fans and outlets like Rolling Stone calling it a historic win for Latina music.

The success of Debí Tirar Más Fotos and 111XPANTIA shows Latin music’s crossover appeal. Bad Bunny’s album resonates with Puerto Rican pride, while Fuerza Regida’s reflects Mexican-American identity. Both artists connect with younger audiences through streaming platforms like Spotify and TikTok, where Latin music thrives. Billboard’s metrics, including streams and social media reach, highlight their dominance.

Chart Performance and Records

Debí Tirar Más Fotos regained No. 1 with a vinyl-driven boost, a rare feat in today’s streaming era. Its 84,500 units mark a strong week, though smaller than past chart-toppers like Taylor Swift’s 2024 album. Bad Bunny announced a 23-date stadium tour starting November 21 in the Dominican Republic, signaling continued momentum. The album’s longevity, lingering in the top 10 since January, proves its staying power.

111XPANTIA set records for Fuerza Regida and regional Mexican music. Its 39,000 sales week is the largest for a regional Mexican album since Selena’s Amor Prohibido sold 36,000 in 1995. It outdid Peso Pluma’s Génesis (73,000 units in 2019) for the biggest week by a Spanish-language duo or group since 2014. The album also topped the Top Regional Mexican Albums and Top Latin Albums charts, cementing Fuerza Regida’s rise. To celebrate, they hosted a Los Angeles pop-up with Complex from May 2 to 4.

Background and Cultural Impact

Latin music has gained momentum over the past decade, with artists like Bad Bunny and Fuerza Regida breaking barriers. Bad Bunny’s global appeal blends reggaeton and Latin trap, while Fuerza Regida’s corridos tell stories of Mexican-American life. The title 111XPANTIA combines “111,” an angel number for luck, and “ixpantia,” a Nahuatl word for manifestation, reflecting cultural pride. This milestone follows other Latin music breakthroughs, like Karol G’s 2023 album Mañana Será Bonito, the first Spanish-language No. 1 by a woman since Selena.

Streaming has fueled this growth, letting artists reach fans beyond language barriers. The Billboard 200’s shift to include streams and track sales since 2014 has helped Latin albums compete with English-language releases. This historic week shows Latin music’s not just a niche—it’s shaping the future of pop culture.

Share This Post: