Warner Chappell Music has signed a global co-publishing deal with Puerto Rican rapper Villano Antillano. Known as one of the pioneers of the queer music movement in the Latin urban scene, Villano is paving the way in a predominantly male-dominated genre with unapologetic, empowering Latin urban anthems. In the last year, she’s released several noteworthy singles, including her most recent track “Vocales,” where she also served as co-producer and director for the music video. This week, she was tapped by influential producer and artist, Bizarrap, to collab on “Villano Antillano || BZRP Music Session #51,” a catchy new Latin trap house summer anthem. The single is part of his BZRP music session series, which focuses on artist discovery and features various hitmakers with Bizarrap in the studio.

Laz Hernandez, Vice President A&R, U.S. Latin & Latin America, WCM said: “Villano is a raw and authentic artist transforming the Latin music industry and inspiring a new generation of artists and songwriters. She’s created an entire movement that sheds light on the experiences of the LGBTQ+ community and continues to elevate queer representation in the urbano space. We're thrilled to welcome her to Warner Chappell and look forward to helping her expand her reach even more.”

Villano Antillano said: “Queer people need to feel like they can be their true, authentic selves and I want to use my music as a channel to help inspire and uplift. I’m very excited to be joining Warner Chappell Music, and with the support from Gustavo, Laz and the team, I know I can continue speaking my truth.”

Andres Vela, Villano Antillano’s manager, added: “Villano’s approach to music is as defiant and irreverent as it is magnetic and revolutionary and I’m overjoyed that she joined the Warner Chappell family. We are looking forward to working together to amplify the amazing Villano Antillano project.”

Villano Antillano rose to prominence in 2018 when she released “Pato Hasta La Muerte,” a response to a Latin urban artist who shared negative comments about the LGBTQ+ community on his social networks. She later released a slew of cutting-edge songs including “Pajara” and “Culo,” collaborated with non-binary rapper Ana Macho on the song “Muñeca,” and in 2021, she released the viral song “Vendetta” with Young Miko. This year, Antillano self-directed her single “Vocales,” and prior to that released “Veo Veo” through the Rapeton Approved project via Warner Latina. She also appeared on hembrismo, the first all-women EP from independent Latin record label RichMusic, which also features Latin urban newcomers paopao, La Gabi, ARIA VEGA, and Cami Da Baby. In addition, Villano was recognized at this year’s LAMC conference where she was named one of their 2022 Wonder Women of Latin Music, which celebrates female leaders who are making a difference in the industry. Her upcoming debut album, Sustancia X, will premiere later this year and embodies the beauty and horror of growing up queer in the Caribbean, among many other themes.