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MUSIC NEWS
🎶 The Legacy Continues: Mike Gonzalez & The Iconiczz Sign with Freddie Records. Story: Eteve Gonzalez
The legacy of Grupo Mazz is coming full circle with a new chapter in Tejano music history — this time, through Mike Gonzalez & The Iconiczz, now officially signed to the iconic Freddie Records.
In a press release from the Corpus Christi-based label, the announcement was made official on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, as Freddie Martinez Jr., President of Operations and Artist Relations at Freddie Records, welcomed Mike Gonzalez and his band to the Freddie Records family.
This partnership marks a powerful return to roots — the very same label that helped launch countless hits for Mike’s father, the legendary Jimmy Gonzalez of Grupo Mazz.
“Joining the Freddie Records family is surreal,” Gonzalez shared in an exclusive interview with Gem State Promotions, LLC. “The last time I recorded there — in the studio we called ‘The Red Room’ — was nearly seven years ago. And just last week marked seven years since my father’s passing.”
According to the label, Mike Gonzalez & The Iconiczz are currently in pre-production on their Freddie Records debut. The album promises to honor the timeless sounds of Jimmy G while forging a bold new musical path.
“We’re incredibly proud to welcome Mike Gonzalez and The Iconiczz,” said Martinez Jr. “Mike’s connection to the music — and to Jimmy’s legacy — is unmatched. He’s built a solid band that shares the same passion to both honor and innovate. We’re excited to be part of this next chapter.”
When asked what fans can expect from the upcoming release, Gonzalez said:
“I told Freddie Jr. that I want Tejano fans to hear these tracks and immediately feel that Jimmy Gonzalez influence. One of the greatest lessons my dad taught me was to pour 100% passion into your craft. If it doesn’t feel right, you fix it until it does. That’s the standard he lived by — and now it’s my job to carry that forward.”
Gonzalez emotionally reflected on returning to the place where he and his father created so many unforgettable hits:
“I’ve been waiting for this moment — to come back to Freddie Records, to that same studio. Now I get to continue what my father and I started. The legacy lives on… but there will never be another Jimmy G.”
The band’s first single and music video are expected to drop in late summer, giving fans a taste of what’s to come. The full album is slated for a fall release, and will serve as both a tribute and a statement — driven by authenticity, musical excellence, and deep generational pride.
“This album will carry my father’s influence in every note,” Gonzalez said. “The Iconiczz and I are pouring everything into this project. The legacy continues.”
🎤 Freddie Records Welcomes Rene Ramirez y Maduro with New Single “Mentiras”
🎤 “5 for 5” – The Rise of Johnny, Son of Jenni Rivera
It’s a busy season for Corpus Christi-based record label Freddie Records. Fresh off the major announcement of signing Mike Gonzalez and The Iconiczz, the label shows no signs of slowing down—now unveiling their newest addition: Rene Ramirez y Maduro.
On Friday, June 20, 2025, radio stations across the nation debuted the group’s latest single, “Mentiras”, a powerful ranchera written and produced by the group’s founder and frontman, Rene Ramirez. Described as "a very mainstream and catchy ranchera," the track is already turning heads and gaining traction among fans of the genre.
According to a press release issued by Freddie Records last week, Rene Ramirez y Maduro is being hailed as “the future and rising talent of Conjunto-Regional music.”
The band Maduro features five talented members, including Ramirez himself. While they continue work on their upcoming full-length album, plans are already underway for a promotional tour spanning the United States and La República Mexicana.
Stay tuned for more updates on Rene Ramirez y Maduro, and don’t forget to stream or request their new single, “Mentiras,” available now.
¿Se acuerdan de aquella inolvidable presentación en Culiacán, México, en 2012, donde “La Diva de la Banda” Jenni Rivera interpretaba la canción La Cara Bonita? En ese emotivo momento, Jenni pidió al público un fuerte aplauso para su hijo — Johnny.
More than a decade later, in 2023, Johnny “Cinco” López made his highly anticipated return to the stage during a performance of Un Puño de Tierra at the Luckman Performing Arts Center in Los Angeles, California.
Now performing under the alias Johnny 5, López isn’t just making a comeback on stage — he's making waves on the airwaves with his debut EP, “Cinco por Cinco” (5 for 5).
🎵 The EP: 5 for 5
5 for 5 is a bold introduction to Johnny’s musical journey. The EP honors the legacy of his mother, Jenni Rivera, while bringing a contemporary twist to the Regional Mexican genre. With influences ranging from banda and norteño to urban beats, the project bridges generations and styles, offering something fresh yet deeply rooted.
📲 The Viral Hit: “5 for 5” (listen here)
The title track, “5 for 5”, has quickly gained momentum online, especially on TikTok, where fans have embraced its rhythm and emotional storytelling. Performing under the name Johnny – El Hijo de Jenni Rivera, his authenticity and connection to his roots have struck a chord with new and longtime fans alike.
🔀 Beyond the Name: Johnny Ángel and More
The name “Johnny” resonates across music genres. While Johnny 5 is making his mark in Regional Mexican music, other artists like Johnny Cinco (aka J5), an Atlanta-based hip-hop artist, and Johnny El Bravo, a Puerto Rican salsa singer and bandleader, carry the name into other cultural spaces.
Whether it’s through heartfelt lyrics, family legacy, or viral impact — with 5 for 5, Johnny López is stepping into his own spotlight and writing the next chapter of La Diva de la Banda’s story, in his own voice.
🎶 Selena’s Legacy Lives On – Sammy Arriaga Pays Tribute Through Country Music
Following the exciting announcement of a new SiriusXM residency, the beloved Queen of Tex-Mex, Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, continues to be celebrated across genres and generations.
Enter Sammy Arriaga, a Miami-born country artist with deep Cuban roots, who is honoring Selena’s legacy in his own way. In a heartfelt interview with John Henry Medina of TejanoNation.net, Arriaga spoke about his latest release — a country single simply titled “Selena”.
“This one means the world to me,” Arriaga said. “It’s more than just a trip down memory lane — it’s my tribute to the queen herself, Selena Quintanilla-Pérez.”
He added, “Recording and releasing ‘Selena’ was my way of keeping her name and legacy alive — the country music way.”
“Selena” is the title track of his latest album, also named Selena, which dropped in May under Dead Rose Records. The album features additional tracks like “Moves Like Mexico” and “Left My Heart in Texas”, blending Latin influence with the soul of the American South.
Arriaga first emerged on the country scene in 2021 with his breakout debut album, Boots x Boots. According to TejanoNation.net, his sound is a genre-defying blend that “captures the pulse of Miami and the heart of the American South.”
In “Selena,” Arriaga draws inspiration from La Reina del Tex-Mex’s music as he reflects on a lost love — fusing nostalgia, reverence, and a unique country twist.
🎧 Listen to "Selena" now here, and don’t miss the official music video — available on YouTube and major video platforms.
🎶 Raíces – Gloria Estefan Returns with New Spanish-Language Album After Nearly a Decade
After nearly a decade away from the recording studio, the Latin Queen of Pop and global icon Gloria Estefan makes a powerful return with Raíces, her first Spanish-language album in 18 years and the 30th release in her remarkable 50-year career (Billboard.com).
"Raíces is like a modern Mi Tierra," Estefan shared in a recent interview with Billboard Español. “When we created Mi Tierra [1993], our goal was to highlight a rich era of Cuban music that had once been celebrated around the world — B.C., before Castro.” During Castro’s regime, Estefan noted, artists had to tread carefully with lyrics and musical arrangements, avoiding styles typical of the 1940s. "Raíces allowed me the freedom to explore that musical heritage — always keeping family in mind — and to celebrate the music that gave us so much richness and inspired so many fusions, while staying rooted in authenticity."
Family is at the heart of this 13-track album, many of which were written by her husband, musician and producer Emilio Estefan. One standout track is Mi Niño Bello (Para Sasha) — a loving tribute to her grandson. Estefan spoke warmly about their “very beautiful and close relationship,” adding that the song carries the essence of a classic Cuban lullaby, similar in spirit to Drume Negrita.
Fans got an early taste of Raíces at the 51st Annual American Music Awards, hosted by Jennifer Lopez. During an unforgettable performance, Gloria delivered iconic hits like Rhythm Is Gonna Get You, Conga, and introduced La Vecina, a playful nod “to all those nosy neighbors we love.” She closed the segment with Conga — now celebrating its 40th anniversary — proving that her music still moves generations.
