WCM TAKES PRIDE IN ANNOUNCING DEAL WITH VILLANO ANTILLANO

Warner Chappell has inked a global pub deal with trans Puerto Rican rapper Villano Antillano, who's emerging as a significant figure on the queer Latin rap scene.

The 27-year-old artist, who's managed by Andres Vela, first pinged the radar in 2018 with the release of “Pato Hasta La Muerte,” which translates to “Duck Until Death.” While “pato” in Latin America is a slur for a gay man, Antillano embraced it as a source of empowerment. In 2021, she released the viral cut “Vendetta” featuring Young Miko, further elevating her profile. This year saw her drop single "Vocales." Most recently she was selected for inclusion on a new collab with hot producer/artist Bizarrap as part of his influential BZRP Music Sessions series.

Now, with her debut album, Sustancia X, due later this year, Antillano will reportedly delve into the beauty and trauma of growing up queer in the Caribbean.

“Villano is a raw and authentic artist transforming the Latin music industry and inspiring a new generation of artists and songwriters," reads a quote from WCM VP A&R U.S. Latin & Latin America Laz Hernandez. "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.”

“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,” reads a quote from Antillano. “I’m very excited to be joining Warner Chappell Music, and with the support from [WCM President U.S. Latin & Latin America] Gustavo [Menéndez], Laz and the team, I know I can continue speaking my truth.”