Pa las Babys Y Belikeada

Even after 2022’s simultaneously released albums *Pa Que Hablen* and *Sigan Hablando* demonstrated Fuerza Regida’s dominance, the San Bernardino, California, act spent the next year outdoing themselves. Led by Jesús Ortiz Paz, aka JOP, the group saw some of its biggest chart successes ever with the Grupo Frontera team-up “Bebe Dame” as well as “SABOR FRESA” and “TQM.” Those latter two hits appear on the back half of *Pa Las Baby’s Y Belikeada*, a sprawling 30-track full-length loaded with features and surprises. Fans expecting more in the vein of what’s come before certainly have plenty to enjoy here, from “FDVP” to the gripping “3 TROKAS.” An indulgent, maximalist standout, “EXCESOS” seems like a gift from the group, as does the expressive “CRAZYZ.” Their fellow música mexicana luminaries El Fantasma and Gabito Ballesteros make noteworthy appearances, as do signees to JOP’s Street Mob Records like Chino Pacas, Omar Ruiz, and Angel Tumbado. Some of the other guests come from beyond Fuerza Regida’s previous circles. A Marshmello team-up, “HARLEY QUINN,” quickly transforms itself into a techno-thump hybrid, while Maria Becerra brings her pop-star flair to “PRADAX.” Even more surprising, they break with the corridos in a big way on “Dafuk,” a booming trap cut with JOP rapping in English, and “FREAKY FREAKY,” a shiny slab of reggaetón done with Calle 24 and Armenta.