- Words Notion Staff
Myke Towers talks to us about his latest single "ULALA (OOH LA LA)”, working with Daddy Yankee, and future album plans.
Four-time GRAMMY nominated Myke Towers is one of Puerto Rico’s most recognised vocalists. Beginning his burgeoning career in 2013, the global superstar has solidified himself among Latin rap’s elite, pioneering a hybridity of Hispanic genres along the way. Having shared the contagious anthem “ULALA (OOH LA LA)” last November, Myke is working towards his fourth album, which fans will receive more information on later this year.
In 2016, the artist made a profound statement with his 2016 mixtape El Final del Principio. Filled with heavy boom-bap hits, the project presented Myke’s intricate wordplay to the world but, unwilling to be confined to a single sound, he would experiment with Latin rhythms on future projects. Mixing reggaeton with dancehall and afrobeats, Easy Money Baby followed, announcing himself as a multifaceted rapper who seems as comfortable over hip-hop as he does Hispanic grooves.
“ULALA (OOH LA LA)” is the third collaboration between Myke and Daddy Yankee: one of the best-selling Latin artists of all time, who globalised reggaeton with tracks like “Gasolina”. Combining their Puerto Rican flare, the single’s beach-ready, irresistible grooves come courtesy of Play-N-Skillz – a superstar production duo from Dallas, Texas.
We spoke with Myke about the new track, his favourite rappers and forthcoming album plans. Dive in!
Hey Myke, how are you? You’ve just released your latest single “ULALA” with Daddy Yankee, how did this one come about?
The song came together thanks to the producer duo Play-n-Skillz. It was the first time I worked with them and in one of the studio sessions, the “ULALA” beat was the first song they played me. The process was something magical: the song came together very quickly and smoothly, almost as if the rhythm was telling me what to write.
You’ve collaborated with each other three times now. When did you meet and start making music together?
It was 2014 when I met him the first time in person and in his studio. But the first time we made music was in 2021 for “Súbele el Volumen”, Daddy Yankee’s song.
Are there any experiences you’ve had recently influencing the music you’re making right now?
Personal experiences are always an inspiration and influence on my music.
How do you think that you have evolved as a creative and as a musician over the past few years?
Experiences and age have allowed me to be more confident to start a new project. It has also helped me identify what works and what doesn’t with my brand.
Being from Puerto Rico, which artists did you look up to before you had such a successful music career?
Don Omar, Daddy Yankee, Tego Calderon, Jay-Z, Drake, The Notorious B.I.G.
What has been the biggest obstacle you’ve had to overcome in your journey so far?
The death and passing of one of my mentors, we both dreamt a lot about making it in music. That also gave me the motivation to keep going and not giving up.
If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Probably something in entertainment or sports. But I would still be in the industry, for sure.
Do you have any new year’s resolutions? Or anything in particular you’d like to achieve in 2023?
I’m trying to wake up earlier to start my days sooner. So far, it’s working!
What’s next for Myke Towers?
A lot of music, maybe another album, a US tour, festivals and shows in Europe and Latin America. I want to dip into the fashion world and work with brands I love. 2023 is going to be a big year for me!