EL MALILLA BRINGS REGGAETON MEXA TO THE GRAMMY MUSEUM SPOTLIGHT SERIES

The Grammy Museum, located in downtown Los Angeles at LA Live, is an interactive museum devoted to the history of the Grammy Awards and the many artists who have had the honor of receiving such a prestigious accolade. More than just a museum, this dynamic institution cultivates an environment where artists can connect intimately with their fans, fostering a true sense of community and creative exchange. The museum dives deeply into the creative and recording process through its many exhibits, as well as seminars, conversations, and live performances.

This month, the museum welcomed rising artist El Malilla to its intimate Clive Davis Theater, a 200-seat venue that has hosted legends and newcomers alike as part of its Spotlight Series. A standout figure in the emerging genre of Reggaetón Mexa, El Malilla sat down for an in-depth conversation moderated by Rolling Stone journalist Tomás Meir, followed by a special live performance for a room filled with devoted fans and curious newcomers.

Known for blending the infectious rhythm of classic perreo with the raw energy, slang, and soul of Mexico’s barrios, El Malilla has quickly become a voice for a new generation of Mexican artists who are redefining reggaetón on their own terms. The artist spoke candidly about his creative journey, upcoming projects, and the importance of staying grounded, even as his career skyrockets.

Reflecting on his breakout performance at Coachella, he described it as a moment that “opened Pandora’s box.” He admitted he never imagined he’d be in the United States, much less performing on such massive stages. “My dream was to be on a stage, to sing my song, for people to sing with me, and to get off stage and have people ask for a photo,” he said, laughing. “Anything that followed was extra.” He added, “Lo que cosechas es miel”—what you reap is sweet like honey—a phrase that captures his philosophy of embracing life as it comes.

Despite his growing fame, El Malilla was refreshingly humble, funny, and down-to-earth. He cracked jokes, teased himself, and constantly engaged with the crowd. When fans made small, excited comments during the discussion, he would smile, respond playfully, or laugh along with them, making the room feel more like a conversation among friends than a formal event.

Throughout the discussion, his deep pride in his Mexican roots was unmistakable. Still living in the barrio where he grew up, he spoke about feeling safe and grounded in the place that shaped him. He recalled inviting neighbors to his earliest shows and encouraging them to bring friends to help build support from the very beginning. He also made it clear that Reggaetón Mexicano isn’t new—it’s just now receiving the recognition and support it has long deserved. “Mexicans have given reggaetón its own identity with our slang, our words, our energy,” he said.

Aside from music, El Malilla has also begun acting, further expanding his artistic footprint. He emphasized the importance of mental and emotional well-being, crediting his close circle of industry friends who regularly check in on him. “They ask if I’m eating, how I’m doing, congratulate me, wish me luck on upcoming performances, and remind me to enjoy life, not just work all the time,” he shared.

Tomás Meir kept the conversation flowing with insightful questions, but before wrapping up, he turned the mic over to the audience. Fans eagerly jumped in, asking about dream collaborators (he named Drake), his love for the LGBTQ+ community, and upcoming shows. El Malilla answered every question with openness and wit, creating a moment that felt deeply personal.

After a brief pause, El Malilla returned to the stage for a high-energy performance that felt as impactful as a Coachella set—despite the intimate setting. Fans went wild, singing every word, and yes, a few even tossed panties toward the stage, sending waves of laughter and cheers through the crowd. El Malilla took it all in stride, flashing a grin and keeping the energy high. He performed hits like “Vaquero,” “Mami Tú,” “Coronado,” and “Dime.” His presence was magnetic, but what stood out even more was the deep emotional connection he shares with his fans. Every beat, lyric, and glance into the crowd felt intentional.

That same sense of intention carries into his work behind the scenes. A self-described salsero de corazón, El Malilla thrives on experimentation. “We do mambo, house—we mix in everything,” he said, explaining how his sound fuses different genres on a foundation of reggaetón. That creative spirit shines in his upcoming EP, Tu Maleante Bebé—a six-track, summer-ready project he described as “pure perreo,” set to release on August 8. But he’s not stopping there. He also revealed that a full-length album is on the way, written during a lakeside creative retreat in Valle de Chalco, Mexico, where he penned 12 songs in under a week. The album promises a mix of reggaetón, pop, and even corridos and serves as a testament to his genre-blending vision.

The night at the Grammy Museum was more than just a performance. It offered a clear look at an artist coming into his own, rooted in where he came from, and confident in where he’s headed. Events like this spotlight not only the incredible talent of artists like El Malilla but also underscore the Grammy Museum’s invaluable role in shaping and elevating the future of music culture. As El Malilla left the stage, the crowd was still ecstatic. More than anything, it felt like the beginning of something bigger. With a Latin Grammy appearance on the horizon and a wave of new music coming soon, El Malilla continues to build on his impressive trajectory. If the reaction at the Grammy Museum is any indication, the world is more than ready for what’s next.

The Grammy Museum continues to celebrate both rising talent and musical legends across genres through its ongoing Spotlight Series. For those eager to discover the next wave of influential musicians and hear the stories behind their music, stay tuned to the Grammy Museum’s website for updates on upcoming showcases and ticket availability. 

*Quotes from the artist have been translated from Spanish 

Written by: Ana Oquendo

Photographed by: Steven Esperanza