Nearly a year ago, Kedward Avilés, Samuel Mancini, and Eric West quietly made music history with the release of “Tú Eliges”—a single that not only ranks among the best of 2024, but remains one of its most criminally underrated.
What began as an under-the-radar release quickly erupted into a global conversation when fans discovered the legendary songwriters behind it: none other than Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis. Renowned for shaping the sound of modern pop and R&B, their surprise involvement in a Latin track stunned the industry. But it was the unexpected collaboration with international star Eric West that truly sent the internet into overdrive.
Today, almost a year later, “Tú Eliges” remains a fixture in the Top 5 on the iTunes Latin Chart—a rare feat that speaks to its staying power and global appeal.
The track debuted at #1 on the Billboard Latin Digital Sales Chart, marking a historic first: Jam & Lewis’s debut atop a Latin chart. Already dominant in Pop, R&B, Dance, Gospel, and Adult Contemporary, this milestone only reinforces their reputation as the most versatile and influential production duo in music history.
Co-written with two-time Grammy nominees Bryan Abrams, Mark Calderon, Kevin Thornton, and Sam Watters—members of the iconic ’90s group Color Me Badd—the track fuses classic R&B with modern Latin pop, delivering a rich, emotionally charged anthem that bridges eras and cultures.
For Jam & Lewis, “Tú Eliges” is yet another jewel in a crown that includes 16 Billboard Hot 100 #1s—10 with Janet Jackson—and 26 #1s on the R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. From Michael Jackson and Mariah Carey to Prince and TLC, their influence is deeply woven into the fabric of pop and R&B. Their 2022 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame simply confirmed what fans and artists have known for decades.
But what truly set “Tú Eliges” apart was the powerhouse trio at its core: Eric West, Samuel Mancini, and Kedward Avilés. West’s involvement sparked immediate buzz—globally known for his work in film, television, and fashion, his smooth, emotive vocals added a layer of unexpected depth. Mancini and Avilés, both rapidly rising stars in the Latin and pop worlds, brought dynamic energy, magnetic charm, and vocal precision. Together, the trio delivered an explosive blend of style, substance, and star power—three artists whose paths converged to create a moment greater than the sum of its parts.
Even celebrities couldn’t stay quiet. On Eric West’s Instagram, stars flooded the comments in excitement:
- Jennifer Sears (Divorced Sistas) called it “Huge!”
- Jamel Hawke (BOYSLIKEGIRLS) declared it “FIRE!”
- R&B icon Chantay Savage simply said, “Congratulations.”
Shout-outs also poured in from Ultra Naté, Shar Jackson, Brock Kelly, and more—further proof that “Tú Eliges” wasn’t just making noise, it was making an impact.
The release also marked a pivotal moment in what’s already been a headline-grabbing year for Eric West. Following the song’s success, he starred as Kid Cudi in Hulu’s critically acclaimed limited series “As It Happened,” earning rave reviews and cementing his status as one of the most unpredictable and exciting multi-hyphenates in entertainment.
Currently on a global promotional tour, Avilés, Mancini, and West recently brought the house down with a live performance of “Tú Eliges” on the iconic morning show En La Mañana in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The crowd’s thunderous applause only confirmed what fans already knew: “Tú Eliges” isn’t just a hit—it’s a cultural moment. A bold reminder that the future of Latin pop is vibrant, global, and full of surprises.
And with Jam & Lewis behind it, we should’ve expected nothing less.
