Mexican music star Gabito Ballesteros has launched his own record label, HitKidz Records, unveiling its first signing, 15-year-old Kanito Escalante, with the debut single "Cali" released on Thursday 20 August. The label marks Ballesteros's move into artist development, positioning HitKidz as a continuation of the corridos tumbados movement pioneered by his brother Natanael Cano, and reflects his ambition to mentor and build careers for emerging talent rather than simply releasing music.

"Cali" is a collaborative track featuring Escalante alongside Calle 24, El Bogueto and Ballesteros himself, with its accompanying music video filmed on the beaches of Cali, Colombia. Escalante, whose real name is Enrique Escalante and who hails from Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, built a following on TikTok before being signed. Ballesteros said he plans to introduce further artists gradually, prioritising authenticity, talent and personal drive over rapid roster expansion, describing HitKidz's philosophy as "stars never die."