The label aimed to release a compilation containing recordings by Selena y Los Dinos prior to their contractual agreement in 1989, to illustrate the band's musical progressions up to that point.

Following the 1989 Tejano Music Awards, Selena y Los Dinos signed with EMI Latin and released their debut studio album that same year.

[1] Following the debut album by the band, led by vocalist Selena, surpassing the performance of other female Tejano artists' releases,[2][3] A.B.

[7] Following Selena's endorsement agreement with Coca-Cola, subsequent to her contract with EMI Latin, the group decided to invest their earnings in acquiring new equipment.

[8] Empowered by these advancements, Selena resolved to learn Spanish, driven by escalating demand for press interviews.

Selena expressed her aspirations to attain fluency in the language, recognizing the value of bilingualism as a catalyst for personal and professional growth, believing it to be a testament to enhanced intelligence and broader opportunities in both business and interpersonal communication.

[7] The group re-recorded the songs under new arrangements at Master Productions in Weslaco, Texas,[9] which paradoxically manifested as a tin-clad garage structure.

[11] Vela expressed elation upon Selena's recording of "Cien Años" (1988), included as the compilation's fifteenth track, as it evoked poignant reminiscences of his childhood of listening to songs by Pedro Infante.

[19][20] The reissue included a bonus track containing spoken liner notes with commentary from Selena's family, friends, and band, retelling the creative process and inspiration behind the album.

[21] As Selena's biographer, Patoski believed EMI Latin's swift release of 16 Super Éxitos Originales served as a manifestation of the singer's appeal and allure.

[9] Houston Chronicle's Joey Guerra called 16 Super Éxitos Originales as a comprehensive examination of Selena's early career.