J Balvin

José Álvaro Osorio Balvín, known professionally as J Balvin, is a Colombian singer and songwriter who has emerged as one of the leading figures in the global reggaeton movement. Born on May 7, 1985, in Medellín, Colombia, Balvin was raised in an upper-middle-class family. His father, an economist and business owner, faced financial hardships that led the family to move to a poorer neighborhood, shaping Balvin’s ability to navigate different social environments. This background, combined with his exposure to various musical influences, would later define his eclectic sound and style.

Balvin developed an interest in music early on, initially drawn to rock bands like Metallica and Nirvana, which influenced both his musical taste and personal style. However, his passion shifted towards reggaeton after being captivated by the music of Daddy Yankee. Inspired by Yankee’s success, Balvin began to emulate his style, eventually deciding to pursue a career in music. At 17, Balvin moved to the United States to learn English, living in Oklahoma and New York City. During his time in New York, he worked various jobs, including as a dog walker and roofer, all while honing his musical skills and studying the business side of the music industry.

Returning to Medellín, Balvin started performing at local clubs and gradually built a following. In 2009, he signed with EMI Colombia and released the single “Ella Me Cautivó,” which marked his first appearance on the Billboard Tropical Songs chart. However, it was his 2014 single “6 AM,” featuring Puerto Rican artist Farruko, that catapulted him to fame, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart. This success was followed by “Ay Vamos,” which further solidified his position in the Latin music scene.

Balvin’s 2016 album Energía marked a significant milestone in his career, featuring hits like “Ginza,” “Bobo,” “Safari,” and “Sigo Extrañándote.” His unique blend of reggaeton with elements of electronica, house, and trap resonated with a global audience. In 2017, he released the single “Mi Gente” with Willy William, which topped Spotify’s Global Top 50 and amassed over a billion views on YouTube. The remix of “Mi Gente,” featuring Beyoncé, brought him even greater international acclaim, establishing him as a global ambassador for Latin music.

Despite his collaborations with numerous English-speaking artists, including Pharrell Williams, Major Lazer, and Cardi B, Balvin remains committed to singing primarily in Spanish. He views his music as a vehicle to introduce Spanish-language songs to a global audience, blending his reggaeton roots with various musical genres. His innovative approach and vibrant fashion sense have made him a cultural icon, earning him multiple awards, including Latin Grammys, Billboard Latin Music Awards, and a historic performance slot at Coachella.

Balvin’s influence extends beyond music; he has been a prominent figure in discussions about Latin identity and culture. Recognized by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world, J Balvin continues to push the boundaries of reggaeton, redefining the genre for new generations while celebrating his Colombian heritage.