Approximately a year ago, J Balvin, whose real name is José Álvaro Osorio Balvín, shared with PS the reasons behind his decision to take a year off to focus on his wellness and family. As a Colombian reggaetón artist who has climbed to the top of the música urbana scene, becoming the second most-streamed Latin artist on Spotify, Balvin needed a break to recharge after the launch of his 2021 album “JOSE.” This time spent being present with his long-time partner, model Valentina Ferrer, and their three-year-old son, Río, seems to have rejuvenated him. His new album, “Rayo,” showcases a revitalized Balvin, as he rediscovers his passion for reggaetón and reconnects with his younger self, the boy from Medellín who helped shape the urbano genre in Colombia.
Reflecting on the necessity of his break, Balvin states, “I definitely think I needed it.” He has always emphasized the importance of mental health and well-being, and he feels that this downtime was crucial for him to return to the studio feeling recharged. “I needed to rest and focus on my family and my son,” he elaborates. Although he hit pause on producing a new album, he remained active, touring and performing at festivals around the globe. “I wasn’t on my own tour, but being part of various festivals was amazing,” he says. “Now that we have an album out, it’s a completely different atmosphere because I approached it without any pressure. I simply enjoyed the process in the studio.”
“I needed to rest and focus on my family and my son.”
Balvin notes that spending quality time with his family and engaging in everyday life free from the pressures of album production significantly boosted his creativity. Just four months after re-entering the studio, he had recorded an impressive array of songs. “We walked into the studio to create music, and before we knew it, we had recorded about 40 songs. That’s when we realized we might have an album,” he recalls. “The beauty of this project lies in its spontaneity. I never set out to make an album.”
Indeed, “Rayo” reflects Balvin’s journey. The title translates to lightning and is inspired by the name of his first car from his time as an up-and-coming artist in Medellín. Just as the title suggests, the album represents Balvin’s return to his artistic roots. He approached this project with less concern for streaming numbers and performance metrics, instead prioritizing the joy of creating music that excites him, reminiscent of his early career days.
As Balvin explains, the album’s name “brings back memories of my first car, which my dad gave me with immense love and effort during tough economic times. That car charted our path forward, much like I hope my music does for others. Together with the car, we both opened new doors for reggaetón in Colombia. I used to sell my CDs out of the trunk and perform at clubs and concerts.”
The album includes tracks like “Lobo” featuring Zion, which captures the nostalgic reggaetón vibes of the 2010s. Other standout songs such as “Swat,” “Gangster,” “Gaga” featuring Saiko, “Origami” with Ryan Castro and Blessd, as well as the hit single “Polvo de tu Vida” alongside Puerto Rican reggaetónero OG Chencho Corleone, are poised to be club anthems this season. Balvin also interspersed signature melodic tracks that showcase his vocal prowess, like “Cosa de Locos” and “3 Noches.”
“It’s modern, but I didn’t lose my essence,” he affirms.
Another significant aspect of Balvin’s life has been his commitment to community initiatives. In 2022, he received recognition at the United Nations Latino Impact Summit for his efforts to destigmatize mental health issues within the Latinx community. He has also continued his work with the Vibra en Alta foundation, which supports education and youth empowerment in Colombia. Recently, he partnered with Cheetos as their new ambassador for the “Deja tu Huella” campaign, designed to assist young Latinx individuals in pursuing their career aspirations.
“We aim to guide the new generations to realize their potential and show them the right path, as there’s a wealth of untapped talent out there who might feel lost,” he shares. “We want to empower them, affirming that we’re here to support their dreams.”
This October, Balvin is set to headline Billboard’s Latin Music Week while unveiling Cheetos’s latest Deja tu Huella ambassador. This new ambassador will embark on a three-stop community college tour, equipped with resources to aid their educational and career journeys.
While Balvin is revisiting his roots with this latest album, he remains committed to uplifting emerging artists. “I’m thrilled to share my perspective on the current music landscape and contribute to the next generation’s sound,” he expresses. “Working with new talent has been ingrained in my identity, and I’m always willing to help them gain exposure without expecting anything in return.”
Balvin’s dedication to his own growth, family, and community has undoubtedly revitalized him. With his latest album, he appears more vibrant and ready for reinvention than ever. As a trailblazer who has been instrumental in the reggaetón movement in Colombia, he has solidified his legacy as a leyenda in the genre while making space for emerging talent.
“I feel, naturally, more mature and more in tune with myself and deeply appreciative of what we’ve achieved for the culture,” he reflects. “I know I no longer have anything to prove; it’s all about enjoying the process.”
Johanna Ferreira is the content director for PS Juntos. With over a decade of experience, Johanna emphasizes the importance of intersectional identities within Latinx culture. She previously worked as the deputy editor at HipLatina for nearly three years and has contributed to various outlets including Refinery29, Oprah Magazine, Allure, InStyle, and Well+Good. Additionally, she is an accomplished speaker and moderator on panels addressing Latinx identity.
