Feature Photo: festivaldevinachile, CC BY 3.0
J Balvin launched his career from the city of Medellín, Colombia, where he began rapping in English before shifting his focus to Spanish-language music that reflected his culture and connected more deeply with Latin audiences. Influenced early on by reggaeton pioneers like Daddy Yankee and Tego Calderón, he spent years honing his style in the Colombian underground music scene. Balvin’s dedication to blending urban rhythms with catchy pop melodies eventually caught the attention of EMI Colombia, and his breakthrough came with the release of “Ella Me Cautivó” in 2009. That single opened the door to mainstream success in Latin America and laid the foundation for what would become a global career.
His debut album Real was released in 2009, followed by La Familia in 2013, which solidified his standing in the Latin music world. The album’s standout single “6 AM,” featuring Farruko, earned him widespread recognition and a Latin Grammy nomination. Balvin continued to build momentum with Energía (2016), featuring hits like “Ginza” and “Safari.” That album topped Billboard’s Top Latin Albums chart and earned him a Latin Grammy Award for Best Urban Music Album. By the time he released Vibras in 2018, Balvin had cemented himself as a global reggaeton ambassador, collaborating with artists like Rosalía, Bad Bunny, and Cardi B.
Balvin’s collaborative energy has played a huge role in his ascent. His joint album with Bad Bunny, Oasis (2019), included hits like “Qué Pretendes” and further pushed the boundaries of Latin trap and reggaeton into new creative spaces. He followed it with Colores in 2020, a concept album where each track was named after a color, produced by long-time collaborator Sky Rompiendo. Songs like “Rojo” and “Morado” highlighted his versatility, with “Blanco” leading the way as a charting single. His fifth solo studio album, José, released in 2021, included collaborations with Dua Lipa, Khalid, and Ozuna, continuing his commitment to cross-genre partnerships and global reach.
Balvin has received numerous accolades throughout his career. He has won six Latin Grammy Awards, including Best Urban Song and Best Urban Music Album, and holds multiple Billboard Latin Music Awards and MTV Video Music Awards. His single “Mi Gente” with Willy William, later remixed with Beyoncé, became a cultural phenomenon and marked his breakthrough on the U.S. charts. The song reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, helping introduce reggaeton to a wider English-speaking audience without sacrificing its Spanish-language roots. With over 35 million records sold worldwide, he is one of the best-selling Latin artists of all time.
Outside of music, J Balvin has made an impact as a style icon and mental health advocate. Known for his vibrant fashion sense, he has collaborated with brands like Nike, Guess, and Jordan, bringing Latin urban culture into the mainstream fashion world. His distinctive aesthetic—marked by bold colors, eccentric hairstyles, and streetwear—has earned him a reputation as a trendsetter well beyond the recording studio. He also uses his platform to speak openly about anxiety and depression, bringing attention to mental health in the Latinx community. His 2020 documentary The Boy from Medellín, directed by Matthew Heineman, chronicled his struggle with fame, politics, and personal vulnerability during a pivotal time in his career.
Balvin’s influence goes beyond hit records and flashy visuals. He’s helped globalize reggaeton without diluting its roots, standing firm in his choice to sing in Spanish even as he climbs international charts. He’s also been vocal about representation, often calling for more visibility and respect for Latin artists in the global music industry. His work in amplifying Colombian culture on the world stage has made him a national figure, not just in pop culture but in shaping conversations about identity, pride, and creative freedom.
At every turn, J Balvin has redefined what it means to be a global Latin artist—balancing authenticity with innovation, and mainstream appeal with artistic experimentation. His story is still being written, but his impact is already undeniable: a visionary who transformed reggaeton from a regional movement into a worldwide force.