By Zach Collier
tmrw recently spent some one-on-one time with J Balvin on the set of an exclusive photoshoot for the cover of issue 49. The Colombian rapper, singer, and songwriter has big things planned for this summer in the form of a brand new album. And if his lead singles are any indication, it’s gonna be good.
“Gaga,” which was produced by Keityn and L.e.x.v.z., dropped on July 11 and features Spanish singer and producer SAIKO.
It’s the second single from the new record, and was revealed alongside the album title and tracklisting. Balvin is calling this new, 15-track collection Rayo.
“Rayo” is Spanish for “lightning bolt.” An extremely intentional word choice, Balvin hopes it represents the energy and dynamism that flows throughout. “Gaga” certainly embodies dynamism, as it’s a shift in tone and energy away from Balvin’s traditional reggaeton sound and incorporates dreamier synth melodies and deeper EDM influence.
This shift in sound is natural given Balvin's recent experiences in the UK. While his natural Latin influence will certainly be abundant, Rayo in particular is heavily influenced by nightclub experiences in London. It was there that Balvin tested out his new music on audiences during the nearly three-year gap between Rayo and his 2021 album Jose (for which he received a Grammy nomination). They’d play demos, gauge fan reactions, and make tweaks accordingly.
Throughout the 15 tracks, listeners will feel Balvin’s earnest desire for human connection coupled with a new, global perspective.
It’s a sonic blend of urban styles and promises to deliver a vibrant soundtrack reminiscent of the lively house parties it was tested in. The record features collaborations with a diverse array of Latin artists, including Feid, Bad Gyal, Chencho Corleone, Carin León, Ryan Castro, and Blessd.
The Chencho Corleone collaboration has already proven itself a hit. Entitled “Polvo de tu Vida,” it dropped on June 7, 2024 as the album’s lead single.
A latin club banger, it’s well on its way to passing 15 million streams in just under two months – a testament to Balvin’s staying power and global fanbase. Having previously achieved four No. 1 albums on Billboard's Top Latin Albums chart, including Jose, Balvin's upcoming release is highly anticipated within the Latin music community. His ability to consistently blend genres and push musical boundaries has cemented his status as a leading figure in the genre.
In addition to his musical endeavors, Balvin recently wowed audiences with a sci-fi-inspired performance at Coachella, showcasing his hit singles like "Colmillo" and "Dientes" alongside surprise appearances from Jowell & Randy, De La Ghetto, and Will Smith.
With Rayo, J Balvin continues to evolve his sound while staying true to his roots, creating an album that not only celebrates community and collaboration but also sets the stage for the next chapter in his musical journey. The album is not just a collection of songs, but rather a curated experience that blends established names in music with up-and-coming talents. It reflects Balvin's vision of the ideal playlist.
Rayo drops August 9, 2024. Catch the music video for “Gaga” below. It was shot in London by Jean Lafleur.