J Balvin has never been shy about engaging and sharing energy with those around him. His collaborative spirit has been on display since the beginning of his career, but it has never been more evident than in his highly anticipated upcoming album, titled ‘Rayo’, which will be released on August 9.
To celebrate the announcement of his upcoming album, J Balvin has released his second single from the project, titled ‘Gaga’, produced by Keityn and Lexvz, and featuring Saiko. And while the collaborations on this work include everything from reggaeton legends like Chencho Corleone and Zion, to megastars like Feid, and Mexican icon Carín León, it is in the connections with emerging global artists like Spain’s Bad Gyal and Quevedo where we see J Balvin’s incessant need to elevate the talents of those around him, while harnessing his energy and influence to create singular works that take the genre into its next era.
It is this sincere need for connection that has led J Balvin to create an album that feels more like a house party than a collection of songs. ‘Rayo’ is the embodiment of a community and listening to it is like getting a glimpse of what J Balvin’s ideal playlist would sound like, with the biggest names in music mixed with the new stars of the future. The album mixes reggaeton with elements of electronic pop, ‘dembow’ and urban sounds, with collaborations between old and new friends: Blessd, Dei V, Luar La L, Ryan Castro, Omar Courtz and Yovngchimi.
To accompany his new single ‘Gaga’, J Balvin has made a music video with impressive visual effects that offer a first glimpse into the cinematic universe of ‘Rayo’.
Directed by filmmaker Jean Lafleur, an Antiestatico production, and shot in London, it transports the viewer into a mesmerising chrome world that references the theme of the new album cover, with the metallic vehicle and its iconic lightning bolt symbol being found throughout the video. Lightning has been a signature symbol of J Balvin for many years, a testament to the radiant exchange of energy that is ‘Rayo’.
The tracklist of ‘Rayo’
1. ‘Crazy Thing’
2. ‘Dust of your Life’ with Chencho Corleone
3. ‘Swat’ with Luar La L
4. ‘Bass and Drums’
5. ‘Doublexxó’ with Feid
6. ‘3 Nights’
7. ‘Gaga’ with Saiko
8. ‘Cat’ with Bad Gyal
9. ‘Wolf’ with Zion
10. ‘The Night’ with Dei V
11. ‘Origami’ with Ryan Castro and Blessd
12. ‘Solid’
13. ‘Stoker’ with Carin León
14. ‘Gangster’
15. ‘En Alta’ with Omar Courtz, Yovngchimi, Quevedo, Mambo Kingz and DJ Luian
