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J Balvin’s world tour is a psychedelic trip into Reggaeton and Trap

According to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), Latin music has increased to $413 million, growing 18% since last year. Reggaeton and Trap have increased in popularity around the world, uncovering a new era in the music industry.

This growing popularity is owed to many Latino artists but one of the biggest players in the consistent popularity of the reggaeton movement is J Balvin.

Born José Álvaro Osorio Balvin, the Colombian singer, from Medellín, has broken the stereotypes surrounding Urban music. His fluid style and multiple collaborations have allowed him to stand out in the industry, becoming the first Latin artist to headline at the Lolapalooza festival and the first Reggaeton act to perform at Coachella.

His recently released album alongside Bad Bunny, OASIS, debuted as the #1 Top Latin Album, according to Billboard. J Balvin has been nominated for awards over 150 times and has been a winner over 50 making him one of the most iconic Latin artists at the moment.

Throughout his career, he has released five albums, but the one that launched him into world-known fame was La Familia that features songs such as “6 AM” featuring the Puerto Rican reggaeton singer Farruko and “Yo Te Lo Dije” which was certified platinum twice by the RIAA.

His chameleonic adaptation into all music genres and his eccentric fashion sense has made him a unique symbol of the Latin Urban music staple. He has broken the stereotype of what it means to be a Reggaeton singer and hasn’t remained confined inside a single box.

His recent signing to Scooter Braun’s management company SB Projects has allowed him to expand himself throughout the industry, making his music more accessible to all kinds of consumers.

 

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Artista GLOBAL 1🌏🌎🌎 @deezer #LatinoGang

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With newfound popularity and growing fame, J Balvin announced his “Arcoiris Tour” a 25-date North American tour in collaboration with FriendsWithYou. The opening track of the show, titled “Reggaeton,” offers a preface of what to expect from the two-hour-long show.

Traditional backup dancers are replaced by dancing clouds and inflatable cartoons. His numerous collaborations with artists such as Bad Bunny, Cardi B, Beyoncé, Anitta, Jowell & Randy, Nicky Jam, Willy William, Zion & Lennox, Jhay Cortez, Rosalía, DJ Snake, among others, where all accounted for during his show.

During the opening night of his tour — held at the Coliseo José Miguel Agrelot in San Juan, Puerto Rico — J Balvin thanked the crowd for his sold-out show and emphasized how proud he was of kicking off his tour in “the house of reggaeton.”

With over 18,000 people present he gave the people what they were expecting. Special guests such as Jowell & Randy, Jhay Cortez and more, aided the Colombian star at pleasing his fans.

 

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Amigos en Puerto Rico @jhaycortez @luigi21plus @jowellgram y @randynotagram LA FAMILIA

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Although his tour is just kicking off, much is expected from J Balvin. He will be touring the United States along with the two Puerto Rican trap singers Lyanno and Eladio Carrión who will be the opening acts for the show.

He is set for a show at the Madison Square Garden this month on September 29th.

Listen to his new album OASIS with Bad Bunny here:

Bad Bunny is paving the way for Latino artists to reach global success

During recent years, hip-hop and urban music has experienced a shift in popularity.

Trap has become the new favorite and Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, better known by his stage name Bad Bunny, is everyone’s obsession.

After releasing his debut album titled X100PRE, which featured collaborations with artists from Diplo to Drake, it was easy for Bad Bunny to climb the charts.

 

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¿CuAnDo VaMoS Pa’ Un PeRReO AsÍ BeBe?

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Now in a new phase of his career, Bad Bunny has launched his X100PRE Tour — a unique concert experience that leaves audiences wanting more. It has everything, from special effects to musical guests.

The first three opening nights of his tour were held in his native island of Puerto Rico. Every show sold out. Additionally, during each performance, Bad Bunny was accompanied by some of the greatest urban artists within his genre.

 

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la primera noche fue ÉPICA 🔥🇵🇷👁 ya estan ready pa hoy???

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His guests went from Wisin y Yandel, two of the pioneers in the “reggaetón” movement on the island, to Latin Billboard nominee, Becky G. On the last night of his three-day concourse at the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum, he celebrated turning 25 with his audience.

Concertgoers sang “happy birthday” and made Benito feel at home before shipping off to his next endeavor.

 

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hoyyyy no le vamos a bajar! PUERTO RICOO! Hoy celebro mis 25 con ustedes puñetaaa!!! 🔥🔥🔥 ESTO ES PR!!!!! 🇵🇷

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Although in the past Bad Bunny was bashed for his lyrics related to drugs, violence, and women, he has shifted his vision towards making an inclusive movement where everyone can feel accepted.

This movement called La Nueva Religión or “The New Religion” is about inclusivity, loving yourself, and letting people be themselves.

One of his latest singles, “Caro,” featured on his first album X100PRE, is all about living your life without judgment and accepting who you are in its entirety.

Also, Bad Bunny has broken the stereotypes surrounding the Latin urban music industry where masculinity was fragile, and stereotypes surrounded artists in the genre.

By painting his nails and using extravagant clothing, Bad Bunny has managed to break down these labels and reset the bar for Latino artists.

He has also become an advocate for women living in the #MeToo era. This is portrayed in his song “Solo de mi,” which puts out a stern message against harassment.

Not only has Bad Bunny used his music as a platform for social awareness but also for political activism. Especially after Hurricane Maria destroyed Puerto Rico in 2017.

With his single “Estamos Bien,” he took the opportunity to lift island dwellers’ spirits. Still, he also raised awareness about the problems that were still affecting the island.

Since his beginnings, Bad Bunny has made a tremendous shift in regards to his musical style and motives. It is expected for his empire to grow even more in the next few years. He has caught the attention of the world and will continue to do so at an alarming rate.

Last Sunday, Bad Bunny achieved one of the greatest milestones in an artist’s career. He headlined Coachella and took the trap movement into new heights.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHPjp5FGY48

For his next big move, Bad Bunny will perform at Lollapalooza Paris this summer. For sure he will give the Parisians a once in a lifetime experience they’ll never forget.

He’s reaching heights as high as any artist in the game right now and proving that a kid from Puerto Rico can reach mainstream, global success. What Bad Bunny is doing for Latino artists everywhere will be felt for years to come.

Listen to his latest album X100PRE here: