J Balvin’s “Rayo” is a Kaleidoscope of Artists and Genres Celebrating the Past, Present, and Future of Latin Music

J Balvin, often hailed as the Prince of Reggaeton, continues to push boundaries with his latest album, “Rayo.” From his humble beginnings in Colombia to becoming a global phenomenon Balvin has amassed the most videos in YouTube’s Billion Views Club, according to Billboard. His accolades include eleven Billboard Latin Music Awards, five Latin Grammy Awards, five MTV Video Music Awards, seven Latin American Music Awards, and four Grammy Award nominations.

After three-years since he released his album “Jose,” J Balvin returns with “Rayo”, a 15-track album featuring an array of Latin artists across genres and generations.Artists featured include Zion, Bad Gyal, Carin León, Luar La L, and more demonstrating a diverse selection of talent.

The album’s inspiration stems from a cherished memory of Balvin’s father, who gifted him his first car, named “Rayo.” This gift symbolized the keys to his future, reflecting Balvin’s role in passing the “keys” to emerging artists in the industry. Balvin has a history of long being a supporter of his peers, and this album continues that mentality by showing the  past, present and future of Latin music.

“Rayo” blends genres, staying true to reggaeton while incorporating Afrobeat and electronic pop to name a few. The album features award-winning Música Mexicana artist Carin León on the single “Stoker” and Spain’s dancehall/reggaeton queen, Bad Gyal, on “Gato.” This track is a sizzling reggaeton hit  marked by its sexual lyrics and pulsating beats, produced by DJ Luian and Mambo Kingz.

Veteran reggaeton artists like Chencho Corleone and Zion also make appearances. “Polvo de Tu Vida,” featuring Chencho Corleone, was released earlier as a teaser for the album. “Lobo” marks a reunion with Zion, recalling their previous collaborations such as “No Es Justo,” “Otra Vez” and “Si Te Atreves.”

Feid, a long-time collaborator of Balvin, appears on the track “Doblexxo.” The music video released last night, shows a Miami background and features a futuristic setting that represents reggaeton’s ongoing evolution. Similarly, “Gaga,” featuring Spanish phenom SAIKO, offers an infectious electronic sound that is both familiar and unique.

This album embodies community such as newcomers already making moves in the reggaeton and Latin trap scene such as Luar La L, YOVNGCHIMI, Dei V, Quevedo, and Omar Courtz. One of the notable Afrobeat singles in the album includes  “3 Noches,” which includes soft, sultry vocals. The lyrics, a heartfelt love note, evoke a sense of nostalgia reminiscent of Balvin’s “Vibras” era.

“Rayo” also showcases the new generation of artists coming out of Colombia such as Ryan Castro and Blessd who are featured in the single “Origami.” It’s a dance theme and invites them to experiment genres beyond reggaeton with Balvin. This collaboration highlights the fact of Balvin’s commitment to collaborating with  talent from his hometown and no such thing as “competition.”

The album features producers and writers such as Keityn, L.e.x.v.z., DJ Luian, Sael, and Sky Rompiendo, among others. This blend of hitmakers from Balvin’s past work and new talents with innovative approaches highlights Balvin’s intention to showcase not only the past, present, and future of Latin music through the vocalists but also through the artists responsible for writing and producing the tracks.

A personal standout is “Swat” featuring Luar La L who is an Puertorican rapper. The aggressiveness, bold energy, dynamic ad-libs of the “oooh oooh oooooh” and bars of lyricism is something very distinct and different from what Balvin has done in the past. The production behind the single is by Sael, Mosty and Luis O’Neill who have definitely created this song to sound unlike any other.

“Rayo” is an album worth listening to. Balvin guides us through a journey of frequent collaborators and new ones to celebrate Latin music and community.