J Balvin

Background

Jose Alvan Osorio Balvin, popularly known as J Balvin, is a famous Colombian singer and rapper. Millions of people worldwide love and listen to his records. He is sometimes referred to as the ‘Prince of Reggaeton.’ When he turned 17, he got into an exchange program and moved to the United States to learn English. He was raised by Jose Alva Osorio and Alba Mary Vasquez and grew up in a large house. He says his interest in reggaeton grew after listening to Daddy Yankee. He worked as a roofer and painter in the U.S. before going on to study international business at EAFIT University in Medellin and began his music career at the age of 19.

Balvin knew he was made for greatness and adopted the stage name J Balvin ‘El Negocio.’ In 2004, he released his first song titled ‘Panas.’ In 2009, he signed a contract with EMI Colombia and released another song, ‘Ella Me Cautivo,’ which earned him international recognition. With the song’s success, he went on to sign a recording contract with Machete Music and EMI Music. In 2010, he released his first album titled “Real,” which earned him a Golden Disc. In 2013, he released his third album, “La Familia,” which was in the top ten on Billboard’s Latin Album and was certified 5x platinum in Colombia and 2x platinum in Mexico.

The singer also dropped ‘6 AM,’ featuring singer Farruko in 2016, which debuted at #43 on Billboard’s Latin chart. Balvin received Guinness World Records for the most Grammy nominations in one year, with 13 in 2020. He is the first Latin Artist to earn a billion streams on Apple Music and the first to headline musical events such as Coachella, Lollapalooza, and Tomorrowland. He has collaborated with many artists, including Beyonce, Cardi B, The Black Eyed Peas, Nicky Jam, and Major Lazer.