We’ve been waiting a long time for this one, fam.
Colombian reggaeton superstar J Balvin just dropped the second single from his forthcoming album, and it’s a syrupy reggaeton romántico that crystallizes the pristine perreo sound brewing in Medellín. On first listen, it’s clear that “Bobo” wasn’t engineered as a dancefloor banger the way “Ginza,” his lead single was. But perhaps that’s not quite the point – on “Bobo,” J Balvin and bubblegum reggaeton architects Sky & Mosty are cementing the glossy pop sensibilities of the J Balvin sound. In the crisp, three-and-a-half-minute track, José Álvaro Osorio Balvin croons in a skittering auto-tuned whisper that his best pal (and dabbing instructor) Fuego would be proud of. “Tú eres libre, así que vuela mami,” he sings. My heart (and loins) just turned to sludge. The Colombian reggaetonero is easing into his second studio album, presenting us with a fluffy pop number we can bump in front of Mami without fearing a chancletazo.
Balvin has relentlessly teased his new album on Snapchat over the past few months, taunting us with Spanish-language Pharrell verses, studio time with Big Sean, Chance the Rapper, and Kanye West, and features with ATL up-and-comer Kap G. From the looks of it, “Bobo” is just the tip of the iceberg that is his new record, and Balvin still has some tricks up his sleeve. Here’s to Bayeezy season, and perreolandia’s sugary new hit.
In the video for “Bobo,” Balvin takes hints from Justin Bieber’s old coke white haircut, going platinum blonde. But his alter ago (the infamous Carlos David?) is a nerdy, strong-chinned, er, bobo who somehow seduces model Daniela Botero. Balvin also manages to squeeze in a make out session in a cave, and hit up Mexico City’s Museo Soumaya and Auditorio Nacional. Watch the video above.