Since the release of La Familia, J Balvin’s ascent to superstardom has been steady, with nary a misstep. “Ay Vamos” and “Ginza” have amassed massive numbers of YouTube views – billions, not millions – and Energía earned the Colombian reggaetonero a mantle case full of awards and plaques.
Today he and famed French DJ/producer Willy William released the music video for their single “Mi Gente,” the latest in a long line of J Balvin tracks destined to top the charts.
Produced by Scorpio Records, the video for “Mi Gente” brings French sensibilities to the Colombian cityscape of Medellín, combining EDM imagery with the places and faces that populate J Balvin’s world.
Opening with Italian DJ and resident cool old man Gianluca Vacchi dancing in the type of self-assured slide your tío might break out after a few drinks, the video for “Mi Gente” is a tour of Medellín as told through its residents.
After some impassioned choreography and impressive animation tricks, the scene moves to night. Balvin, now in full high fashion mode, stands on top of the type of bus anyone with roots in Latin America should remember well – even if we can’t agree on what to call them (guagua? camión? You decide).
“Mi Gente” is a Latino pride anthem reminiscent of the old school reggaeton era (remember those classic shouted “Latino!” outros?), as well as an ode to the fans Balvin’s earned around the world. Sonically, it’s a departure from the crisper reggaeton Balvin’s known for – a moombahton moment referencing “Calabria,” likely a product of his global ambitions. As he slyly notes on the track, “El mundo está grande, pero lo tengo en mis manos.”
By teaming up with the French star, J Balvin reminds us that he has helped bring reggaeton to the forefront of the global pop world, charting in countries on several continents and outside of the Spanish-speaking world.