With every offering from J Balvin‘s virtuosic new album Energía, the Colombian reggaeton star continues to up the ante. This time, he’s teamed up with famed music video director Grant Singer to bring us the visuals for “Safari,” his slow-burning single with Pharrell and Boricua rapper Bia. Singer has helmed the visuals for some major pop hits in the last five years, including The Weeknd’s “Can’t Feel My Face” and Future’s “Wicked.” He’s also made a name for himself in the indie world, collaborating with the likes of Tobias Jesso Jr., Ariel Pink, and Sky Ferreira.
“Safari” finds Balvin cuddling up to a tattooed dimepiece in the kind of sweaty, dilapidated dive bar frequented by drunken viejitos. Balvin, Pharrell, and Bia have a good old fashioned turn up, coordinated dance moves and all (see 2:40). But the turn up goes south when a muscular bar patron sets his sights on Balvin’s girl, employing the never-successful ass grab (let me reiterate, babosos: the ass grab is never successful). Luckily, the woman won’t stand for it, and snaps right back, smashing a bottle on his head. Washed in a red and yellow neon glow, the crisp video is a solid cinematic offering from the Medellín-born star.
The clip is streaming exclusively on Apple Music. If you’re a subscriber, click below to watch the full clip on the Apple Music platform.
Editor’s note, 9/2/2016, 6:00 p.m.: “Safari”‘s music video is now available on YouTube. Watch the clip above.