J Balvin is returning to his roots but with a fresh perspective on life with his latest album, “Mixteip.”
Before becoming the household name he is now, the Colombian superstar began his career releasing mixtapes, including 2007’s “Real” and 2008’s “El Negocio.”
“Mixteip,” he tells TODAY.com, takes it back to those early days, describing the 10-track project as “a collection of songs that I love and want to share with my fans.”
“It’s showing my versatility, like I can go back to the essence of why people started listening to J Balvin,” he says, sharing how the songs jump from trap, R&B, salsa and a variety of reggaeton sounds. He says it’s “showing that (I) like to do different sounds and different flows.”
At 40 years old, Balvin — whose given name is José Álvaro Osorio Balvín — feels more secure in his work and fearless in elevating Latino culture on a global stage.
His approach to music is all about what brings him joy — creating without a strict timeline, releasing music videos based on audience reception, and focusing on conquering new spaces.
“(‘Mixteip’) is like a warm up of this year, zero expectations,” Balvin says. “I just hope people connect with whichever song they want.”
Read on for TODAY.com’s conversation with the artist, including his must-have songs for your summer playlist.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
When you create a song, do you think about how it will play on the dance floor first, or the message?
When I finish the song and we play it, then we just start dancing and see the feeling that I get from it. It’s not like I’m planning it. We go have fun in the studio and then we realize that’s definitely a song to perrear (get down) or to be in the car with your friends or to dedicate it to someone. We just feel the vibe after we record the songs.
Is there a specific song on ‘Mixteip’ that you’re really proud of or is extra special to you?
“Misterio” with (salsa legend) Gilberto Santa Rosa, who is one of my biggest idols in salsa, really makes me so proud that he said yes (to this song) and that he likes my music.
The first song “Bruz Wein” is definitely one of my favorite songs. I chose these songs because I love them all. But of course, you always have those that you feel really proud of.
Do you have plans to release more music videos for other songs on ‘Mixteip’?
Yeah, definitely. We are releasing the video for “Zun Zun” (July 18). Then we have another video that we have coming up, and, like, two more. Then we’ll see if the people choose one song that becomes the hit of the album. We’ll go and shoot the video.
That’s kind of the way I want to work now. I just want to make sure the fans get what they want.
What are 3 songs from ‘Mixteip’ that people should add to their summer playlist?
I think “Misterio” because it includes Gilberto Santa Rosa and we mix reggaeton with salsa. The song makes such a big switch because it starts with a romantic reggaeton and then out of the blue it becomes a salsa song. It’s really beautiful.
“Zun Zun” with Justin Quiles and Lenny Tavarez is really special because it takes me back to the 2000s reggaeton — especially my first approach to reggaeton. So that’s also one of my favorites.
And I think the song “Bruz Wein,” which is the first song that opens the mixtape. It’s really elegant and classy, sexy, kind of like trap R&B.
Reggaeton and Latin music continue to dominate globally. How do you see your role in the movement now compared to before?
I don’t have anything else to prove, you know — and I’m not saying that in a bragging way. I feel more mature and understand what I have done for the culture, what we have done. It’s definitely about how you can get lucky at different levels, right? That’s always been my mission: taking Latinos out of the box, conquering different parts of the world, like India, Asia. And I think my position right now is to keep unlocking new places. I always ask myself, “When was the last time you did something for the first time?” And that’s what I want to do.
You recently celebrated your 40th birthday. Did your perspective change on your life or career change in any way?
Yeah, I’m constantly evolving and when I turned 40, I just felt more secure and more like, I don’t have time for bulls—. I just want to focus on things that really elevate me or make me feel better or good or happier. Also learning how to say no, because that makes me feel free.
So when it comes to your music, are you on a timeline or do you have the luxury of creating when you want to?
Yeah, I think that’s the magic. We can do whatever we want to do as long as it’s a positive thing that you want to do in the world. I go to the studio anytime I feel that I want to because I really want to have fun. So it’s definitely dropping music just because I really enjoy it.
You just performed at the FIFA Club World Cup final halftime show. What is something else you’re really looking forward to right now?
I want to conquer India and Asia (with my music). That’s something that has me really hyped, and to keep growing, elevating myself in every aspect and have fun in the process.
And lastly, what is on your personal summer mixtape? What songs have you been listening to personally?
I’ve just been listening to Ryan Castro’s album. It’s crazy! I love almost all the songs. His album is called “Sendé,” and that’s basically my playlist right now.
