J Balvin Talks 'Rayo,' Seeing Latinos 'Win' and Letting Go of the Need to 'Prove Myself' (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

J Balvin.Photo:Bryan Bedder/WWD via Getty

Bryan Bedder/WWD via Getty

AfterJ Balvinreleased his fifth studio albumJose, he made a conscious decision to make writing and recording fun again.

Now, three years after the release of his fifth studio album Jose, the Colombian star is gearing up to releaseRayoon Friday, Aug. 9. Speaking to PEOPLE in light of his collaboration Cheetos for the Deja tu Huella program, the “Mi Gente” singer says he took the pressure off and recorded something he was proud of.

“Now, I still feel the same hunger that I had before, but I don’t have to prove myself and I just enjoy the process of the music. That’s why it’s so important to me, this album, because I just had fun doing it,” he continues.

J Balvin.Frito-Lay

Frito-Lay

This time around, Balvin set no hard deadlines for himself and created when it felt natural to him.

Over the past months, Balvin has given fans a glimpse of the album with singles “Gaga” and “Polvo de tu Vida.” He also named the album after his first car, further creating the connection with his inner child and his signature good vibrations (“rayo” translates to “ray” in Spanish).

“I keep the same energy that it’s always been, keeping it real with who am I as person and what’s always been my vision. There’s no ego in this project. We’re just going to wait and see how people connect with it,” he says. “It’s basically the same as I was doing this when I was a kid, just passion and the rest will come.”

Since Balvin releasedJosein 2021, he alsobecame a father to son Rio, 3, whom he shares with model Valentina Ferrer.

“I became a father three years ago. That’s one of the things that really marks this new album. I think that’s really powerful,” he says. “It also reminds me that I’m at peace. I know what I want more than ever.”

He continues, “When my son was born, a switch went off in my brain that I have to enjoy life, and check all the small details and be grateful for all of them. I think this album comes from a really beautiful and grateful energy, more mature, and always keeping my DNA of good vibes.”

Through Deja tu Huella (Spanish for “Leave Your Mark”), Balvin is spotlighting people across the country who are making a positive impact on the Hispanic community. Up next, he will find someone to sponsor as the newest ambassador and they will be introduced at Billboard Latin Music Week in Miami. From there, the ambassador will embark on a three-stop community college tour to promote their platform.

“We want to help people with talent and vision to go to the next level,” says Balvin. “We’re looking for people that are hungry just like I am, hungry to do what they love, hungry to elevate what they do, hungry to leave a mark in this world, hungry to leave a legacy.”

He continues, “It’s just part of my DNA. I like to see people win.”

source: people.com