J Balvin

Bad Bunny’s Hottest Must-Hear Collabs

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Bad Bunny’s superstardom is almost unprecedented, taking Latin trap and reggaeton to new heights. He has been the most streamed artist on Spotify for three years in a row. Within the past year, Bad Bunny has headlined Coachella and sold out two worldwide arena and stadium tours. Reggaeton and Latin pop music have been popular globally since the early 2000s, but Bad Bunny took the music to a larger scale.

Yesterday, Bad Bunny released his latest single, “Where She Goes,” along with the song’s music video featuring cameos from artists including Frank Ocean and Lil Uzi Vert. Bad Bunny has had many significant hits by himself but has an immaculate track record of collaborations, working with major superstars like Jennifer Lopez, Dua Lipa, and Cardi B. Bad Bunny has also collaborated with almost everyone from the reggaeton scene, including Sech, Anuel AA, and Ozuna. 

An Eclectic Mix of Genres

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – SEPTEMBER 04: Bad Bunny performs onstage during 2022 Made In America at Benjamin Franklin Parkway on September 04, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Roc Nation)

He is known for his ability to fuse genres and make them his own, with each album sounding different from the last. His 2018 debut, X 100PRE, saw Bad Bunny honing in on his signature Latin trap and reggaeton sound while experimenting with pop, pop-punk, and dembow. His second album, 2020’s YHLQMDLG was Bad Bunny’s homage to classic 2000s reggaeton, building on his influences with his own unique sound. El Último Tour Del Mundo In 2020 saw Bad Bunny fusing his signature sound with rock and pop-punk. His fourth album, 2022’s Grammy-winning Un Verano Sin Ti was a tropical tribute to Puerto Rico, incorporating elements of reggae, mambo, EDM, and merengue. With a knack for collaboration and an ability to fuse genres, Bad Bunny has many impressive collaborations. 

This is a list of Bad Bunny’s hottest must-hear collaborations. Because he has tried so many different styles of music and has worked with an eclectic mix of artists, making a list of the essential Bad Bunny collaborations is not an easy task. The songs, listed chronologically, draw from his catalog and primarily focus on his rap and hip hop songs. Of course, the list primarily includes his songs with reggaeton artists, of which he has a history of working with. Take a look at the list below.

“Sensualidad” With J Balvin & Prince Royce (2017)

Almost every Bad Bunny song is a hit, but some pieces are more underrated than others. An early song in his career, “Sensualidad,” is one of the best Bad Bunny collabs. J Balvin and Prince Royce join him over some production from DJ Luian and Mambo Kingz. Over the simple yet colorful production, the three artists bring their own unique voices and personalities to the track. Bad Bunny, J Balvin, and Prince Royce each take turns singing their own version on the chorus, bringing dynamic melody changes to their verses.

The three also ad-lib during each other’s parts, exemplifying their chemistry. The song also features an entertaining outro with plenty of adlibs and shoutouts. “Sensualidad” is a perfect summer track and was an early track that showed the chemistry between Bad Bunny and J Balvin specifically, paving the way for their 2019 collab album, Oasis.

“MÍA” feat. Drake (2018)

“MÍA” was a significant moment for Reggaeton, seeing one of its biggest rising stars team up with one of pop music’s biggest stars. Drake has sung in Spanish before with Romeo Santos on “Odio” and sounds very comfortable in Spanish yet again on “MÍA.” Everything about the song is a guaranteed hit record, from the combined star power of Bad Bunny and Drake to the bright and lively reggaeton production. Bad Bunny has collaborated with many artists outside of the reggaeton scene, but “MÍA” with Drake is a collaboration that sounds the most organic.

“La Romana” feat. El Alfa (2018)

“La Romana” is one of Bad Bunny’s hardest bangers and one of his best collabs. The song begins with a dainty melody but drops into a knocking Latin trap song. Bad Bunny flows fastly over the beat, weaving in different melodies. The song then skips into a completely different beat with an ominous flute sound that perfectly sets up El Alfa to come in with a fiery dembow track. The song is actually fire as El Alfa repeats “fuego,” “fire,” and “caliente.” Bad Bunny sounds comfortable on El Alfa’s sound, rapping on the second beat. The song is a definitive highlight in both of their catalogs.

“La Santa” feat. Daddy Yankee (2020)

Bad Bunny and reggaeton legend Daddy Yankee have worked together a few times, but “La Santa” ranks atop their collabs by a long shot. The song has a classic reggaeton beat perfect for Bad Bunny’s infectious melodies and Daddy Yankee’s aggressive flow. The two play off each other nicely as Daddy Yankee adlibs Bad Bunny’s verses, and they trade lines on the pre-chorus.

“Safaera” feat. Jowell & Randy & Ñengo Flow (2020)

“Safaera” stands out as one of the best Bad Bunny collabs for many reasons. The song is a highlight on YHLQMDLG, and he recruits Jowell & Randy and Ñengo Flow for the song. “Safaera” is an homage to old mixes, resulting in an unpredictable reggaeton masterpiece. The song changes beat and tempo multiple times, keeping the listener engaged. Jowell & Randy build the song’s momentum until the chorus from Bad Bunny and Ñengo Flow. 

Ñengo Flow’s verse weaves through different beats with a constant tempo before moving to a reggaeton flip of “Get Ur Freak On,” which gets sped up for Bad Bunny’s verse and slowed down for Jowell’s verse at the end. “Safaera” is an explosive song that goes through many exciting phases, almost like a reggaeton “Bohemian Rhapsody.”

“Bad Con Nicky” feat. Nicky Jam (2020)

Bad Bunny’s 2020 collaboration with Nicky Jam shows that even his B-sides have plenty of gems. The first part of the song is a slow yet traditional duet between Bad Bunny and Nicky Jam. One of Bad Bunny’s cleanest beat switches comes toward the end of the song. The production turns into a fast reggaeton for Nicky Jam to showcase his raps before singing over the thumping instrumental.

“Dákiti” feat. Jhayco (2020)

Bad Bunny and Jhayco have a history that runs deep, initially hopping on remixes of each other’s songs. The two then joined forces for “DÁKITI,” one of the biggest songs for both careers so far. The song’s eerie and atmospheric sound is the perfect soundscape for the two to display their skills. They create catchy melodies on the song and provide unique takes on the same melody. “DÁKITI” is a fitting track for an album titled El Último Tour Del Mundo as the song sounds very apocalyptic. The song is one of the must-hear Bad Bunny collabs and ignited the chemistry for him and Jhayco to create more bangers like “Tarot.” 

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Myke Towers And J Balvin’s ‘Celos’ Video Ironically Elicits Jealousy Through New York City Adventure

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Myke Towers is still riding the high from La Vidas Es Una, his album that released in March, and he detailed to Uproxx how J Balvin came to be featured on the track “Celos.”

“I have a lot of respect and admiration for Balvin. He’s a guy that’s super humble. For example, if you write to him in a DM on Instagram, he will respond to you right away. That’s something that you don’t expect from him at the level of fame that he’s at,” Towers said. “I’m always like a little boy asking many questions with people like him because I like to learn. We had a great time when we shot the music video together. The other day we went to an Afrobeats concert together. Balvin is a leader. He has my respect.”

The “Celos” video finally arrived Wednesday, May 10, and Towers’ comfortable rapport with Balvin shines throughout the nearly three-minute visual directed by Andy Hines and produced by Anca Productions.

They take turns acknowledging their jealous and expressing confusion over why they feel it. From Spanish to English, the hook translates to, “I don’t understand why I’m jealous if you’re not mine.”

The video (ironically) could easily facilitate jealousy, as Balvin and Towers explore hidden gems of New York City. It elicits nostalgia when they post up in front of an empty soccer field, littered by autumn leaves. As soon as night falls, they playfully climb atop a yellow taxi before attending an elite, luxurious party.

Later in the video, a group of women dressed in all-black walk by Balvin and Towers, also donning all-black wardrobe, outside the soccer field. They stop and presumably flirt, revealing Balvin has the Batman logo dyed in his otherwise platinum blond hair. By the end, they walk into the night together.

Watch the “Celos” video above.

Myke Towers Tells Us About His Genre-Bending Album ‘La Vida Es Una’ And Collaborating With J Balvin

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Myke Towers
Marilyn Tang

The RX is Uproxx Music’s stamp of approval for the best albums, songs, and music stories throughout the year. Inclusion in this category is the highest distinction we can bestow, and signals the most important music being released throughout the year. The RX is the music you need, right now.

After solidifying himself as one of Latin music’s top rappers, Myke Towers is proving there’s no limits to his flow with his genre-bending album La Vida Es Una. While delivering more reggaeton and Latin trap bangers, the Puerto Rican artist also dabbles in Afrobeats, R&B, and house music influences. Towers shows that he’s an all-around Latin pop star on his LP, which features J Balvin, Daddy Yankee, Arcángel, and Ozuna.

Towers made his debut in 2020 with his first album, Easy Money Baby. The LP boasted his breakthrough hit “Si De Da” with Farruko. After scoring multiple reggaeton hits, he returned to his Latin trap roots with his 2021 album Lyke Mike. As an established force in both genres, Towers is now pushing his flow to new places while embracing a global sound that his fans around the world can enjoy.

“Lyke Myke was something more for me,” Towers says. “With this album, I’m thinking more about my fans, what they want, and the kind of music they want to hear live. I made this album being more conscious of what people are looking for from me.”

The album’s title translates to “You Only Live Once” in English and Towers embodies that feel-good energy throughout the 23 tracks. Over Zoom, he caught up with Uproxx about what he wants his fans to take from La Vida Es Una, his big collaborations, and what’s coming next.

Why did you decide to name your album La Vida Es Una?

I gave it that name because lot of things have happened like with the pandemic. It makes you think, “There’s not a lot of time to follow your dreams, so have to give it your all.” They say you that you have take advantage of your time here and enjoy it. I’m always conscious of things like that. That you only live once.

In addition to reggaeton and trap, you explore genres like Afrobeats, R&B, reggae, and house music album. Why did you decide to branch out into those genres?

I wanted to take risks on a musical level and do things that I’m not used to. I’m at a level where I have a lot of fans so I have that responsibility to please them. I can’t limit myself. Thanks to them I’m at where I’m at now. I’m doing the music that I like to do with a mix of what my fans are asking for. With this album, we’re separating the Myke Towers with the “y” from the [Mike] with the “i.”

You collaborated with J Balvin for the song “Celos.” What was that experience like working with him?

I have a lot of respect and admiration for Balvin. He’s a guy that’s super humble. For example, if you write to him in a DM on Instagram, he will respond to you right away. That’s something that you don’t expect from him at the level of fame that he’s at. I’m always like a little boy asking many questions with people like him because I like to learn. We had a great time when we shot the music video together. The other day we went to an Afrobeats concert together. Balvin is a leader. He has my respect.

You salute reggaeton pioneers Don Omar and Tego Calderón in “Don & Tego.” What inspired you to make that homage with Arcángel?

The song “Bandoleros” by Don Omar and Tego Calderón is an anthem to me. It’s always playing around the world. There hasn’t been a time since that song has come out that it hasn’t been played anywhere. And as artists, they’ve inspired me like Arcángel. The name that made the most sense for me was “Don & Tego. ” I feel like this song was something that was missing in the streets. A very street reggaeton song that that we liked back then that inspired us. We made that with this song and I know when people listen to it, they’re really going to like it.

Another reggaeton G.O.A.T that you collaborated with is Daddy Yankee. What was the experience like working with him in “Ulala (Ooh La-La)”?

The legend allowed me appear on his album [Legendaddy] and now he’s appearing on mine. For me, that was like earning the respect from the leader of the genre. For him to be on my album, that’s above and beyond. My respect from D.Y. was earned in levels. First, he gave me advice before he was collaborating with me. He saw my process [in the studio] and told me — he knows how to identify what’s strong and what’s not. That’s why I’m sure of myself.

I love the R&B sound the “Cama King.” This is my first time hearing about Chita. Why did you decide to feature her on this song?

[The song’s producer] Tainy is a visionary. When I told him I was missing a female voice on this song, he said, “I know who would be good for this. Calm down.” When I heard what Chita sent, I went crazy. I didn’t meet her in person but I told her thank you for collaborating me with. I hope this is a blessing for her as much as it is for me. She’s a female Argentine artist and the women are killing it right now.

“Aguardiente” is a song that stands out to me because it has a really Colombian vibe.

I made that song with Sky. He’s Colombian. He one’s of those producers that I click well with. Every time we get together, we come out with classics without forcing anything. [The alcoholic drink] Aguardiente is something that’s clearly from Colombia and I wanted to make a song with that. It goes hard.

What do you want people to get out of this album?

I want people to get the message that sometimes we worry about things that aren’t worth it. We have to remember that you only live once. With what I do, I want to motivate people as well. Even though it seems easy, it’s not easy. I go through things as well. It might not be the same [problem] as yours but we’re going to get to a point where we can relate. With this album, I want to unite people when we sing it live together. It’s something to enjoy. I want them to do with it what they want, to dedicate it to who they want to dedicate it to, and to go out and enjoy it. When I’m in your country to perform, we’re going to sing everything together.

What do you want to accomplish next?

Thanks to God we’re making moves that we’ve never done before. Little by little, I’m taking my name, my island, my music, and my movement to new heights. I want to make an impact with young people. That’s where I’m inspired. I want them to feel that Myke Towers is with them. I want them to feel like they’re a part of my movement.

La Vida Es Una is out now via Warner Music Latina. Listen to it here.

Myke Towers is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Burna Boy And J Balvin’s ‘Rollercoaster’ Ride Of Success Takes Center Stage In A Cinematic New Video

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Burna Boy is at the top of his game. With the breakthrough success of his sixth studio album, Love, Damini, and single “Last Last,” the African Giant is an international force to be reckoned with, headlining festivals (like Dreamville Fest and Afro Nation) left and right. Equally as dominant as the Afro-fusion star, Colombian singer J Balvin.

The pair joined musical forces on “Rollercoaster,” and it quickly became a fan-favorite across geographic borders. Now, after releasing a flurry of other videos for songs featured on the album, including ‘”Kilometre,” “Last Last,” “For You Hand” featuring Ed Sheeran, “Vanila,” “Whiskey,” and “Common Person,” Burna Boy has finally dropped an official video for the fluid track.

Directed by Loris Russier, the pair met at the Lafayette Theater and are sucked into the multiverse that is their undeniable success and fame as they reflect on just how far they’ve come as Burna sings, “I no want you to dey waste my time / I no wanna wait ’til it’s all over / This life is a gift from The Most High, Jah / That is why I’m thankful for all I have.”

“Love, Damini is a personal body of work,” before adding, “It’s about the ups and downs, the growth, the L’s and W’s. I’m excited to share this journey and roll out with you all.”

Watch the full video for “Rollercoaster” above.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Chlöe Is ‘So Happy’ To See Britney Spears Being ‘Herself On Her Own Terms’

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britney spears VMAs 2016
Getty Image / Allen Berezovsky

Before the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards kicked off on Sunday (August 28), Variety‘s Marc Malkin was on the red carpet for interviews. As he chatted with some of the most beloved stars at this year’s VMAs, he made it a point to ask about Britney Spears and her new comeback song with Elton John, “Hold Me Closer,” getting a mixed bag of answers.

When Malkin mentioned Spears to recent Uproxx cover star Chlöe, she lit up and said, “I’m so proud of her. I love Britney and I’m so happy to see that she can be herself on her own terms.” He then asked what song he’d like to duet on with Spears and she went with “Toxic.” Malkin tried to coax Chlöe into singing a bit of the song but she playfully declined.

He also asked Latto the duet question and she answered, “We gotta do something from scratch, we gotta do something from scratch.” She added, “Brit: call me, girl. It’s nothing. I do think, some new Britney… the world needs some new Britney.”

Answering the same question, J Balvin chose “Slave 4 U” and even sang a brief snippet of it.

Måneskin and TikTok star Chris Olsen also chatted about Spears, so check out those clips below.

A Gigantic Twerking Hologram, J Balvin, And Ryan Castro Perform ‘Nivel De Perreo’ At The 2022 MTV VMAs

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J Balvin 2022 Tiffany Yellow Is The New Blue
Getty Image

J Balvin is one of the biggest stars in the world. He has a No. 1 single under his belt with the Cardi B and Bad Bunny collaboration “I Like It,” and the list of artists who get more streams than him on Spotify is a short one. Now his resume has gotten a tad more fleshed out, as he just performed at the 2022 MTV VMAs.

Balvin was joined by Ryan Castro to perform their collaboration “Nivel De Perreo.” With all due respect to Castro, though, the most notable guest of the performance was the giant twerking hologram that shook what its mama gave it throughout the song.

For this year’s ceremony, Balvin has a nomination, as his and Skrillex’s “In Da Getto” is up for Best Latin.

Aside from Balvin, also performing during this year’s show are Nicki Minaj, Jack Harlow (both of whom are also co-hosting alongside LL Cool J), Lizzo, Blackpink, Bad Bunny, Måneskin, Anitta, Panic! At The Disco, Kane Brown, Marshmello x Khalid, Snoop Dogg with Eminem, and 2022 MTV VMAs Global Icon Award recipients Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Check out Balvin’s performance above.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.