J Balvin Reclaims Crown as Artist with Most Videos in YouTube’s Billion Views Club

Posted on September 9, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

J Balvin is YouTube’s ’s Billion baller…

The 37-year-old Colombian singer’s “Ritmo (Bad Boys for Life)” music video in collaboration with Black Eyed Peas has surpassed 1 billion views, officially making him the artist with the most videos in YouTube’s Billion Views Club once again, according to the video platform.

“Ritmo,” which was released on October 11, 2019, on YouTube, marks Balvin’s 12th entry as a lead, featured artist or collaborator. Prior to reclaiming the crown this week, Balvin was tied with Justin Bieber with 11 music videos each with a billion views.

In 2016, he became the first Latin urban artist to reach 10 digits with a video on the platform with “Ay Vamos.” He was only the third Latin artist to reach a billion views, following Enrique Iglesias’ “Bailando,” featuring Gente de Zona and Descemer Bueno, and Romeo Santos’ “Propuesta Indecente,” both in 2014.

Balvin also has one of the top five fastest videos to reach the billion-view mark with “Mi Gente,” surpassing the number in 103 days.

“Ritmo (Bad Boys for Life)” samples Corona’s ’90s hit “Rhythm of the Night,” fusing hip-hop and pop with Balvin’s incendiary and infectious take on reggaeton.

The track topped the Billboard Hot Dance/Electronic Songs and Hot Latin Songs

charts in 2020, becoming the Peas’ first leader on each ranking and Balvin’s first on the dance chart.

The video, which shows scenes from the Bad Boys for Life movie, now joins the Willy William-assisted “Mi Gente”; “X (Equis)” with Nicky Jam; “Con Altura” with Rosalia; “China” alongside Anuel AA, Daddy Yankee, Karol G, and Ozuna; “No Me Conoce (Remix)” with Jhayco and Bad Bunny; “Ay Vamos”; “I Like It” with Cardi B and Bad Bunny; “Ahora Dice” with Chris Jedi, Ozuna, and Arcangel; the Farruko-assisted “6AM”; and “Safari” featuring Pharrell Williams, BIA, and Sky in the billion-views club.

Luis Fonsi & Demi Lovato’s “Échame La Culpa” Among 19 Latin Videos to Reach 1 Billion Views on YouTube

Posted on November 23, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

Échale la culpa a Luis Fonsi…

YouTube has released the official list of the new Latin videos that have reached the billion views, with the 40-year-old Puerto Rican singer-songwriter’s collaboration with Demi Lovato making the grade.

In 2018, nineteen Latin videos have joined the elite club, including Fonsi’s clip for his single with the 26-year-old half-Mexican American singer/actress, “Échame La Culpa.”

It all started when “Bailando” by Enrique Iglesias featuring Gente de Zona and Descemer Bueno reached the coveted figure in 2015.

Then, in 2016, four new videos joined the list: Shakira‘s “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa),” Romeo Santos with “Propuesta Indecente,” “Ay Vamos” by J Balvin and Jennifer Lopez with “On The Floor” featuring Pitbull.

In 2017, everything changed. After the overwhelming success of Fonsi and Daddy Yankee’s “Despacito” clip — currently the most-viewed video with 5.7 billion views — 17 more videos (including “Despacito”) earned access to the famous list. Among those videos are “El Amante” by Nicky Jam, J Balvin‘s “Mi Gente” with Willy William, Daddy Yankee’s “Shaky, Shaky,” Maluma‘s “Felices Los 4,” and his collaboration with Shakira, “Chantaje,” among others.

And now in 2018, 19 other videos have joined the prestigious club, including “El Farsante” by Ozuna with Romeo Santos; Becky G and Bad Bunny’s “Mayores;” and Manuel Turizo with “Una Lady Como Tu.”

Interestingly, two of the billion-view members are official audio clips: Camilla Cabello’s “Havana” and Danny Ocean’s “Me Rehúso.”

Here’s the complete list:

Luis Fonsi, Demi Lovato – “Échame La Culpa,” 1,669,863,461 views
Natti Natasha, Ozuna – “Criminal,” 1,643,680,995 views
Casper, Nio García, Darell, Nicky Jam, Bad Bunny, Ozuna – “Te Bote Remix,” 1,409,583,342 views
Camila Cabello – “Havana” (Official Audio) featuring Young Thug, 1,408,373,008 views
Becky G, Bad Bunny – “Mayores,” 1,394,630,929 views
Nicky Jam, J Balvin – “X (Equis),” 1,378,002,840 views
Maluma – “Corazón” featuring Nego do Borel, 1,269,801,392 views
Danny Ocean – “Me Rehúso” (Official Audio), 1,230,850,189 views
Piso 21 – “Déjala Que Vuelva” featuring Manuel Turizo, 1,219,424,146 views
Daddy Yankee – “Dura,” 1,170,766,172 views
Manuel Turizo – “Una Lady Como Tú,” 1,169,161,359 views
Ozuna, Romeo Santos – “El Farsante (Remix),” 1,092,873,729 views
Enrique Iglesias – “Subeme La Radio” featuring Descemer Bueno, Zion & Lennox, 1,085,524,380 views
MC Fioti – “Bum Bum Tam Tam,” 1,085,457,581 views
Becky G, Natti Natasha – “Sin Pijama,” 1,076,318,062 views
Wisin – “Escápate Conmigo” featuring Ozuna, 1,066,699,954 views
Prince Royce – “Darte un Beso,” 1,030,461,056 views
Don Omar – “Danza Kuduro” featuring Lucenzo, 1,023,426,878 views
Shakira – “La La La” featuring Carlinhos Brown,1,015,400,871 views

J Balvin’s “Ay Vamos” Video Surpasses the Billion-Views Mark on YouTube

Posted on October 29, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

J Balvin has a billion reason to smile…

The 31-year-old Colombian singer’s music video “Ay vamos” surpassed the billion-views mark on YouTube earlier this week, making him the first Latin urban artist to reach ten digits with a video on the platform.

Balvin’s milestone on YouTube also makes him the third Latin act to reach a billion views. In 2014, Enrique Iglesias became the first Latin artist ever to hit 1 billion with “Bailando” ft. Gente de Zona and Descemer Bueno. In July, Romeo Santos‘ “Propuesta indecente” surpassed the mark as well.

On the Billboard charts, “Ay vamos” was Balvin’s first No. 1 on the Hot Latin Songs (dated March 7, 2015) chart. The reggaeton anthem spent 10 weeks at No. 1 on the Latin Rhythm Airplay chart and has sold 212,000 downloads, according to Nielsen Music.

The YouTube achievement comes days after Balvin notched his fifth No. 1 on Latin Airplay chart, with his track “Safari,” featuring Pharrell and BIA.

Up next, the “Bobo” singer is set to perform at the 17th edition of the Latin Grammys on Nov. 17. Balvin’s Safari is nominated for Best Urban Music Album.

Balvin Expands Universal Music Worldwide Publishing Deal to the U.S.

Posted on May 11, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

J Balvin is heading stateside…

The 31-year-old Colombian reggaeton singer and rapper has extended his exclusive, worldwide publishing deal with Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), weeks before he prepares to release his new solo album this summer.

Balvin, who was previously signed to UMPG Colombia, will now join the publishing company’s U.S. roster and UMPG will continue to administer his entire catalog, including his upcoming album.

The move comes in the wake of rising interest from brands and Hollywood studios in Balvin’s music.

Last year, Balvin’s “Ginza” notched 22 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart and it was the only Latin song on Spotify’s list of most streamed viral songs of 2015.

Balvin was also named Vevo’s Latin artist of the year for 2015. Prior to that, previous hits “6 A.M.” and “Ay Vamos” also hit No. 1 on the Hot Latin songs chart.

In the last year, he has also collaborated in remixes with mainstream market acts like Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, Maroon 5, French Montana and Nicky Jam.

“I consider J Balvin one of the greatest global contemporary songwriters/artists in any genre,” said Evan Lamberg, UMPG President, North America in a statement. “He will be a force for years to come.”

“The massive appeal and magic of J Balvin is yet another example the world is waking up to Latin songwriters and what they can bring to making hits,” added Alexandra Lioutikoff, EVP, Latin Music for UMPG.

J Balvin’s ‘Ginza’ Makes History on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs Chart

Posted on February 25, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

J Balvin makes Billboard chart history…

The 30-year-old Colombian reggaeton singer spends a 21st consecutive week at No. 1 on Billboard‘s Hot Latin Songs chart with “Ginza.”

With its latest frame at the top of the charts, the song makes history as the longest-leading No. 1 by a single act, unaccompanied by another.

“It’s amazing how dreams are limitless, and how discipline, along with good music, can bring you to live the unimaginable,” said Balvin in an interview with Billboard.

“Ginza” passes three other 20-week No. 1s by acts unaccompanied by other artists: Flex‘s “Te Quiero” (2008), Juanes‘ “Me Enamora” (2007-08) and Son by Four‘s “A Puro Dolor” (2000).

Overall, “Ginza” is the fourth-longest-leading No. 1 in Hot Latin Songs history (which dates to 1986) but rules as the only non-collaborative track to spend as many as 21 weeks atop the tally (which shifted from solely airplay audience measurement to a blend of airplay, sales, and streaming in October 2012). Enrique Iglesias leads with 41 weeks at No. 1 with “Bailando,” featuring Descemer Bueno and Gente de Zona (2014-15), followed by Nicky Jam and Iglesias’ “El Perdon” (31 weeks, 2015) and Shakira‘s “La Tortura,” featuring Alejandro Sanz (25 weeks, 2005).

Sustained streaming has helped to keep “Ginza” atop Hot Latin Songs, with 1.9 million U.S. streams logged in the week ending Feb. 18, according to Nielsen Music (an 8 percent hike), lifting it to No. 1 on Latin Streaming Songs for the first time. YouTube and Vevo on YouTube views account for 58 percent of overall clicks, including views stemming from the official music video (which has amassed more than 420 million worldwide streams since its July 2015 premiere). At its height, “Ginza” was streamed 2.4 million times in the U.S. during a single tracking week (reflected in the Oct. 31, 2015 chart week).

The reign of “Ginza” is also propelled by continued airplay on Latin stations, as it steps 3-2 on Latin Airplay with 12 million audience impressions in the tracking week. It previously dominated for 12 weeks on the airplay chart, peaking in September. Meanwhile, downloads of the song are up 14 percent to 3,000 downloads, earning it the No. 3 spot on Latin Digital Songs (following its No. 2 peak on the chart). The track has sold 153,000 downloads to date.

Balvin debuted the reggaeton track via a live performance on Univision‘s Premios Juventud awards show July 17, 2015, and it rose to No. 1 on Hot Latin Songs (in its 11th chart week) Oct. 17. “Ginza” is his second No. 1 on the chart, following a week atop the ranking with “Ay Vamos” earlier in the year (March 7).

Sofia to Perform at This Year’s Latin Grammys

Posted on October 24, 2015 by Tom Castaneda

Raquel Sofia is ready to make a big splash at the Latin Grammys…

The Puerto Rican singer-songwriter has been added to the roster of artists scheduled to perform at the annual awards show.

Sofia, who is nominated for Best New Artist at this year’s Latin Grammys, joins a list of performers that includes Juan Luis Guerra, J Balvin, Cho Quib Town, Natalia Jimenez, Will Smith and Bomba Estereo, and fellow best new artist nominees Matisse.

Sofia’s debut album, Te Quiero los Domingos, was released in July.

Sofia, who recently received a Vevo Lift nomination, previously performed backing vocals for Juanes, Shakira and Jean Carlos Canela, before making a name for herself.

Smith and Bomba Estereo will perform their version of “Fiesta,” which is nominated for record of the year in its original version. Balvin is nominated for best urban performance and best urban son for his hit “Ay Vamos” while Guerra is up for four awards, including album and record of the year.

The 16th annual Latin Grammys will air live on Univision on November 19 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

J Balvin’s “Ginza” Reaches No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs Chart

Posted on October 6, 2015 by Tom Castaneda

J Balvin is back at the top of the charts…

The 30-year-old Colombian reggaeton singer notches his second No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart with the ascent of “Ginza” (on the chart dated Oct. 17).

The track — released through Capitol Latin — rises 2-1 in its 11th chart week, bumping Nicky Jam and Enrique Iglesias’ “El Perdon” from the perch after a marathon 30-week rule (the second-longest No. 1 run ever).

Balvin previously hit No. 1 earlier in 2015 with “Ay Vamos,” which spent one week atop the chart (dated March 7).

The Hot Latin Songs chart blends airplay, streams and sales to determine the most popular Latin songs of the week in the U.S.

“Ginza” also reigns for a fifth consecutive week on the Latin Airplay chart (with 16 million in audience impressions in the frame ending Oct. 4, according to Nielsen Music; up 2 percent).

The single holds at No. 2 on both the Latin Digital Songs and Latin Streaming Songs charts (though with gains in both measurements).

Nicky Jam Leads the Pack of Latin American Music Awards Nominees

Posted on September 3, 2015 by Tom Castaneda

Nicky Jam is on a roll…

The 34-year-old Puerto Rican/Dominican American urban singer, who recently moved into the No. 2 stop for most consecutive weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs Chart, continues his hot streak in 2015 with six nominations for the new Latin American Music Awards – the most of any artist.

Nicky Jam is nominated in key categories like artist of the year, song of the year and favorite streaming song on the strength of his hit “El Perdón,” featuring Enrique Iglesias.

An awards show regular, Iglesias follows Nicky Jam with five nods (three of those for “El Perdón”). He’s tied with J Balvin, who is up for new artist of the year and favorite male artist – urban, in addition to other song categories in recognition of his smash “Ay Vamos.”

Romeo Santos, Maná and Calibre 50 each have four nominations, while Demi Lovato and Selena Gomez pop up in the favorite crossover artist and favorite dance song categories respectively, making the first-ever Spanish language award show modeled after the American Music Awards a must-watch event for all music lovers.

The show, airing live on October 8 on Telemundo from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, marks the first time a Dick Clark Productions awards show is recast in a Spanish language version, underscoring the growth of the Spanish speaking TV viewer and its appeal to advertisers.

Nominations to the Latin AMAs are based on key fan interactions with music, including (but not limited to) sales, airplay, streaming and social activity tracked by Billboard through its data partners Nielsen Music and Next Big Sound. Voting powered by Telescope Inc. has officially begun here.

Here’s the full list of nominations for the Latin AMAs:

New Artist of the Year
Chiquis Rivera
J Balvin
Maluma
Remmy Valenzuela

Artist of the Year
Calibre 50
Enrique Iglesias
Julión Álvarez y su Norteño Banda
Nicky Jam
Romeo Santos

Song of the Year
“Ay Vamos” – J Balvin
“Contigo” – Calibre 50
“El Perdón” – Nicky Jam & Enrique Iglesias
“Hilito” – Romeo Santos
“Fanática Sensual’ – Plan B

Album of the Year
“A Quien Quiera Escuchar” – Ricky Martin
“Cama Incendiada” – Maná
“Hoy Más Fuerte” – Gerardo Ortiz
“Los Dúo” – Juan Gabriel
“Mis Número 1…40 Aniversario” – Juan Gabriel

Favorite Female Artist
Chiquis Rivera
Fanny Lu
Gloria Trevi
Natalia Jiménez
Paulina Rubio

Favorite Male Artist – Pop/Rock
Chayanne
Enrique Iglesias
Juan Gabriel
Marco Antonio Solís
Ricky Martin

Favorite Song – Urban
“Ay Vamos” – J Balvin
“Pierdo La Cabeza” – Zion & Lennox
“Sígueme y te Sigo” – Daddy Yankee

Favorite Artist – Tropical
Chino y Nacho
Juan Luis Guerra
Romeo Santos
Victor Manuelle

Favorite Song – Tropical
“Hilito” – Romeo Santos
“La Gozadera” – Gente de Zona feat. Marc Anthony
“Me Voy Enamorando” – Chino y Nacho feat. Farruko
“Solita” – Prince Royce

Favorite Collaboration
“Como Yo Le Doy” – Pitbull & Don Miguelo
“El Perdón” – Nicky Jam & Enrique Iglesias
“Mi Verdad” – Maná feat. Shakira
“Nota de Amor” – Wisin & Carlos Vives feat. Daddy Yankee

Favorite Duo or Group – Pop/Rock
Camila
Jesse & Joy
Maná
Reik

Favorite Song – Pop/Rock
“Mi Verdad” –Maná
“La Mordidita” – Ricky Martin feat. Yotuel
“Perdón” – Camila

Favorite Male Artist – Regional Mexican
Gerardo Ortiz
Luis Coronel
Régulo Caro

Favorite Duo or Group – Regional Mexican
Banda El Recodo de Cruz Lizárraga
Banda Sinaloense MS de Sergio Lizárraga
Calibre 50
Julión Álvarez y su Norteño Banda

Favorite Song – Regional Mexican
“Háblame De Ti” – Banda Sinaloense MS de Sergio Lizárraga
“Y Así Fue” – Julión Álvarez y su Norteño Banda
“Contigo” – Calibre 50

Favorite Male Artist – Urban
J Balvin
Nicky Jam
Don Omar
Daddy Yankee
Yandel

Favorite Duo or Group – Urban
Gente de Zona
Plan B
Zion & Lennox

Favorite Crossover Artist
Demi Lovato
Ellie Goulding
Meghan Trainor
Natalie La Rose
OMI

Favorite Dance Song
“Where Are U Now” – Skrillex & Diplo with Justin Bieber
“I Want You To Know” – Zedd feat. Selena Gomez
“Lean On” – Major Lazer & DJ Snake feat. MØ
“You Know You Like It” – DJ Snake & AlunaGeorge
“Back It Up” – Prince Royce feat. Jennifer Lopez

Favorite Streaming Song
“El Perdón” – Nicky Jam & Enrique Iglesias
“Travesuras” – Nicky Jam
“Ay Vamos” – J Balvin
“Háblame de Ti” – Banda Sinaloense MS de Sergio Lizárraga
“Fanática Sensual” – Plan B

J Balvin’s “Ginza” Reaches No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Pop Airplay Chart

Posted on September 2, 2015 by Tom Castaneda

J Balvin is back at the helm this year…

The 30-year-old Colombian reggaeton singer jumps 3-1 on Billboard’s Latin Pop Airplay chart with his latest single “Ginza.”

The track is up 4 percent in plays at the format.

The spike in airplay nudges “Ginza” 3-2 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart, where it also takes Streaming Gainer honors (up 38 percent to 1.2 million weekly streams).

The track sold 5,000 downloads during the week ending Aug. 28, causing it to climb 4-3 on Billboard’s Latin Digital Songs chart.

It’s J Balvin’s second No. 1 on the Latin Pop Airplay chart.

Earlier this year, J Balvin spent three weeks at No. 1 with “Ay Vamos.”

J Balvin to Perform at DJ Alex Sensation’s La Mega Mezcla Live (Mega Mix) Show

Posted on March 4, 2015 by Tom Castaneda

J Balvin is preparing for a mega show…

The 29-year-old Colombian reggaeton singer, who recently notched his first-ever No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs Chart with “Ay Vamos,” is among the list of Latin urban acts announced to perform as part of DJ Alex Sensation‘s La Mega Mezcla Live (Mega Mix) show at Madison Square Garden on April 14.

In addition to J Balvin, the lineup includes appearances by Prince Royce, Daddy Yankee, Tego Calderon, Plan B, Farruko, Maluma, Nicky Jam, French Montana and Maffio.

The show is produced by SBS Entertainment, the concert division arm of radio network SBS, which includes Mega 97.9 FM, New York’s top-rated Spanish language station and home to Sensation’s Monday-Saturday mix show, La Mega Mezcla.

Sensation has hosted his radio show for 15 years, amassing a major fan base that allows him to spin in clubs across the country. Along the way, he’s also mixed tracks for multiple artists — collaborating with the likes of J Balvin, Daddy Yankee and Nicky Jam — and paired up with major brands. In 2011, Sensation launched his first live concert with friends at MSG. It has become an annual fixture and as of last year, branched out to Miami. There, Sensation’s Miami Bash takes place April 10 with a slightly different lineup.

This year’s roster of acts performing at the New York show is particularly impressive, which also includes J Álvarez, Zion & Lennox, Arcángel, De la Ghetto, Reykon, French Montana and pop singer Alejandra Guzmán.

The show is a precursor to Sensation’s next step as a recording artist. A first single, featuring Yandel and Shaggy, is due out this spring.

Sensation will be the moderator of the New Latin Urban Movement during the Billboard Latin Music Conference, taking place April 27-29 at the Ritz Carlton in Miami Beach.

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