Here’s a look at some of the leading Colombian artists who are shaping the sound of modern reggaeton:

J Balvin:

Universally recognized as a leading figure, José Álvaro Osorio Balvín, known as J Balvin, is an award-winning Colombian reggaeton icon. He holds the distinction of being the first Latin artist to surpass one billion views on YouTube, a testament to his global appeal. Often referred to as the “Prince of Reggaeton,” J Balvin has garnered numerous accolades for his successful career and his role in popularizing reggaeton worldwide. His breakthrough in 2014 with “6 AM” featuring Puerto Rican artist Farruko marked a significant moment. Tracks like his Latin Grammy-winning “Ay Vamos,” which also became the first reggaeton song to hit a billion YouTube views, and his 2018 hit “Mi Gente,” which topped Spotify’s Global Top 50 Chart as the first Spanish-language song to do so, underscore his massive impact.

Maluma:

Juan Luis Londoño Arias, known globally as Maluma, is another Colombian reggaeton superstar with a massive following across Latin America and Europe. He embarked on his musical journey at a young age, achieving success on Latin American charts even before signing with a major label. His debut album, “Magia” (2013), featuring the popular track “Obsesion,” which boasts over 200 million YouTube views, marked the beginning of his global ascent. Since then, Maluma has released numerous successful albums, solidifying his international fanbase. His recent album, “#7DJ (7 Días en Jamaica),” released in early 2021, continues to climb the Spanish-language charts.

Manuel Turizo:

Manuel Turizo Zapata, also known as MTZ, began his musical journey at just 13, influenced by his musician father and brother. He rose to widespread fame in Latin America in 2016 with his chart-topping single “Una Lady Como Tu.” Within a year of its release, the song garnered over 200 million streams on Spotify and a billion views on YouTube. His collaboration with Puerto Rican singer Valentino on “Besame” further highlighted his rising star, earning him a spot on Billboard Magazine’s “10 Latin Artists To Watch in 2018.” In 2019, he was recognized as the Best New Latin Artist at the iHeartRadio Music Awards. Notably, he also participated in Billboard’s “Concert of a Cause” in March 2020 to support the non-profit organization MusiCares.

Karol G:

Carolina Giraldo Ramírez, known professionally as Karol G, is a prominent Colombian singer-songwriter and television personality. Her career began with an appearance on The X Factor, leading her to a record deal with Universal Music Latino in New York in 2014. Her debut album, “Unstoppable” (2017), debuted at the top of Billboard’s Latin charts, featuring the hit single “Ahora Me Llama” in collaboration with Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny. The following year, she won the Latin Grammy Award for Best New Artist. Throughout her career, Karol G’s work has received over 50 award nominations, and she has won numerous accolades from the Billboard Latin Music Awards, Heat Latin Music Awards, Premios Juventud, and Premios Lo Nuestro.

Farina:

Farina Pao Paucar Franco holds a significant place as one of the pioneering women in Colombian reggaeton. In a genre often dominated by male artists, Farina broke barriers, becoming the first woman to make reggaeton music in Colombia in 2005. Her talent and impact were recognized in 2015 with a nomination for Best Female Artist at the Heat Latin Music Awards, alongside global superstar Shakira. In 2017, she further solidified her position by becoming the second Colombian artist to sign with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation. Currently managed by Sony Latin Music, Farina continues to produce impactful reggaeton music and collaborate with various artists, including J Balvin, Nacho, and Rayo y Toby.

Lalo Ebratt:

Eduardo Mario Ebratt Troncoso, known by his stage name Lalo Ebratt, is a rising Colombian reggaeton artist. He initially gained recognition as a member of the hip-hop project Trapical Minds before embarking on a successful solo career. As a lead artist, Lalo Ebratt is best known for his hit song “Mocca.” The music video for “Mocca” reached over 211 million views on YouTube in 2018, the same year a remix featuring J Balvin was released, further amplifying his reach.

Conclusion:

Reggaeton’s infectious rhythms and catchy melodies have cemented its status as a leading music genre worldwide. Colombian artists have played a pivotal role in this global phenomenon, captivating audiences with their unique styles and undeniable talent. While male artists have historically dominated the genre, the increasing prominence of female artists like Farina and Karol G signifies a dynamic and evolving landscape. The continuous innovation and global success of these Colombian reggaeton artists ensure that Colombia remains a vital and influential force in the ever-expanding world of urban music. For those interested in collaborating with these artists, it’s important to note that each artist typically has representation for business inquiries such as concerts, endorsements, and music videos.

Ryan Castro’s journey to international music stardom is a testament to perseverance and a lifelong passion for music. Even as a 17-year-old in Medellín, Colombia, Castro was a determined young man. He took to the streets and buses, armed with a small stereo, joining the vibrant mix of vendors and performers in the city’s bustling tourist areas. For Castro, this wasn’t just a way to earn a living and support his family; it was also an investment in his dream, as he diligently saved his small earnings to one day record his own music. “I’ve always been set on what I wanted,” the now 30-year-old artist shared in a recent interview.

Today, a world away from those early performances, Castro reflects on his journey from his living room, adorned with platinum records for his global hit “Quema,” a collaboration with Peso Pluma. He expresses his gratitude for the opportunity to work with Peso Pluma, acknowledging him as a leading figure in Latin music. The reggaeton track not only soared onto the Billboard Hot 100 but also showcased a different facet of Peso Pluma’s artistry beyond his signature Mexican corridos.

Castro attributes the success of their collaboration to “the mutual respect and admiration we have for each other,” emphasizing this as a crucial element for any successful artistic partnership. Peso Pluma himself echoes this sentiment, admitting to being a long-time admirer of Castro’s work, even before his own career took off. He even sought out Castro in Colombia to deepen his understanding of reggaeton, highlighting the impact of Castro’s music on his own experiences.

Beyond his hit with Peso Pluma, Castro has built an impressive resume of collaborations with some of the biggest names in música urbana. He featured on Feid’s 2021 track “Monastery,” was invited by Karol G to open her Bichota Reloaded Tour in Medellín in 2021, shared the stage with J Balvin at the 2022 MTV VMAs, and recently teamed up with Maluma for a track on his 2023 album “Don Juan.” This incredible trajectory marks a significant departure from his days as a busking teenager. However, Castro remains grounded, emphasizing that every part of his past continues to shape his art and career. “I want to carry it forever so I don’t forget where I come from,” he states.

His upcoming debut album, “El Cantante del Ghetto,” is deeply inspired by his upbringing in Pedregal, his humble neighborhood. He describes the album as an ode to the community that first supported him. “They were my first fans, the first people who listened to me and I will always carry them in my heart,” he says. The album builds upon the success of his 2021 international merengue hit “Mujeriego” and his subsequent EPs, “Reggaetonera” and “Los Piratas,” both released the following year. While his core strength lies in classic reggaeton reminiscent of the early 2000s, characterized by infectious percussion and signature airhorns, Castro is not afraid to experiment. “El Cantante del Ghetto” promises a fusion of dancehall, rap, reggaeton, and other genres that have influenced him.

Born Bryan Castro Sosa, he was raised in Medellín by his mother’s cousins and the close-knit community of his neighborhood. From a young age, he harbored dreams of becoming an artist. With the support of his friends from his barrio, Castro channeled his energy into creativity, providing an alternative to the prevalent crime in his city. He acknowledges the temptations he faced, hinting at the drug trade that dominated Medellín for decades.

However, by the age of 13, Castro found himself drawn to the stories of artists who had risen from similar circumstances, particularly through biopics like Eminem’s “8 Mile” and 50 Cent’s “Get Rich or Die Tryin’.” He identified with their journeys of escaping poverty through music. “Instead of picking up a gun, they picked up a pen to write,” he reflects. Inspired, Castro began writing his own songs and sharing them on YouTube.

A pivotal moment came a few years after he started busking when Castro moved to Curaçao to live with his mother. This experience exposed him to new musical styles and cultures, including danzón and kizomba, which subtly influenced his songwriting. In 2017, his tropical love song “Morena” went viral in Colombia, marking a turning point in his career and earning him a dedicated fanbase in his homeland. “I returned to Medellín from Curaçao and then I was already ‘a bit famous,'” he recalls with a laugh.

Castro readily acknowledges the Colombian artists who paved the way for his success, particularly those from his native Medellín, including J Balvin, Karol G, Maluma, Feid, and Blessd. “They made a path for us,” he says, recognizing their role in establishing Colombia as a global force in urban music. “For us new Colombian artists, we can say we’re from the same land as Balvin and the whole world knows.”

Looking ahead, Ryan Castro is focused on building a lasting legacy and continuing the tradition of supporting emerging talent in Colombia. “I want to work with the new generation too so that the genre can continue in Colombia,” he affirms, demonstrating a commitment to the future of Colombian music. His journey from the streets of Medellín to the global stage is an inspiring story of ambition, resilience, and the transformative power of music.

Pioneering Voices and Influential Sounds:

For many, the name Doble Porcion resonates deeply within Colombian rap. Formed by the talented duo of Santiago Marín Villa (Métricas Frías) and Julián Cañas Molina (Mañas Ru-Fino) in 2011, they became known for their authentic boom bap sound and intricate lyricism. Their work has undoubtedly influenced a generation of artists.  

Since 2011, N. Hardem has also been a consistent force, drawing inspiration from the raw energy and narrative depth of 1990s underground rap. His projects often delve into personal experiences and social commentary, adding a crucial layer to the Colombian rap narrative.  

Diverse Expressions and Emerging Talents:

Beyond these established names, a diverse array of artists continues to enrich the scene. Los Nandez, Boom Full Meke, and One Mic are among those contributing their unique perspectives and styles to the Colombian rap soundscape. While information on these artists might be less readily available, their presence underscores the breadth and depth of the movement.  

On the potentially newer or more underground side, La Contrasena represents the ever-evolving nature of the genre, hinting at fresh voices and perspectives yet to be fully discovered by a wider audience.

International Connections and Cross-Cultural Influence:

The impact of Colombian rap extends beyond its borders. Tres Coronas, formed in 2001 by Colombians P.N.O. and Rocca alongside Dominican DJ Negro, found its footing in the bustling hip-hop scene of New York City. Their success highlights the ability of Colombian artists to connect with global audiences and contribute to the broader hip-hop conversation.  

A Scene Continually Evolving:

The Colombian rap scene is far from static. It’s a dynamic ecosystem of artists, producers, and fans constantly pushing boundaries and exploring new sonic territories. From the foundational sounds of boom bap to more contemporary styles, Colombian rappers are using their voices to reflect their realities, share their stories, and contribute to the rich tapestry of Colombian culture. As new artists emerge and established figures continue to innovate, the future of Colombian rap promises to be just as compelling as its past.

#Bogotá #Colombia #HipHopAlParque

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Seleccionamos algunas grabaciones icónicas del hip hop colombiano y, como suele hacerse en este tipo de listas, no pretendemos decidir cuál es la mejor o la más influyente. Nuestro objetivo es simplemente ofrecer un recorrido cronológico por la historia del rap hecho en Colombia, con el fin de recordar o descubrir canciones memorables dentro de un paisaje sonoro lleno de líricas y beats nacidos en esta tierra.

Desde Barranquilla hasta Cali, cruzando por Bogotá y Medellín, y haciendo escalas en el Chocó y hasta en París, el rap ha echado raíces en nuestra cultura desde que llegó con los polizones del Atlántico y el Pacífico, con películas como Beat Street o con los ecos del reggae panameño que cruzaban el Tapón del Darién con voces como las de El General, Nando Boom o Renato. Décadas después, el rap sigue vivo entre nosotros, y seguirá mientras artistas como los hermanos Pimienta, Gambeta, Ali, Tostao o Rocca mantengan viva la llama.

La Etnnia
El ataque del metano
1995

Gotas de Rap

Revolución

1997

Asilo 38

La hoguera

2000

Tres Coronas

Mixtape

2001

Flaco Flow y Melanina

Polizones

2004

Laberinto ELC

A mitad del camino

2006

Ali AKA Mind

Palabras del alma

2012

No Rules Clan

Rap nativo

2012

Superanfor

Santa Barbarie

2012

Systema Solar

La revancha del burro

2013

Rap music first arrived in Colombia during the 1980s, inspired by the movement’s rise in African American communities in the United States. Since then, it has become deeply woven into Colombian culture, with many youth drawn to its raw emotion and connection to social struggle.

Unlike in the U.S., where trap has become the dominant subgenre, Colombian audiences continue to embrace old-school rap. In much of Latin America, including Colombia, rap and trap elements have often fused with reggaeton, leading to a unique hybrid sound that reflects local culture and rhythms.

Bogotá’s Foundational Figures

In the early years, groups like La Etnia and Gotas de Rap helped introduce hip-hop to Colombian audiences. Emerging in the late 1980s and early ’90s, they laid the groundwork for today’s thriving scene. Their lyrics often dealt with themes of injustice, survival, and inner-city life, echoing the realities of their surroundings.

Crack Family

Formed in 2000 in Bogotá’s Ciudad Bolívar, Crack Family is considered one of the most influential acts in Colombian hip-hop. Led by Cejaz Negraz and Manny $$$, the duo gained fame for their gritty, politically-charged lyrics and traditional boom-bap beats. Their tracks like “Créalo Mi So / Cariñito,” “Gaminart,” and “Monumental” have racked up over 760 million views on YouTube, cementing their status as legends of the genre.

Doble Porción

Out of Medellín’s suburb Envigado came Doble Porción, a dark and introspective rap duo made up of Santiago Marín Vila (Métricas Frías) and Julián Cañas Molina (Mañas Ru-Fino). Their lyrics explored the struggles of urban youth, addiction, and the darker sides of love and life. Songs like “Roca N’Ron” and “Par de Pepas” gained underground acclaim. The group disbanded in 2022 following the tragic passing of Métricas Frías. Mañas Ru-Fino

has continued his career as a solo artist.

Alcolirykoz

Another heavyweight from Medellín is Alcolirykoz, formed in 1999 by Gambeta, Kaztro, and Fa-Zeta. Hailing from the Aranjuez district, they mix classic rap flows with Latin influences like jazz, salsa, and soul. Known for their thoughtful storytelling and poetic wordplay, some of their best-known tracks include “La Típica,” “Todo lo Bueno Tarda,” and “El Remate.” Their 2023 single, “Medellinficación,” critiques the city’s growing gentrification and the displacement it brings to low-income communities.

Trap and Freestyle in Colombia

Beyond classic hip-hop, Colombian artists have also made their mark in trap and freestyle. The trap scene, influenced by its Atlanta roots, features minimalist beats and lyrics often centered on street life. Artists like Deuxxer and Pirlo, both from Cali, are gaining attention, with Pirlo collaborating with major reggaeton stars Blessd and Feid.

Freestyle rap, especially in urban hubs, is thriving. Valles-T, born Juan Camilo Ballesteros Bermúdez, is one of Colombia’s most successful freestyle rappers. He has earned several wins in the Red Bull Batalla competitions, showcasing Colombia’s talent on the international stage.

Colombia’s rap scene continues to grow, fueled by a mix of tradition, innovation, and the unfiltered voices of its youth.

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The song, which was released in November, quickly sparked controversy across Colombia, particularly among organizations that defend children’s rights. Critics also slammed the track, with Rolling Stone’s Spanish-language site calling it a “disaster.” The court’s decision came after these concerns, ordering that Karol G, J Balvin, and other reggaeton artists involved in the song refrain from publishing any music that could harm minors or teenagers.

“+57,” named after Colombia’s telephone country code, includes lyrics that describe a young woman partying “despite having an owner.” The song mentions that the woman, “who has been a hot mama since she was 14,” goes to a disco and drinks shots, sparking further outrage due to its portrayal of youth in a sexualized light.

In response to the backlash, Karol G, whose real name is Carolina Giraldo, apologized on Instagram, stating that the lyrics were “taken out of context.” She also acknowledged that she had “a lot to learn.” J Balvin, whose real name is José Álvaro Osorio, also issued an apology.

Following the criticism, a revised version of “+57” was released on YouTube, altering the lyrics to reference a woman who has been a “hot mama since she was 18,” instead of 14.

The song was recorded in Karol G’s hometown of Medellín, which has gained international fame as a hub for reggaeton artists. However, the city has also struggled with protecting minors from sexual exploitation, as many sexual predators target young women in Medellín, further intensifying the social concerns around the song’s content.

The contentious line, “a mamacita since she was 14,” coupled with other explicit references to drugs and women’s bodies, has drawn sharp criticism from various sectors of Colombian society. Despite its 35 million streams and top spot on Spotify Colombia, the song has been accused of perpetuating harmful stereotypes about the country, particularly its association with sex tourism and the exploitation of women.

The backlash has reached the highest levels of government. Culture Minister Juan David Correa condemned the song as “banal, childish,” and “inconsequential,” arguing it reinforces negative perceptions of Colombia. The director of the country’s child welfare agency echoed these concerns, linking the lyrics to the “pattern of crime” associated with sex trafficking. Lawmakers have even proposed legislation to punish artists who promote explicit lyrics.

Caught in the crossfire, Karol G, a prominent female reggaeton artist known for her empowering lyrics, apologized for the song and the lyrics were changed to “since she was 18.” She acknowledged the lyrics were “taken out of context” but took responsibility, admitting she still had “a lot to learn.” However, other artists involved, like J Balvin and Blessd, have defended the song, arguing against what they perceive as an unfair attack on the reggaeton genre.  

Defenders of reggaeton argue that the criticism is selective, pointing out that other genres, like vallenato, also contain misogynistic lyrics without facing similar scrutiny. They claim the backlash is rooted in a broader disdain for reggaeton, a genre that emerged from marginalized communities and often reflects their social realities.

The controversy has also sparked a debate about cultural representation. Medellín, a city that has become a reggaeton hub, is also grappling with its reputation for drugs and sex tourism. Some argue that reggaeton is an integral part of Medellín’s culture and should be viewed within that context. Andrea Sañudo, a Medellín resident, argued that the criticism is “hypocritical” and ignores the realities of the communities from which the music originates.

The “+57” controversy has become a microcosm of larger tensions surrounding artistic expression, social responsibility, and cultural representation. While some see the lyrics as harmful and exploitative, others view them as a reflection of the genre’s raw, unfiltered origins. As the debate rages on, it raises crucial questions about the role of music in shaping cultural narratives and the delicate balance between artistic freedom and social impact.

In recent years, reggaeton has become practically synonymous with Colombia. The country has infused its own sounds and a unique flow into the genre, establishing itself as a hub for reggaeton’s global expansion. Colombian urban artists like J Balvin, Maluma, KAROL G, and Feid have become international stars, helping drive the popularity of Colombian reggaeton around the world. According to Spotify data, beyond its home turf, the genre is most consumed in Mexico, the U.S., Spain, Chile, and Argentina.

Today, more than 350 million user-generated playlists globally on Spotify include at least one song by a Colombian reggaeton artist. The success of the genre has paved the way for emerging talent to embrace these rhythms and start building a new legacy, broadening the spectrum of urban music, experimenting with new sounds, and gaining recognition as the next wave of Colombian artists to watch.

These rising stars plan to follow in the footsteps of the genre’s greatest artists, topping charts around the world. Here are five Colombian artists from the new generation who should be on your radar.

Juan Duque

Born in Marinilla, Antioquia, Juan Duque launched his music career in 2018 and has been steadily raising his profile ever since. On Spotify, the artist has seen a 245% increase in worldwide streams in the last 12 months, having amassed his largest audiences in Colombia, Mexico, the U.S., Spain, and Peru.

His top song on the platform is “Maria” with 17.9 million streams, followed by “Juan Duque Hotline: Cobuz & Bustta” (10.3 million), “+ Chimbita” (5.9 million), and “Maria – Remix” featuring reggaeton star Ryan Castro (5.1 million).

Pirlo

Currently sitting at 4.4 million monthly Spotify listeners, Pirlo is one of the members of the “Cali Cartel,” a collective of urban artists from Cali, one of Colombia’s most important cities. In the last year, the artist’s song streams on Spotify have increased by 657% worldwide and 543% in Colombia, where he has his largest audience, followed by the U.S., Mexico, Spain, and Chile.

He has also teamed up with artists like Feid and Blessd, further boosting his reach. “CUAL ES ESA,” a collaboration with Feid, is Pirlo’s top song with 62.4 million streams, followed by “Ziploc (Blessd Version)” with the Paisa artist Blessd, which has racked up 33.8 million streams.

El Clooy

Carlos Alberto Valoyes Rentería, known by his stage name, El Clooy, is a young, versatile urban artist from Antioquia. Growing up, he was influenced by genres like R&B and hip-hop, as well as artists like Chris Brown and Justin Bieber, though he cites Puerto Rican artist Arcángel as his biggest inspiration.

On Spotify, El Clooy currently has over 366,000 monthly listeners. He has seen a nearly 20% increase in streams in Colombia in the last year, with his top song “Ganas” surpassing 8.7 million streams.

Esteban Rojas

Also known as “La Nue,” Esteban Rojas is another member of the “Cali Cartel.” As a performer-improviser-rapper-singer with over 1.8 million monthly Spotify listeners, the Cali native has emerged as an artist to watch. 

The artist’s song streams on Spotify have increased by an impressive 2,400% worldwide and 2,246% in Colombia. His top song is “Todos Mienten,” a collaboration with Soley that has racked up 12.6 million streams, followed by “Bulevar” with 10.8 million streams.

Soley

Soley is a singer-songwriter whose vocal versatility and discipline have earned her recognition across various genres, with songs like “3:33” and “Respira” racking up 4.2 million and 1.4 million streams, respectively.

Born in Armenia, the young Colombian artist currently has over 427,000 monthly Spotify listeners, and she was one of the openers for Karol G’s Mañana Será Bonito Fest in Medellín last December. Her audience is largely based in Colombia, Spain, the U.S., Mexico, and Peru.

Stream our Made in Colombia playlist to discover more of the country’s hottest artists.