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

• J Balvin collaborates with Cheetos to find an ambassador for the Deja tu Huella program
• The Colombian star talks about taking the pressure off making his upcoming album Rayo
• Balvin Says He Knows What He Wants “More Than Ever”

After J Balvin released his fifth studio album Josehe 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 for release Rayo on Friday, August 9. Speaking to PEOPLE in light of his collaboration with Cheetos for the Deja tu Huella program, the “Mi Gente” singer says he let go of the pressure and recorded something he was proud of.

“This album was inspired when I was a kid making music just for the love of music, forgetting about work. This is something that reminded me of my childhood when I wanted to be an artist. When I was the most hungry was when I was a kid, ” says Balvin, 39.

“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 making music. That’s why this album is so important to me, because I just had fun doing it,” he continues.

J Balvin.

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This time, Balvin did not set himself hard deadlines and created when it was natural for him.

“The nice thing is that I didn’t plan to make an album. I was just working day by day, making music for fun, and eventually we said, ‘Wow, we have so many songs. It’s time to give people a package of good energy.'”

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

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

Since Balvin was released Jose In 2021, he also became the father of a 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 it’s really powerful,” he says. “It also reminds me that I’m at peace. I know what I want more than ever.”

J Balvin.

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

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

“We want to help people with talent and vision move to the next level,” says Balvin. “We’re looking for people who are hungry like me, hungry to do what they love, hungry to elevate what they do, hungry to make 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.”

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Source: HIS Education