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.
