El Niño de Medellín.

GUERRA

It was early during the morning of November 1995 when the world heard the news that a radical militia stormed the Colombian Justice Palace. A gang led by the desires of a drug lord captured the Palace to demonstrate the power evil had over the country.

The goal was to make a statement on behalf of Pablo Escobar who had been ridiculed for his desire to become President one day. The horrific events of 1985 ended in a massacre that would be eclipsed by the deaths generated by drug war over the next decades.

It all started with Escobar in Medellin. The native land of the most infamous drug kingpin. But 35 years later, Medellin is known for something very different.

It seems like a distant past when Medellin was known for drug traffic feared by tourists and citizens alike. Today, it is known for a very different export: music.

MÚSICA

That same year, 1985, six month before the Palace siege, a new ambassador was born. Wrapped in middle-class beginnings, Jose would later become a clear contrast to Pablo. His guns were lyrics and his asset music.

Jose was an guy who refused to fail. Little known to many he won freestyle battles in the barrios while he pinned lyrics during the day.

José in 2012 after his major release “La Familia”.

Part of the beauty of his journey is the strength of his rhymes. The music world is plagued with references to narcos who use them to make their songs catchier. They sell a lifestyle of diamonds, and luxe, always at risk and painting an analogy to their struggles at the hood.

But José is different. For him the references to trafficking and narcotics are not an analogy, they are bad memories he probably wishes never happened.

That desire is a reminder of his role as an ambassador. He spreads talent, complexity, and self-awareness.

Different. Truly different. That is J Balvin in a nutshell. Smiles and realism combined with contagious energy. But at the end of the day, he is much more than a reggaetonero.

CULTURA

After a 12 year journey, Balvin's dream went from an illusion to reality. He became the first latino artist to headline Coachella. That's when it must have hit. Sharing stage with Beyoncé and Rosalía and a hug with Jay-Z. Thousands of people coming from all over the world to sign in Spanish.

He soon became the first Latino to launch a line with the top sneaker brand in the world. Pairs wore by Bieber and Fallon. Making the seller list in 2020.

Against all odds, he made it happen in Medellin. Something that anyone from the time of Pablo must have seemed as a far fetched lie. Oh boy did he accomplish something. His story is not as much as over coming the difficulty of the hood. Neither easier nor harder, just different, his story is about overcoming the shadow of history.

He represents the hero that Medellin deserved but thought they'd never have. He is El Niño de Medellin.