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J Balvin is an award-winning songwriter and a Colombia native. Even if he doesnā€™t flaunt his wealth, this musician revealed that he once survived an armed robbery because the robber recognized who he was.Ā 

J Balvin released songs ā€œMi Gente,ā€ ā€œLA CANCIƓN,ā€ and ā€œNo Me Conoceā€

J Balvin speaks onstage at the 26th Annual ACE Awards at Cipriani 42nd Street
Artist J Balvin speaks onstage at the 26th Annual ACE Awards at Cipriani 42nd Street | Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for Accessories Council

Heā€™s known for songs like ā€œMi Genteā€ and ā€œSigue.ā€ Since his debut on the music scene, J Balvin, full name JosĆ© Ɓlvaro Osorio Balvin, has earned worldwide recognition, snagging four nominations from the Grammy Awards.Ā 

ā€œQUE PRETENDESā€ by J Balvin and Bad Bunny reached over 550 million Spotify plays. Balvin performed alongside Shakira and Jennifer Lopez at the Pepsi Super Bowl halftime show.Ā 

J Balvin had a role in creating music for Sponge on the Run, with the song ā€œAguaā€ appearing in the animated production. The artist teamed up with Bad Bunny for ā€œLa CanciĆ³n.ā€ He was also a featured artist on Cardi Bā€™s ā€œI Like It.ā€

J Balvin was robbed at gunpoint (and then saved because of ā€˜the power of loveā€™)

Where does J Balvin live when heā€™s not touring? According to People, J Balvin is a New Yorker with a home in the Big Apple. When heā€™s not in New York City, though, this artist spends time in his birth country of Colombia.Ā 

During an interview with Complex, J Balvin described an experience of getting robbed at gunpoint. After the robber realized his identity, J Balvin was even offered protection.Ā 

ā€œHe was like, ā€˜Bro, can I take a picture with you?ā€™ā€ the artist said. ā€œI understood that the power of music and the power of love can change everything,ā€ he remarked. ā€œI feel more secure than anybody in the world when Iā€™m in Colombia.ā€

As a Colombia native, this artist noted that some who flaunt their wealth often end up ā€œkidnapped or killed.ā€

ā€œIā€™ve seen people that were kidnapped or robbed in Colombia because they didnā€™t say thank you to the right person,ā€ Balvin said. ā€œI feel really protected. I donā€™t have bodyguards. I donā€™t like bodyguards. I donā€™t like somebody to be around me all the timeā€¦ I make my own protection.ā€

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Ed Sheeran and J Balvin Became Friends In a Gym and Eventually Made Music Together

J Balvin said battling COVID ā€˜almost killed [him]ā€™

This wouldnā€™t be the only near-death experience for J Balvin. In 2021, J Balvin appeared onstage during Global Citizenā€™s Vax Live: The Concert to Reunite the World. There, he revealed the personal reason why he wants fans to get vaccinated ā€” sharing his experience with coronavirus (COVID-19).

ā€œI had COVID before. It almost killed me,ā€ he said, according to Billboard, before taking the stage during Vax Live. ā€œWe donā€™t want people to feel what I felt. I want people to really know they have to vaccinate for themselves, for others, for the world.ā€

Music by J Balvin is available on most major streaming platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music.Ā