Nicky Jam, J Balvin - X (Spanglish Version): The Hottest Latin Song of 2018

Nicky Jam and J Balvin's X (Spanglish Version): A Hit Song That Mixes Languages and Genres

Introduction

If you are a fan of Latin music, you have probably heard of X, a song by American singer Nicky Jam and Colombian singer J Balvin. Released in March 2018, the song became a global hit, topping the charts in several countries and reaching over 1.8 billion views on YouTube. But did you know that there is also a Spanglish version of the song, released in April 2018, that mixes Spanish and English lyrics?

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In this article, we will explore the background, the meaning, and the impact of this catchy song that blends languages and genres. We will also analyze its main elements, such as the synth trumpet hook, the Spanish dancehall beat, and the reggae, reggaeton, Latin pop and Afrobeats influences. Finally, we will compare the Spanglish version with the original Spanish version and evaluate its quality and significance.

Analysis of the song

What is X (Spanglish Version) and who are Nicky Jam and J Balvin?

X (also stylized as EQUIS) is a song by Nicky Jam and J Balvin, two of the most popular artists in the Latin music scene. Nicky Jam is a Puerto Rican-American singer who rose to fame in the late 1990s as one of the pioneers of reggaeton, a genre that combines reggae, rap, and Latin rhythms. He has collaborated with artists such as Daddy Yankee, Enrique Iglesias, and Will Smith. J Balvin is a Colombian singer who has been one of the leading figures of the Latin pop movement since the early 2010s. He has worked with artists such as Beyoncé, Pharrell Williams, and Cardi B.

The song was written by Nicky Jam, J Balvin, Juan Diego Medina, Giordano Ashruf, Jeon Arvani Nigam, Shareef Badloe, Rashid Badloe, Jonathan Thiel. It was produced by Jeon Arvani Nigam (also known as Jeon) and Shareef Badloe (also known as Afro Bros), two Dutch producers who specialize in Afro-Caribbean music. The song was released by Sony Music Latin on March 2, 2018.

The Spanglish version of the song was released on April 27, 2018. It features some changes in the lyrics to incorporate English words and phrases. For example, in the chorus, instead of saying "Estamos claro' y ya" ("We are clear 'and already"), they say "You know I want ya". In some verses, they also switch from Spanish to English or vice versa.

Why did they release a Spanglish version of the song?

The main reason why Nicky Jam and J Balvin released a Spanglish version of X was to reach a wider audience, especially in the United States, where there is a large market for bilingual music. By mixing Spanish and English, they appeal to both Spanish-speaking and English-speaking listeners, as well as those who are bilingual or multilingual. They also show their versatility and creativity as artists, as they adapt their lyrics and flow to different languages and contexts. Another reason why they released a Spanglish version of the song was to follow the trend of cross-cultural collaborations and remixes that have been popular in recent years. For example, Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee's Despacito (featuring Justin Bieber), J Balvin and Willy William's Mi Gente (featuring Beyoncé), and Bad Bunny and Drake's MIA are some of the songs that have combined Spanish and English vocals and achieved global success. How did the song perform on the charts and streaming platforms?

The song was a commercial success, both in its original Spanish version and in its Spanglish version. According to Billboard, the song reached number one on the Hot Latin Songs chart, the Latin Airplay chart, the Latin Streaming Songs chart, the Latin Digital Song Sales chart, and the Latin Pop Songs chart in the United States. It also peaked at number 41 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making it one of the highest-charting Spanish-language songs in history. The song also topped the charts in countries such as Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Spain, and Venezuela.

On YouTube, the music video for the song has over 1.8 billion views as of June 2023. It features Nicky Jam and J Balvin dancing and singing in a colorful and vibrant setting, surrounded by women and cars. The video was directed by Jesse Terrero, a Dominican-American filmmaker who has worked with artists such as Jennifer Lopez, Wisin y Yandel, and 50 Cent. The video won the award for Best Urban Music Video at the 2018 Latin Grammy Awards.

On Spotify, the song has over 800 million streams as of June 2023. It is one of the most streamed songs on the platform, ranking among the top 100 songs of all time. The song also has over 300 million streams on Apple Music, making it one of the most popular songs on the service.

Analysis of the song

What are the main elements of the song?

The song has a simple but catchy structure, consisting of a chorus, two verses, a bridge, and an outro. The chorus is repeated four times throughout the song, while the verses are sung by Nicky Jam and J Balvin alternately. The bridge is a short section where they sing together in harmony. The outro is a variation of the chorus where they add some ad-libs and shout-outs.

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The song has a duration of 2 minutes and 54 seconds. It has a tempo of 90 beats per minute (BPM), which is relatively slow for a dance song. However, it has a groove that makes it easy to move to. The song is in the key of F minor, which gives it a dark and moody tone. However, it also has some bright and cheerful sounds that contrast with the minor key.

The song has three main elements that make it stand out: the synth trumpet hook, the Spanish dancehall beat, and the reggae, reggaeton, Latin pop and Afrobeats influences.

The synth trumpet hook

The most recognizable element of the song is the synth trumpet hook that plays throughout the song. It is a catchy melody that consists of four notes: F-Eb-Db-C. It sounds like a real trumpet, but it is actually created by a synthesizer. The synth trumpet hook was inspired by another song called Baila Baila Baila by Mozambican singer Mr Bow. Nicky Jam and J Balvin heard this song while they were in Africa and decided to sample it for their own song.

The synth trumpet hook adds a lot of energy and excitement to the song. It also creates a contrast between the low-pitched vocals and the high-pitched instrument. The synth trumpet hook is one of the reasons why the song is so catchy and memorable. It also makes the song stand out from other Latin songs that use more traditional instruments, such as guitars, pianos, or drums.

The Spanish dancehall beat

Another element of the song is the Spanish dancehall beat that provides the rhythm and the foundation for the vocals. The Spanish dancehall beat is a type of beat that originated in Spain and is influenced by Jamaican dancehall, a genre of music that features fast and syncopated drums, bass, and electronic sounds. The Spanish dancehall beat is also known as dembow, which is a term that refers to a specific drum pattern that is common in reggaeton and other Latin genres.

The Spanish dancehall beat of X consists of a kick drum, a snare drum, a hi-hat, and a tom-tom. The kick drum plays on the first and third beat of each measure, while the snare drum plays on the second and fourth beat. The hi-hat plays on every eighth note, creating a steady pulse. The tom-tom plays on every fourth sixteenth note, adding some variation and accentuation. The beat has a swing feel, which means that some notes are slightly delayed or rushed, creating a groove and a bounce.

The Spanish dancehall beat adds a lot of movement and dynamism to the song. It also creates a contrast between the slow tempo and the fast rhythm. The Spanish dancehall beat is one of the reasons why the song is so danceable and fun. It also makes the song fit in with other Latin songs that use similar beats, such as Despacito, Mi Gente, and Dura.

The reggae, reggaeton, Latin pop and Afrobeats influences

The third element of the song is the reggae, reggaeton, Latin pop and Afrobeats influences that shape the style and the mood of the song. The song combines elements from different genres and cultures, creating a fusion that reflects the diversity and the creativity of Nicky Jam and J Balvin.

The reggae influence can be heard in the vocals, which have a relaxed and laid-back tone. Reggae is a genre of music that originated in Jamaica in the 1960s and is characterized by its offbeat rhythms, its social and political messages, and its use of patois, a dialect of English with African and Spanish influences. Nicky Jam and J Balvin use some reggae slang words in their lyrics, such as baby girl, gyal, boom boom, and fire.

The reggaeton influence can be heard in the beat, which has a dembow pattern, as well as in the vocals, which have a rap-like flow. Reggaeton is a genre of music that originated in Puerto Rico in the 1990s and is influenced by reggae, rap, and Latin rhythms. It is known for its explicit lyrics, its sexual themes, and its party vibe. Nicky Jam and J Balvin use some reggaeton catchphrases in their lyrics, such as dale, suave, pégate, and dale gasolina.

The Latin pop influence can be heard in the melody, which has a catchy and simple structure, as well as in the vocals, which have a smooth and sweet tone. Latin pop is a genre of music that originated in Latin America in the 1980s and is influenced by pop, rock, salsa, cumbia, merengue, and other Latin genres. It is known for its romantic lyrics, its upbeat tempo, and its mainstream appeal. Nicky Jam and J Balvin use some Latin pop words in their lyrics, such as amor, corazón, baila, and beso.

The Afrobeats influence can be heard in the synth trumpet hook, which was sampled from an African song, as well as in the vocals, which have some African accents and expressions. Afrobeats is a genre of music that originated in Nigeria in the 2000s and is influenced by African music, hip hop, R&B, dancehall, and house. It is known for its infectious rhythms, its diverse sounds, and its global influence. Nicky Jam and J Balvin use some Afrobeats words in their lyrics, such as oye, eh, na, and chaka chaka.

What are the main themes of the song?

The song has three main themes that convey the message and the mood of the song: love and attraction, dance and movement, and confidence and charisma.

Love and attraction

The song is about the attraction and the desire that Nicky Jam and J Balvin feel for a woman who catches their eye. They use various compliments and metaphors to express their admiration and their interest. For example, they say that she is a masterpiece, a diamond, a goddess, a bombshell, and a firework. They also say that they want to kiss her, touch her, hold her, and make her theirs. They use a mix of Spanish and English words to communicate their feelings, such as te quiero, I need you, te deseo, and I want ya.

The theme of love and attraction adds a lot of romance and passion to the song. It also creates a contrast between the playful and the sensual tones. The theme of love and attraction is one of the reasons why the song is so appealing and relatable. It also makes the song fit in with other Latin songs that use similar themes, such as Échame La Culpa, Déjala Que Vuelva, and Bella y Sensual.

Dance and movement

The song is also about the dance and the movement that Nicky Jam and J Balvin enjoy with the woman who attracts them. They use various verbs and adverbs to describe their actions and their style. For example, they say that they want to dance with her, move with her, swing with her, and go with her. They also say that they do it slowly, smoothly, naturally, and easily. They use a mix of Spanish and English words to communicate their intentions, such as baila conmigo, let's go slow-mo, mueve todo eso pa' mí, and let's get it on yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah.

The theme of dance and movement adds a lot of fun and energy to the song. It also creates a contrast between the calm and the fast tempo. The theme of dance and movement is one of the reasons why the song is so catchy and enjoyable. It also makes the song fit in with other Latin songs that use similar themes, such as Danza Kuduro, Hasta El Amanecer, and Safari.

Confidence and charisma

The song is also about the confidence and the charisma that Nicky Jam and J Balvin display in their interaction with the woman who fascinates them. They use various adjectives and nouns to describe their personality and their attitude. For example, they say that they are cool, hot, sexy, savage, and bosses. They also say that they have style, swag, rhythm, and vibe. They use a mix of Spanish and English words to communicate their self-esteem, such as somos los mejores, we run this show, somos los dueños del party, and nobody can touch us.

The theme of confidence and charisma adds a lot of attitude and swagger to the song. It also creates a contrast between the humble and the arrogant tones The theme of confidence and charisma is one of the reasons why the song is so appealing and inspiring. It also makes the song fit in with other Latin songs that use similar themes, such as Gasolina, Ginza, and Con Altura.

How does the Spanglish version differ from the original Spanish version?

The Spanglish version of X differs from the original Spanish version in two main ways: the changes in the lyrics and their meaning, and the impact on the audience and the market.

The changes in the lyrics and their meaning

The Spanglish version of X changes some of the lyrics from Spanish to English, or vice versa, to create a bilingual mix. Some of the changes are minor, such as replacing words with their equivalent in another language, or adding or removing words to fit the rhyme or the rhythm. For example, in the chorus, they change "Estamos claro' y ya" to "You know I want ya", or in the bridge, they change "Pa' mí tú eres número uno" to "You're number one for me". These changes do not affect the meaning or the message of the song significantly.

However, some of the changes are more significant, as they alter or add some nuances to the meaning or the message of the song. For example, in the first verse, Nicky Jam changes "Si tu novio no te trata bien" ("If your boyfriend doesn't treat you well") to "If you feel what I feel baby". This change shifts the focus from criticizing the woman's boyfriend to expressing his own feelings for her. In the second verse, J Balvin changes "Tú eres la reina de mi castillo" ("You are the queen of my castle") to "You're my queen you're my lady". This change reduces the metaphorical and poetic tone of the original line and makes it more direct and literal. In the outro, they change "Esto es pa' que quede, lo que empezamos" ("This is so that it stays, what we started") to "This is forever, you know we started". This change implies a more lasting and serious relationship than the original line.

The changes in the lyrics and their meaning add some variety and diversity to the song. They also create a contrast between the different languages and cultures. The changes in the lyrics and their meaning are one of the reasons why the song is so interesting and adaptable. They also make the song more accessible and appealing to different listeners.

The impact on the audience and the market

The Spanglish version of X also has a different impact on the audience and the market than the original Spanish version. The Spanglish version has a broader reach, as it can attract both Spanish-speaking and English-speaking listeners, as well as those who are bilingual or multilingual. The Spanglish version also has a more crossover appeal, as it can fit in with both Latin and mainstream music markets. The Spanglish version also has a more innovative and creative appeal, as it shows the ability and the willingness of Nicky Jam and J Balvin to experiment with different languages and genres.

The impact on the audience and the market adds a lot of value and potential to the song. It also creates a contrast between the local and the global perspectives. The impact on the audience and the market is one of the reasons why the song is so successful and influential. It also makes the song more relevant and competitive in the music industry.

Conclusion

In conclusion, X (Spanglish Version) is a hit song that mixes languages and genres. It is a song by Nicky Jam and J Balvin, two of the most popular artists in the Latin music scene. It was released in April 2018, following the original Spanish version that was released in March 2018. It features some changes in the lyrics to incorporate English words and phrases.

The song has three main elements that make it stand out: the synth trumpet hook, the Spanish dancehall beat, and the reggae, reggaeton, Latin pop and Afrobeats influences. The song also has three main themes that convey its message and mood: love and attraction, dance and movement, and confidence and charisma.

The song is a commercial success, topping the charts in several countries and reaching over 1.8 billion views on YouTube. It is also a critical success, winning awards and recognition from critics and fans alike. It is also a cultural success, representing the diversity and creativity of Latin music.

The song is a quality and significant song that deserves to be listened to and enjoyed by anyone who loves music. It is a catchy and fun song that can make you dance and sing along. It is also an inspiring and meaningful song that can make you feel good about yourself and your culture.

If you liked this article, you might also like these other songs by Nicky Jam and J Balvin:

• Travesuras: A reggaeton song by Nicky Jam that talks about his mischievous adventures with different women.

• Ay Vamos: A reggaeton song by J Balvin that talks about his complicated relationship with his girlfriend.

• El Perdón: A Latin pop song by Nicky Jam featuring Enrique Iglesias that talks about his regret for losing his love.

• Ginza: A Latin pop song by J Balvin that talks about his confidence and charisma on the dance floor.

• Hasta El Amanecer: A reggaeton song by Nicky Jam that talks about his desire to spend the night with a woman he met at a party.

FAQs

• What does X mean in the title of the song?

X is a letter that can have different meanings depending on the context. In this case, it can mean either a kiss, a cross, or an unknown variable.

• Who are Afro Bros?

Afro Bros are a duo of Dutch producers who specialize in Afro-Caribbean music. They produced X along with Jeon Arvani Nigam.

• What is Spanglish?

Spanglish is a term that refers to a mixture of Spanish and English languages. It can be used by people who speak both languages or by people who want to communicate with speakers of both languages.

• What are some other examples of Spanglish songs?

Some other examples of Spanglish songs are Bailando by Enrique Iglesias featuring Sean Paul, Gente de Zona and Descemer Bueno, La Bicicleta by Carlos Vives and Shakira, I Like It by Cardi B, Bad Bunny and J Balvin, and Taki Taki by DJ Snake featuring Selena Gomez, Ozuna and Cardi B.

• What are some other genres that mix languages and cultures?

Some other genres that mix languages and cultures are K-pop, which mixes Korean and English languages and pop, hip hop, R&B, EDM and other genres; Bollywood, which mixes Hindi and English languages and Indian, Western, Arabic and other genres; and Reggae en Español, which mixes Spanish and English languages and reggae, dancehall, salsa, merengue and other genres.

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