J Balvin has criticized artists for what he characterizes as lyrically focusing on "the attitude of criminals and drug dealers."
In an Instagram note (WARNING: the accompanying photo is graphic) shared Tuesday, Balvin spoke of his own history in 1980s Medellin, Colombia and its impact on those closest to him. "It was full fever in the streets and however much you wanted to avoid [it] and you were not 'street,' some friend, acquaintance, or family member were killed in the most cruel and inhumane [way]," Balvin said.
Balvin, calling himself a representative of the reggaeton genre, said this atmosphere damaged his home "for generations" and also affected the world at large. "For me it is a joke what is happening," he said, adding that he has "zero respect" for artists providing "shit vibes" instead of making listeners "happy."
See Balvin's full note, originally written in Spanish, below:
Vibras, Balvin's fifth full-length studio effort, dropped via Universal Latin back in May. The 14-track Billboard 200 hit was supported by the singles "Ahora," "Machika," and "Mi Gente," the latter of which he performed with Beyoncé at this year's Coachella festival.
In September, Balvin will kick off his North American Vibras Tour with an opening stop at the Selland Arena in Fresno, California.
