Image via Complex Original
POV is a recurring first-person column whereby Complex employees have the opportunity to express their unique perspectives on an array of topics. In this column, proud Colombians Lariza Quintero (SEO Manager) and Kevin Orozco (Paid Media Manager, Consumer) discuss the significance of J Balvin's collab with Jordan Brand.
There's no denying that Latinx artists are becoming household names around the world. But among them, one name stands out to the Complex set for his shared obsessions in sneakers and streetwear: our fellow Colombian, J Balvin.
J Balvin is once again breaking the status quo and releasing his "Colores y Vibras" Air Jordan 1 High sneaker on Dec. 8, making him the first Latinx artist to have an official collaboration with the Jordan Brand. Like Balvin's vibrant personality and captivating music, the sneaker is instantly unique: It comes with a tie-dye effect and interchangeable patches to match your mood.
J Balvin's Air Jordan 1 High 'Vibras Y Colores' Collaboration. Image via J Balvin
As two Colombians writing this piece, we wanted to honor this collaboration and acknowledge all the barriers José and his sneaker are breaking. Here, then, are six reasons why the J Balvin Air Jordan 1 collaboration is pa'l mundo y pa' la cultura (for the world and for the culture).
Latinx Are Redefining Streetwear and Sneakers
J Balvin is one of the biggest fashion and sneaker icons in the Latinx music space right now, but he isn't alone. From front-row seats at Fashion Week shows, to streetwear collaborations, to official sneaker partnerships, we're seeing more Latinx names in these spaces such as Cardi B, Bad Bunny, and Maluma. Still, it's not every day we see ourselves reflected in mainstream media or fashion; so when we do, it's important we acknowledge and celebrate our milestones. His Air Jordan 1 sneaker is a full-circle moment for J Balvin, who in a 2017 episode of Sneaker Shopping revealed that it was the shoe his cousins would bring him Air Jordan 1s from the U.S. to Colombia. This is the first time we're seeing the classic silhouette being pushed this far. It's also been redefined in a way that we believe is innovative but still authentic to his Latinx roots—from the sneaker's vibrant colors to its unique patterns, even to the Spanish name (Colores Y Vibras, an homage to his last two albums). He wanted to be the person who dared to touch the Air Jordan 1 as no one has before and we can all agree, he did just that.
Hard work is something that's been heavily instilled in our Latinx culture and something we admire most about J Balvin. From his humble beginnings in Medellín to moving to the U.S. at 18 to make his dreams a reality, hard work has been the key to his success. Like J Balvin, we were once kids waiting in sneaker lines trying to get the latest Jordans. Fast-forward years later, we're witnessing the first Colombian to have a Jordan collaboration. This all couldn't be possible without J Balvin's commitment and his ability to speak things into existence. In a 2018 YouTube Music Live Q&A moderated by Upscale Vandal, Balvin said he couldn't think of any Latino with a Nike or Jordan collaboration and expressed a desire to change the sneaker industry. This was him speaking his dreams into existence. To us, José is living proof that anything is possible when there's hard work, passion, and dedication behind it.
The 'Latino Gang' Is Universal
The "Latino Gang" has become a movement across the world. We felt the excitement when Shakira and J.Lo performed during February's Super Bowl LIV halftime show, the same night J Balvin debuted his Air Jordan 1 collaboration. Although he has expressed that this shoe is for everyone, we can't help but celebrate the Latinx unity we've seen in the run-up to the drop. The early friends-and-family release has reached everyone from J.Lo and Karol G, to NYC's DJ Camilo, to OG reggaeton artists we grew up listening to. There's also a sense of pride in Colombia, where J Balvin was seen signing Jordan 1s for fans in his hometown, Medellín. No matter where in the world, the "Latino Gang" remains strong and will continue to leave its mark.
Colombia Is More Than Its Dark Past
J Balvin represents the best in Colombia. And we don't mean his house, his cars, or his fame. We are referring to his humility and love for humans around the world. Unfortunately, movies and TV shows like Netflix's Narcos have always portrayed Colombia to be the center of drug trafficking and narcos. Sure, our country has gone through dark moments, but J Balvin's rise to fame and music have started to change everyone's perception of Colombia. His sneaker represents that evolving perception.
This is also the first time Colombia is experiencing a sneaker release of this magnitude. Colombia’s Nike ambassador and sneaker influencer Paulina Guzman told us, "The Latino Gang is bigger than ever. José always had a large vision." When we asked her about the conversations between J Balvin and Jordan Brand, Paulina simply said: "It was the Jordan 1, or nothing." This Jordan collab is a beacon of hope to Latinx people around the world that Colombia's dark history is just that—a thing of the past. Whichever way you look at it, J Balvin's career is symbolic of our country's troubles and successes. This sneaker is a manifestation of Colombia's bright and prosperous future and for all Latinx people around the world.
For any Colombian, there are two things that bring you to tears: 1. The Colombian national anthem, and 2. When the Colombian national soccer team plays. We're adding a third, with this sneaker collab. J Balvin has been hustling and fighting his way to the top since his days growing up in Medellín. He's been the first in many things, but it's safe to say that for a Latinx artist who is into sneakers and fashion, having a Jordan collab is the pinnacle of their career. J Balvin's influence on streetwear, music, and fashion is undeniable, and his leadership with other Latinx artists like Bad Bunny only cements his legacy. In J Balvin's closet, there are no rules. And this sneaker paves the way for other Latinx artists who want to continue pushing the status quo.
J Balvin Continues to Spread 'Vibras' and 'Colores'
J Balvin will always spread his love for people, whether it be through performing at concerts, visiting his childhood neighborhood in Medellín, or collaborating with brands that make us smile. This sneaker is a representation of his happiness, his struggles, his vibes, and his colorful sense of fashion. He embodies this energy when he refers to his mental health and well-being. His series of "Buenos Dias" posts on Instagram in the summer of 2019 is a pure example of taking life one day at a time—and that's exactly what he does. We appreciate his constant wish for people to have better and brighter days. Sometimes, we put on all his bangers from the Vibras album, or we put on "Gris" from his latest album, Colores. When listening to his music, J Balvin helps us understand that life is a spectrum of emotions.
We are proud to be Colombians. We are proud to see other Latinx artists succeed. We are proud of J Balvin for making his dreams come true.