J Balvin decided to close 2025, and an uncomfortable chapter in his musical career, with reconciliation with the singer Residente, after four years of distancing, hints and dispute.
This was announced through a thoughtful message on his Instagram account. Without boasts or hints, The Paisa artist confirmed that reconciliation with Residente is already a fact.
“Faced with the immensity of the things that happen in the world, this is possibly one of the smallest. But in such a complex world, that two people who do not agree on everything can meet again, it seems valuable to us. We met months ago. We listen to each other. We understood each other. In the end, time is always right“Balvin wrote on Instagram.
The message made it clear that it was not an improvised gesture or a promotional strategy, The reunion occurred far from the media noise, with conversation, listening and time as protagonists.
Origin of the conflict between J Balvin and Residente, when the controversy broke out
The dispute dates back to October 2021. At that time, J Balvin publicly questioned the Latin Grammys for, according to him, not valuing the urban gender fairly. Residente’s response was immediate and devastating.
The former leader of Calle 13 compared Balvin’s music to a “hot dog cart”that is, popular, successful, but without artistic depth.
The phrase went viral and marked the beginning of an open confrontation that divided opinions in the Latin music industry.
The BZRP Music Session #49: Residente’s hardest hit
The tension escalated in March 2022 with BZRP Music Session #49. Over there, Residente went far beyond a general criticism and launched a frontal attack, questioning Balvin’s artistic authenticityaccused him of depending on composers and prioritizing the commercial formula over content.
The session not only dominated trends, but also made it clear that the conflict was no longer a simple exchange of opinions, but a public breakup between two of the most influential figures in urban Latin.
Find out here: Bad Bunny and J Balvin finally reconciled: the artists sang together this weekend in Mexico
The emotional impact on J Balvin: anxiety, silence and exhaustion
Over time, J Balvin began to talk about the personal cost of that confrontation. on the podcast Men do cryrecognized that It was one of the most difficult moments of his career.
The episode coincided with a particularly complex stage, the birth of his son, the criticism of the video Bitch y an emotional state marked by anxiety and depression.
Balvin confessed that “everything fell on him” and that The clash with Residente was “very frustrating”generating strong media exhaustion.
Months later, in conversations with streamer Ibai Llanos, Balvin explained why he chose silence. Not responding was a conscious decision. “It wasn’t worth it”he said, prioritizing his mental health over entering into a war of egos and headlines.
Over time, the Colombian singer assured that he left the resentment behind, that Today he feels affection for Residente and that forgiveness was key to regain your emotional balance.
His phrase was forceful and widely shared: “resentment is a poison that one swallows oneself”.
In context: J Balvin announces tour of Colombia: which cities will be part of the tour?
On December 26, J Balvin reappeared with Bizarrap at BZRP Music Session #62. Many expected a “shootout” or a direct response to Residente, but the opposite happened.
The session surprised with vallenato overtones, a nostalgic rhythm and an intimate lyric, without references or attacks. No darts, no revenge. For many, it was a clear sign of detente and emotional closure.
