Music

J Balvin & Ryan Castro Talk New Album, Brotherhood, Colombian Pride | The Rolling Stone Studio

Rolling Stone
Rolling Stone•Apr 29, 2026

Why It Matters

OMERTA showcases how cross‑generational Latin collaborations can reshape market dynamics, leveraging cultural authenticity and cinematic visuals to deepen fan engagement and expand global reach.

Key Takeaways

  • •J Balvin and Ryan Castro release collaborative album "OMERTA" May 7.
  • •Album emphasizes family, loyalty, and Colombian pride over typical ego.
  • •Created in New York and Turks & Caicos with spontaneous, pressure‑free vibe.
  • •Features diverse producers; each track offers distinct musical flavor.
  • •Sofia Vergara stars in teaser, highlighting cinematic approach to music videos.

Summary

Colombian reggaeton heavyweight J Balvin and rising star Ryan Castro announced their joint album "OMERTA", slated for release on May 7, which coincides with Balvin’s 41st birthday.

The duo describes the project as an organic extension of a four‑year friendship, built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to family. Recording began in New York, moved to Turks and Caicos for a Caribbean flavor, and was completed in roughly a week with a rotating roster of producers including DJ Snake, SOG and Keityn, allowing each song to sound distinct.

Balvin highlighted the “family” ethos, noting that “Omerta”—an Italian code of silence—has been re‑interpreted to mean loyalty among their crew. The teaser features Colombian actress Sofia Vergara, underscoring the album’s cinematic ambition and the artists’ desire to elevate visual storytelling beyond the rapid, AI‑driven videos common today.

By blending high‑profile collaborations, diverse production, and a narrative‑driven visual strategy, OMERTA positions both artists at the forefront of Latin music’s evolution, while reinforcing Colombian cultural pride and setting a new benchmark for album‑centred storytelling.

Original Description

#colombia superstars @jbalvin and @elcantantedelghetto pull up to the Rolling Stone office to talk about their new LP, 'Omerta,' born out of an incredible friendship and brotherhood that started when the duo met nearly five years ago. Balvin and Castro dive into what the project means to them and how it’s brought them together as two forces in the industry. "I never had the chance to find a partner from Colombia to make an album together," says Balvin. "We have a really beautiful relationship that became family."
For the past decade, Balvin has been one of the most prominent voices in #latinmusic, helping to elevate heavyweights like #badbunny and #karolg. He’s often credited with turning Colombia into another hub for #musicaurbana, effectively showing the world Medellín’s more romantic, melodic take on the genre. #ryancastro is a 32-year-old rising star whose bold timbre has taken over música urbana since he first came onto the scene in 2020. After spending time with his mom in Curaçao, Castro infused his #reggaeton with the Caribbean flavors of #dancehall for a unique sound that’s won fans over in Colombia.
In the conversation above, the two go deep on friendship, what kind of music they like to listen to, how they’re disrupting the current state of #latin music, their relationship with Bad Bunny, and what they’ve learned along the way.
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Talent: J Balvin & Ryan Castro
Interviewer: Maya Georgi
Director of Social & Video: Waiss Aramesh
Executive Producer: Christopher Hwisu Kim
Senior Producer: Viviane Feldman
Producer/Colorist: Mitch Saavedra
Social Video Producer/Editor: Sim Tumay
Creative Director: Joe Hutchinson
Deputy Editor & Head of RS Latin: Julyssa Lopez
Executive Music Editor: Christian Hoard
Co-Editors in Chief: Sean Woods, Shirley Halperin
CEO: Julian Holguin

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