J. Balvin’s traditional family was surprisingly on board with his musical aspirations.
While speaking with Noah Callahan-Bever for Complex's Idea Generation, the 41-year-old Colombian superstar talked about the unexpected reaction his parents had when he decided to pursue his musical ambitions.
Near the two-minute mark in the video linked above, Balvin explained that despite being raised in a household where medicine and business were the standard, his family offered him their unwavering support.
“My mom was a doctor and my dad studied economics, but I didn't look for their careers. I was more raised by the fact that they always support me to be whoever I want to be as long as I do it good, and I was happy.”
Balvin said there wasn’t a lot of apprehension from his family about him pursuing his passion.
However, when it came time to reveal his specific aspirations to become a reggaeton artist, his mother, whom he describes as his best friend, had a surprisingly practical piece of advice.
“I remember she was like, ‘I don't care whatever you want to do. Just be the best at it, and don't tell that to no one. Just keep it to yourself and feel confident [in] what you do,’” Balvin recalled. “But I think it really helped me to believe that I can make anything happen. And I didn't know it was going to be music, honestly.”
Surprisingly, this level of support created a unique kind of pressure for Balvin.
“[I said] 'Mom, I want to be a reggaeton artist.' I said it and my mom was like 'Woo, really?' Which it was even more responsibility for me because—when people don't believe in you, it's okay [because] you'll be like, ‘Let me prove them wrong.’ But when they believe in you, I think it's even harder.”
Watch J. Balvin’s Idea Generation with Noah Callahan-Bever interview up top.
