Latin music has gone from a radio niche to the top of global charts, and these four stars helped lead the way. This One Gotta Go card puts them on the same stage: Shakira, Bad Bunny, J Balvin and Jennifer Lopez.
Only three of them stay on your party playlist. Think about the songs that get everyone dancing, the artist you play when you are alone in the car and the name you know more from headlines than from music. Then pick one to cut and see who in your group starts singing first.
Shakira vs Bad Bunny vs J Balvin vs Jennifer Lopez
A. Shakira
Shakira has hits in Spanish and English, from Hips Don't Lie to Whenever, Wherever, and she co-headlined the Super Bowl halftime show in 2020. She is a global star. The only case against her is that her biggest crossover hits were many years ago.
Keep it if: You can still do the hip moves, and her songs instantly turn any room into a dance floor.
B. Bad Bunny
Bad Bunny became one of the most streamed artists in the world while singing mostly in Spanish, which changed the music industry. He is bold with his style and sound. If you prefer older Latin pop, his reggaeton and trap influenced music might be the one you would cut.
Keep it if: You love how he mixes genres, and his albums are on repeat whenever you need energy.
C. J Balvin
J Balvin helped bring reggaeton to global audiences with colorful style and hits like Mi Gente. He is a big name in the genre. Next to Bad Bunny and Shakira, though, some listeners see him as the least essential, which makes him a common cut.
Keep it if: You love a smooth reggaeton beat and Mi Gente is still one of your favorite party songs.
D. Jennifer Lopez
Jennifer Lopez is a singer, dancer and movie star, with hits like Jenny from the Block and On the Floor. Her career is huge. Some fans see her more as an all-around entertainer than a music icon, which makes her a surprising cut.
Keep it if: You love her dance hits, her movies and her energy, and you think she is a true superstar.
Our take
We would cut J Balvin. He is a great artist, but Shakira opened doors for Latin pop worldwide, Bad Bunny changed what a global star can sound like and Jennifer Lopez built an entertainment career few can match. The most fun debate usually comes down to Shakira against Bad Bunny, since it is a pioneer against the modern record breaker. Put on one song from each and watch how the room reacts.
How to play this card with friends
- Read the four choices out loud.
- Everyone picks the one they'd eliminate at the same time.
- Explain your pick. This is where the fun starts.
- Use the follow-up questions below to keep it going.
Follow-up questions to keep the debate going
- Which Latin artist crossed over to pop most successfully?
- What is the best Latin party song of all time?
- Should an artist sing in their first language even if it limits radio play?
- Which Latin artist would you add to this card?
Want more debates like this? Get the One Gotta Go card game for game night, family dinners and road trips. Shop the decks.
Latin Music Icons: quick answers
Who performed at the 2020 Super Bowl halftime show?
Shakira and Jennifer Lopez co-headlined the Super Bowl LIV halftime show in February 2020 in Miami. Bad Bunny and J Balvin also appeared as guests. The show celebrated Latin music and culture and drew a huge audience.
What is reggaeton?
Reggaeton is a music genre that grew out of Puerto Rico and Panama in the 1990s, mixing hip hop, Jamaican dancehall and Latin rhythms. Its signature beat is called dembow. Artists like Daddy Yankee, J Balvin and Bad Bunny helped make it one of the most popular genres in the world.
