You’ve likely heard Karol G’s name and at least one of her songs given that she’s a chart-topping superstar in today’s day and age. After all, she’s amassed over 37,000,000 monthly listeners on Spotify and is the 48th most listened to artist in the entire world on this streaming service. So what makes Karol G so globally popular, and why should you give her a listen if you haven’t already?
Born in Colombia on February 14, 1991, Carolina Giraldo Navarro has amassed an awe-inspiring amount of success at just the age of thirty-one. Karol G got her first break when she appeared on the X Factor in Colombia at the incredibly young age of fourteen. Just a few years after this televised competition, Karol G was able to sign with a label and begin in earnest her journey of making music for millions of adoring fans around the world.
Ever since 2013 with the release of her first album, “Super Single,” Karol G has been defying industry boundaries. Given that Karol G is considered primarily a reggaeton and Latin trap artist, we can imagine the struggle of a woman succeeding in a music genre historically dominated by men. With stars like Daddy Yankee and J Balvin, reggaeton has traditionally been centered around limelight names like these. However, in a new wave of music and change, Karol G has been one of the women—alongside others like Ivy Queen and Becky G—to take over some of the global spotlight within this genre.
One of the triumphs of Karol G’s claim over reggaeton is her most recent album, “KG0516.” Released in 2021 and containing sixteen songs, this has arguably been Karol G’s most popular album. Some highlights include songs like “LOCATION,” “BICHOTA” and “Tusa”. Listening through “KG0516,” one can’t help but notice how Karol G also brings other artists together. Many of her songs like “LOCATION” and “Tusa” are collaborations with other talented singers and musicians within reggaeton and Urbano music. Karol G’s ability to bring artists together and to collaborate in the name of amazing music is just one of the reasons she’s so revolutionary and beloved.
One of the reasons that I love Karol G and think she resonates with so many people is that she doesn’t stick strictly to reggaeton or Latin trap. She’s not afraid to experiment and fuse genres. Songs like “Tusa,” featuring Nicki Minaj, mix reggaeton with hip-hop. On her 2019 album, “OCEAN,” Karol G collaborates with Damian Marley to create “Love With a Quality.” It’s a beautiful, emotional song that’s clearly inspired by reggae. Karol G has also dipped into EDM (electronic dance music) with songs like “Don’t Be Shy,” a 2021 collaboration with Tiësto that makes me want to get up and dance. These are just some examples of the ways Karol G is fusing different genres and creating new, revolutionary sounds via collaboration with other great artists. It’s truly stunning and inspiring to see.
Karol G has also worked to honor the people who have influenced and inspired her throughout her journey to stardom. For example, she has been seen bringing out popular acts of countries she performs in. Just this year, Karol G invited Anahí on stage during her Mexico City concert. Anahí is a beloved actress and singer who was part of the popular Mexican band, RBD. Together, Anahí and Karol G performed an RBD hit, “Sálvame,” an emotionally charged heartbreak song. This was the first time Anahí had performed live in 11 years, and fans were absolutely thrilled. It’s moments like these that make Karol G even more amazing and beloved. She not only brings together contemporary artists for collaborations, but also honors the greats who have come before and who have inspired her as a musician.
Looking ahead, Karol G has released a few hit singles in 2022. “PROVENZA” is one of these 2022 releases. It’s one of my favorite songs, and has a slower, serenade-like track with a mellower vibe. “MAMIII,” another new hit, is a collaboration with fellow reggaeton queen Becky G that radiates female power with a strong, catchy beat and hypnotizing lyrics. A chart-topper, this song is rumored to be about Karol G’s ex who cheated and tried to come back to her. “MAMIII” reminds us to rise above past unhealthy relationships and to embrace our femininity and strength.
Karol G’s latest release, GATÚBELA,” is a sexy, addicting must-listen. As a warning, this song’s lyrics do get pretty explicit and the music video is very provocative. “GATÚBELA” is a great illustration of the evolution of Karol G’s career as she progressively transitions into more adult topics like sex. This transition began back in 2018 with “Mi Cama,” a collaboration with J Balvin that is also sexual adult content. “Mi Cama” and this aspect of Karol G’s musical journey has been criticized as such adult topics are still taboo for some people around the globe.
Despite some criticism, Karol G is still triumphant and remains so in 2022 with her recent hit singles. Fans are surely excited for the future and what Karol G will bring to the world. For now, we can enjoy all the amazing, boundary-defying music she’s already produced and is performing for fans in her current $TRIP LOVE TOUR. Fans can check out any news and information about the $TRIP LOVE TOUR, such as concert locations, on Karol G’s official site.
