Karol G

Latest News: Karol G Wins Best Música Urbana Album at the 2024 Grammys

On February 4, 2024, Karol G took the stage at the Grammy Awards, a moment that resonated deeply with her extensive fan base in the Latin music community. At just 32 years old, she continues to make history, recently securing the award for Best Música Urbana Album for her celebrated work, Mañana Será Bonito. This accolade adds to her impressive collection of Latin Grammys, including the Album of the Year award she received in November 2023.

In her acceptance speech, Karol G reflected on the personal significance of her album, stating, “My album has given me my best memories in my own life, my whole life.” Mañana Será Bonito not only earned her this prestigious Grammy but also debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart upon its release.

Who Is Karol G?

Karol G is a prominent figure in the música urbana genre, which encompasses reggaeton, Latin trap, and Spanish-language hip-hop, while also integrating elements of R&B and pop into her sound. Despite the challenges of breaking into a male-dominated industry, Karol G persevered by performing backup and touring small venues, which ultimately helped her establish invaluable connections with fellow musicians. Notably, her collaboration with Ovy on the Drums, who produced much of her music, has been instrumental in her success.

Her discography includes several acclaimed albums: Unstoppable (2017), Ocean (2019), KG0516 (2021), and Mañana Será Bonito (2023). Karol G is known for chart-topping hits such as “Tusa,” “Bichota,” and “Mamii,” and has collaborated with a diverse array of artists, including J Balvin, Nicki Minaj, and the Jonas Brothers. With her recent Grammy win, she marks a significant milestone in her career, solidifying her status as a leading artist in the music industry.

When Was Karol G Born?

Karol G, born Carolina Giraldo Navarro, entered the world on February 14, 1991, in Medellín, Colombia.

Early Life and Education

Karol G was immersed in a diverse musical environment during her childhood, influenced by a variety of artists such as the Bee Gees, Thalía, the Spice Girls, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Her musical journey began early, performing alongside her father, Juan Guillermo Giraldo, a musician himself. To formalize her passion for music, Karol pursued studies at the University of Antioquia.

Early Career

Reflecting on her beginnings in music during a 2021 interview with the Los Angeles Times, Karol G stated, “When I started making music in 2006, there was already a very strong reggaeton movement in Latin America. The music I wanted to make was the music I loved listening to.”

As a teenager, she gained exposure by participating in El Factor X, Colombia’s version of The X-Factor. In 2007, she signed with a Puerto Rican label, releasing her first single that same year. Despite her enthusiasm and talent, Karol faced challenges in breaking through the predominantly male-dominated reggaeton genre.

After her father helped her buy out her initial contract, Karol moved to Miami around 2010, where she sought new opportunities. While a label expressed appreciation for her artistry, they were reluctant to sign her, suggesting instead that she consider a career as a songwriter. Karol recalled their dismissal of her potential as a female reggaeton artist, stating, “They said I could maybe be a songwriter, but a woman making reggaeton? That wouldn’t work.”

The pursuit of her music career also exposed her to unwanted advances. Facing obstacles and with her progress stalling, Karol relocated to New York City. It was there that an advertisement in the subway sparked her interest in attending a music business conference in Boston, reigniting her commitment to her musical aspirations.

Upon returning to Colombia, Karol G began recording her own music in a home studio, continuing to perform at every opportunity available to her.

Success in Music

Karol G signed with Universal Music Latino in 2016, marking a significant milestone in her career. Her collaboration with Bad Bunny on the track “Ahora Me Llama” (“Now He Calls Me”) in 2017 played a pivotal role in elevating her international profile.

Her debut album, Unstoppable, released in 2017, reached No. 2 on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums chart. Following this success, her second album, Ocean, was launched in 2019 and also debuted at No. 2 on the Top Latin Albums chart.

While discussions around sexuality are prevalent among male reggaeton artists, they remain less common for female artists. Karol G, however, embraced her sexuality in her hit songs, including “Mi Cama” (“My Bed,” 2018) and “Punto G” (2019), challenging the norm in the genre.

Karol reached a new level of success with “Tusa” (2019), a collaboration with Nicki Minaj. The song debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart, marking the first female-led track to achieve this since 2016, and amassed over 1 billion views on YouTube. During the global shutdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, Karol dedicated her time to developing her third album, ultimately scrapping an almost-complete project to create music that resonated more authentically with her.

Her third album, KG0516, released in 2021, was notable as it was the first record that Karol co-produced. It debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums chart and No. 20 on the Billboard 200. The album featured collaborations with a diverse range of artists, including Ozuna and Ludacris.

Karol G also achieved significant success with her track “Bichota” (2020). She explained that the title symbolizes an “empowered, strong woman.” In an interview with Billboard, she stated, “Ever since ‘Bichota,’ I am even more connected to my music. Now, even if there are other songwriters involved, the direction of the lyrics and style are in my hands because I am at that point in my career where I know what I want to and don’t want to release.”

In August 2021, Karol released her first English-language song, “Don’t Be Shy.” She continued to build on her success with “MAMIII” (2022), featuring Becky G, which reached No. 1 on the Hot Latin Songs chart, and “Provenza” (2022), another chart-topping hit.

Karol G remains grounded and committed to uplifting others in the industry, including emerging artists like Mariah Angeliq and Nathy Peluso on her third album. Additionally, she hosts an Apple Music show called “Bichota Radio,” showcasing Latina performers.

Awards and Honors

Karol G has received numerous accolades, including the Best New Artist award at the 2018 Latin Grammys and a 2020 American Music Award for Favorite Latin Song. At the 2021 Latin Grammy Awards, her song “Bichota” won the award for Best Reggaeton Performance. Her third album was also nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Música Urbana Album.

Furthermore, Karol G has been recognized as one of Spotify’s Top 50 Artists Worldwide, underscoring her influence and success in the global music scene.

Actor and Businesswoman

In 2021, Karol G articulated her entrepreneurial ambitions, stating, “I’m super focused on becoming an entrepreneur, launching a makeup brand, clothing lines, and making my debut on the big screen.” She founded her own company, Girl Power Inc., and aspires to emulate the successful careers of icons such as Rihanna and Selena Quintanilla, whose likenesses she has tattooed on her body, alongside a tattoo of her own visage.

Karol has also collaborated with Crocs to release two exclusive shoe designs, both of which quickly sold out, showcasing her impact on the fashion industry.

Currently, Karol stars in the Netflix series Griselda, which chronicles the life of real-life Colombian drug dealer Griselda Blanco. In the series, Karol portrays a drug mule who transports narcotics for Griselda.

Personal Life

Karol G initially connected with fellow artist Anuel AA while collaborating on the song “Culpables.” The two first met in person during the music video shoot in 2018, leading to further collaborations, including the tracks “Secreto” and “Tu No Amas,” as their professional partnership blossomed into a romantic relationship.

Despite their breakup in 2021, Karol and Anuel have continued to perform together on stage, demonstrating a professional camaraderie that transcends their personal history.