Punchy beats start to bounce under the stars, and as the melodic and confidently rhythmic verse of Ozuna begins to unfurl from the rattling speaker system, you know the party is getting going. And much like the feeling that is looking up at a moonlight sky, a sense of unity, knowing that the party down the block is more likely than not blasting a song by Ozuna as well. With over 15 million records sold, 40 million monthly listeners on Spotify, and literally billions of streams across platforms, the two-time Latin Grammy winner is an undisputed phenom. This rockstar status has cemented the Puerto Rican singer-songwriter and rapper’s place as the global ambassador of Reggaeton.

Music came naturally to Ozuna. Growing up on a steady sonic diet of Reggaeton and Bachata, he was drawn to creating. This was cemented when at the age of 12, “I was gifted a Samsung microphone from my uncle,” as he explains, a moment that catalyzed his decision to become a musician. A few years later, he took a job at a local bar in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where he had his first performance. “I started writing and recording myself to post online.” Sharing his music on YouTube, Ozuna began a prolific period of growth, cutting his teeth performing some 300 shows in Puerto Rico as well as a three-year stint in New York, honing his sound and voice.

Cut to 2012, and Ozuna’s song, “Imaginando” garnered attention from labels. The floodgates opened, and soon he was topping the Billboard Latin chart with well-known voices such as Daddy Yankee, Anuel AA, Arcángel, and Farruko. “I think I bring a sense of honesty and excitement to these collaborations,” Ozuna shares of his frequent collaborations. In 2017, he signed with Sony Music Latin and recorded his debut album Odisea. Ozuna released his second studio album, Aura, in 2018, debuting at number seven on the US Billboard 200.

And yes, the hits kept coming. Ozuna’s collaboration with DJ Snake on “Taki Taki” alongside Cardi B and Selena Gomez was certified quadruple platinum. 2019 brought the release of “China,” with Anuel AA, Daddy Yankee, Karol G, and J Balvin, which hit number one on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart. In 2020, his fourth studio album, ENOC, and two Latin Grammy Awards for his collaboration with ROSALÍA in “Yo x Ti, Tu x Mi.” His 2023 offering, Afro, was quite literally made for the dancefloor, unifying the essence of reggaeton, trap, and R&B.

Now at 31, and with accolades, awards, records of various precious metals adorning his walls, Ozuna’s new album, Cosmo, out this November on Sony Music Latin, represents a new chapter in the musician’s career. An exploration of humanistic themes of the joy and darkness that exist within all of us. Ahead of the release of Cosmo, his highly anticipated new album, FLAUNT sat down with Ozuna to discuss his approach to collaboration, finding his voice, and bringing reggaeton music to audiences across the globe.

Tell us a little about your new album, Cosmo.

This record is a completely new direction for me and sheds light on the darkness that can live within all of us. It’s the realest and most honest iteration of my artistry. It’s a whole new level for me–we followed our instincts and the project came together very naturally. I’m really excited for all the fans to get to listen and enjoy it.

‍In 2023 alone you have released about 15 songs in collaboration with other artists, can you tell us about other collaborations you have planned for the future?

I have a couple of collaborations on Cosmo that are really special. One of my favorites is “Vocation” with David Guetta. It was cool to play with some new EDM sounds and David brought a lot to the track. 

‍Making collaborations is a big part of your discography, what do you like most about sharing the process with other artists? In your opinion, how does a song improve after including another artist?

I love being able to bounce ideas off of my collaborators–all of my collaborations on this new record are really unique. I think that these songs definitely improve with including other artists because they bring a fresh perspective and allow me to expand my sound.

What would you say you bring to your collaborations when you join other artists’ projects?

‍I think I bring a sense of honesty and excitement to these collaborations. I always want to learn something from my collaborators. My openness and enthusiasm to jump right in has led to some pretty amazing collaborations that I’m really proud of.

I read that you decided to become a musician when you were 12, was it always a passion of yours? How did you start creating music? And how did you get to where you are?

Music was always an important part of my life and it came naturally to me. From a young age, I was listening to reggaeton and bachata. I was gifted a Samsung microphone from my uncle and I started writing and recording myself to post online. I think staying true to all of this and being persistent in my work ethic has gotten me to this point.

Many of the artists you collaborate with are ‘up-and-coming’ artists, how do you find these artists? What stands out to you about someone just starting out?

My musical interests have led me to learn about so many new artists and I think it’s important to give them a seat at the table. I’m always looking for new ways to be inspired and I think the passion that comes from newer artists is super strong.

What or who is your biggest inspiration in your music? And which singer has influenced you the most?

I’ve been inspired by many great artists throughout the years. Growing up, I listened to a lot of Wisin y Yandel, Baby Rasta y Gringo, Ivy Queen and Daddy Yankee. I take influence from each of them in different ways. I also love many American artists such as Usher, Rihanna, and Drake.

What would you advise someone trying to start their career in music today? What has been the best advice you have received? 

I think you need to remain passionate and not lose sight of the love you have for the craft. That will always shine through–but you also need to work hard & have discipline, try new things & be open to change. You should always have your own back and advocate for yourself.

How do you feel Latin music has changed from when you started to now? It is much more popular even in the United States and Europe.

It’s completely taken over and I’m so grateful to have been a part of that movement. Latin music has become pop music and it’s really cool to see other parts of the world rally around it.

‍What do you think is the mark that you have already left in the world of Latin/reggaeton music?‍

I’ve been able to connect with so many people and fans all over the world and I couldn’t ask for more. I think my music has helped blend a lot of different styles of Latin & reggaeton and it’s been really cool to be a part of that. I would hope that my impact has inspired more artists to be unafraid to play with all of their influences to make something new and unique. I’m really excited for everyone to hear Cosmo and take their own interpretation of what it means to them. 

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Photographed by Kevin Amato

Styled by Toreno Winn

Written by Constanza Falco Raez

Groomer: Frances Nieves

Flaunt Film: Avonte Boykins 

Location: SLS South Beach Miami