If anyone has managed to build a shield against adversity and stay strong in a constantly shifting world, it’s Wisin.
"I feel the discouragement that [many people experience] when we turn on social media, the television, or the news and see terrible things: hunger, injustice, wars. I think the most important thing is to join hands," says the Puerto Rican singer, also known as W. "It’s not about Dominicans, Ecuadorians, Puerto Ricans, Venezuelans, Colombians — it’s about one audience. We are Latinos, we are brothers, we are all survivors. Amen!"
With the determination of someone who has overcome both personal and professional challenges, Wisin proudly concludes an iconic trilogy that began more than a decade ago. With El Sobreviviente 3 (a name that refers to human survival), Wisin offers a bold, revitalized take on reggaeton, returning to the genre's roots in hard-hitting beats and explosive collaborations with the rising voices defining today’s urban movement.
"This is an album full of fusions, full of new talent, full of generational clashes," says the GRAMMY-winning singer, who began his career in the 1990s alongside Llandel Veguilla as part of the duo Wisin & Yandel. "There's a new generation in this type of music, and that's undeniable, where they respect who W is."
Learn more: The Sonic And Cultural Evolution Of Reggaeton In 10 Songs
It’s no surprise that both established artists like Farruko and rising voices such as Kapo, Beéle, Greeicy, Iori, and Bonai eagerly joined this new chapter of the trilogy. The team behind El Sobreviviente 3 includes top producers like Hyde El Químico, Los Legendarios, Jumbo El Que Produce Solo, and ICON Music.
"It’s impossible to achieve results when making music if there isn’t respect on both sides," Wisin tells GRAMMY.com. "I think great projects come about when there’s the right camaraderie, when there’s respect and admiration — and that’s exactly what I have with all the artists who are part of this album."
The weight of Wisin’s legacy speaks for itself: he has won two Latin GRAMMY Awards and been nominated for 11 as a solo artist; Wisin y Yandel took home Best Urban Music Album at the 9th Latin GRAMMYs. Yet behind those wins lies a life story shaped by resilience. Wisin has learned from the trial of his youth, faced the heartbreaking loss of his youngest daughter, Victoria, with courage, and found strength in his faith, the unconditional love of his wife Yomaira, and the unwavering support of his older children, Yelena and Dylan.
Backed by his peers and a loyal fan base, he remains steadfast in his journey. "I don’t want new generations to go through what I went through," Wisin confesses. "If I can be a tool for them to continue growing, that’s what I’ll do — because that’s what it’s all about. This work is about passing the torch."
Wisin doesn’t just endure—he leads, inspires, and continues to leave an indelible mark on the history of urban music. "Thanks to God and to those who have supported us, we’ve grown like an avalanche, and it's a movement that no one can stop."
That movement comes to life in El Sobreviviente 3, the album Wisin discussed with GRAMMY.com, where he reflected on the significance of collaborating with stars like Kapo. Their single "Luna" — a standout on the record — has already surpassed 8 million views on YouTube. Filmed in Colombia, the music video captures the spirit of the project: a bold fusion of generations, cultures, and sounds united in one powerful movement.
A similar spirit comes through in "Quiero Perreo" featuring Sir Speedy, where phrases like "Classic reggaeton like W does," "I'm going to give you the medicine from before," and "Let’s give it some old-school reggaeton, you always rock it" hit hard. In this track, Wisin taps back into the sound that shaped his early career — now powered by the energy and respect of a new generation that looks up to him.
What’s new in Sobreviviente 3?
I think there’s a clear generational shift. We’ve been at this for many years, always staying true to our sound. This time around, we brought in fresh producers — people currently working with some of today’s biggest names — to breathe new life into what [2004's] Sobreviviente 1 and [2014's] Sobreviviente 2 represented. Reggaeton remains at the core. What I really wanted was to create a collision between my generation and the new one, and I believe we accomplished that.
When I work with these new artists, I tell them, 'We can still fuse with today's artists, and we can still listen to new and innovative sounds with the [old] genre,’ and I think that's what Sobreviviente 3 is all about.
I truly admire each and every one of them, and I understand that the genre will keep evolving thanks to artists like them. Working with them is deeply rewarding—it feels like winning an award.
How did you decide to work with Farruko, Kapo, Beéle, Greeicy, Iori, and Bonai?
It all happened very naturally. I had never worked with Kapo or Greeicy before, but I wanted to bring in artists who could truly contribute and offer a fresh sound. That gave me the opportunity to make this album feel different and renewed.
A big part of that freshness comes from the collaborations I’m doing with these new voices, and I’m grateful to all of them — and to everyone who took part in the project.
Is there an anecdote from when you were recording the album that you’d like to share with GRAMMY.com?
Kapo is a very special person — an extraordinary human being. He really surprised me. He has the kind of personality that represents the humble Latino who keeps dreaming big. I had the chance to film the video with him, and it was an incredible experience. I truly believe that the greatest people are those who, no matter how many times they touch the sky, keep their feet firmly on the ground.
What surprised me most was how kind and genuine he is — I didn’t expect him to be such a great person. I learned a lot from him and from this whole new generation. We filmed the video in Colombia, and the way he spoke to me made it feel like we’d known each other forever. I’m genuinely happy to share this project with him, and I hope the audience enjoys it as much as we did.
How long did it take you to make this album?
About a year and a half. I worked hard every day — adding, removing, refining — constantly searching for new sounds and producers who could bring something meaningful to the project. I think we accomplished that. Creating an album isn’t easy; it takes time, dedication, and a lot of heart.
On a personal level, what motivates you to continue building bridges between classic reggaeton and the new voices of the genre?
My career. My stumbles...
What was your biggest setback?
At the beginning of my career, I faced many setbacks. Anyone who knows the history of the reggaeton and urban music movement understands that back then, there were no real opportunities — no radio play, no platforms — none of the things we have access to today.
But the public gave us their genuine and transparent support, and I believe that was the driving force that kept us going. Thousands of people supported our music, even when the tools simply didn’t exist.
Do you feel that this project is a tribute to the Wisin who started out in the movement?
One hundred percent. This project has the sound of the beginning, but I can also show my audience how I've evolved musically. That’s something we can express in many ways. I think what's interesting about the album is that we go from one place to another musically without losing our identity — as W, as the rapper, as that person who radiates energy on stage. And that's achieved with good work and a good team.
You have been honored with both a GRAMMY Award and several Latin GRAMMYs. What has that meant for you and your career?
When we started out in music, we used to watch the GRAMMYs and dream — not just about winning, but simply about being there in person. Winning a GRAMMY feels like a form of acceptance, like life saying, "Wow, you did it."
Coming from the neighborhood, from a place of doubt and uncertainty, to now be working side by side with the Academy — it’s huge. We never imagined we’d be in that position, and I say that with great humility. I’m grateful to the GRAMMYs for the opportunity; not just for me, but for the entire movement, because it’s about creating space for so many dreamers.
What role has your family played in the success you’ve enjoyed for more than two decades?
I’m deeply grateful for their tolerance. Being with someone who lives in the spotlight and in a world full of constant change isn’t easy; sometimes we bring our problems home. But they’ve been incredibly patient. They’ve been that calming force, the balm that helps me reset, recharge my soul, and keep moving forward. My family is a fundamental part of my life.
What would you say to the Wisin who started the movement?
I would say many things: Thank you for being a warrior, for not giving up. I’d also tell him to listen more and talk less. I’ve learned so much along the way, and I believe that brave, relentless version of Wisin is the reason the survivor Wisin exists today. He deserves credit for that.
What songs have had an impact on you throughout your career?
Music is medicine; it’s a balm. Beyond releasing projects for the public, it often becomes a personal outlet, a way to recharge your heart by doing what you love. Each of my songs holds a special place in my life and represents a different chapter of my journey.
The secret to staying relevant is...
My discipline and the respect I show to my colleagues. The respect I give is the respect I receive in my studio. Respect isn’t something you demand — it’s something you earn.
What does the future hold for Wisin?
We live in a constantly changing world. It would be presumptuous to say where I’ll be five years from now, because I truly don’t know. But I hope to keep making music, spending time with my family, and continuing to give the public good music and meaningful projects. I also hope to keep supporting friends and new artists along the way.
We are living in uncertain times, but you say that music is a balm for peace. Does music heal?
I believe we shouldn't promote division — we should promote unity and respect. That’s what allows us to keep moving forward together.