Juhn, born Jorge Jr. Hernandez Quiles in San Juan, Puerto Rico, discovered his love for music at the basketball court in the barrios. In his younger days, he would see artists such as Daddy Yankee, Don Omar, and Nicky Jam shooting hoops in between studio sessions.
“I grew up watching the pillars of reggaeton playing at the park next to their studio,” Juhn tells Billboard. “That’s what really influenced me as a kid.”
Though he would create music and be invited to perform at his school’s talent show, Juhn’s initial dream was to become a basketball star. However, he opted to take a risk in music after graduating.
“Thanks to sports I made many connections in the music industry,” he says. “I played basketball with Brytiago and Miky Woodz and at that time, Latin trap was growing. I make music, but I became known in the trap movement.”
In 2012, he went viral for the first time on Facebook with “Corazon Roto.” In 2016, he dropped his first banger, “Ahora Me Llama,” and he also formed part of Maluma’s hit “Cuatro Babys” featuring Trap Capos, Noriel, and Bryant Myers. “In 2016, I began seeing my career flourish,” he notes.”
Juhn’s currently signed to Interscope Records with a management deal with Jonathan Gandarilla.
Today, he’s making the rounds with the Myke Towers-assisted “Bandido,” a melodious and infectious reggaeton about conquering, loving, and protecting someone who had their heartbroken. Paying homage to the old-school reggaeton, they even sample Hector & Tito’s “Amor de Colegio.”
“I met Myke around 2014 at the basketball court too. Our first collaboration was ‘No Pensarte’ in 2018 and it became a hit in Puerto Rico,” he recalls. “In 2019, I wrote four songs, including ‘Bandido.’ Out of the four songs, Myke really liked this one.”
“Bandido,” which premiered on Dec. 10, 2020, leaped 17-7 on the Hot Latin Songs chart dated Jan. 23, earning Juhn his first Top 10. The song also has placement on various Billboard charts including Latin Airplay, Latin Streaming Songs, and Billboard Global 200.
“I’ve never charted in a Billboard chart. I’m excited,” he says. “This is the biggest hit of my career, following ‘Cuatro Babys.’”
Below, learn more about this week’s Latin Artist on the Rise.
Name: Jorge Jr. Hernandez Quiles
Age: 28
Recommended Song: “I’d say all of them because you’ll never get tired of listening to them.”
Major Accomplishment: “Have a five-year career and still be relevant. Many people who kicked off their careers with me are not relevant today. I think that’s the most challenging part, to continue making hits and creating a buzz.”
What’s Next: “There’s a lot of plans that we need to execute but I want to release an album this year — my first album. I think my fans deserve it.”
