Nana Wu
Global música urbana superstar Feid, also known as Salomón Villada Hoyos, has officially launched his highly anticipated seven-track EP, FEID VS. FERXXO, on Thursday, March 19. This release is particularly significant as it marks his debut under his newly established record label, Grabaciones Los Poderosos, signaling a pivotal moment in the Colombian artist’s career as he takes greater ownership and creative control of his musical output. The EP serves as the inaugural installment of an ambitious four-part full-length album series slated for release throughout the current year, offering fans a deep dive into the multifaceted artistic identity that defines Feid’s journey.
The genesis of FEID VS. FERXXO can be traced back to a period of intense creative introspection and professional evolution for the artist. Earlier this year, Feid earned a coveted Grammy nomination for Best Música Urbana Album with his project FERXXO VOL X: Sagrado. This critically acclaimed album was a testament to his singular vision, as he undertook the challenging endeavor of producing and composing the entire work himself. While the experience was artistically fulfilling, Feid candidly described it as "overwhelming, stressful and really hard." This demanding solo venture ultimately catalyzed a shift in his creative philosophy, prompting him to embrace a more collaborative and reflective approach for his subsequent projects, leading directly to the conception of FEID VS. FERXXO.
Speaking to Billboard via Zoom, Feid elaborated on this transformative period: "Being alone in the studio helped me immensely in approaching and starting work on this [new] album, because my perspective had shifted by the time I set out to tackle a song—whether regarding my melodies, the skills I had already developed as a producer, or simply sitting down to convey to someone how I wanted a track to sound." He emphasized a deliberate move towards collective artistry for the new EP: "For this album, I wanted to sit down and record specific instruments with specific producers. It was a more collaborative effort, because, at the end of the day, that’s what music is all about: teamwork." This statement highlights a mature understanding of the creative process, acknowledging the power of shared vision after a period of intense individual effort.
For FEID VS. FERXXO, Feid reunited with his long-term collaborators and trusted producers: Jowan, Rolo, Wain, and Sky Rompiendo. While these names are familiar figures in his production circle, the methodology behind this project differed significantly. "This was the first time I actually sat down, took a deep breath, and focused on working on something," Feid explained, drawing a contrast with previous creative periods. He recalled a previous instance of forced introspection following a 2021 accident, during which he worked on the hit "Feliz Cumpleaños Ferxxo" while recovering. However, this current phase was voluntary and strategic: "But this time, I wanted the year to be one of deep reflection: to understand the pulse of the market, to see what is needed from me, to figure out what I wanted to do with the future of my career, and to determine the direction in which I wanted to head." This strategic pause allowed him to recalibrate his artistic compass, ensuring that FEID VS. FERXXO is not just another release, but a carefully considered statement of intent.
The central thematic pillar of the EP, FEID VS. FERXXO, revolves around the distinct artistic personas that Feid has cultivated throughout his career. This duality is a concept born from the ongoing dialogue and healthy debate among his fanbase regarding the stylistic differences in his music. "There has always been a healthy debate regarding the distinction between the two: ‘Is this a Feid track? Or is it a Ferxxo track?’" he noted, indicating his keen awareness of audience perception. He recognized an opportunity to engage directly with this fan-driven categorization, explaining, "I realized how much I enjoy reading and understanding exactly what my audience wants whenever I’m about to release new music. This time around, I sensed that they were longing for something that, perhaps, they no longer felt was present in my newer songs."
This intentional exploration of his alter egos manifests distinctly across the seven tracks. The "Feid" persona is characterized by its softer, more melodic leanings, embodying genres such as chill reggae, exemplified by tracks like "Que Vuelta Vos," and romantic boleros, as heard in "Boleritox." These tracks showcase a more introspective and emotionally resonant side of the artist. In contrast, "Ferxxo" emerges with a harder, more experimental edge, delving into progressive Afrohouse beats, such as in "La Mejor Música," and hard-hitting perreos, evident in "Trancaito." This persona is typically associated with high-energy, club-ready anthems. The previously released single "Se Lo Juro Mor" perfectly bridges these two worlds, demonstrating Feid’s masterful ability to fuse diverse elements. This track achieved significant commercial success, becoming the artist’s 12th No. 1 on the Billboard Latin Airplay chart last December, underscoring the broad appeal of his hybrid sound. Feid articulated the distinction through his songwriting process: "I feel that writing is always about offering an opinion on a situation—how I would react in the face of heartbreak, or when missing someone, or when saying, ‘I killed it; things are going really well for me.’ I feel that the two personas have very different personalities. It’s through the songwriting process that I’m able to determine whether a track leans more toward Feid or Ferxxo."
Beyond its artistic merit, FEID VS. FERXXO marks a monumental business milestone for Feid: his inaugural release under his independently established record label, Grabaciones Los Poderosos. This strategic move grants him full ownership of his master recordings and long-term control over his extensive catalog, a significant achievement in an industry where artists often cede these rights to major labels. The decision to launch his own imprint aligns Feid with a growing trend among contemporary artists, from global pop stars like Taylor Swift to hip-hop moguls like Jay-Z, who have prioritized creative and financial autonomy. By retaining his masters, Feid not only secures a more substantial share of future revenue streams but also gains unprecedented control over how his music is marketed, licensed, and preserved, allowing him to shape his legacy on his own terms. While the exact nature of Grabaciones Los Poderosos’ distribution partnership is not explicitly detailed in the provided information, it is common for independent labels of this scale to forge distribution deals with larger entities, often Universal Music Group (as suggested by a Billboard Pro link in the original context), allowing them to leverage global networks while maintaining internal artistic control. This move positions Feid not just as a musical talent, but as a savvy entrepreneur navigating the evolving landscape of the music industry.
Feid’s journey to this point has been characterized by consistent growth and an unwavering dedication to his craft. Rising from a background as a songwriter for other prominent artists, he transitioned into a formidable solo career, carving out a unique niche within the bustling música urbana scene. His distinctive blend of reggaeton, R&B, and dancehall, often infused with his signature "Ferxxo" aesthetic—characterized by neon green, distinct slang, and a laid-back yet confident vibe—has garnered him a massive global following. His earlier projects, including 19 (2019), Bahía Ducati (2020), and Feliz Cumpleaños Ferxxo Te Pirateamos el Álbum (2022), have consistently delivered chart-topping hits and cultivated a fiercely loyal fanbase, particularly across Latin America and increasingly in the United States and Europe. The Grammy nomination for FERXXO VOL X: Sagrado solidified his critical acclaim, demonstrating his artistic depth beyond commercial success. This recent accolade, coupled with the business acumen demonstrated by launching Grabaciones Los Poderosos, underscores his position as a multifaceted force in contemporary music.
The announcement of FEID VS. FERXXO as the first of a four-part album series this year signals an ambitious and sustained engagement with his audience. This multi-phase release strategy is designed to build anticipation, maintain momentum, and allow for a deeper, more nuanced exploration of his evolving soundscapes. In an era of rapid content consumption, breaking a full-length album into EPs or distinct volumes allows artists to control the narrative, offer continuous new material, and potentially experiment with different styles without overwhelming listeners. For Feid, this structured approach allows him to methodically unveil the various facets of his "Feid" and "Ferxxo" personas, ensuring that each artistic expression receives its due attention and fostering a prolonged period of fan interaction and discussion.
Looking ahead, Feid expresses profound enthusiasm for this new chapter. "I’m absolutely fascinated by it; I feel like it’s going to be the best project I’ve ever released in my entire life—though I’m not sure if it will be the definitive one, since right now I’m in such an amazing headspace—working hard, taking so much in, and constantly learning," he shared. This statement reflects an artist at the peak of his powers, brimming with creative energy and a clear vision for the future. He concluded with a hopeful aspiration: "I just hope God keeps granting me the creativity to keep surpassing myself and evolving… but as of right now, it is the most complete, most incredible thing I’ve ever done." With FEID VS. FERXXO, Feid is not merely releasing new music; he is redefining his artistic and professional trajectory, promising a year filled with innovative sounds and strategic moves that are set to further solidify his stature as a global icon in música urbana.
