Feid, the name synonymous with chart-topping hits and electrifying performances, is currently dominating the Latin music scene. A staggering 11-time finalist at the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Awards, including nominations for Global 200 Latin Artist of the Year and Latin Rhythm Album of the Year for Ferxxocalipsis, Feid, also known as Ferxxo, is undeniably at the peak of his career. His collaboration with Bad Bunny on “Perro Negro” alone garnered five entries, including a nod for Hot Latin Song of the Year, solidifying his status as a global music icon. Adding to the excitement, Feid is slated to grace the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Week, sharing insights on his monumental touring success alongside his manager Luis Villamizar and Live Nation’s Hans Schafer. Fans have spoken too, voting Feid as the most anticipated artist at Latin Music Week, surpassing even J Balvin and Peso Pluma in a recent Billboard poll.
However, the stadium-selling artist and certified hitmaker we see today has a rich history rooted in songwriting. Long before he commanded stages worldwide, Feid honed his craft behind the scenes, penning songs that would become anthems for other artists. This journey from songwriter to superstar is a testament to his multifaceted talent and deep understanding of music creation.
In his early twenties, Salomón Villada Hoyos, the man behind Feid, stumbled into songwriting almost by accident. Colombian artist Shako’s request to record a song Feid had initially written for himself opened his eyes to a world he hadn’t considered. “I was still new in the industry and didn’t even know writing for other artists was a thing,” he confessed in a previous Billboard interview. This accidental entry soon blossomed into a flourishing career.
One of his early breakthroughs was co-writing J Balvin’s mega-hit “Ginza.” But it was arguably Balvin’s “Sigo Extrañándote” where Feid truly cemented his reputation as a songwriting force. This success led to an ASCAP Latin award, a coveted worldwide publishing administration deal with Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), and a surge in demand for his songwriting prowess. He went on to write for a diverse roster of artists, including Nicky Jam, Thalía, and Ximena Sariñana, showcasing his versatility and ability to craft hits across genres.
While Feid excelled at blending reggaetón rhythms with catchy pop sensibilities for other artists, he felt a calling to forge his own artistic path. This desire to “find myself as an artist” propelled him to the forefront as a recording artist. Despite shifting his focus to his solo career, the songs Feid penned for others remain timeless bops, a hidden chapter in his illustrious career.
Dive in to discover 13 songs you might be surprised to learn were written by the maestro of “Feid Songs” himself:
The Secret Songbook: 13 Hits You Didn’t Know Were “Feid Songs”
1. Alvaro Diaz, “Close Friends”
While Alvaro Diaz collaborated with Feid and Tainy on “Llori Papi,” Feid’s songwriting fingerprints are all over “Close Friends.” This track, a standout reggaetón gem from Diaz’s 2021 album Felicilandia, is a testament to Feid’s knack for creating infectious melodies and rhythms that get stuck in your head.
2. Anitta feat. Prince Royce, “Rosa”
Anitta, known for her bold and sensual style, teamed up with Prince Royce for the steamy reggaetón single “Rosa,” from her Kisses album. Feid’s co-writing credit on this track highlights his ability to craft lyrics that are both flirtatious and captivating, perfectly suited for a duet between these two Latin powerhouses.
3. Christina Aguilera, “Brujería”
Image alt text: Christina Aguilera performing Brujería, a song co-written by Feid, showcasing her Latin music influences.
Christina Aguilera’s Aguilera album saw her delve into her Latin roots, and “Brujería” is a standout track in this exploration. Feid not only co-wrote this sultry song with Aguilera, GALE, and others, but he also took on co-production duties. His involvement behind the scenes demonstrates his multifaceted talent extending beyond just songwriting, contributing to the track’s overall sonic landscape.
4. CNCO, “Mamita”
CNCO’s “Mamita,” a feel-good pop anthem from 2018, embodies the excitement of early love. Interestingly, this song was initially conceived for Feid himself, intended as a collaboration with Nelly Furtado. Although that version didn’t materialize, Feid gifted the song to the Latin boy band, and it became a beloved fan favorite, showcasing his generosity and hit-making intuition.
5. Esteman, “Noche Sensorial”
Feid’s versatility shines through in his work with Esteman on “Noche Sensorial.” Moving away from reggaetón, this alt-pop dance track, produced by Colombian duo ICON, demonstrates Feid’s ability to adapt his songwriting to different genres. He seamlessly transitions from urban beats to alternative pop sounds, proving his range as a composer.
6. J Balvin, “Sigo Extrañándote”
Image alt text: J Balvin performing “Sigo Extrañándote,” a breakthrough song co-written by Feid, highlighting his early songwriting success.
“Sigo Extrañándote,” from J Balvin’s Energía album, marked a significant milestone in Feid’s songwriting journey. This heartfelt song about missing a loved one resonated deeply with audiences, reaching No. 9 on the Hot Latin Songs chart and No. 4 on Latin Airplay in 2017. It solidified Feid’s position as a sought-after songwriter and showcased his ability to pen emotionally resonant lyrics.
7. Karol G, “Gucci Los Paños”
One of Feid’s more recent songwriting contributions is “Gucci Los Paños,” featured on Karol G’s acclaimed Mañana Será Bonito album. This track, Karol G’s first foray into banda music, is characterized by heavy tuba melodies and a slow tempo. Feid co-wrote this unique track alongside Edgar Barrera, Andres David Restrepo Echavarría, Jorge Alvaro Diaz, and Karol G herself, demonstrating his ability to blend urban sensibilities with traditional Latin sounds.
8. Manuel Medrano, “Buena”
“Buena” represents Manuel Medrano’s venture into the urbano genre, a departure from his typical style. Feid joined Medrano, Alejandro Patiño, and Rafa Arcaute in the songwriting process, contributing to this genre-bending track produced by Mosty and Rafa Arcaute. This collaboration underscores Feid’s willingness to experiment and push musical boundaries.
9. Nicky Jam feat. Darell, “Perdóname”
On Nicky Jam’s 2019 Intimo album, Feid lent his songwriting talents to two tracks: “Perdóname” featuring Darell and “Come y Te Vas.” “Perdóname,” a song about seeking forgiveness after infidelity, and “Come y Te Vas,” exploring a complicated situationship, showcase Feid’s ability to capture complex relationship dynamics in his lyrics.
10. Piso 21, “Besándote”
Image alt text: Piso 21 performing “Besándote,” an early hit co-written by Feid, highlighting his contribution to their success.
“Besándote,” a breakthrough hit for Piso 21 in 2017, was co-written by Feid alongside the four-member group. This feel-good love song, centered around mutual attraction between single individuals, exemplifies Feid’s ability to craft universally relatable and uplifting tracks.
11. Reykon, “Secretos”
“Secretos” (2014) holds a special place in Feid’s history, marking his first major success as a songwriter. Originally intended as Feid’s debut single titled “Puedo Ser,” it ultimately became Reykon’s song and earned him his first-ever Billboard chart entry. This track launched Feid’s songwriting career, paving the way for his future achievements.
12. Thalia, “Corazón Valiente”
For her 2018 album Valiente, Thalia collaborated with a new wave of artists, producers, and songwriters, including Ovy on the Drums, Lali, and Ana Mena, to refresh her pop sound. Feid contributed to this revitalized sound with songwriting credits on two tracks: “Corazón Valiente” and “Vikingo,” showcasing his ability to blend his style with established pop icons.
13. Ximena Sariñana, “¿Qué Tiene?”
Ximena Sariñana’s “¿Qué Tiene?” from her ¿Dónde Bailarán Las Niñas? album, stands out as one of her most rhythmically driven songs. Feid co-wrote this track with Mosty, Jowan, Juan Pablo Vega, Rolo, Wain, and Sariñana herself. This collaboration highlights Feid’s versatility in contributing to diverse musical styles, even within the Latin pop sphere.
From Pen to Performance: Feid’s Enduring Musical Legacy
Feid’s journey from a behind-the-scenes songwriter to a global phenomenon is a compelling narrative of talent, perseverance, and artistic evolution. While the world now knows and loves Feid for his own chart-topping “feid songs” and electrifying stage presence, his foundation in songwriting provides a deeper appreciation for his artistry. His ability to craft hits for others laid the groundwork for his own solo success, demonstrating a consistent thread of musical brilliance throughout his career. As Feid continues to dominate the Latin music charts, it’s worth remembering the songs he penned that paved the way, solidifying his place as not just a performer, but a true architect of modern Latin music.
