I Like It (Cardi B, Bad Bunny and J Balvin song)

Composition and credits

The song combines modern trap rhythms with a salsa/boogaloo-influenced horn phrase derived from Pete Rodriguez's 1960s recording "I Like It Like That," giving it a hybrid sound often described as Latin trap with a trap-salsa beat. Vocals alternate between English and Spanish, featuring rapped verses and melodic hooks. Writing credits include the three performers alongside additional credited songwriters; production was handled by a team of producers. Key credits commonly noted are:

• Principal performers: Cardi B, Bad Bunny, J Balvin
• Producers and production team: credited producers and programmers who shaped the beat and arrangement
• Source material: incorporation of elements from the classic boogaloo recording

Release, style and lyrical themes

Musically the single sits at the intersection of trap and Latin popular forms, using contemporary hip-hop percussion, rolling hi-hats and prominent brass lines that evoke mid‑20th‑century Latin dance music. Lyrically it celebrates success, style and material comforts while switching between English and Spanish, a bilingual approach that helped it reach diverse audiences. The track's use of a familiar melodic hook contributed to both its dancefloor appeal and radio friendliness.

Chart performance and reception

Upon release, "I Like It" achieved significant commercial success. It reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100, marking a major chart milestone for the lead artist. Internationally, the single entered top-ten and high-chart positions in several countries, including:

• Canada
• New Zealand
• Portugal
• Slovakia
• Spain
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom

Critics generally highlighted the song's energetic production, catchy chorus and the chemistry among the three performers. Its bilingual format and sampling of an older Latin hit were noted as factors that broadened its appeal beyond core hip-hop audiences.

Music video, performances and cultural impact

The official visual presentation and numerous live performances emphasized vibrant Latin imagery, fashion and celebratory choreography, reinforcing the track's party-oriented vibe. By bringing together high-profile artists from different parts of the Americas, the song played a role in popularizing Latin-inflected sounds within mainstream English-language pop and hip-hop radio playlists.

Notable distinctions

"I Like It" stands out as an example of cross-cultural collaboration in contemporary pop and urban music. Its commercial success demonstrated the market potential for bilingual songs that mix traditional Latin motifs with modern production techniques, and it remains a frequently cited case of how sampling or reworking familiar musical phrases can create broadly appealing new hits.