"RITMO" proved to be a slow-burning crossover hit that eventually dominated multiple Billboard charts:

Black Eyed Peas & J Balvin's 'Ritmo' Will Take You Back in Time

RITMO (Bad Boys For Life): The Pulse of a New Era for the Black Eyed Peas

The track’s undeniable energy comes from its heavy use of . Frontman will.i.am described the production goal as "minimal, futurist, afro-fused reggaeton vibe". Beyond the iconic Eurodance hook, the song layers in additional samples, including: Public Enemy’s "Rebel Without a Pause" Tag Team’s "Whoomp! (There It Is)" A Cross-Cultural Collaboration