Blending electronic euphoria with Latin star power, SOFI TUKKER return with “Cook”, a collaboration alongside J Balvin that also serves as their first release under a newly announced partnership with Republic Records. This acts as the follow-up to SOFI TUKKER’s collaboration with Drowning Pool on the single “Bodies Hit the Floor” and J Balvin’s collaboration with Óscar Maydon on the single “Poema”.
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Written by Sophie Hawley-Weld, Tucker Halpern, Richard Beynon, Sherwyn Nicholls, Kendrick Nicholls, José Álvaro Osorio Balvín, and Luis O’Neill, “Cook” was produced by SOFI TUKKER, BYNON, and Two Fresh, with Alex Ghenea handling mixing and Chris Gehringer overseeing mastering. Released last week, the track merges Latin rhythms with electronic production, bringing together the distinct musical identities of both artists.
The single maintains SOFI TUKKER’s globally inspired, percussion-driven style while incorporating J Balvin’s unmistakable vocal delivery. The result is a club-ready collaboration that reflects both artists’ international appeal and highlights the shared creative influences that underpin the track. Positioned as their first release under a major-label partnership, this brand-new single sets the tone for what this next chapter may bring.
Lyrically, “Cook” embraces a bilingual approach, moving fluidly between English and Spanish while using culinary imagery as an extended metaphor. References to “cooking” and preparing something hot and in-demand become symbolic of confidence, creative chemistry, and the charged atmosphere of nightlife culture. The metaphor suggests not only crafting a track designed to ignite the dancefloor but also the process of building momentum and cultural buzz. In doing so, the lyrics mirror the song’s energetic production, reinforcing its themes of bold self-assurance and collective celebration.
The accompanying music video, directed by The Reggies, with SHOTCLOCK serving as the production company and Mitchell Overton as Director of Photography, brings both acts together on screen, leaning into bold visuals, movement, and colour. From the outset, the clip embraces a club-forward aesthetic, placing rhythm and physical expression at the centre of its visual identity rather than following a narrative storyline.
Presented as a performance-driven visual, the video allows SOFI TUKKER and J Balvin to command the screen through stylised staging and confident choreography. A simple, repeatable dance move—directly tied to the song’s title and chorus—becomes a focal point throughout, reinforcing the track’s hook while encouraging audience participation. Rapid cuts, saturated lighting, and kinetic camera work further amplify the sense of momentum, creating a visual atmosphere that mirrors the song’s layered percussion and pulsing production, while underlining the collaborative nature of “Cook” and the interplay between electronic and Latin influences.
The signing to Republic Records marks the first time SOFI TUKKER have formally partnered with a major label following years of independently driven releases and flexible distribution arrangements. Throughout their career, the duo have maintained hands-on creative control, gradually building their audience through touring, brand collaborations, and self-directed projects. Their decision to enter into a major-label agreement at this stage reflects a shift in infrastructure rather than identity, adding broader industry backing to a foundation they have already established.
The duo shared with Billboard, “It wasn’t until we met the people at Republic that we decided we wanted to sign with a major label… We couldn’t be more excited to be at a place in our career where we know who we are, have built this ourselves, and now get to learn from and work with a whole new group of smart people to help us bring our visions to life. It’s a big step that’s been years in the making.”
SOFI TUKKER’s creative partnership began while Sophie Hawley-Weld and Tucker Halpern were students at Brown University, a meeting that ultimately redirected both of their individual musical ambitions. Rather than pursuing separate careers, they developed a shared project that fused Hawley-Weld’s connection to Brazilian culture and language with Halpern’s interest in electronic production. Early releases quickly drew attention within the dance and alternative scenes, with “Drinkee” and the album “Treehouse” introducing a sound that balanced organic influences with club-focused energy, while also gaining GRAMMY nominations.
Across four studio albums—”Treehouse”, “WET TENNIS”, “BREAD”, and “butter”—SOFI TUKKER have steadily expanded their catalogue while maintaining their globally influenced dance sound. Tracks such as “Best Friend” and “Purple Hat” have become staples of their live sets, contributing to billions of streams worldwide and earning Platinum certifications across multiple territories. Their reputation as a performance-driven act has translated into headline shows at venues including Red Rocks and Forest Hills Stadium, alongside appearances at major international festivals such as Coachella and Tomorrowland, reinforcing their presence on both the streaming charts and the global touring circuit.
The collaboration with J Balvin unites two artists who share a global outlook on music. Hailing from Medellín, Colombia, José Álvaro Osorio Balvín first gained international attention through a series of reggaeton and Latin pop releases that helped bring the genre to mainstream audiences. Early hits like “6 AM”, “Ay Vamos”, and “Ginza” established his presence worldwide, while “Mi Gente” in collaboration with Willy William—and a remix version which saw Beyoncé jump on as a featured artist—became one of the most-streamed Latin songs of all time, cementing his status as a leading figure in contemporary Latin music.
J Balvin’s impact extends beyond streaming milestones, reflecting both his commercial success and cultural influence. He has headlined major international festivals, becoming the first Latin artist to perform on Coachella’s main stage and later taking centre stage at other global events such as Lollapalooza. His work has been widely recognised for shaping the international presence of reggaeton and Latin pop, and in 2020, he was named among Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People. Through collaborations with artists across genres and borders, this top Latin artist has continued to expand the reach of Latin music while influencing a new generation of performers worldwide.
The release of “Cook” not only highlights a long-standing mutual admiration between the artists but also reflects SOFI TUKKER’s ongoing commitment to cultural exchange within electronic music. As they step into their partnership with Republic Records, the collaboration positions the duo at a pivotal moment—balancing creative independence with expanded global infrastructure.
With this new single release setting the tone, this dance duo’s next chapter appears focused on growth, collaboration, and continuing to blur the lines between electronic music, global culture, and community-driven dancefloor experiences.
“Cook”, by SOFI TUKKER and J Balvin, is available to download and stream, right now, across all platforms, via Republic Records, which is a division of UMG Recordings.
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