Chanza translates to 'chance' or 'risk', but it's not an everyday word you hear in every song. It carries a slightly more informal and intriguing nuance than just 'oportunidad'.
In the context of the song, Jay Wheeler sings, "Si tú quieres correr la chanza" (If you want to take the chance/risk). He uses it to emphasize the inherent risks and vulnerabilities involved in pursuing love, making it a compelling word that invites listeners to consider the deeper meaning of commitment and potential heartbreak.
Jay Wheeler steps up to the mic like a friend who has been burned before and wants to save you from making the exact same mistakes. Teaming up with veteran Puerto Rican producer DJ Nelson, he delivers smooth reggaeton with some surprisingly blunt relationship advice. The track kicks off with him checking someone's naive optimism: "Hablas de amor como si tú supieras / Lo que yo pasé cuando me enamoré" [You talk about love like you actually know / What I went through when I fell in love]. He warns that fake people walk out without giving reasons, so you have to guard your heart. For Wheeler, true connection is practical work, not just physical sparks. He spells out his golden rule in the hook: "tienen que amarse fuera de la cama" [you have to love each other outside the bedroom] and wake up every day with that exact same drive.
He also treats romance like a high-stakes balancing act. Look out for the line "Si tú quieres correr la chanza" [If you want to take the chance]—the word "chanza" is Puerto Rican street slang borrowed straight from the English word "chance." Wheeler reminds you that if you take that gamble, "Pierde el primero que se cansa" [The first one who gets tired loses], and even when someone hurts you, revenge is off the table. Through it all, his main lesson is knowing your own worth ("Tienes que saber lo que mereces" [You have to know what you deserve]) so you can keep loving honestly, even when it stings.
Jay Wheeler (born José Ángel López Martínez on April 25, 1994, in Salinas, Puerto Rico) is a Puerto Rican singer and songwriter known for his emotive voice and romantic style blending reggaeton, Latin trap, and R&B. Rising to fame after a viral video in 2016, Wheeler quickly built a dedicated fanbase and earned the nickname La Voz Favorita (The Favorite Voice).
He signed with Dynamic Records in 2018, releasing his debut album Platónico in 2019, executively produced by DJ Nelson. His follow-up album Platónicos (2020) featured the hit single "La Curiosidad" with Myke Towers, which reached number 5 on Billboard's Hot Latin Songs chart. Jay Wheeler continues to captivate audiences with heartfelt lyrics and collaborations with top Latin artists, solidifying his place in urban Latin music.