The album is deeply personal and political, addressing issues like Puerto Rico's colonial status, gentrification, and cultural preservation. It blends traditional Puerto Rican music with modern sounds, showcasing Bad Bunny's growth as an artist and his commitment to his roots. The album also reflects on memory, celebration, and loss, making it a profound statement on Puerto Rican identity.
'Nueva York' opens the album with a sample from El Gran Combo's 1975 salsa track 'Un Verano en Nueva York.' It highlights the Puerto Rican diaspora and the cultural connections between the island and New York. The song also touches on themes of gentrification and the historical presence of Puerto Ricans in New York, setting the tone for the album's exploration of identity and community.
In 'Lo Que Le Pasó a Hawaii,' Bad Bunny draws a parallel between Hawaii's cultural loss after becoming a U.S. state and Puerto Rico's current colonial status. He critiques the lack of statehood or independence for Puerto Rico, warning against the potential cultural extinction if the island follows a similar path. The song reflects his advocacy for Puerto Rican sovereignty and cultural preservation.
Bad Bunny incorporates traditional styles like salsa, plena, and bomba, blending them with modern reggaeton and urbano sounds. For example, 'Café Con Rón' features plena, a working-class dance music, while 'Baile Inolvidable' draws from salsa. These elements highlight his effort to preserve and celebrate Puerto Rican musical heritage.
Bad Bunny collaborates with young artists and traditional bands like Los Pleneros de la Cresta, showcasing their music and emphasizing cultural preservation. He also works with schools for live instrumentation, aiming to inspire Puerto Rican youth to engage with their heritage and envision a brighter future for the island.
The album revolves around memory, celebration, and loss, reflecting on Puerto Rico's cultural and political challenges. Bad Bunny explores themes like gentrification, diaspora, and the island's colonial status, while celebrating its traditions and urging Puerto Ricans to preserve their identity. The title, meaning 'I Should Have Taken More Photos,' underscores the importance of capturing and remembering moments of cultural significance.
Alt.Latino hosts Anamaria Sayre and Felix Contreras, and NPR reporter Isabella Gomez Sarmiento break down what exactly makes the record so Puerto Rican and why its Bad Bunny's most reflective, ambitious and ingenious album yet.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices)NPR Privacy Policy)