DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOTos

Sophia’s take on the new Bad Bunny Album

Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, professionally known as Bad Bunny, has done it again: his latest musical release has captured the hearts of all; his new album, "DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOTos," a rather meaningful title in Spanish that means "I Should Have Taken More Photos," is a tribute to his Puerto Rican roots. This 17-track compilation masterfully weds traditional genres like Plena, Jíbara, Salsa, Reggaeton, Bomba, and Dembow with more modern influences of reggaeton and trap, blending nostalgia with innovation in an unparalleled manner. What makes it different from other records is that Benito has covered it with local Puerto Rican acts, including some of the youth out of Escuela Libre de Música San Juan and the widely esteemed groups Los Pleneros de La Cresta and RaiNao. This is a decision that promotes local talent, brings old sounds to younger generations, and closes gaps between different eras. Indeed, in the album, one can hear serious social and political issues affecting Puerto Rico and Hawaii, such as gentrification, migration, economic challenges, and cultural preservation. The album prompts a deeper contemplation of issues that embody Puerto Rico's past, present, and future. Critics have praised "DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOTos" as one of Benito's signature works when thinking about it with emotional moments and universal themes. One song, "DTMF," has caused a nostalgia wave on TikTok, with users sharing their most treasured memories. In the song, Bad Bunny sermonizes on living in the moment and dwelling on experiences rather than digital mementos. This meaningful release shows Bad Bunny's commitment to his culture and emphasis in addressing current matters through his songs. He uses his platform to show Puerto Rican culture and encourages other artists to keep their roots in today's global music landscape. In an industry that is largely defined by commercial success, Benito is the kind of artist who can celebrate his cultural identity and still be relatable to the world. DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOTos opens the path for many emerging artists to find and pay respect to their cultural narratives through music. It is more than an album—it's a representation of heritage, community, and shared experiences.

Sophia Shiatis