Bad Bunny’s New Album and the Future of Puerto Rican Rap and Reggaeton
Nov 16, 2023
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Ryan Dombal, Isabelia Herrera, and Julianne Escobedo Shepherd discuss Bad Bunny's rise to superstardom and his latest album. They highlight new queer femme artists from Puerto Rico and the exciting new directions in the island's music. They explore the impact and ranking of Bad Bunny's previous album and share their review of his latest work. Additionally, they delve into the emergence of fresh talent in Puerto Rican rap and reggaeton, focusing on queer artists and feminist collectives that challenge homophobia.
Bad Bunny's latest album doesn't live up to his own high bar in terms of innovation and excitement.
A new wave of Puerto Rican rap and reggaeton artists, such as Young Mico, Biano Antiano, and Right Now, are pushing the boundaries of the genre with fresh perspectives and diverse voices.
Deep dives
Bad Bunny's Rise to Stardom and Genre Versatility
Bad Bunny, the exciting music superstar of recent years, has captivated audiences with his trap-heavy music. He gained prominence in 2016 with his hit track 'Swipe Béor' and continued to make waves with his unique style and charisma. One of his early standout songs is 'Creepy' with Farrico, which showcased his captivating presence and charisma. Bad Bunny's breakthrough moment came in 2018 with his feature on Cardi B's 'I Like It,' which propelled him into the mainstream spotlight. His ability to experiment with various genres, from reggaeton to pop punk, has solidified his standing as a versatile artist who effortlessly adapts to any style. His latest album, 'Un Verano Sin Ti,' showcases a culmination of his diverse influences and earned critical acclaim.
Exploring the Decline in Bad Bunny's New Album
While Bad Bunny's latest album, with its trap-oriented sound, has received positive reviews, some fans and critics have noticed a slight decline in his overall impact. The album, spanning over an hour, can be repetitive at times, lacking the same excitement and innovative approach seen in his previous works. Thematically, it treads familiar ground, delving into topics like sex and flexing, but without the same gusto and skill as previous projects. Some posit that these creative choices may be affected by his increasing foray into other endeavors, such as professional wrestling and acting, which could be diluting his focus as an artist. While the album still showcases his musical talent, it leaves some fans and critics desiring a more groundbreaking and varied musical direction.
The Rise of Puerto Rican Rap and Reggaeton Artists
As Bad Bunny's stardom flourishes, he has inspired a new wave of Puerto Rican rap and reggaeton artists who are making their mark on the music scene. Artists like Young Mico, Biano Antiano, and Right Now are gaining recognition and pushing the boundaries of the genre. Young Mico, known as one of the first openly lesbian rappers in Puerto Rican rap, offers a fresh perspective with explicit lyrics and versatile flows. Biano Antiano brings a political edge to her music, addressing important issues such as femicide and advocating for trans rights. Meanwhile, Right Now explores a more indie and R&B-infused sound, creating atmospheric and sensual tracks. These artists are bringing much-needed diversity and representation to Puerto Rican rap and reggaeton, captivating audiences with their unique voices and perspectives.
Ryan Dombal, Isabelia Herrera, and Julianne Escobedo Shepherd talk about Bad Bunny’s remarkable rise to superstardom and how his latest record, nadie sabe lo que va a pasar mañana, doesn’t quite live up to his own high bar. Also, we highlight a few new queer femme artists from Puerto Rico who are taking the island’s music to exciting new places. Read Isabelia's review here, and her feature story here.
