Editor’s Note: This article is a review and includes subjective thoughts, opinions and critiques.
Last month, three-time Grammy winner Bad Bunny released his latest album, “DeBí TiRAR MáS FOToS”. The 17-song album was both a return to his Puerto Rican roots and a bold evolution of his sound. After breaking the charts with some of his previous albums, Bad Bunny dove back into hard-hitting reggaeton and Latin trap while blending in deeper cultural influences.
I never thought Bad Bunny could top his hit album “Un Verano Sin Ti,” a project so masterfully crafted it felt like a defining moment in his career. But “DeBí TiRAR MáS FOToS” stands on equal ground, proving once again that Bad Bunny knows how to evolve without losing his essence.
In the past, his music has been rooted in reggaeton and Latin trap, blending infectious beats with bold lyricism that pushed the genre forward. What makes this album stand out is how he expands his sound, fully embracing salsa, experimenting with stripped-down production and weaving in introspective themes — while still delivering the high-energy bangers that first put him on the map. It’s this balance between innovation and authenticity that keeps him at the forefront of Latin music.
At a time when the world, and the U.S. specifically, is facing heightened political tension, delivering a powerful message through music is more important than ever. For example, in one of his tracks, Bad Bunny speaks about his home of Puerto Rico and how it’s starting to become gentrified by those who aren’t native to the island. He calls on the people of Puerto Rico to band together against gentrification. As an Afro-Latina, this album resonated with me deeply, not just because of its sound but because of the stories it tells and the emotions it evokes.
Before diving into my favorite tracks, it’s worth noting that Bad Bunny’s intentionality started well before anyone pressed play. The album dropped on January 6, Three Kings’ Day, a holiday deeply rooted in Puerto Rican and Latin American culture that symbolizes tradition, family and resilience. From the very beginning, Bad Bunny made it clear that this project wasn’t just about sound — it was about representing his roots.
Beyond the significance of its release date, the music itself speaks volumes. Bad Bunny weaves together nostalgia, tradition and innovation, creating an album that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant. Some tracks stood out to me not only for their sound, but for the emotions and cultural depth they carried.
The album’s opening track, “NUEVAYoL,” is a nostalgic yet celebratory anthem that feels like a love letter to the Puerto Rican diaspora in New York. The sample from El Gran Combo’s “Un Verano en Nueva York” immediately pulls listeners in, grounding the track in classic salsa while still keeping it fresh with Bad Bunny’s signature flow. It’s a song that bridges generations, honoring the past while giving younger listeners a new way to connect with their cultural roots. The fusion of reggaeton and salsa makes it one of the most compelling tracks on the album.
Another one of my favorites, “BAILE INoLVIDABLE,” is a standout six-minute salsa track that feels both modern and timeless. The live orchestra backing gives it an authenticity that transports listeners straight to a dance floor in Puerto Rico. Bad Bunny’s decision to fully embrace salsa rather than just sample it is a testament to his versatility and respect for Latin music traditions.
Lyrically, the song is rich with emotion, telling the story of a fleeting but passionate moment. It’s a rare and beautiful thing to see an artist primarily known for reggaeton and trap execute a salsa track so flawlessly, and it’s one of the reasons this album feels so significant. This is a song that certainly should get everyone on their feet, regardless of dancing experience.
In the middle of the album, the song that stood out the most was “KLOuFRENS.” The beat is raw, the delivery is sharp and the lyrics are filled with the attitude that made his early work so impactful. It’s a song that feels reminiscent of his “X 100PRE” and “YHLQMDLG” days, a reminder that while he continues to evolve, he hasn’t abandoned the sound that first put him on the map. The energy in this track is undeniable, making it one of the most replayable songs on the album.
Last but certainly not least, “DtMF” stands out as one of the most introspective and emotionally charged tracks. While the title might seem playful at first, the song delves into themes of nostalgia, loss and personal reflection.
The track has also sparked a TikTok trend where users reflect on their most cherished moments, often posting clips of time spent with friends and family. Seeing this trend unfold reminded me how I should soak in the moments I have with my friends here at Stanford, especially as a graduating senior this spring.
What makes “DtMF” even more significant is that its abbreviation mirrors the album’s title, “DeBí TiRAR MáS FOToS,” creating a full-circle moment as the record nears its end. As the second-to-last track, it feels like a quiet realization — one last reminder to appreciate the present before it becomes a memory. The stripped-back production lets the lyrics shine, making it one of the most poignant and reflective moments on the album, expertly tying together the themes of nostalgia and self-reflection that run throughout the album.
“DeBí TiRAR MáS FOToS” is a testament to Bad Bunny’s ability to innovate while staying deeply connected to his Puerto Rican roots. The album showcases his range — not just in terms of musical genres but in emotional depth. For me, as a Latina, it was more than just an album: it was an experience that celebrated identity, history and the evolving nature of Latin music. Whether through the nostalgia of “NUEVAYoL,” the danceable rhythms of “BAILE INoLVIDABLE” or the raw energy of “KLOuFRENS,” Bad Bunny once again proves why he remains at the forefront of global music. This album is not just a collection of songs — it’s a cultural moment.