Key Takeaways:

• Bad Bunny's new album "DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS" serves as a heartfelt tribute to Puerto Rican culture.
• The album addresses political issues, including gentrification and cultural preservation.
• Musical influences include bomba, plena, salsa, and reggaetón, showcasing the roots of Puerto Rican music.
• A visual project accompanying the album offers historical context about Puerto Rico.
• Critically acclaimed as Bad Bunny's most vulnerable and impactful work yet.

Puerto Rico's cultural pride echoes powerfully in Bad Bunny's sixth studio album, DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS (I Should've Taken More Photos), released to widespread acclaim. Heralded as a masterpiece by both critics and fans, the album extends a heartfelt tribute to the island and its people, weaving together joyous rhythms and poignant messages that resonate deeply with the socio-political reality of Puerto Rico. Notably, the title itself reflects a nostalgic yearning, embodying the sentiment of capturing fleeting moments and experiences.

Throughout the album, Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, seamlessly integrates diverse musical genres such as bomba, plena, salsa, and reggaetón. The opening track, “Nueva Yol,” pays homage to the rich tapestry of Puerto Rican music, starting with a sample of the classic 1975 salsa hit “Un Verano en Nueva York” by El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, establishing a connection to the island's musical legacy. Recognizing the influence of his cultural roots, Bad Bunny emphasized in a recent interview, “This is an album of Puerto Rican music, and a completely different vibe from what any other artist has done” ([LATimes](https://www.latimes.com/delos/newsletter/2025-01-10/bad-bunny-debi-tirar-mas-fotos-review-puerto-rico-hawaii-dtmf-latinx-files)).

The album’s deep dive into historical narratives is further reinforced through the collaboration with Jorell Meléndez-Badillo, a history professor who helped create engaging visuals that accompany each track. These visualizers serve as educational tools, guiding listeners through the tumultuous history of Puerto Rico. The song “Lo Que Le Pasó a Hawaii” draws powerful comparisons between Hawaii and Puerto Rico, both U.S. territories that have faced similar colonial challenges. With lyrics that poignantly address displacement and identity preservation, he sings, “Quieren quitarme el río y también la playa” (They want to take my river and my beach), a clear signifier of resistance against gentrification and exploitation ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2025/01/10/nx-s1-5250287/bad-bunny-debi-tirar-mas-fotos-political-puerto-rico)).

In addition to its political lyrics, DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS is intimately personal. Bad Bunny channels his vulnerabilities through nostalgic reflections on relationships, urging listeners to cherish memories. The titular track resonates particularly well with fans; many have taken to social media to share tributes in memory of loved ones, echoing his poignant lines about missed moments. This emotional depth marks the album as perhaps his most vulnerable work to date, allowing listeners a glimpse into his personal struggles and aspirations.

Critics have widely hailed the album not only as a pivotal moment in Bad Bunny's career but also as a timely artistic contribution to conversations about Puerto Rican identity and culture on a global stage. His ability to make the personal political, effectively blending personal narratives with broader social issues, sets him apart in the modern music landscape. Indeed, as Bad Bunny himself reflects on his artistry, he encapsulates the essence of Puerto Rico’s spirit in every note, reaffirming that for him, “de aquí yo no me muevo” (I’m not going anywhere), expressing a firm commitment to his island and its legacy.

As the artist himself puts it, we are fortunate to witness such a significant contribution to music and culture during these times. More than just an album, DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS serves as a rallying cry for Puerto Ricans everywhere, reminding them of the enduring resilience and richness of their heritage.

For further insights, read more on NPR and LATimes.