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Global superstar Bad Bunny’s latest album, “Debir Tirar Mas Fotos” (I Should’ve Taken More Photos), has topped the charts, surpassing even Taylor Swift. The album blends traditional Puerto Rican folk music genres like plena, salsa, and bomba with modern sounds. It features collaborations with local independent artists, paying homage to Bunny’s Puerto Rican roots.
Beyond the catchy tunes, the album carries a deeper message. Experts and cultural commentators see “Debir Tirar Mas Fotos” as a reflection of anxieties about the future of Puerto Rico.
One track in particular, “Lo Que Pasó a Hawaii” (What Happened to Hawaii), draws a parallel between Puerto Rico and Hawaii. The song addresses concerns about overdevelopment and gentrification in Puerto Rico. Some Puerto Ricans worry their island is heading down a similar path as Hawaii, where rising costs and an influx of wealthy newcomers have impacted local communities.
Historically, Hawaii served as a point of comparison in debates about Puerto Rican statehood. While some saw Hawaii as a model of progress, others now view it as a cautionary tale.
After Hurricane Maria, many mainland US investors purchased properties in Puerto Rico, fueled by tax incentives. This influx has led to rising prices and displacement, echoing concerns in Hawaii.
Bad Bunny’s lyrics call for Puerto Ricans to remember their heritage and resist displacement. This message resonates with many young people on the island who have witnessed these changes firsthand. The album captures a growing political consciousness and a desire for change.
While some worry the album’s popularity might inadvertently attract more mainland investors, many see it as a powerful expression of the fears and anxieties felt by Puerto Ricans about their island’s future. The album’s title track has even inspired a trend on social media, with users sharing photos and videos of lost loved ones and places, highlighting the theme of displacement.