Bad Bunny is proudly sharing why his new album, Debí Tirar Más Fotos, is his most “Puerto Rican” project to date. In an interview with The New York Times, the artist explained that the 17-track album was recorded entirely in Puerto Rico and features traditional sounds from his homeland. The 30-year-old singer also emphasized the album’s collaborative nature, showcasing various Latin singers from different generations.
The album includes contributions from Puerto Rican artists such as RaiNao, Omar Courtz, and Dei V, as well as celebrated bands Pleneros de la Cresta and Chuwi.
“Every one of them is Puerto Rican and there for a reason,” Bad Bunny said in an interview in December, according to The New York Times. “When I listened to them, I felt like I was there in Santurce, hanging out.”
Staying True to His Roots
During an appearance on Popcast, The New York Times’ podcast, Bad Bunny discussed his determination to succeed without compromising his identity as a Puerto Rican artist.
“The industry tries to put in your head, like you need to be worldwide. And I understand because Puerto Rico is a very small island. Maybe an artist from Mexico could be successful only in Mexico. Same with Brazil. But I always knew that I could be big and successful being Puerto Rican, with my music and with my slang and with my culture, my everything,” he said. “So I was working to reach the most places, but at the same time keeping my essence, my roots.”
An Enhanced Appreciation for Puerto Rico
Although he has spent the last six years living in the U.S., Bad Bunny said his time away has given him a greater appreciation for his homeland.
“When you are far, sometimes you can see better, you can appreciate more,” he said. “All the features on the album, those are the artists that I used to listen to when I was in L.A. or on the road on tour. And it was special because you can feel close to home through the music. That’s one of the purposes of this project.”
The Meaning Behind the Album Title
The album’s title, which translates to “I Should Have Taken More Photos,” carries a personal message for the artist. Bad Bunny explained that it serves as a reminder to cherish life’s meaningful moments.
“I remember back in time photos used to be something very special. Today you can take a picture of everything. Maybe sometimes I don’t want a picture with someone for many reasons: Maybe I’m not in my best mood. Sometimes I feel that maybe this person is not a real fan. And also because maybe I got used to it and it’s not a special moment for me,” he said. “But for them, maybe it is, and the person wants to save that moment. So that’s the meaning of the title — you should appreciate more the moments and the people. It’s not an apology, it’s more like a reminder to myself.”
During his appearance on Popcast, The New York Time’s podcast, Bad Bunny said he always wanted to prove that Latin artists can be successful without getting away from their roots.
“The industry tries to put in your head, like you need to be worldwide. And I understand because Puerto Rico is a very small island. Maybe an artist from Mexico could be successful only in Mexico. Same with Brazil. But I always knew that I could be big and successful being Puerto Rican, with my music and with my slang and with my culture, my everything,” Bad Bunny told The Times. “So I was working to reach the most places, but at the same time keeping my essence, my roots.”
While he has spent the past six years of his life in the U.S., Bad Bunny said he gained an even bigger appreciation for his homeland.
“When you are far, sometimes you can see better, you can appreciate more,” he said. “All the features on the album, those are the artists that I used to listen to when I was in L.A. or on the road on tour. And it was special because you can feel close to home through the music. That’s one of the purposes of this project.”
Describing the title of his album, which translates to “I Should Have Taken More Photos,” Bad Bunny said those words remind him to appreciate the special moments in life.
