No Escape from US Imperialism: Bad Bunny’s DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS and the Struggle for Puerto Rico
Not even the self-proclaimed multi-millionaire Benito Antonio Martinez, known artistically as Bad Bunny, can ignore the effects of US imperialism on his beloved home of Puerto Rico in his latest album, DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS.
Bad Bunny is known for having immense pride in his home. A fact which has been reflected throughout his music in songs like "Estamos Bien", "El Apagón", "P FKN R", just to name a few. His latest album is no exception, and you could say it's even a doubling down on his roots, giving it new life for the current period.
The album is full of fantastic collaborations with other Boricua artists like Omar Courtz, Dei V, Chuwi, and RaiNao. But it also establishes itself sonically almost transporting the listener to the island. It's the pinnacle of art only possible with the kind of resources Benito has, featuring production from his oft-collaborator Tainy and a full salsa band in songs like "La MuDANZA" and "BAILE INoLVIDABLE".
Sure, common themes of Bad Bunny's music are certainly present here like him being an eternal lover boy and hopeless romantic. But there's also a nationalism here that reflects Puerto Rico's precarious situation as a colony of the United States. His song "LO QUE LE PASÓ A HAWAii" is a tale about the devastating effects capitalism has had on Puerto Rico, and a warning of how U.S. Imperialism has treated Hawaii. He's of course referencing how wealthy "investors" outside of the island have dramatically increased living costs forcing many natives to move from their neighborhoods or leave the island all together.
Benito is ultimately a product of two working class parents who worked at a grocery store before getting rich and famous. This album is a recognition that no amount of personal wealth can fix the systemic issues of capitalism. This is why we're building the Revolutionary Communist International and the Revolutionary Communists of America! Only a democratic workers' government can ensure the prosperity of Puerto Rico for generations to come.