On January 5, 2025, Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio aka the infamous Bad Bunny released his seventh studio album titled “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS.” Which translates to “ I should have taken more photos,” the title of the album sets the tone as it is relatable to anyone who has looked back on memories and wishes they could have captured the beauty of the moment. Bad Bunny has always been a storyteller but on “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS” he begins to peel back another layer of himself with his heartfelt tribute to the soul of all of Puerto Rico.
A big factor at play in the success of the album was the rollout of a short film by the title of “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS (Short Film)” which was released on January 3, 2025. The short film is like a prologue or a trailer for a movie. The short film sets the tone and also allows people to visualize the concepts he would later speak about.
On the night of the release, Bad Bunny hosted a live listening party in the San Juan Historic District (Old San Juan). Fans gathered quickly and with the beautiful light and the amazing visuals, the show was full of Puerto Rican art and history. One of the most touching parts of the show is the fact that the show felt less like a promotional effort and more like a communal celebration, solidifying the album as one of his greatest works before it was even released.
The album is packed with deep hitting songs, especially for those who have any sort of Hispanic or Latino background. The album kicks off with a beautiful song, “Nuevayol” which translates into “New York.” The song samples a classic salsa hit from Andy Montanez, “Un Verano en Nueva York.” In the song Bad Bunny acknowledges the many Puerto Rican people that have migrated to New York and goes on to celebrate the people of the island he calls home while giving a nod to the resilience of the people in Puerto Rico.
An even deeper cut of the album is the song, “Lo Que Le Pasó a Hawaii” which when translated is “What happened to Hawaii.” This song takes a break from the love letter style of the album and calls for action. This stand-out protest song compares the parallels between Puerto Rico and Hawaii, two islands that unfortunately in recent years have had to deal with gentrification, an overflow of tourism, and the loss of the island’s natural beauty.
On social media, the album is trending, with the stand-out track being “DtMF” being used on instagram and TikTok with fans sharing old photos and heartfelt videos using the soundtrack to relive those moments. It is more than a song, it is a reminder to pause, reflect, and appreciate the beauty in life’s simpler moments.
In this love letter to Puerto Rico, Bad Bunny expresses his love for the island and his appreciation for how his Puerto Rican roots shaped his life.
As “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS” continues to dominate both streaming and social media platforms, Bad Bunny reminds us about what matters most. Acknowledging your roots, ensuring that traditions are passed on through the generations, and being authentic to what makes you who you are.
