All of It: Bad Bunny's "DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS" – A Deep Dive into Culture and Identity

Podcast: All of It
Host: Alison Stewart
Episode: Bad Bunny's DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS
Release Date: May 26, 2025

Introduction to the Episode

In this episode of All of It, host Alison Stewart explores the cultural and political nuances of Bad Bunny's latest album, DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS. Touted as Bad Bunny’s most Puerto Rican album to date, the project delves deep into his roots while addressing pressing contemporary issues faced by Puerto Rico. Stewart engages with NPR culture reporter Isabela Gomez Sarmiento and Dr. Jerrel Melendez Badillo, a history professor from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and collaborator on the album, to unpack the album’s significance.

Bad Bunny’s Evolution as a Global Superstar

[01:46] Isabela Gomez Sarmiento:
Bad Bunny has transitioned from a "breakout trap reggaeton star" to a "full-fledged pop star" and global icon. His previous album, Umberano Sinti, marked a significant leap in his career, establishing him as a prominent figure in Caribbean pop. With DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, Bad Bunny consciously reconnects with his Puerto Rican heritage after a period spent in Los Angeles, reflecting both personal growth and political awareness.

Key Insights:

• Transformation from regional artist to global superstar.
• Conscious effort to re-root in Puerto Rican culture and politics.

Collaborating on Cultural Histories: Dr. Jerrel Melendez Badillo’s Role

[02:17] Alison Stewart:
Stewart highlights that each song on the album is accompanied by a YouTube title card providing historical lessons about Puerto Rico, developed with Dr. Badillo.

[02:33] Dr. Jerrel Melendez Badillo:
Dr. Badillo was approached on December 24th of the previous year to help integrate Puerto Rican history into the album. The project aims to educate listeners, particularly those in marginalized communities, about significant historical events and cultural elements. Bad Bunny wanted to use his platform to amplify Puerto Rico’s history, addressing gaps in public education.

Key Insights:

• Integration of historical education into musical content.
• Focus on marginalized communities’ awareness of their heritage.

Listener Reaction: Emily's Perspective

[03:57] Emily:
Emily from Inglewood expresses newfound appreciation for Bad Bunny, highlighting the incorporation of traditional Puerto Rican sounds and heartfelt messaging. She shares that the album resonates across generations in her family, praising tracks like “Bonpay Plana” for their emotional depth.

[05:02] Emily:
She describes the album as a "love letter" to Puerto Rico, emphasizing its portrayal of the island and its people as rich in culture and pride, countering stereotypes of disposability and neglect.

Cross-Generational Impact and Political Context

[05:14] Isabela Gomez Sarmiento:
Isabela notes that DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS is Bad Bunny’s first truly cross-generational album. She shares a personal anecdote about her mother, who previously disliked Bad Bunny’s music but now appreciates his work, reflecting the album’s broad appeal.

[07:41] Alison Stewart:
Stewart inquires about the album’s timing, coinciding with Puerto Rican elections and King's Day.

[07:44] Isabela Gomez Sarmiento:
The album release aligns with significant political events, serving as both a celebration and a call to action. It aims to inspire resilience and unity in addressing Puerto Rico’s challenges.

Key Insights:

• The album serves as a political statement amidst important local events.
• It bridges generational gaps, fostering broader appreciation.

Deeper into the Music: Cultural and Traditional Influences

[11:36] Carlos:
Carlos from Manhattan, a Puerto Rican native raised in the 90s, shares his admiration for how Bad Bunny amalgamates various Puerto Rican musical genres. He praises the blend of traditional instruments like the cuatro with contemporary sounds, creating a unique and emotionally resonant album.

[13:24] Emily:
She discusses the album’s lead track, “Debit Mas Photos,” highlighting the use of traditional instruments and stripped-back production to convey emotional depth.

[13:36] Isabela Gomez Sarmiento:
Isabela elaborates on the album’s folkloric influences, including panderetas and jibaras, which enrich the musical texture and invoke nostalgia.

Key Insights:

• Fusion of traditional Puerto Rican instruments with modern genres.
• Emotional and nostalgic production techniques enhance cultural storytelling.

Message to the Youth: Resilience and Hope

[14:09] Emily:
She emphasizes the album as a powerful reminder of Puerto Rico’s cultural richness and resilience, countering negative stereotypes.

[14:15] Isabela Gomez Sarmiento:
Isabela interprets the album as a message of resistance and hope. It encourages young people to stay informed, stand their ground, and maintain hope amidst challenges. The themes of resilience and unity resonate globally, extending beyond the Puerto Rican diaspora.

Key Insights:

• Empowering message of resilience and cultural pride.
• Encourages informed and united action among youth.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Alison Stewart wraps up the discussion by reiterating the album’s cultural and political significance. She highlights how DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS stands as a multifaceted project that celebrates Puerto Rican heritage while addressing contemporary socio-political issues. Stewart previews the next episode, which will delve into the 1964-65 World’s Fair’s 60th anniversary, featuring exhibits and personal stories.

Notable Quotes

• Isabela Gomez Sarmiento [01:46]:
  "Bad Bunny has really transformed from a breakout trap reggaeton star on the island in the Latin music world to becoming a full-fledged pop star, a full-fledged global superstar."

• Dr. Jerrel Melendez Badillo [02:33]:
  "Benito wanted to highlight Puerto Rico's history... to use his platform to amplify that history of Puerto Rico."

• Isabela Gomez Sarmiento [05:26]:
  "It's his first truly cross-generational album... first time where she [Isabela’s mother] was like, okay, I get it."

• Emily [08:11]:
  "This is a reminder that the island my ancestors came from is not a floating island of garbage... a love letter not only for the island, but for the beautiful people of Puerto Rico."

• Isabela Gomez Sarmiento [14:15]:
  "It's a message of resistance and of resilience... if we reclaim what's ours, if we stand proudly, we're gonna be okay, but we have to stick together."

Closing Remarks

All of It delivers an insightful exploration of Bad Bunny's DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, highlighting its cultural depth and political relevance. Through expert analysis and heartfelt listener experiences, the episode underscores the album's role in celebrating Puerto Rican identity and inspiring change. Join us next time as we journey through the memories of the 1964-65 World’s Fair and its lasting impact on culture and society.

Note: Advertisements and non-content segments have been excluded to focus solely on the episode's substantive discussions.