In an unexpected revelation, Bad Bunny hinted at an upcoming album release this fall, which promises to deviate significantly from the sounds of his recent hit, “Un verano sin ti.” The Puerto Rican singer confessed to drawing inspiration from the music of the 1970s. Additionally, this might be the first time fans will hear him incorporating more English into his songs, a departure from his earlier staunch advocacy for Spanish lyrics.
Last May, the world knew Bad Bunny as Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio when he unveiled “Un Verano sin ti,” his fourth studio album. This record became his most triumphant since his 2016 debut and marked the second Spanish-language album to clinch the top spot on the global “Billboard” charts. The first was “El último tour del mundo,” another feather in the cap for the “conejo malo.”
In a candid conversation with “Vanity Fair,” which features the 29-year-old artist on its cover, the topic of “Un verano sin ti” inevitably surfaced. Asked if he feared his new album might not replicate its predecessor’s success, Bad Bunny responded confidently, “There’s no way the impact of that album can be matched, let alone surpassed. I knew it would become a phenomenon from its inception.”
“It’s impossible for the album following ‘Un verano sin ti’ to sound like it. Never in a million years. I’m always looking for ways to create something new!” he exclaimed.
A serendipitous revelation
The conversation about his upcoming album began when Michelle Ruíz, a reporter for “Vanity Fair,” cleverly congratulated him on his “new album.” Unsure about the Puerto Rican superstar’s plans, she used this tactic to glean insights into the singer’s future. This came after Martínez Ocasio had mentioned needing a “year of relaxation.”
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- Bad Bunny’s surprising English skills in his romance with Kendall Jenner
- Bad Bunny stars viral AMG performance with Peso Pluma, Natanael Cano, and Gabito Ballesteros
Caught off guard, the astounded musician replied, “Who told you that?” He then admitted to experimenting with new rhythms that excited him. “I’m playing around and having fun, letting go. I’m very inspired by the music from the 70s, spanning various genres in both Spanish and English. I’m still figuring out how it’ll shape my music, whether generally or just in one song,” he shared during a meal in a tucked-away bar in Puerto Rico’s Miramar district.
Balancing roots and global appeal
While the artist acknowledged his flirtation with the English language, which he hasn’t fully mastered, he emphasized his commitment to predominantly singing in Spanish. By doing so, he honors his heritage. He underscores the significance of introducing Latin music to other cultures, much like how English music and its accompanying genres have permeated Spanish-speaking nations.
“I don’t hate the idea of performing in English. It’s just that I’m more comfortable doing it in my language. I think in Spanish, feel, eat in Spanish, sing in Spanish,” he elaborated, adding he’d sing entirely in English when the right song or collaboration presents itself.
Ruiz’s subtle mention of English as a bridge to connect with others hinted at rumors linking Bad Bunny with American model Kendall Jenner since February. These whispers intensified when the duo was spotted together.
Regardless of personal connections, Bad Bunny’s recent decision to settle in Los Angeles, where Jenner resides, stems from a childhood dream deeply influenced by his admiration for Kobe Bryant and the Lakers.