DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS: Benito's Gift to Puerto Rico & Communities Facing Cultural Erasure

On January 5, 2025, Bad Bunny released his sixth studio album, “Debí Tirar Mas Fotos,” and fans from all over the world (myself included) have received the masterpiece with open arms. The seventeen tracks have sparked conversation across all social platforms and inspired folks to sit with their loved ones and compile their most precious memories—remembering the old times, or as we’d call them “Los viejos tiempos."

Though it is being celebrated worldwide, the album is clearly a love letter to Puerto Rico and its rich ancestral history of positioning musical genres like reggaeton, salsa, bomba, and plena. All of which require deep and intentional acts of preservation to keep alive on the island today.

By now, it is no secret that capitalist imperialism has profoundly shaped the cultural landscape of Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and other Caribbean countries, leaving a legacy of exploitation and inequality. In "Lo Que Le Paso A Hawaii" Benito draws a historical connection between Borikén and the island of Hawaii, reminding us of all that is at stake for those who are forced to leave their homeland due to corruption.

Through the power of community, Benito and his team send a powerful statement: Puerto Ricans aren’t going anywhere. The album bridges generations with its unifying message of resilience and pride. As Benito says, “Seguimos aquí.” We’re still here.

"Debí Tirar Mas Fotos" is a call to fight back. To unite and re-member. To tap into our inner archivists as a tactful method to regaining control of our Caribbean communities and their narratives.

Our stories matter, and they deserve to be told. Correctly.

May we learn them.

May we protect them.

May we help them be passed along.