Puerto Rico’s musical trailblazer, Bad Bunny, has returned to the spotlight with a groundbreaking album titled Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va A Pasar Mañana (which translates to “Nobody Knows What Is Going to Happen Tomorrow”). In this review, we dissect the multifaceted journey that Bad Bunny embarks upon in his fifth solo release, exploring a diverse soundscape that hints at his strongest work to date.
Bad Bunny, widely recognized for his chart-topping hits and monumental influence in the global music scene, has navigated a tumultuous year filled with controversies and newfound fame. This album, while marking his triumphant return, also serves as a testament to his personal and artistic growth.
Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va A Pasar Mañana is an audacious musical odyssey, showcasing Bad Bunny’s bold exploration of various genres. While the world expected him to tread the path of reggaeton and dembow, his decision to embrace Latin trap, the genre that first propelled him into stardom, is a pleasant twist. It’s a testament to his ever-evolving style, incorporating elements of chic sound, deep-rooted in Latin trap, while never straying too far from his roots.
Throughout the album, Bad Bunny pays homage to his wide array of cultural influences, invoking memories of Madonna‘s “Vogue” and saluting legends like 2Pac, Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Rihanna. He effortlessly positions himself within this star-studded lineage, aligning his own meteoric rise with their luminous careers. Notably, he tips his hat to Future with a clever sample of “Codeine Crazy” on “Seda,” featuring Puerto Rican rapper Bryant Myers.
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Bad Bunny’s willingness to collaborate shines through this album, proving his versatility and willingness to explore new territories. Teaming up with Young Miko, he stages a triumphant return to the Latin trap domain in the fiery “Fina,” while also featuring established artists like Tego Calderón. The album also sees Bad Bunny experimenting with drill music for the first time in “Thunder y Lighting,” partnering with Latin rap phenomenon Eladio Carrión. However, he does not shy away from making subtle references to past collaborations, alluding to J Balvin on “Mr. October.”
“Acho PR,” one of the highlights of the album, is a testament to Bad Bunny’s deep-seated pride in his Puerto Rican heritage. Featuring legendary artists such as Arcángel, De La Ghetto, and Ñengo Flow, he breathesm new life into Julio Voltio‘s classic “Chévere,” transforming it into a euphoric anthem that’s sure to resonate with fellow Boricuas.
Bad Bunny’s Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va A Pasar Mañanay encapsulates the essence of his ever-expanding imperial phase. It serves as a testament to his ability to transmute the trials and tribulations of fame into Latin trap gold. As the album’s title suggests, Bad Bunny continues to seize the day with unbridled energy and passion, carving out a musical path uniquely his own.
For a deeper dive into the nuances of Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va A Pasar Mañana, stay tuned for more Rolling Stone exclusives.