We’ve had the weekend to process Bad Bunny‘s sophomore album YHLQMDLG, which dropped Saturday (Feb. 29), and we already have some favorite tracks on repeat.
From back-to-back perreo, trap and reggaetón hits, YHLQMDLG features collaborations with old-school reggaetoneros like Daddy Yankee and Jowell & Randy and rising star Sech and explores relatable themes like heartbreak and just wanting to get on the dance floor and have a good time.
The Puerto Rican superstar told Billboard that this album was “happier” than his debut X100Pre, which was “more nostalgic,” he said, adding, “This one is for having fun and forgetting your] problems.”
There’s no doubt that some of the perreo/reggaetón tracks like “Yo Perreo Sola” and “Safaera” will get you on the dance floor, while others serve as a form of escapism from everyday life. Like the little kid featured in the “Si Veo a Tu Mamá” video, once you put those headphones on and listen to Bad Bunny’s YHLQMDLG, it brightens up your day.
Below, Billboard Latin editor Jessica Roiz and senior writer Griselda Flores break down six essential tracks on Bad Bunny’s YHLQMDLG.
“Si Veo a Tu Mamá”
If you can’t get this song out of your head, you’re not alone. This became an instant favorite for me thanks to the catchy hook “si veo a tu mamá, yo le pregunto por ti” (If I see your mom, I’ll ask her about you) and relatable lyrics about being in denial post-breakup hoping there’s still a chance for reconciliation. While it’s not one of the danceable ones, it’s the perfect song to karaoke whenever you’re feeling heartbroken or emotional about an ex. “Si Veo a Tu Mamá” opens the album, setting a chill, laid-back vibe to the project, but it soon picks up with instant perreo and reggaetón hits. The music video opens with a man in a party on the verge of hanging himself but is saved thanks to Bad Bunny’s music. — GRISELDA FLORES
“La Santa” feat. Daddy Yankee
Bad Bunny pays tribute to the essence of reggaetón in some of the tracks on his new album. One of the best examples is heard in “La Santa,” his collaboration with Daddy Yankee. Not only does the melody have flairs of the dembow found in Yankee’s “Aqui Esta Tu Caldo,” but Yankee even drops his phrase “ta’ calentandote, yo calentandome” from his 2003 hit. With lyrics such as “Now you want to change me/ You know how I am, you know what I offer/ Don’t play, you’re the same/ Don’t act like a saint, you love perreo,” the infectious joint is perfect for friends with benefits, where neither person is looking for a serious relationship. — JESSICA ROIZ
“Yo Perreo Sola”
Genesis Rios, best known as Nesi, makes this song one of the best on the album for me thanks to her opening hook. This is for all independent women who don’t need anyone else to jump on the dance floor and get down; she can dance on her own. “She’s been single since it became popular to be single,” Bad Bunny sings mid-track. This infectious song, which I can already see becoming a summer hit, will make anyone feel empowered to take on the dance floor alone. I will add that what’s missing on this song is a performer credit for Nesi, who is credited on the track only as a writer but not performer. — GF
“<3 Gracias”
Bad Bunny ends his 20-track set with a guitar-infused hip-hop song, thanking his family, friends and fans for all their support. He kicks off by saying “thank you” to everyone who believed in him from the beginning. He dedicates his achievements to all his fans, especially to the ones in Puerto Rico. He highlights that it’s amazing to be different, his performance in the Super Bowl, and the time LeBron James joined him onstage. He gives a shout-out to his grandmother and mom. And at one point he even mentions he will drop another album in nine months and will retire thereafter because fame is taking a toll on him. He wraps up the two-minute-and-38-second song recalling the times he would get punished as a kid and that’s why now that he’s older, he does whatever he wants, going full circle to his album’s title. — JR
“Safaera” feat. Jowell & Randy and Ñengo Flow
Bad Bunny takes it way back with this old-school reggaetón song on which he recruits OG reggaetoneros Jowell & Randy and Ñengo Flow. “Safaera,” produced by Tainy and DJ Orma, is the ultimate reggaetón dance song to get down to thanks to its contagious beat. “If God permits, today we drink, we spend and smoke,” they pledge. Ñenglo Flow tweeted that with “Safaera,” they want to have the “marquesina” sound, which can translate to the era when reggaetón was an underground genre that was played at marquesinas, or garage parties. Bad Bunny nails it on the head with this old-school reggaetón bop. — GF
“Está Cabrón Ser Yo” feat. Anuel AA
For many years, fans have pitted Anuel AA and Bad Bunny against each other, debating on who’s the King of Latin Trap. But truth is, the two Puerto Rican artists can easily share the throne and their collaboration in “Está Cabrón Ser Yo” has put all rumors to rest. Over heavy trap beats, both Anuel and Bunny chant about being the best in the game. Anuel recalls the time he was in prison and how he’s one of the hottest acts of the moment, while Bunny sings about his sold-out concerts at Madison Square Garden and his Grammy win. In the chorus, both trap stars repeatedly say “está cabrón ser yo,” which is easily translated to, “It’s awesome to be me.” — JR
