Rising Puerto Rican Latin ‘trap-soul’ singer Bad Bunny shows plenty of potential on his enjoyable, highly-anticipated debut album, X 100PRE. 

Without a doubt, Bad Bunny is one of Latin music’s fastest rising stars.  Throughout the course of 2018, the Puerto Rican ‘Latin trap-soul’ singer has made guest appearances on numerous singles, most notably Cardi B’s no. 1, Grammy-nominated hit, “I Like It.” Additionally, the twenty-something has been making a name for himself on his own songs, including “Estamos Bien”, “MIA” (featuring Drake), and “Solo de Mi”.  Essentially, he’s Latin music’s version of an urban contemporary singer or pop-rapper, with risqué lyrics and all.   For the most part, he shines throughout the course of his highly-anticipated debut album, X 100PRE, which was released as an early Christmas gift on December 23, 2018.

“IN BIEN NI MAL”

✓ “IN BIEN NI MAL” initiates X 100PRE strongly with confident singing from Bad Bunny and sleek production work. Essentially, the opener sets the tone and foreshadows what’s to come throughout the course of X 100PRE.  Bunny sings about moving on from a previously relationship, showcasing conflicting emotions. Regardless, he’s moving on.\

✓ “200 MPH” (featuring Diplo) continues a pretty sick start for the Latin urban star, whose ‘turned up to the nth degree,’ intact with profanity (in Spanish of course).  Depth certainly ISN’T the M.O., but sex certainly IS, not to mention partying in general.  Proof? Lines that translate to “If you want, I’ll fuck you right here,” as well as “I make your pussy float,” sigh.

The brief, minor-key “¿Quien Tu Eres?” follows. This record definitely sounds more trap as opposed to Latin pop or reggaetón. The beat is hip-hop through and through.  Clearly, Bad Bunny is ‘feeling himself,’ cocky and confident, inquiring on the chorus, “Dumbass, who are you?” He continues to ‘live life to the fullest’ on the carefree, sleek follow-up, “Caro.” Does he solve any of the problems plaguing society? Of course not, but he is definitely chocked-full of energy and swagger, once more embracing hip-hop. “Caro” does incorporate a notable change of pace – an interlude – that keeps things intriguing. 

“Tenemos Que Hablar”

Pop/rock comes into play on the rhythmic guitar-fueled “Tenemos Que Hablar,” a much mellower song than the ones that precede it.  This is a welcome change of pace, showcasing the versatility of the rising Puerto Rican musician. The major key and the perceived optimistic mood of Bad Bunny is a pro as well.  Look into the lyrics and Bunny is still ‘salty,’ chocked-full of attitude. The lushly produced  ✓ “Otra Noche en Miami” follows, with Bunny flaunting agile, highly-rhythmic pop-rap.  His flow on this particular track is among the best of X 100PRE. If you’re in search of a comparison point, think the alternative R&B/hip-hop by Canadian musicians like Drake or The Weeknd.

“Ser Bichote” thrives off a moderately relaxed pace, smooth vibes, and souped-up, ‘trap’ percussion.  The Latin component? The Spanish lyrics. Otherwise, this ‘hustling’ anthem flies worldwide, particularly stateside. In just the ‘nick of time,’ “Si Estuviésemos Juntos” reintegrates the reggaetón elements, while embracing buttery smooth vibes.  Of course, the crème de la crème of X 100PRE follows… 

“Solo de Mi” 

On standout ✓ “Solo de Mi”, the production is da bomb. The first part of the record is incredibly smoothly, featuring piano accompaniment, a chill, rhythmic reggaetón groove, and rhythmic, pop-rap vocals from Bad Bunny. A switch-up makes the record become more aggressive, embracing the ‘trap’ element. Matching the intensity of the second half, Bad Bunny is more assertive. Lyrically, on the chorus, Bunny makes it clear that his ex- shouldn’t waste her time trying to get with him. On the verse, he places all the blame on her, asserting, “It’ wasn’t me who decided / It was you who fucked it up.” He’s definitely not happy with her – that isn’t the last f-bomb he utters either.

“Cuando Perriabas” 

“Cuando Perriabas” has the tall task of following the superb “Solo de Mi.” While it’s not on the same level, it’s certainly enjoyable.  For more traditional Latin music listeners, they’ll appreciate the fact that Bad Bunny incorporates reggaetón, neglecting the trap. ✓ “La Romana,” featuring El Alfa, doubles down on the Latin cues, but also maintains freshness with urban production tricks as well.  Like the aforementioned “Caro,” a production switch is a welcome change of pace, yielding an even more alluring beat and backdrop.  Safe to say, the second part of “La Romana” is definitely ‘fuego.’ 

“Como Antes” doesn’t quite live up to the energy set by “La Romana” unfortunately.  It’s okay, but not vital to the success of X 100PRE, particularly this deep into the LP. “RLNDT” is smooth but also suffers from being a ‘deeper’ album cut, not to mention approaching an excessive, five-minute duration.  Simply didn’t need to run that long.

“Estamos Bien” 

Despite sagging some, it’s safe to say that Bad Bunny closes X 100PRE strongly. Single ✓ “Estamos Bien” serves as the penultimate record, in all of its infectious glory.  From early on “Estamos Bien,” the ‘trap’ is definitely alive and well. Much like his stateside counterparts, he exhibits an agile flow, at times mumbles his lyrics purposely (such as the catchy, repetitive chorus), and exhibits the utmost confidence.  As far as the production, the kicks drums are bass-heavy (808), accentuated by clapping snares typical of the trap script. It’s not all bass though – there’s some appealing treble with the vocal pad the appears at the onset, not to mention synths incorporated throughout the course of the record.  Essentially, Bunny is happy, carefree, and enjoying his youth.

Bad Bunny concludes X 100PRE with ✓ “MIA”, featuring Drake. “MIA” is definitely a ‘vibe’, with its smooth, reggaetón, Latin trap-soul production.  Following a brief intro by Bunny, Drake sings the pre-chorus and the chorus, in Spanish. On the pre-chorus, he focuses on how awesome this particular girl is, and how he’s going to make sure, “I’m going to look for you tonight.” On the following chorus, he tells the girl, “Tell them [other guys] you’re mine.” Bunny delivers agile vocals, idiomatic of Latin trap-soul on the first verse. Lyrically, like Drake, he also focuses on everything awesome about the girl.  Naturally, he’s protective because he wants her for himself.  Following up with the chorus himself, he drops a second verse, patterned similarly.  Drake essentially kicks off “MIA,” but Bunny is never overshadowed. 

Final Thoughts 

All in all, there’s plenty to sink your teeth into listening to X 100PRE.  Is X 100PRE a game changing debut album by Bad Bunny? Some will say yes, others will say no (more on that in a bit). At 53 minutes, it could’ve been trimmed and arguably packed a bigger punch.  That said, what the promising young star does well is continue to bring Latin music into the mainstream, showcasing ample crossover potential.  Perhaps that gives him a viable or semi-viable argument regarding creating a game changing LP. Lyrically, X 100PRE isn’t much as a whole, but what it is consistently is entertaining and a definite vibe.

✓ Gems: “IN BIEN NI MAL,” “200 MPH,” “Otra Noche en Miami,” “Solo de Mi,” “La Romana,” “Estamos Bien” & “MIA” 

Bad Bunny • X 100PRE • Rimas Entertainment • Release: 12.23.18

Photo Credit: Rimas Entertainment