Beats & Bloodlines: More Than Music, It’s My Heritage

By Valerie Rodriguez

Photos: DeBí TiRAR MáS FOToS, Bad Bunny

Music has its way of reaching us in places that words alone can't. When I first heard Bad Bunny’s album DTMF: DeBí TiRAR MáS FOToS – “I Should've Taken More Photos” – I didn't expect it to affect me the way it did.

It took me back to a place where I heard my abuelo’s voice and the countless stories he told me about our beautiful Puerto Rico. Somewhere between the lyrics and the reggaeton beats, I found something special: a deeper connection to my Puerto Rican roots.

Growing up, my father always reminded me of how powerful it is to embrace my Puerto Rican identity with pride. This album didn't just further connect me to my culture, it made me proud to carry our culture forward.

While the entire album is soul-stirring, the songs that touched me the most were LO QUE PASÓ A HAWAII, DtMF, and LA MuDANZA.

“LO QUE PASÓ A HAWAII” had an emotional impact on me because of its moving protest against the gentrification of Puerto Rico. This song serves as a plea to protect Puerto Rico’s cultural identity in efforts to prevent the commodification that Hawaii has experienced.

One line that hit me to more core was: “quieren quitarme el rio, y tambien la playa, querien al barrio mio, y que abuelita se vaya, no, no suelte la bandera,” which translates to “they want to take my river and my beach, they want my neighborhood and for grandma to leave, no, don't drop the flag.”

It's lyrics like these written by Benito himself that encourage us to stand proudly in efforts to protect the beloved island that I hold so dear to my heart.

Growing up, my family never went anywhere without their camera. Our closets are filled with boxes of photos that reflect my childhood memories. That is why the song “DtMF” hit so close to home.

Sometimes we don't realize the value in what we once had until it's gone. His song reflects loss and the importance of cherishing the moments we have now before it's too late.

One particular lyric says: “Debí tirar más fotos de cuando te tuve, debí darte más besos y abrazos las veces que pude,” which translates to “I should’ve taken more pictures when I had you, I should’ve given you more kisses and hugs whenever I could.”

These lyrics highlight the deep sense of regret we all often feel over missed opportunities to make cherishable memories with our loved ones. It made me realize the importance of taking advantage of the present before we never have a chance to do so again.

Out of all the incredible songs on the album, “LA MuDANZA” holds a special place in my heart. It tells Bad Bunny’s story of growing up in Puerto Rico and shows the impact his family and heritage have had on the person he has become. 

“De aquí nadie me saca, de aquí yo no me muevo, dile que esta es mi casa, donde nació mi abuelo, yo soy de PFKNR” is repeated throughout the song. It translates to “No one will kick me out of here, I'm not going anywhere, tell them this is my home, where my grandfather was born, I am from PFKNR.”

This line is the reason I fell in love with this song. Everytime I hear it, it continues to remind me of what my father always preached, “never be afraid to embrace your Puerto Rican heritage and pride.”

Let this serve as a reminder: take those photos, capture those moments, see your friends and family, visit your grandparents. Above all, love loudly because those moments that feel ordinary today might be the ones you miss the most tomorrow.