Why Are Latin Music Stars Embracing Folk in New Albums? Rosalía, Karol G, Peso Pluma, Bad Bunny…

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In recent years, Latin music has undergone a fascinating transformation, with some of its biggest stars embracing their cultural roots in their latest albums.

Spanish star Rosalía spearheaded this movement, reshaping the mainstream music scene by infusing it with flamenco and Spanish folklore. The Motomami artist has embraced the legacy of Camarón de la Isla, pushing traditional elements beyond their conventional boundaries and redefining the genre for new audiences. Moreover, she likely drew inspiration from reggaetón’s deep cultural roots and influential figures like Selena Quintanilla, who seamlessly blended Tejano music with pop, creating a sound that resonated globally.

Rosalía’s 2018 album El Mal Querer was a turning point, proving that traditional sounds could thrive in contemporary pop. Later, Motomami showcased her ability to modernize flamenco while integrating reggaetón and hip-hop. Her success demonstrated that cultural heritage could be a powerful artistic tool, paving the way for other Latin artists to follow suit.

Folk Music in the Hispanic World: A Defining Factor

Latin music has seen a remarkable shift in recent years, with artists embracing their cultural roots and infusing traditional sounds into their modern productions. Here’s a deeper look at how some of the biggest names in the industry have contributed to this movement through their latest albums.

Peso Pluma: Corridos Tumbados Meet Urban Beats

Peso Pluma made history in bringing corridos tumbados—a modernized version of traditional Mexican corridos—to the global stage. His music blends regional Mexican sounds with urban influences, incorporating elements of trap, hip-hop, and reggaetón. His rise to fame was fueled by hits like ‘Ella Baila Sola,’ which became an international sensation. Peso Pluma’s approach reflects a broader trend of Mexican artists modernizing folk traditions while maintaining their cultural essence.

Rauw Alejandro: A Tribute to Latin Rhythms in Cosa Nuestra

Rauw Alejandro, known for his futuristic reggaetón, took a different approach with Cosa Nuestra, his fifth studio album. Inspired by classic Latin sounds, the album pays homage to salsa, merengue, and bolero, blending them with his signature urban style. The title itself references the legendary album Cosa Nuestra by Willie Colón and Héctor Lavoe, reinforcing Rauw’s deep connection to Latin musical heritage. Tracks like ‘Revolú’ (featuring Feid) and ‘Se Fue’ (a collaboration with Laura Pausini) showcase his ability to merge tradition with modernity.

Bad Bunny: Reviving Puerto Rican Folk in DtMF

Bad Bunny has long been an advocate for Puerto Rican culture, and his latest album, Debí Tirar Más Fotos (DtMF), is a testament to that. The album prominently features salsa, bomba, and plena, genres deeply rooted in Puerto Rico’s musical history. DtMF has been praised for bringing plena, an Afro-Puerto Rican folk genre, into the mainstream for the first time. Songs like ‘Baile Inolvidable’ and ‘NuevaYol’ highlight his commitment to preserving and modernizing traditional sounds while making them accessible to a global audience.

Karol G: A Celebration of Latin Identity in ‘Latina Foreva’ and ‘Tropicoqueta’

Karol G’s ‘Latina Foreva‘ is a vibrant anthem celebrating Latina identity, blending reggaetón with nostalgic 2000s urban sounds. The song pays homage to Latin culture, featuring references to Colombian, Puerto Rican, and Venezuelan influences. Following this, she announced Tropicoqueta, her upcoming album, which promises a tropical explosion of Latin sounds. The teaser for Tropicoqueta featured Karol G dressed in a Carmen Miranda-inspired outfit, dancing to Mambo No. 5, hinting at a strong Cuban and Caribbean influence. This marks a new era for Karol G, where she fully embraces her roots while pushing Latin music into new creative directions.

Folk Music: Why Now?

Several factors may explain this cultural resurgence. In an era of globalization, artists seek to differentiate themselves by reclaiming their heritage, using their music as a way to stand out. Additionally, the rise of social movements emphasizing representation and cultural pride has influenced many musicians to incorporate traditional sounds into their work, not only as a personal statement but also as a way to empower their communities.

Nostalgia plays a significant role as well—artists are revisiting the sounds of their childhood, blending them with modern production to create music that resonates across generations. Moreover, the music industry itself has evolved, with streaming platforms allowing niche genres to reach global audiences more easily, encouraging experimentation with folk traditions.