Skip to Menu | Skip to Content

El Patio Spanish

Spanish Language School

DADDY YANKEE - LEGENDADDY

Anyone who hasn't heard of Daddy Yankee must have been living under a rock. With 7.85 billion plays, 'Despacito', his 2017 collaboration with Luis Fonsi, is the second most viewed video of all time on Youtube. Before that, his 2004 classic 'Gasolina' brought reggaeton into the mainstream. 

Originally from Puerto Rico and known as the King of Reggaeton, Daddy Yankee's career spans 32 years. In March this year he announced his retirement from music at the same time as he released his latest album, Legendaddy. Concert tickets for his farewell tour sold out within three hours. I am still trying to get mine – fingers crossed! 

Personally, I’ve enjoyed this album very much. Its sound is old school reggaeton but with a more contemporary beat. Some might find it overly self-referent, but Daddy Yankee is one of the only artists who can get away with calling himself 'Legendaddy' and having a GOAT ('Greatest Of All Time') as the cover. The first song is called “Campeón” (Champion). I mean, that is confidence.

ROSALÍA - MOTOMAMI

La Rosalía is a Spanish pop singer and song-writter, known for her reinvention of flamenco. Her 2018 album El Mar Querer mixed electronic beats and hip-hop with the Romani art form, and won a Grammy award.

In this new album, Rosalía has smashed together a unique mix of sounds, moods and styles. The bold and ambitious MOTOMAMI is a whole experience, with each song seemingly from a different genre. It sways from pop to jazz, with hip-hop and reggaeton beats and even features elements of bachata and salsa.

I like this album very much, not only because of the quality and her talent but also because it is quite entertaining. Unlike Legendaddy, which is pure reggaeton, this album keeps you on your toes and surprises you at every turn. I enjoyed her reinterpretation of what are usually male-dominated lyrics sexualizing women,  referencing classic reggaeton tracks but from a female point of view. 

Keep reading to find out about our challenge with one of MOTOMAMI's tracks, 'Adcdefg'.

BAD BUNNY - UN VERANO SIN TI

Bad Bunny is a Puerto Rican singer and songwriter who has been gaining worldwide popularity lately, even earning himself a role in a new Marvel movie. He earned his first Grammy award when YHLQMDLG (Yo hago lo que me da la gana, or “I do whatever I want”) was named Best Latin Pop or Urban Album in 2021, and was the most streamed artist on Spotify in both 2020 and 2021, giving him a claim to being the biggest pop star int he world.

His latest album Un verano sin ti ('A Summer Without You'), is a Caribbean love letter to both Puerto Rico and lost loves, filled with both joy and yearning. It mixes reggaeton, reggae, bomba, dembow, mambo, and bachata, and other genres. The album is fun and upbeat with a nostalgic and sexy mood. 

There are plenty of great tracks on this album. My favorite song so far is “Andrea” which is about a woman wanting to be free and safe. He sings: “Ella no quiere una flor, solo quiere no la marchiten / Que le den respeto y nunca se lo quiten.” (She doesn't want a flower, she just wants not to be made to wither / To be given respect and never have it taken away").

LA ROSALÍA CHALLENGE!

Rosalía's recital of the alphabet here is quite fun. We challenge you to make your own version and upload it to socials. Don't foget to tag us! @elpatiospanish

Subscribe to our newsletter!

Each month we'll send you Spanish language tips, practice exercises, useful links, special offers and fun upcoming events.

View past newsletters

© 2024 El Patio Spanish. All Rights Reserved.
Powered by Helmut Design | Manage | Terms & Conditions | Privacy