About this Playlist
Taíno Beginnings:
Taíno Prayer Song – Aura Surey
Sets the spiritual tone, honoring Puerto Rico’s Taíno roots and connection to the land.
Raíces – Andrés Jiménez
A jíbaro ballad that reflects Puerto Rico’s deep cultural heritage.
Colonization and Resistance:
Oubao-Moin – Roy Brown
A hauntingly beautiful song capturing the pain of colonization and the hope for freedom
La Borinqueña (Sharks Version) – David Alvarez, Sharks
A revolutionary take on the national anthem, reclaiming it as a call for liberation.
Verde Luz – Antonio Cabán Vale
A nostalgic ode to Puerto Rico’s natural beauty and the longing for sovereignty.
African Influence and Cultural Blending:
Bámbula – La Tribu de Abrante
A bomba anthem that celebrates African rhythms and resilience with modern energy.
Mataron a Elena – Melina León, Plena Libre
A plena classic telling a vivid story, blending tradition and cultural pride.
Rayo de Sol – Los Pleneros de la Cresta
An upbeat plena track that shines with joy and unity in Puerto Rican culture.
American Colonization and Modern Identity:
En Mi Viejo San Juan – Noel Estrada
A nostalgic anthem that reflects the emotions of migration and longing for home.
Que Bonita Bandera – Plena Libre
A tribute to Puerto Rico’s flag and the pride and struggle it represents.
Boricua en la Luna – Roy Brown
For every Boricua navigating life between the island and the diaspora, this one resonates deeply.
Political Awakening and Protest:
Hijos del Cañaveral – Residente
A poetic tribute to Puerto Rican farmers and their resilience through struggle.
Afilando los Cuchillos – Residente, iLe, Bad Bunny
The 2019 protest anthem filled with anger, hope, and a call for a better future.
LO QUE LE PASÓ A HAWAII – Bad Bunny
A sharp critique of gentrification and cultural erosion, connecting past and present struggles.
Somos Más – PJ Sin Suela, El Hijo de Borikén
A rallying cry for unity and change, emphasizing collective strength.
Resilience and Cultural Pride:
Los Pollitos Dicen – José González y Banda Criolla
A playful yet meaningful nod to Puerto Rican childhood and cultural connections.
Cántalo – Ricky Martin, Residente, Bad Bunny
A bold fusion of salsa, reggaeton, and hip-hop celebrating Puerto Rican culture.
La Tierra del Eden – Javier Vasquez
A poetic tribute to Puerto Rico’s iconic river and its cultural significance.
Reflection and Hope:
Borikén – Hermes Croatto
A heartfelt homage to Puerto Rico’s Taíno roots and enduring strength.
Lamento Borincano – Daniel Santos
A classic that reflects the struggles of Puerto Rico’s working class.
Latinoamérica – Calle 13
A powerful anthem tying Puerto Rico’s story to the broader struggles of Latin America.
Celebration and Legacy:
Viva Puerto Rico Libre – Ghetto Brothers
A revolutionary and energetic track celebrating Puerto Rican identity and freedom.
Preciosa – Marc Anthony
A modern classic that closes the playlist with love, pride, and a deep connection to Puerto Rico.
Track Listing
- Taino Prayer Song – Aura Surey
- Raíces – Andrés Jiménez, El Jíbaro
- Oubao-Moin – Roy Brown
- La Borinqueña (Sharks Version) – David Alvarez
- Verde Luz – Antonio Caban Vale
- Bámbula – La Tribu de Abrante
- Mataron a Elena – Melina Leon
- Rayo de Sol – Los Pleneros de la Cresta
- En Mi Viejo San Juan – Noel Estrada
- Que Bonita Bandera – Plena Libre
- Boricua en la Luna – Roy Brown
- Hijos del Cañaveral – Residente
- Afilando Los Cuchillos – Residente & Calle 13
- LO QUE LE PASÓ A HAWAii – Bad Bunny
- Somos Más – PJ Sin Suela
- Los Pollitos Dicen – Jose Gonzalez Y Banda Criolla
- Cántalo – Ricky Martin
- La Tierra del Edén – Javier Vazquez
- Borikén – Hermes Croatto
- Lamento Borincano – Daniel Santos
- Latinoamérica (feat. Totó la Momposina, Susana Baca & Maria Rita) – Calle 13
- Viva Puerto Rico Libre – Ghetto Brothers
- Preciosa – Marc Anthony
Playlist image by Eric Ardito on Unsplash
