Drexler Pushes Back on Reggaetón Critics Calls Bad Bunny a Lyricist
The Poetry of the Beat: Jorge Drexler Demands Deeper Attention to Reggaetón Lyrics
For years, the vibrant world of reggaetón has been subjected to a certain kind of dismissive attitude—a focus often narrowed down to rhythm and dance, overlooking the profound literary substance woven into the genre’s sonic tapestry. But celebrated Uruguayan musician and Latin Grammy-winning songwriter Jorge Drexler is stepping into the spotlight to challenge this narrow perspective, demanding that listeners look closer at the poetry embedded in the beats.
Drexler, known for his intricate and deeply personal songwriting, has long advocated for artistic depth, and now he is applying that same lens to one of the most globally influential genres of the 21st century. He argues that to truly appreciate reggaetón, one must move beyond the surface-level appeal and dive into the narratives, metaphors, and emotional truths that form the backbone of the lyrics.
In a recent interview with Rolling Stone en Español, Drexler articulated this plea clearly. He made it abundantly clear that the lyrical content of the music is not merely filler; it is the essential vehicle through which the genre communicates its social and personal realities. For Drexler, the words are just as crucial as the rhythm, acting as the true heart of the musical experience.
His focus isn’t on dismissing the genre, but rather on enriching it. Drexler suggests that by giving lyrical attention to reggaetón, the genre can evolve into something even more complex and resonant, allowing its powerful storytelling to reach even wider audiences.
The call is essentially a reminder: music, at its best, is a dialogue. By highlighting the lyrics, Drexler encourages listeners to engage with the artists on a deeper, intellectual level, transforming the experience from passive listening into active appreciation of complex, heartfelt narratives.
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