ANALYZING DECOLONIAL SUBJECTIVITIES IN REGGAETON AND LATIN-TRAP MUSIC IN PUERTO RICO: A CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYISIS

Abstract

This project studies decolonial possibilities for subjectivities in the urban music genres of reggaeton and Latin-trap in Puerto Rico. Using Ian Parker’s critical discourse analysis to analyze the lyrics and videos of three key songs, it systematically examines subjects constructed in songs, objects, discourses, and their relationships to each other. In addition to studying reggaeton and Latin-trap lyrics, the project highlights the emergence of social themes that guide the critical discursive analysis. Psychological literature and decolonial theory supplement the analysis, bringing in important theoretical insights regarding the songs’ salient social themes, such as black pride and resistance, gender fluidity and women’s liberation, and political demonstrations against colonialism. Each of these themes is highlighted in the chosen songs and their corresponding music videos, “Bandoleros” by Don Omar and Tego Calderón, “Yo Perreo Sola” by Bad Bunny, and “El Apagón” by Bad Bunny. These songs, studied through a twenty-step methodological approach, point to emerging discourses, patterns of language, subtext, relationships of power, and histories. I argue that they have created decolonial possibilities for diverse subject-positions. Concluding statements following each discourse analysis further elaborate upon the analysis and explore the impact of social critiques, such as challenging the power of institutions and local political discourses in Puerto Rico