In a triumphant display of his musical versatility, Puerto Rican star Rauw Alejandro has secured the No. 3 position on major music charts with his latest release, “Cosa Nuestra: Capítulo 0.” The album, which serves as a companion piece to his fifth studio project “Cosa Nuestra” released earlier in 2024 through Sony Music Latin, has quickly captivated listeners with its rich blend of salsa, reggaeton, and traditional Afro-Caribbean rhythms.
The album’s title pays homage to Willie Colón and Héctor Lavoe‘s influential 1969 salsa album, signaling Alejandro’s artistic intention to honor the genre’s roots while crafting something distinctly contemporary. Recorded across studios in Brooklyn, Miami, and Puerto Rico, the project brought together Alejandro’s vision with production contributions from industry heavyweights including Tainy and Mr. NaisGai.
Critical reception has been largely positive, with Rolling Stone en Español praising the album as Alejandro’s creative peak, highlighting his ability to transcend genre limitations. The album’s emphasis on live instrumentation distinguishes it from his previous electronic-focused works and demonstrates his artistic growth. Pitchfork awarded the album a respectable 6.8/10, acknowledging both its strengths and minor shortcomings while commending its ambitious scope.
Alejandro’s fusion of traditional and modern elements showcases his artistic evolution at its most refined.
The success of “Cosa Nuestra: Capítulo 0” builds upon momentum generated by six strategic single releases from the main “Cosa Nuestra” album, including high-profile collaborations with Bad Bunny on “Qué Pasaría…” and Romeo Santos on “Khé?” These collaborations, alongside features from Pharrell Williams, Feid, Laura Pausini, and Alexis & Fido, have expanded the project’s appeal across diverse listener demographics. Alejandro has leveraged streaming platforms effectively by pitching tracks to curated playlists, significantly boosting the album’s visibility and engagement metrics. The artist has also explored sync licensing opportunities for tracks from the album, potentially opening new revenue streams through placement in visual media. To complement the album’s success, fans can purchase the Cosa Nuestra CD for $14.99, currently available for pre-order through official channels.
Alejandro’s deliberate fusion of traditional salsa elements with contemporary reggaeton production techniques demonstrates a calculated artistic risk that has evidently paid dividends. The album’s strong chart performance reflects not only Alejandro’s established fanbase but also suggests broader market appreciation for his exploration of Afro-Caribbean musical traditions.
Through this release, Alejandro has successfully positioned himself as an artist capable of honoring Latin music’s rich heritage while pushing its boundaries forward.
