Puerto Rican chart-topper Farruko gave lucky fans and industry leaders a taste of what’s to come on his 25-track album, La 167, as a part of Billboard’s Latin Music Week. The listening event took place on Tuesday evening (Sept. 21), where Farruko previewed three different songs, and gave insight into the inspiration behind the individual tracks and the project.
“I’ve been working on this for three years,” he said. “I make music for the love of it, not for the trends.”
The tracks previewed set a mood of late-night music, no matter the occasion. From dance-infused anthems that sound tailor-made to celebrate a championship win, to sensual and moody reggaeton rhythms “for the women who tossed their man to the curb,” Farruko has something for everyone.
As guests sipped on their cocktails, the reggaeton mainstay answered questions from Billboard editor Griselda Flores, as well as a handful of questions submitted by fans. With all the tragedy happening around the world, Farruko said he simply wants to spread “good vibes and good energy.” He added, “It’s the best album I’ve made.”
Much of the album was recorded in a workshop near Farruko’s childhood home in Puerto Rico. “I’m claustrophobic. I don’t like to be trapped inside,” he explained. “Four walls in a cramped studio isn’t for me. I can’t flow.”
The accomplished singer has built considerable momentum with his single “Pepas,” which has spent five weeks at No. 1 on the Hot Latin Songs chart. Farruko said that some of the album cuts stay true to the track’s hit-making elements, with at least two other dance-reggaeton songs with group-sung choruses. “It’s a formula that worked for me,” he explained.
Farruko emphasized that the album will center a new class of producers and artists. “I believe a lot in new talent and finding a new sound,” he explained. As for where he sees himself in five years, Farruko said he hopes to step into the corporate world and work “behind the scenes.”
La 167 will be released on Oct. 1, with a tour set to kick off in November.
The star-studded 2021 Latin Music Week lineup — headlined by Daddy Yankee, Karol G and Nicky Jam — also includes participation by Anitta, Elena Rose, Natti Natasha, Jhay Cortez, Kany García and Tainy.
Under the slogan “The Beat of Latin Music,” making its mark as the longest running and biggest Latin music industry gathering in the world, this year’s event will continue through the end of the week as Billboard launches its En Vivo concert series in partnership with Samsung, Amazon Music and Bacardí.
The 2021 Latin Music Week will take place from Sept. 20 to 25 at the Faena Forum in Miami, and coincides with the 2021 Billboard Latin Music Awards broadcasting live via Telemundo on Sept. 23. See the list of finalists here.
