Papi Arca

Papi Arca

Album ∙ Latin ∙ 2024

Arcángel

Considering how prevalent Arcángel has been in reggaetón and Latin trap in recent years, his relative silence on the new-music front in 2024 felt odd. Beyond a scant few features, the vanguard rapper seemed on hiatus, all but certain to break his streak of dropping yearly solo projects that began with 2018’s Ares. Thankfully, the surprise release of Papi Arca in the final weeks of December maintains his admirable release record. The nine-track effort demonstrates his signature style over several musical modes—spitting toughened rhymes with that unmistakable rasp on opener “La Franquicia” and ending as a romantic reggaetonero for “Besitos Pa’ Esas Nalgas.” Between those bookends, he keeps things mostly collaborative, subtly interpolating a J. Cole smash with Eladio Carrión on the R&B-driven “BFF” and recounting sexual conquests alongside Sech on the rugged “La Varita.” Still, a veteran of his caliber doesn’t require guests to shine, as evidenced by the tropical “Pa allá” and the late standout “THC.”