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Cosa Nuestra (Rauw Alejandro album)

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Cosa Nuestra
Studio album by
Rauw Alejandro
ReleasedNovember 15, 2024 (2024-11-15)
Recorded2024
Studio
Genre
Length66:59
LanguageSpanish
Label
Producer
  • El Zorro
  • Dímelo Ninow
  • Dulce como Candy
  • Kenobi
  • Smiileey
Rauw Alejandro chronology
Playa Saturno
(2023) 		Cosa Nuestra
(2024)
Singles from Cosa Nuestra
  1. "Touching the Sky"
    Released: May 23, 2024
  2. "Déjame Entrar"
    Released: July 18, 2024
  3. "Pasaporte"
    Released: September 26, 2024

Cosa Nuestra (transl. Our Thing) is the fifth studio album by Puerto Rican singer Rauw Alejandro. It was released on November 15, 2024, through Sony Music Latin and Duars Entertainment. Guest appearances in the album include Bad Bunny, Pharrell Williams, Alexis & Fido, Feid, Romeo Santos, Laura Pausini and Latin Mafia, among others. Recording for the album took place at Electric Garden in Brooklyn, 5020 Studio in Miami and Sensei Sound in Carolina, Puerto Rico, with the entire album being executively produced by Alejandro. He worked with several producers, including Tainy, Cauty, Mr. NaisGai and Dímelo Ninow, on the album's production.

Primarily noted as a salsa and reggaeton album, its title is in reference to Willie Colón and Héctor Lavoe's 1969 album of the same name, while the album's concept is inspired by the 1970s and New York City. It was supported by three singles, including "Touching the Sky", "Déjame Entrar" and "Pasaporte". Upon release, the album received positive reviews from contemporary music critics, who praised the diversity of genres throughout the album and the singer's versatility.

Background

[edit]

On July 4, 2023, while announcing and releasing his fourth studio album Playa Saturno (2023), Alejandro stated that he would "rest" and told his fans to enjoy the album for a while, as he was not sure when he would record another album.[2] On March 7, 2024, he revealed information about his fifth studio album during a video call with CR Fashion Book, where he stated that he would start a new era in his career.[3] He also revealed that the album would still be executively produced by him, but was also learning to play other instruments, including the drums, piano and guitar.[3]

On June 8, 2024, he further revealed to Billboard Español that he was inspired by the musical West Side Story for his live performances and album, later teasing his fifth studio album to Today by considering the songs from it being "too good to be inside the studio".[4][5] On July 18 of the same year, the album's title was revealed as Cosa Nuestra through the music video for "Déjame Entrar", the album's second single, with its release being around autumn of 2024; the album's title is in reference to salsa musicians Willie Colón and Héctor Lavoe's 1969 album of the same name, while also being titled after the Sicilian Mafia, who also go by Cosa Nostra.[6]

Concept and recording

[edit]

After Alejandro performed a cover of Italian singer Laura Pausini's song "Non c'è" ("Se Fue") at the 24th Annual Latin Grammy Awards on November 16, 2023, he revealed during an interview that both were working on a studio and duet version of the song together, becoming a collaboration that was highly anticipated among fans.[7] The track listing for Cosa Nuestra was revealed on November 11, 2024, with the song being featured as its thirteenth track.[8]

For the album's concept, Alejandro created a character named after his first and middle name, Raúl Alejandro, which he says gives off a "telenovela vibe". He pictures his character as an adult living in New York City during the era of Puerto Rican migration to New York City.[9] Because he does not like "repeating projects", he visualized the album's direction plans for a long period of time, stating to Billboard, "I sit at home, read a book, smoke a joint with some coffee, look at the sky, and map out what’s coming."[10] Though it is his fifth studio album, Alejandro considers Cosa Nuestra his fourth album "of the circles", referring to his first three studio albums, which have circles on their album artworks.[11]

Music and lyrics

[edit]

Cosa Nuestra has been described as mainly a salsa and reggaeton album,[12][13] containing fusions of other genres such as Afrobeats, bolero, country, disco, electronic music, jazz, Latin pop, Latin R&B, Latin trap, merengue, rock and synth-pop within its 18 tracks.[14][15] Andrew Sacher of BrooklynVegan noted the album's live instrumentation being heard more than Alejandro's previous albums.[12]

A collaboration with fellow Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny, "Qué Pasaría..." is a reggaeton song which features lyrics that mainly focus on two people reflecting on their relationship.[16][17] The fourth track from Cosa Nuestra, "Tú con Él" is a salsa cover of Frankie Ruiz's song of the same name.[18] Alejandro also sings in English on the album's fifth track, "Committed", a collaboration with American musician Pharrell Williams which also contains Spanish-language lyrics.[13]

Promotion and release

[edit]

Cosa Nuestra was released for digital download and streaming on November 15, 2024, through Sony Music Latin and Duars Entertainment.[3][19] On November 19, 2024, Alejandro performed "Qué Pasaría..." and "Amar de Nuevo" on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.[20]

Singles

[edit]

"Touching the Sky" was released on May 23, 2024, serving as the lead single from Cosa Nuestra. Its accompanying music video, which was directed by Martin Seipel and produced by Rocío Taboada, features Alejandro dancing in the streets of New York City.[21][22] It peaked atop the US Latin Pop Airplay chart on the issue dated August 24, 2024,[23] while it also peaked within the top 10 in four Latin American countries, including including Chile (10),[24] El Salvador (8),[25] Panama (9),[26] and Puerto Rico (5).[27] On September 23, 2024, it received a platinum Latin certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), for track-equivalent sales of over 60,000 units in the United States.[28] Alejandro performed the song at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards on September 11, 2024.[29]

"Déjame Entrar" was released on July 18, 2024, as the second single from the album, along with its music video, which features a cameo appearance from American actor Adrien Brody.[30][31] Alejandro also performed it at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards.[29]

"Pasaporte" was released on September 26, 2024, as the third single from the album. An accompanying music video was released simultaneously with the song.[32][33]

Critical reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Pitchfork6.8/10[34]
Rolling Stone[35]

In a rave review, Diego Ortiz and Pablo Monroy from Rolling Stone en Español were impressed by Alejandro's versatility, stating that, "The Puerto Rican reaches his creative peak with elegance and precision, positioning himself as an artist who transcends genres and who has the technical, artistic and cultural capabilities to exploit wherever he puts himself".[36]

Commercial performance

[edit]

In the United States, Cosa Nuestra debuted at number six on the Billboard 200 with 67,000 album-equivalent units, which consisted of 87.66 million official streams and 1,000 digital downloads in the country. It became his biggest album debut and his first top-10 album on the chart.[37] In addition, it debuted atop the US Top Latin Albums and Latin Rhythm Albums charts, becoming his first number-one album on both charts since his second studio album Vice Versa.[38] All of the album's tracks either debuted or re-entered the US Hot Latin Songs chart, with "Qué Pasaría..." being the highest charting track from it and five tracks charting within the top 10.[38]

In Spain, the album debuted atop the album chart published by Productores de Música de España, while it debuted at number four on its vinyl sales chart. Additionally, 16 of its tracks were charting on its top 100 singles chart, with "Qué Pasaría..." peaking at number one.[39] It also appeared on album charts in three other countries, including Belgium's Flanders and Wallonia regions,[40][41] Italy,[42] and Switzerland.[43]

Track listing

[edit]
Cosa Nuestra track listing
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Cosa Nuestra"Raúl Ocasio Ruiz
  • Dímelo Ninow
  • El Zorro
  • Kenobi
4:20
2."Déjame Entrar"Ocasio Ruiz
  • El Zorro
  • Mag
  • Mick Coogan
  • Tyler Spry
  • Dímelo Ninow[c]
  • Kenobi[c]
4:14
3."Qué Pasaría..." (with Bad Bunny)
  • El Zorro
  • Mag
  • Coogan[c]
  • Red Fingers[c]
3:11
4."Tú con Él"Eduardo Franco da Silva
  • Dímelo Ninow
  • El Zorro
  • Frank Torres
  • Kenobi[c]
4:49
5."Committed" (with Pharrell Williams)
  • Ocasio Ruiz
  • Pharrell Williams
2:39
6."Espresso Martini" (with Marconi Impara and Yan Block)
  • Ocasio Ruiz
  • Carlos Martín Marrero
  • Marcos Mercado Mota
  • Dímelo Ninow
  • El Zorro
  • Kenobi
3:11
7."Baja Pa' Acá" (with Alexis & Fido)
  • Dímelo Ninow
  • El Zorro[c]
  • Kenobi[c]
3:20
8."Ni Me Conozco"Ocasio Ruiz
  • Dímelo Ninow
  • El Zorro
  • Kenobi[c]
3:49
9."Il Capo"Ocasio Ruiz
  • Bass Charity
  • El Zorro
  • Mag
  • Dímelo Ninow[c]
4:09
10."Revolú" (with Feid)
  • Cauty
  • Dímelo Ninow
  • El Zorro
3:35
11."Mil Mujeres"Ocasio Ruiz
  • Dímelo Ninow
  • El Zorro
  • Kenobi[c]
2:48
12."Khé?" (with Romeo Santos)
  • DJ Maff
  • El Zorro
  • Jhon el Diver
  • Mr. NaisGai
  • Romeo Santos
  • Isaiah Ennio Parker[c]
3:26
13."Se Fue" (with Laura Pausini)
  • Ignacio Ballesteros Díaz
  • Federico Cavalli
  • Pietro Cremonesi
  • Arcangelo Valsiglio
  • Mr. NaisGai
4:00
14."Pasaporte" (with Mr. NaisGai)
  • Ocasio Ruiz
  • Luis González Maldonado
4:26
15."Touching the Sky"Ocasio Ruiz
  • Dímelo Ninow
  • Dulce como Candy
  • El Zorro
  • Kenobi
  • Smiileey
3:07
16."Amar de Nuevo"Ocasio Ruiz
  • Mag
  • Coogan
  • Spry
  • Dímelo Ninow[c]
4:28
17."2:12 AM" (with Latin Mafia)
3:31
18."SexxxMachine"Ocasio Ruiz
3:56
Total length:66:59

Note

  • ^[c] signifies a co-producer.

Personnel

[edit]

Musicians

  • Rauw Alejandro – vocals
  • Alexis Mangual – percussion (tracks 1, 2, 5, 6, 16), drums (17)
  • Cristian Mangual – bass (tracks 1, 2, 5, 14, 16, 17), guitar (13)
  • Carlos Padrón – timbales (tracks 1, 4, 5, 11), percussion (2), congas (4, 5)
  • Juan Quinones – trumpet (tracks 1, 4, 5, 11), flugelhorn (5)
  • Jose Rosa – background vocals (tracks 1, 4, 11, 16)
  • Francis Diaz – background vocals (tracks 1, 11)
  • Gerardo Danner – background vocals (tracks 1, 11)
  • Jorge Buchaca – background vocals (tracks 1, 11)
  • Kenobi – background vocals (tracks 1, 16)
  • Nino Segarra – percussion (track 2), background vocals (4)
  • Tyler Spry – guitar, keyboards (track 2); synthesizer (6)
  • Cristian Nieves – guitar (track 2)
  • Mag – drums, synthesizer (tracks 3, 9)
  • Mick Coogan – synthesizer (tracks 3, 16)
  • Red Fingers – synthesizer (track 3)
  • Jorge Pizarro – background vocals (track 4)
  • Alexis Perez – bass (track 4)
  • Javier "Tito" Álvarez – percussion (track 4)
  • Ronald Quiroz – piano (track 4)
  • Moises Cancel – trombone (track 4)
  • Bass Charity – synthesizer (track 9)
  • Mr. NaisGai – synthesizer (track 14)
  • SG Lewis – synthesizer (track 14)
  • Dímelo Ninow – synthesizer (tracks 15, 17); electronic drums, keyboards (15)
  • Dulce como Candy – background vocals, synthesizer (track 15)
  • El Zorro – electronic drums (track 15)

Technical

  • Chris Gehringer – mastering (tracks 1–6, 8–18)
  • Kenobi – mastering (tracks 1, 4–14, 16–18), engineering (2–18)
  • José M. Collazo – mastering (7), mixing (7)
  • Josh Gudwin – mixing (tracks 1, 2, 4–6, 8–18)
  • Mag – mixing (track 3)
  • Dímelo Ninow – engineering (track 1)
  • Atharva Dhenke – engineering assistance (tracks 1–6, 8–18)
  • Will Quinnell – engineering assistance (tracks 1–6, 8–18)
  • Felix Byrne – engineering assistance (track 2)
  • Juan Angel Segarra – performance arrangement (track 4)
  • Nino Segarra – performance arrangement (track 4)
  • Mr. NaisGai – performance arrangement (track 13)

Charts

[edit]
Chart performance for Cosa Nuestra
Chart (2024) Peak
position
Belgian Albums (Ultratop Flanders)[40] 161
Belgian Albums (Ultratop Wallonia)[41] 147
Canadian Albums (Billboard)[44] 64
Italian Albums (FIMI)[42] 30
Spanish Albums (PROMUSICAE)[45] 1
Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade)[43] 10
US Billboard 200[46] 6
US Latin Rhythm Albums (Billboard)[47] 1
US Top Latin Albums (Billboard)[48] 1

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Rauw Alejandro lanza su quinto álbum Cosa Nuestra" [Rauw Alejandro releases his fifth album Cosa Nuestra] (in Spanish). Sony Music Spain. November 15, 2024. Retrieved November 21, 2024.
  2. ^ Villacañas, Javier (July 4, 2023). "Rauw Alejandro sorprende con el anuncio oficial del inminente estreno de su cuarto álbum: Playa Saturno" [Rauw Alejandro surprises with the official announcement of the imminent release of his fourth album: Playa Saturno]. Cadena 100 (in Spanish). Archived from the original on July 5, 2023. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  3. ^ a b c Herrera, Isabelia (March 7, 2024). "Rauw Alejandro: 'I'm still cooking, developing a new persona—the whole look and feel.'". CR Fashion Book. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
  4. ^ Raygoza, Isabela (June 8, 2024). "Rauw Alejandro Headlines Governors Ball 2024, Talks New Single & Album". Billboard. Archived from the original on September 3, 2024. Retrieved November 11, 2024.
  5. ^ Calvario, Liz (July 9, 2024). "Rauw Alejandro Teases New Album and TODAY Show Concert 'Surprise'". Today. Retrieved November 11, 2024.
  6. ^ "Rauw Alejandro's New Album 'Cosa Nuestra': Tour, Collaborations, Release Date..." Los 40. September 4, 2024. Archived from the original on November 13, 2024. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
  7. ^ Moral, Selene (January 3, 2024). "Rauw Alejandro confirma que ha grabado 'Se fue' junto a Laura Pausini: 'La canción está hecha, espérenla pronto'" [Rauw Alejandro confirms that he has recorded 'Se fue' with Laura Pausini: 'The song is done, wait for it soon']. Los 40 (in Spanish). Retrieved November 12, 2024.
  8. ^ Romero, Andrea (November 11, 2024). "Rauw Alejandro desvela el tracklist de Cosa Nuestra, el nuevo álbum que incluye su versión de 'Se Fue'" [Rauw Alejandro reveals the tracklist for Cosa Nuestra, the new album which includes his version of 'Se Fue']. Los 40 (in Spanish). Retrieved November 12, 2024.
  9. ^ "The Deeply Personal Story Behind Rauw Alejandro's Next Album Cosa Nuestra". Los 40. August 27, 2024. Archived from the original on November 11, 2024. Retrieved November 11, 2024.
  10. ^ Cobo, Leila (August 26, 2024). "Rauw Alejandro On Cosa Nuestra and His New Character for the Album". Billboard. Retrieved November 11, 2024.
  11. ^ Brizuela, Ariany (November 11, 2024). "Rauw Alejandro reveló la lista de canciones de Cosa nuestra, su nuevo disco" [Rauw Alejandro reveals the list of tracks from Cosa Nuestra, his new album which includes his version of 'Se Fue']. La Opinión (in Spanish). Archived from the original on November 12, 2024. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  12. ^ a b Sacher, Andrew (November 15, 2024). "Album Reviews: Maxo Kream, Pa Salieu, Full of Hell & Andrew Nolan, more". BrooklynVegan. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
  13. ^ a b Sánchez, Jorge (November 14, 2024). "Rauw Alejandro explora sus raíces" [Rauw Alejandro explores his roots]. El Universal (in Mexican Spanish). Retrieved November 15, 2024.
  14. ^ Echevarría, Mariam (November 14, 2024). "Rauw Alejandro y el rompecabezas musical de Cosa Nuestra" [Rauw Alejandro and the musical puzzle of Cosa Nuestra]. El Vocero (in Spanish). Retrieved November 15, 2024.
  15. ^ Ortíz, Diego (November 15, 2024). "Rauw Alejandro: Seducido por el arte" [Rauw Alejandro: Seduced by art]. Rolling Stone en Español (in Spanish). Archived from the original on November 15, 2024. Retrieved November 15, 2024.
  16. ^ Villa, Lucas (November 15, 2024). "Rauw Alejandro Album Features Bad Bunny & Pharrell Williams". Remezcla. Retrieved November 26, 2024.
  17. ^ "'Qué Pasaría': The Meaning Behind Rauw Alejandro's Song Presented on The Tonight Show by Jimmy Fallon". Los 40. November 20, 2024. Retrieved November 21, 2024.
  18. ^ Roiz, Jessica (November 15, 2024). "Rauw Alejandro's Cosa Nuestra Album: Stream It Now". Billboard. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
  19. ^ "Cosa Nuestra - Album by Rauw Alejandro". Apple Music (US). November 15, 2024. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
  20. ^ Zemler, Emily (November 20, 2024). "Adrian Brody Joins Rauw Alejandro in His Video for 'Déjame Entrar'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved November 20, 2024.
  21. ^ Mier, Tomás (May 23, 2024). "Rauw Alejandro Drops 'Touching the Sky': Watch". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on November 11, 2024. Retrieved November 11, 2024.
  22. ^ Hernandez, Jeanette (May 24, 2024). "WATCH: Rauw Alejandro Goes Full-on Broadway in 'Touching The Sky' Music Video". Remezcla. Archived from the original on September 1, 2024. Retrieved November 11, 2024.
  23. ^ Bustios, Pamela (August 20, 2024). "Rauw Alejandro's 'Touching the Sky' Is No. 1 on Latin Pop Airplay Chart". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 12, 2024. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  24. ^ "Top 20 Chile: General – Del 17 al 23 de Junio, 2024" [Top 20 Chile: General – From 17 to 23 June, 2024] (in Spanish). Monitor Latino. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
  25. ^ "Top 20 El Salvador: General – Del 27 de Mayo al 2 de Junio, 2024" [Top 20 El Salvador: General – From 27 May to 2 June, 2024] (in Spanish). Monitor Latino. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
  26. ^ "Top 20 Panama: General – Del 24 al 30 de Junio, 2024" [Top 20 Panama: General – From 24 to 30 June, 2024] (in Spanish). Monitor Latino. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
  27. ^ "Top 20 Puerto Rico: General – Del 1 al 7 de Julio, 2024" [Top 20 Puerto Rico: General – From 1 to 7 July, 2024] (in Spanish). Monitor Latino. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
  28. ^ "American single certifications – Touching the Sky". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved November 20, 2024.
  29. ^ a b Villa, Lucas (September 11, 2024). "Rauw Alejandro Brings Puerto Rico Bomba & Plena To MTV VMAs". Remezcla. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  30. ^ Madarang, Charisma (September 26, 2024). "Adrian Brody Joins Rauw Alejandro in His Video for 'Déjame Entrar'". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on November 11, 2024. Retrieved November 11, 2024.
  31. ^ Calvario, Liz (July 12, 2024). "Watch Rauw Alejandro Perform New Song 'Déjame Entrar' on TODAY". Today. Retrieved November 11, 2024.
  32. ^ Zemler, Emily (July 19, 2024). "Rauw Alejandro Announces New Album Cosa Nuestra, Drops New Single". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on November 11, 2024. Retrieved November 11, 2024.
  33. ^ Strauss, Matthew (September 27, 2024). "Rauw Alejandro Announces New Album Cosa Nuestra, Shares Video for New Song 'Pasaporte': Watch". Pitchfork. Retrieved November 11, 2024.
  34. ^ Pulgar, E.R. (November 25, 2024). "Rauw Alejandro: Cosa Nuestra Album Review". Pitchfork. Retrieved November 25, 2024.
  35. ^ Cruz, Reanna (November 15, 2024). "It's All Love on Rauw Alejandro's 'Cosa Nuestra'". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on November 15, 2024. Retrieved November 15, 2024.
  36. ^ Ortiz, Diego; Monroy, Pablo (November 13, 2024). "Cosa Nuestra de Rauw Alejandro: un excelente homenaje a sus raíces" [Rauw Alejandro's Cosa Nuestra: An Excellent Tribute to His Roots]. Rolling Stone en Español (in Spanish). Archived from the original on November 14, 2024. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  37. ^ Caulfield, Keith (November 24, 2024). "ATEEZ Achieve Second No. 1 on Billboard 200 With Golden Hour: Part.2". Billboard. Retrieved November 25, 2024.
  38. ^ a b Bustios, Pamela (November 25, 2024). "A Best for Rauw Alejandro: Cosa Nuestra Debuts at No. 1". Billboard. Retrieved November 25, 2024.
  39. ^ E. Alonso, Sebas (November 25, 2024). "Rauw Alejandro, top 1 de Singles y Discos en España" [Rauw Alejandro, number 1 on singles and albums charts in Spain]. Jenesaispop]. Retrieved November 25, 2024.
  40. ^ a b "Ultratop.be – Rauw Alejandro – Cosa Nuestra" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved November 24, 2024.
  41. ^ a b "Ultratop.be – Rauw Alejandro – Cosa Nuestra" (in French). Hung Medien. Retrieved November 24, 2024.
  42. ^ a b "Album – Classifica settimanale WK 47 (dal 15.11.2024 al 21.11.2024)" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana. Retrieved November 23, 2024.
  43. ^ a b "Swisscharts.com – Rauw Alejandro – Cosa Nuestra". Hung Medien. Retrieved November 24, 2024.
  44. ^ "Rauw Alejandro Chart History (Canadian Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved November 26, 2024.
  45. ^ "Top 100 Albums – Week 47 (2024)". El Portal de Música. Productores de Música de España. Retrieved November 24, 2024.
  46. ^ "Rauw Alejandro Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved November 25, 2024.
  47. ^ "Rauw Alejandro Chart History (Latin Rhythm Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved November 25, 2024.
  48. ^ "Rauw Alejandro Chart History (Top Latin Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved November 25, 2024.
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