Music artists often sing lyrics that may be taken out of context – whether it be a song containing a slur or referencing a deceased person. These artists need to be careful with their words.
Colombian singer Karol G’s new hit single “+57” has received recent backlash due to claims that it sexualizes minors. She recently issued an apology on Nov. 11 saying that she didn’t want the song to be misconstrued.
Carolina Giraldo Navarro, known by her stage name as Karol G, is a Colombian singer who first started her debut appearing on El Factor X. She then signed with a Puerto Rican label where she released her first debut song, ‘En La Playa,’ but had trouble getting recognition for it.
Working with Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny, Karol G released her first hit song, “Ahora Me Llama” on her album, “Unstoppable.” This provided her with an international audience.
Karol G began an intimate relationship with Puerto Rican rapper Anuel AA in 2019, after releasing a duo song “Culpables.” The duo began releasing more songs together, with famous titles like “Secreto,” “Follow,” and “China” where they collaborated with other artists such as Daddy Yankee, Ozuna and J Balvin. The two parted ways after Anuel AA was unfaithful to Karol G, leading her to release “A Ella.”
Karol G then rose on the charts with the help of other artists such as Nicki Minaj, Becky G, Maldy, Shakira, Maluma and even DJ Tiesto. These artists were featured in songs that include, “TQG,” “MAMIII,” “Tusa,” “Creeme,” “CONTIGO,” “Gatubela,” and “Don’t Be Shy.” She eventually rose to the Top 100 Billboard Hits Charts with her song “Ahora Me Llama,” which gained her more public recognition.
“Some of the best artists received an education, earned a 4.0 GPA, and added poetry and lyrics about their life so that the youth can add relatability to it,” said Anthony Reyes, a senior.
Around 2021, Karol G dreamt of opening up a business as an entrepreneur and focusing on makeup brands and clothing lines. A year later, she launched her first business called Girl Power Inc. She dreams of following the successes of Rihanna and the late singer Selena Quintanilla.
In 2023, Karol G began her second intimate relationship with Colombian singer Feid, who has also collaborated with Karol G before. This news stirred up positivity within the fanbase, except for her ex-boyfriend Anuel AA, who condemned the relationship by mentioning Feid’s name in a song he sang live. Anuel dedicated “Mejor Que Yo,” to Feid in 2023.
Releasing her recent song ‘+57’ with other Colombian artists such as Maluma, J Balvin, Blessd, Ryan Castro, producer Ovy on The Drums, new artist DFZM, and her boyfriend Feid, Karol G received criticism over one lyric sung by Feid and Maluma.
The song states, “Una mamacita desde los fourteen, entra la disco y se siente el ki.” Karol G released a formal apology stating that she has a lot to learn. The lyrics were later changed to “Una mamacita desde los eighteen, entra la disco y se siente el ki.”
In the same article written by Edward Segarra, it states, “General director Astrid Caceres Cardenas alleged the song’s lyrics reference a network of human trafficking within the country, in which girls are invited to parties, where they are later vulnerable to sexual exploitation.”
“I think people might be exaggerating a bit. I mean, it’s just a song. I don’t think it’s a big deal,” said Noel Melendez, a senior.
This isn’t the first time an artist has come under fire for their song lyrics. Robin Thicke’s hit song “Blurred Lines,” featuring Pharell Williams and T.I. was engulfed in controversy over a lyric that was mistaken for non-consensual intercourse.
“As young artists – because they are all young – they need to watch the language and what they say in public, especially as a public figure. They should understand who they are targeting that message to and saying that it’s Latin young girls who are 14 years old, and that is very much of a problem,” said Andres Rodriguez, a senior.
