Wordsmith and lyrical shooter Joyce Santana today drops his long-awaited studio album, Nada Personal, and instantly positions himself as one of the most essential listens of the year.
Hailing from the crib of reggaetón, the city of Carolina, Puerto Rico, Joyce has the unique distinction of having been present at a time of great shifts and growth in the local Latin urban scene. He came into his own as part of the collective LA CIUDVD alongside acts like Álvaro Díaz, Brray, Young Martino, and others who were essential in changing the sound of the genre in ways that are still felt today.
Two years after releasing his sophomore LP, Despues Siempre Es Tarde, he returns to the scene bigger than ever. Nada Personal features collaborations with megastars like Feid, Yandel, Tainy, De La Rose, and old compatriots Díaz and Brray, proving their bond continues strong.
The focus track, “Crisis” featuring Yandel, is a sticky reggaetón with melancholic notes that marries the genre legend’s vocal sensibilities with Joyce’s gritty prowess. The accompanying music video shows off their innate chemistry, as the duo trade bars over a catchy hip-shaking beat.
Nada Personal is a project that’s been in the works for years, and puts forward Joyce at the peak of his talents. With more focus than ever, he presents some of the best songs of his career, from impressively strong openers “El Gigante de Carolina” and “Tu Ciudvd” to tracks like “Rehab” and “Superman” that demonstrate him exploring new sounds and expanding his range. Considered a rapper’s rapper, Joyce also shares biting tales from the streets as only someone with his fiery pen can, especially in the riveting “No Se Ve el Corazón.”
With 17 tracks, Nada Personal proves Joyce Santana is one of the most versatile, mindful, and wickedly gifted artists currently in the scene. Past breakout hits like “Besties” alongside Young Miko, YOVNGCHIMI, Villano Antillano, and Luar La L put him on the map in a significant way, and now he’s ready to storm the industry and cement his name as an artist who’s here to stay and has the attitude and talent to stay at the top.
