Science behind Bad Bunny's DTMF

A short dive into some of the scientific concepts present in his latest album

Jul 18, 2025

I am going to see Bad Bunny in concert (AHH!!). Did you know that his 30-show residence in PR is a historic event? To celebrate, I wanted to write about some of the fun science terms that are part of his album.

Sapo Concho
When DTMF came out earlier this year, many went crazy for the adorable mascot featured in the album’s short film. Concho is an endemic species of crested toad that is only found in Puerto Rico and the minor outlying islands. Known as “Sapo Concho” in Spanish (Species: Peltophryne lemur), these sweet creatures are sadly an endangered species.
Pink Coke in NUEVAYoL
In his iconic song, NUEVAYoL, he mentions “el perico es blanco, el tusi rosita”. This is a reference to pink cocaine, which used to be made with compound 2C-B (a psychedelic phenylethylamine). Most tusi these days doesn’t contain 2C-B anymore; instead they have shifted to different cocktails of drugs that are then dyed pink. Most formulations don’t contain cocaine, instead opting for ketamine, fentanyl, or MDMA.
Mosquitos in WELTiTA
In this song, he invites a lover to hangout at the beach. He mentions that there are more mosquitos on the coast, so he will put up a screen (“hay mucho mosquito en la costa, voy a poner un escreen”). Since Puerto Rico is a tropical island and mosquitos reproduce in warm, standing water, it is common to see them gather at the coast (especially in shaded areas).
Rubbing Alcohol in LO QUE LE PASO A HAWAII
This iconic song has many great moments worth highlighting. Many historians have come out to recognize the merit behind it’s lyrics. As a scientist, I noticed he mentioned using rubbing alcohol for treating wounds (“con alcohol pa' las herida' porque hay mucho que sanar”). This is a common practice in many PR households. However, while rubbing alcohol (and peroxide) help disinfect wounds, they can also delay wound healing by harming the healthy tissue around them. Doctors recommend instead gently washing wounds with warm, soapy water and then dressing it.
Tides in PERFUMITO NUEVO
While in the song he is not referring to the ocean, he does mention the tide rising as a metaphor for increasing water flow. Tides rise under the gravitational force of the moon, which is strongest at night (when the moon is closest). Though high tides happen at both the closest and farthest side on Earth from the moon! Therefore, it is very appropriate for him to use this metaphor to describe nightly activities.
Ovaries & Testes in LA MUDANZA
In this song, Benito mentions being at the top of his game and putting his “all” into what he does, with both balls and ovaries (“Le meto con cojone' y con ovario'“). These don’t only make a fantastic word choice because of their similar rhythm, they are also similar in function. Both ovaries and testes are gonads, which are primary reproductive organs. While structurally different, they both produce the components necessary for human reproduction (sperm and ova) and secrete essential hormones. Some of which, can regulate attention, memory and executive function; therefore, apt things to mention when you are at the top of your game!