Benny Blanco is hours away from releasing Hermoso, but the music is not the only part of the project drawing attention. The producer’s unusual album artwork has sparked fresh debate online. Some critics have taken issue with the image and its connection to the album’s Latin theme.
Benny Blanco faces ‘racist’ accusations over the Hermoso album artwork
The backlash over the album cover picked up again ahead of Hermoso’s Aug. 14 release. The artwork shows Blanco’s face transformed into an exaggerated, cartoon-like figure. Some social media users have called the image offensive and accused it of being racist because of its connection to the album’s Latin theme.
One critic described the cover as “racist towards every race.” Others questioned why Blanco was using Spanish titles and Latin imagery for the project. The reaction has also included accusations of cultural appropriation.
Not everyone agreed. Several people defended the artwork and argued that the face on the cover is simply a distorted version of Blanco himself. Some also suggested that he may be poking fun at the harsh comments he often receives about his appearance.
Blanco has not publicly responded to the latest criticism of the cover. However, he has explained the inspiration behind the Latin-inspired album.
In a July El País interview, Blanco said he grew up in an area with a large Latino population. He recalled hearing Latin music throughout his childhood and said he has long been drawn to its rhythms. He described Hermoso as a tribute to music he has listened to for years.
The Benny Blanco new album contains eight songs and arrives Aug. 14 through Friends Keep Secrets and Interscope Records. Apple Music lists the project under Latin music. Selena Gomez also appears on the album. She joins Becky G on “Te Olvido (La La),” while other collaborators include Bb trickz and Neton Vega.
Blanco has also spoken about the online criticism he receives in general. He has said he tries not to spend much time reading negative comments. He also revealed that his wife has seen some of them.
For now, the debate around Hermoso remains divided. Some viewers see the artwork as offensive because of its connection to a culture they believe Blanco does not belong to. Others see it as self-parody from an artist who has openly discussed his appreciation for Latin music.
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