Nathy Peluso redefines 'Grasa' on new album: 'I wanted a word with a different meaning'

“One of the many memories I have with what the word grease evokes is when I was a little girl, my old man always had greasy hands because he worked at a gas station,” reflects Nathy Peluso when discussing the title of her upcoming book. third studio album, out Friday (May 24), featuring Advertising sign. “To me it's very poetic and beautiful, as well as the symbol of people working their backs to the bone.”

That sense of nostalgia and respect for hard work comes through Grease. The title, with its heavy undertones, captures the bold and edgy essence of the Spanish-based Argentinian star. Known for her rap style, Peluso's album is a multitude of genres and emotions.

“I wanted a word that had multiple meanings, something rough and powerful that people could own and even redefine after listening to the album,” he adds. “Something that I also found ironic, humorously, is that in Argentine slang, grasa it means something very specific and vulgar.”

This vision is evident in the album's 16 tracks, which seamlessly blend elements of rap, salsa, soul and acoustic melodies. Her approach to its creation was driven by intuition and a desire to capture raw emotion. “The collaborations on this album came from the heart,” he explains. “I never strategize about these things. it's always about connection and feeling.”

That authenticity shines through on the ballad 'El Día Que Perdí Mi Juventud' with Blood Orange and the slick, electronic 'Todo Roto' with Ca7triel & Paco Amoroso, where the synergy between the artists heightens the impact of the music.

Beyond collective efforts, Grease it has a deeply personal meaning for Peluso, who delves into mental health issues with unparalleled candor. “All people need to take care of our minds,” he insists. “It is our pillar, what anchors us and what makes us better every day.”

“There's a very important message on the album, 'Aprender a Amarse' (learn to love yourself), which is something we all deserve, because at the end of the day, you have to be your own best friend and partner. . “, she continues. “For that, you have to be brave and face things that are very difficult. [I wanted to] shed some light and energy so that people who maybe don't find that strength in their daily lives, maybe put on some music and feel encouraged. Because music has saved me many times.”

During her conversation with Billboard, the artist also shares what it was like playing with Karol G during the Mañana Será Bonito tour in Peluso's native Argentina. “She is very generous. He invited me to play in Buenos Aires, which meant a lot to me,” he says. “[It was] the first time we sang “Gato malo”, the song we had together for years. We had never played it together before and it was extremely special.”

Watch the full interview above.