Benny Blanco has stirred considerable controversy with the release of his latest album, Hermoso, a follow-up to the 2025 project I Said I Love You First, which he created in collaboration with his wife, Selena Gomez. The album features a diverse lineup of Latin and Spanish-language artists, including Gomez, Becky G, Myke Towers, Mora, Netón Vega, BB Trickz, and the Marías, along with production by Colombian artist Ovy on the Drums. Hermoso showcases a blend of música mexicana, cumbia, and reggaeton, marking Blanco’s most Latin-infused project since establishing himself as a pop producer for global icons like Britney Spears, Katy Perry, Justin Bieber, and Ed Sheeran.
Despite the excitement surrounding the album, it has sparked debate online, with accusations of cultural appropriation directed at Blanco. These critiques intensified after the unveiling of the album’s tracklist and cover art, which depicts the producer in a caricature-style mask. Critics have labeled the cover as racist and questioned why a non-Latino artist would adopt such imagery. One X user remarked, “It’s actually so sinister to make your entire persona a downtrodden Latino man when you’re literally a Jewish guy from Virginia,” while another commenter on Reddit said that they were unaware of his non-Latino identity until recently.
The album’s release also comes at a politically charged time for the Latino community in the U.S., particularly amid lingering criticism of the Trump administration’s immigration policies. Commentators have urged Blanco to take a stand against policies targeting immigrants, with one commenter writing, “At least speak out against ICE if you’re going to larp as a Latino, Ben Levin.”
Bennie Blanco, born Benjamin Levin, has always been transparent about his Ashkenazi Jewish background, often referencing it in interviews. He explained that his stage name came from his early rapping days, stating, “I was in the studio one day, going through names like Lil’ B, Short Stuff … I was Benny Bounce for some time, and then I was like, ‘I’m white!’ and I was studying Spanish at the time, so I was like, ‘Blanco!’” His name was inspired partly by John Leguizamo’s character in the 1993 film Carlito’s Way.
Although some detractors have raised concerns about his authenticity, others have pointed out that Blanco has a long history of engagement with Latin music. He has previously collaborated with Latin artists such as J Balvin and Kali Uchis, and even played producer on several tracks for artists like Netón Vega. Blanco himself has expressed a deep appreciation for the genre, stating, “I grew up in an area with a large Latin population, so that music has surrounded me since I was a child,” adding that the rhythms have always inspired him creatively.
In an interview, Blanco condemned the mass deportations of Latinos in the U.S., stating, “They are taking away some of the best people. They are the backbone of America.” He also voiced support for Gomez’s activism regarding immigration issues, emphasizing the need for greater compassion and understanding in conversations surrounding immigration.
The album Hermoso isn’t completely out of left field, given that Blanco has incorporated Latin elements into his music for years. His track “I Can’t Get Enough” with Gomez and J Balvin and his work on Grupo Frontera’s Quédate Bebé are just a couple of examples of his longstanding engagement with the genre. Blanco even indicates that collaboration is an essential part of understanding the music that he loves.
The cover art for Hermoso may also carry a more personal significance, with some suggesting that it reflects Blanco’s awareness of the criticisms he has faced regarding his appearance. Observers have noted that the exaggerated and caricatured portrayal of Blanco seems to playfully address the “ugly” commentaries often found on social media.
Now available, the album’s standout track “Te Olvido (La La)” has already reached No. 2 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Pop Songs, with its music video, rich in Chicano imagery, garnering over 7.5 million views. Blanco’s commitment to music and exploration of various cultural influences remains a topic of both celebration and contention.
