Sol María

“I manifested this moment in my career,” Eladio Carrión tells Apple Music. “I\'m the kind of person who finds it hard to hit pause and celebrate milestones because I\'m always on to the next big thing.” Following the success of 2023’s *3MEN2 KBRN* and the corresponding Sauce USA headlining tour, there was plenty for the rapper to be happy about. Dedicated to his mother, his follow-up album *Sol María* diverges considerably from the familiar trap-heavy sound of what came earlier. It showcases more of him, both artistically and personally, and plays with decidedly poppier styles. “This album is the most intimate piece I\'ve shared with my fans,” Carrión says. Touching on topics close to him, its contents include some revelatory material that provides insights into who he is as a person. He tackles the tricky subject of mental health on “Luchas Mentales” and pays deep homage to his parents on “Mamá’s Boy.” Even the guest list—which includes Arcángel, De La Ghetto, and Rauw Alejandro—is scaled back compared with prior efforts, a reflection of the intimacy and immediacy of the material. “It was important for me that they not only brought their own talents, but also resonated with the essence of the album,” he explains. Below, read an interview with Carrión, in which he discusses *Sol María* and what it means to him. ***Sol María* represents a very different sound for you. For those who know you as a trapero, can you explain why you moved away from that style here?** This album is a heartfelt tribute to my mom, Sol María. While she can still vibe with the trap scene, this project is like a musical bouquet of appreciation and diving into those genres that she resonates with more. It’s my way of expressing gratitude and giving her the recognition she deserves for everything. We kept the trap energy alive, but my main focus was to take this album and use it as a special thank-you to my biggest supporter. **There’s a lot of very personal material here, not the least of which being “Mamá’s Boy.” What was it like for you to put these experiences and emotional honesty into your music?** Pouring my heart into \"Mamá’s Boy\" was hard. It\'s not easy to be so vulnerable, laying bare personal experiences like that. But at the same time, it\'s a testament to the authenticity I strive for in my music. \"Mamá’s Boy\" goes into that deep connection I have with my mom, and the process was like opening up a diary. I\'m incredibly fortunate to have both of my parents alive and by my side as I navigate these new chapters in life. Knowing that they’ll always be there for me adds this layer of strength and support while I pursue my dream, and I hope it resonates with others who feel the same way. **You’ve kept the guest list here to a relatively small circle. Is there a reason why you limited the number of features?** Choosing the guest list for *Sol María* was a meticulous process, because this is what I consider my best album to date. It\'s a deeply personal project, and I wanted every artist involved to be a careful representation of the music that shaped me during my upbringing and those I\'m vibing with currently. **Are there any tracks here that were especially rewarding or particularly gratifying to record?** \"Luchas Mentales\" holds a special place because it allowed me to open up about my own struggles with mental health, so it was a deeply cathartic experience. It goes beyond just music; it\'s a way for me to connect with fans who may be facing similar challenges. I hope that when they listen to this track, they feel a sense of comfort and understand that they\'re not alone in their struggles. It’s my way of reaching out to those who may need a reminder that they’ll overcome any obstacles and come out even stronger on the other side.