Karol G Apologizes as Critics Slam Song ‘+57’ for Alleged Messages About Youth and Drugs 

Last week, Colombia’s reggaeton mainstream artists dropped a new song, +57. The song, featuring heavyweights like Karol G, Feid, J Balvin, Maluma, Blessd, Ryan Castro, and DFZM, was meant to be a celebration of Colombian unity. The track, branded as an anthem that would define the end of the year, was even dubbed by some as the “Colombian Avengers” of music. Yet, it fell short for many people. 

The Criticism ‘+57’ Received

From the moment +57 hit the airwaves, backlash ensued. The criticisms ranged from the song’s excessive length to its repetitive, monotonous beat. Many fans and critics alike had been expecting something monumental — a song that would resonate with Colombia’s diverse musical heritage and, perhaps, elevate the global reggaeton conversation. Instead, they were left underwhelmed.  

In the wake of this disappointment, other Colombian artists, such as Fariana (formerly known as Farina), voiced their frustrations. Fariana expressed her discontent over Karol G’s apparent reluctance to include other urban Colombian artists in the collaboration, noting that Karol could have included talents like Goyo, Nath, Greicy, and others. This sentiment likely resonated with many who believed the track could have been more inclusive and representative of the broader Colombian urban scene. 

The criticisms, however, took a darker turn when Rolling Stone Colombia published a scathing review of +57, attacking not only the song’s musicality but its troubling lyrical content.  

The article drew attention to a particularly controversial line: “mamacita desde los fourteen,” which, though referring to Karol G herself, who was allegedly admired by her peers at that age, raised alarm among many who felt it could be interpreted as trivializing the alarming issue of childhood prostitution. In Colombia, particularly in Medellín, this is a problem that continues to haunt the country, as evidenced by a recent case involving a foreigner attempting to purchase sexual favors from a 12-year-old. 

The line, critics argue, lends itself to pedophilic interpretations — something that cannot be overlooked in a country still grappling with the ramifications of child exploitation. While the artists involved assert that the reference was nostalgic, reflecting on the past rather than commenting on present-day minors, the controversy speaks to a deeper issue: the normalization of harmful themes in mainstream art. The song also features several references to narcotics and drug culture, another theme that many believe should no longer be a part of the Colombian musical identity, especially when the country is still battling the stigma of drug violence. 

Defending the Song

As all of this feedback went down, the weekend saw a range of responses. While Karol G remained silent, her fellow artists, J Balvin, Blessd, and Ryan Castro, defended the song, emphasizing its intent to unite a group of friends who had grown together in the industry.  

J Balvin pointed to the collaboration’s focus on friendship and unity, while Blessd and Ryan Castro shrugged off the criticism, arguing that listeners weren’t being forced to engage with the song. Feid, ever the playful figure, posted lighthearted TikToks poking fun at the controversy. 

Karol G Finally Issues a Statement

Finally, Karol G issued a statement, which many saw as a much-needed expression of accountability. She wrote: 

“Siempre agradecida con quienes me siguen y me apoyan, quienes conocen mi proyecto, las intenciones de mi trabajo y las causas cercanas a mi corazón, esas que me mueven, apasionan y por las que trabajo día a día con amor y responsabilidad. Sí me importa mi gente y soy una persona que día a día busco como involucrarme en proyectos donde yo misma pueda extender mi bendición e impactar de una forma positiva la vida de muchas personas. 

Como artistas, estamos expuestos a la opinión pública, y a las interpretaciones individuales de personas que nos quieren y personas que difieren de lo que hacemos. Siento mucha frustración por la desinformación que se ha dado, con los post falsos que supuestamente he hecho y eliminado desde twitter, cuenta que no uso desde hace más de 6 meses. En este caso, desafortunadamente, se sacó de contexto la letra de una canción con la que buscaba celebrar la unión entre los artistas y poner a bailar a mi gente… Ninguna de las cosas dichas en la canción tienen la dirección que le han dado, ni se dijo desde esa perspectiva pero escucho, me hago responsable y me doy cuenta que todavía tengo mucho por aprender. Me siento muy afectada y me disculpo de corazón. 

Quiero agradecer una vez más a mis fanáticos por su amor y apoyo incondicional, lo valoro muchísimo, y a los artistas que participaron conmigo en la canción, guardo en el Cora la energía bonita con la que trabajamos ese día! Gracias a todos.  

Carolina.” 

Rough Translation in English: 

“Always grateful to those who follow me and support me, those who know my project, the intentions of my work, and the causes close to my heart, those that move me, inspire me, and for which I work every day with love and responsibility. Yes, I care about my people and I am someone who every day seeks to get involved in projects where I can extend my blessing and positively impact the lives of many people. 

As artists, we are exposed to public opinion and the individual interpretations of people who love us and people who disagree with what we do. I feel a lot of frustration over the misinformation that has been spread, with false posts that supposedly I made and deleted from Twitter, a platform I haven’t used in over six months. In this case, unfortunately, the lyrics of a song, with which I intended to celebrate the unity among artists and get my people dancing, were taken out of context… None of the things said in the song have the direction they’ve been given, nor were they said from that perspective, but I hear, I take responsibility, and I realize that I still have a lot to learn. I feel deeply affected and apologize from the heart. 

I want to thank once again my fans for their love and unconditional support, I truly value it, and to the artists who participated with me in the song, I keep in my heart the beautiful energy with which we worked that day! Thank you to everyone. 

Carolina.”  

While Karol G’s apology is a step in the right direction, the conversation surrounding +57 highlights the responsibility that artists hold when crafting their work. Music, as powerful a medium as it is, must be handled with care — especially when it comes to sensitive societal issues. Colombia, in particular, has been rocked by the weight of its own struggles with child exploitation and narcotrafficking, issues that must not be trivialized or romanticized in popular art. 

Ultimately, it’s important to remember that art is subject to interpretation, and the public is entitled to respond as they see fit. +57 may have its defenders and detractors, but the real takeaway here is the need for artists to be attuned to the impact their work has on society. Karol G’s statement shows a willingness to learn and grow, and perhaps, this will serve as a catalyst for more thoughtful and responsible art in the future.