Nathy Peluso Redefines ‘Grasa’ on New Album: ‘I Wanted a Word With Different Meanings’

“One of the many memories I have with what the word grease evokes in me was when I was a little girl, my old man always had greasy hands because he worked at a gas station,” reflects Nathy Peluso while discussing the title of her upcoming third studio album, set to release on Friday (May 24), with Billboard. “For me it is very poetic and beautiful, as well as the symbol of people who work their backs to the bone.”

This sense of nostalgia and respect for hard work permeates Grasa. The title, with its gritty connotation, captures the bold and ballsy essence of the Spain-based Argentine star. Known for her gritty rap style, Peluso’s album is a hodgepodge of genres and emotions.

“I wanted a word that had many meanings, something rough and strong that people could take ownership of, even redefine after listening to the album,” she adds. “Something that also seemed ironic to me, with a touch of humor, is that in Argentine slang, grasa means something very concrete and vulgar.”

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

This authenticity shines through in the ballad of “El Día Que Perdí Mi Juventud” featuring Blood Orange, and the glitchy, electronic-driven “Todo Roto” with Ca7triel & Paco Amoroso, where the synergy between artists enhances the impact of the music.

Beyond the collaborative efforts, Grasa holds a deeply personal significance for Peluso, who delves into themes of mental health with unapologetic honesty. “All humans have to take care of our minds,” she insists. “It is our pillar, what anchors us and what makes us be better every day.”

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

During her chat with Billboard, the artist also shares what it was like to perform with Karol G in during the Mañana Será Bonito Tour in Peluso’s native Argentina. “She is very generous. She invited me to play in Buenos Aires, which meant a lot to me,” she says. “[It was] the first time we sang ‘Gato malo,’ the song we have had together for years. We had never played it together in person, and it was super special.”

Watch the full interview above.