Álvaro Díaz Balanced Bold Sounds and Big Losses -- and Made 'Omakase'
Rolling Stone
Last updated: May 26, 2026
Álvaro Díaz's latest album, "Omakase," is a deeply personal and musically experimental project born from a period of mixed emotions following his breakthrough success. The album is structured like a multi-course Japanese meal, reflecting his desire to organize his complex feelings and diverse musical influences.
- Álvaro Díaz experienced significant career milestones with his album "Sayonara," earning chart success and Latin Grammy nominations. However, this period coincided with personal challenges, including losses and a recent breakup, leading to a complex emotional state.
- Inspired by this "omakase of emotions," Díaz retreated to his studio to create "Omakase," an album featuring unconventional genre fusions like dembow, cumbia, and avant-garde arrangements. The project includes collaborations with artists such as Latin Mafia, Jesse Baez, Akriila, Rauw Alejandro, and Maria Zardoya.
- The album's sequencing mimics a dining experience, starting with raw, hard-hitting raps, moving into a "flavor" section with diverse rhythms, and concluding with a communal "family meal" track.
- "Omakase" also serves as a tribute to Díaz's deceased grandmother, incorporating audio of her and reflecting on family gatherings. He also honors his late friend, producer Milkman, by featuring a demo beat he had been saving.
