The Genius translation of The Weeknd and Playboi Carti's "Timeless" reflects the braggadocios and often sexually explicit nature of the original English lyrics. The translator's choices aim for a direct, colloquial rendering that captures the slang, rhythm, and overall tone of the song. The background of this type of translation lies in several factors:
Target Audience: The translation is clearly aimed at Spanish-speaking fans of The Weeknd and Playboi Carti. To resonate with this audience, the translator uses language and slang that would be easily understood and relatable, even if it's not perfectly formal Spanish.
Maintaining the Vibe: The original song is characterized by a boastful, almost arrogant, delivery. The translation strives to maintain this aggressive energy and confident swagger through the use of strong verbs, explicit language, and phrases like "el mejor de todos" (the best of all) and "rompe el reloj" (breaks the clock - implying defying time).
Cultural Adaptation: While striving for directness, there's subtle cultural adaptation. References to specific brands (Comme Garçons, Rick Owens) are maintained as they likely retain their cachet in the Spanish-speaking world. However, other details might be tweaked for better understanding within that context. For example, the references to specific drugs and amounts might be adjusted slightly to better resonate with the cultural familiarity of Spanish-speaking audiences.
Rhythmic Consistency: The translator likely paid close attention to the rhythm and flow of the original lyrics to ensure the translation maintains a similar cadence when spoken or sung. This is crucial for maintaining the musicality of the song.
Slang and Colloquialisms: The liberal use of slang and informal language ("perra," "putas," etc.) is a deliberate choice to accurately reflect the original's informal and raw style. This approach prioritizes authentic representation over strict adherence to formal linguistic rules.
In summary, the translation's creation is driven by the goal of providing a Spanish version that accurately captures the spirit, tone, and cultural references of the original English lyrics, prioritizing a relatable and impactful experience for the Spanish-speaking audience, even at the cost of some linguistic formality. The translator's choices reflect a balance between literal accuracy and cultural appropriateness within the context of hip-hop and trap music.