Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio on March 10, 1994, in Almirante Sur, Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, has become a global music sensation renowned for his contribution to Latin trap and reggaeton. Emerging from SoundCloud in 2015, Bad Bunny's unique sound and style quickly captured the attention of DJ Luian, leading to a signing with Hear This Music and subsequent rise to fame with early hits like "Soy Peor."
Bad Bunny's major break came with the track "I Like It," a collaboration with Cardi B and J Balvin. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2018, signaling his entrance into mainstream music. His debut studio album, "X 100PRE," released on Christmas Eve 2018, received critical acclaim and debuted at number 11 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album featured hits like "Mía," featuring Drake, and "200 MPH," showcasing his versatility across different genres.
He followed up with "Oasis," a collaborative album with J Balvin in 2019, and his second studio album "YHLQMDLG" (Yo Hago Lo Que Me Da La Gana) in 2020. "YHLQMDLG" made history by becoming the highest-charting all-Spanish album on the Billboard 200 at that time, peaking at number two. Its success was driven by standout tracks such as "Vete," "Safaera," and "La Difícil."
Bad Bunny’s influence extends beyond music. Known for his bold fashion statements and gender-fluid style, he has become an icon for self-expression and LGBTQ+ advocacy in the Latin music community. His 2020 music video for "Yo Perreo Sola" highlighted gender violence and sparked conversations on gender identity, further cementing his role as a socially conscious artist.
2020 was a prolific year for Bad Bunny as he released two more albums: "Las Que No Iban a Salir," a collection of previously unreleased tracks, and "El Último Tour Del Mundo," which made history by becoming the first-ever all-Spanish album to reach number one on the Billboard 200. The latter featured hits like "Dakiti" with Jhay Cortez, which topped the Billboard Global 200.
His latest album, "Un Verano Sin Ti," released in 2022, continued to bolster his international acclaim. The album featured a blend of reggaeton, dembow, and other Latin rhythms, landing multiple entries on various top charts.
In addition to his musical achievements, Bad Bunny has ventured into acting, appearing in the Netflix series "Narcos: Mexico," and participating in professional wrestling with WWE, which showcases his diverse talents and widespread appeal.
Bad Bunny’s impact on music and culture is reflected in numerous accolades, including multiple Latin Grammy Awards and Billboard Music Awards. He remains a transformative figure in the music industry, continually pushing boundaries and breaking records while amplifying Latin music on a global scale.