Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio on March 10, 1994, is a Puerto Rican singer, rapper, and songwriter who has significantly impacted the music industry, particularly in the Latin and reggaeton genres. He first gained popularity in 2016 with his breakout hit "Diles," which led to a deal with DJ Luian's record label, Hear This Music. Known for his deep, slurred vocal style and eclectic fashion sense, Bad Bunny has continually pushed the boundaries of what is expected in Latin music.
In 2018, his collaboration with Cardi B and J Balvin on the song "I Like It" catapulted him to international fame. The track reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, marking a significant milestone in his career. That same year, he released "Mía," featuring Drake, which also gained substantial commercial success and showcased his ability to cross over into mainstream markets.
Bad Bunny's debut album, "X 100PRE," was released on Christmas Eve 2018 and received critical acclaim. It won the Latin Grammy for Best Urban Music Album and was included in Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. His versatility and innovation continued with his subsequent albums, "YHLQMDLG" (Yo Hago Lo Que Me Da La Gana), which translates to "I Do Whatever I Want," and "El Último Tour Del Mundo." The latter made history as the first all-Spanish-language album to reach number one on the Billboard 200 chart.
Apart from his music career, Bad Bunny has ventured into acting and professional wrestling. He made an appearance in WWE's Royal Rumble event in 2021, where he showed impressive physical skills and a genuine passion for the sport. Later that year, he performed in several WWE matches, earning respect from both fans and professional wrestlers.
Bad Bunny is also known for his activism and social advocacy. He has frequently used his platform to highlight issues affecting Latinx communities, including speaking out against gender violence and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. His 2020 performance on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon," where he wore a T-shirt that read "They killed Alexa, not a man in a skirt," drew attention to the murder of a transgender woman in Puerto Rico, further establishing his role as a socially conscious artist.
Moreover, his style and public persona challenge traditional gender norms, often incorporating elements of drag and non-binary fashion into his appearances. This has garnered both praise and critique but undeniably positions him as a trailblazer in modern music and culture.
Despite his fame, Bad Bunny maintains a relatively private personal life, though he has shared moments of his downtime through social media. He continues to produce music that resonates across various demographics and remains a key figure in the evolving landscape of Latin and global music.