Bad Bunny’s Latin Breakthrough in America
“Despacito” by Luis Fonsi featuring Daddy Yankee might’ve been the song that broke Latin music into America with its whopping 5.9 billion views—making it the second most popular video on YouTube. Or, maybe it was J Balvin’s “Mi Gente” which was certified eight times platinum, leading him to become the first Latino to collaborate with GUESS. Another notable music artist, Bad Bunny, has been creating a buzz within the Latin music genre because of his unique Latin-trap style—a mixture of Atlanta’s traditional trap sound with a hint of urban-reggaeton vibes.
Bad Bunny grabbed our attention with his deep, distinct voice on “I Like it” by Grammy Award winning artist Cardi B, which also featured J Balvin. He has also collaborated with A-lister artists such as Drake, Jennifer Lopez, Nicki Minaj, and producer Diplo. His debut album, X100PRE, proved he was more than just a feature artist.
Still from Bad Bunny’s “Caro” music video
His sound isn’t the only thing that’s grabbing America’s attention. He is redefining masculinity by transcending gender fluidity norms. His recent music video “Caro” spotlights his inclusivity through a diverse array of underrepresented groups.
Hopefully Bad Bunny’s success will inspire other Latin artists to embrace progressive concepts and energize American music.