When things get dangerous, rabbits hide in a shelter and wait until everything is over. Bad Bunny, on the other hand, wouldn’t even think of hiding. Instead, he seeks confrontation. And that makes him probably one of the most uncomfortable figures in pop culture at the moment.
Bad Bunny’s real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio and he grew up in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, the son of a teacher and a trucker. And as a second class citizen. Because Puerto Rico is a US territory: dollars and US laws yes, voting rights in presidential elections no. 3.23 million people without a voice. American enough to serve and pay, not American enough to have a say. The fact that a global pop star who refuses to be quiet comes from there gives a lot of people hope – and some people fear.
When his album “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS” won the Grammy for “Album of the Year” a few days ago as the first purely Spanish-language album ever, Bad Bunny used the acceptance speech to Donald Trump and the brutal actions of the immigration authorities ICE to criticize. In the past, the artist has repeatedly made clear political statements, criticized the US government for its migration policy or campaigned for the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community.
His appearance on one of the biggest stages in the world is therefore eagerly awaited: the Super Bowl. On February 8, 2026, he will compete in the halftime show – as the first Puerto Rican ever. Trump called the decision “absolutely ridiculous,” conservative commentators spoke of “woken madness,” and the MAGA camp called for a boycott of the event.
Cry and shake your ass at the same time while listening to music
Bad Bunny’s music is relatable, especially for the 65 million Latinos in the United States. With 20 percent of the total population, they are the largest minority in the country. Since 2018, Bad Bunny has been mixing reggaeton with bachata, salsa and trap. Political songs stand next to love songs, anger next to dance. “Tití Me preguntó” is about “mucha’ novia’”, his “many friends”, “El Apagón” is about gentrification and resistance in Puerto Rico.
Im Music video for “NUEVAYOL” A Trump deepfake apologizes to migrants. The song ends with the line: Juntos somos más fuertes, together we are stronger. Cultural analyst Tefi Pessoa sums it up: No one else can make you want to cry and shake your ass at the same time while listening to music.
Aesthetically, Bad Bunny also breaks genre boundaries: skirts and painted nails, high fashion meets traditional Puerto Rican clothing. In the video for “Yo Perreo Sola” he appears in drag to draw attention to sexual violence. A provocation in times of tradwife ideals, incel culture and manosphere influencers.
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The fact that Bad Bunny will play its halftime show entirely in Spanish has sparked sharp criticism in conservative circles. He responded calmly to the outcry. As host on “Saturday Night LiveHe said in October that four months was enough time for everyone to learn Spanish.
What’s more American than being proud of your heritage and getting involved? In a country that is becoming increasingly politically cold, Bad Bunny is a voice of resistance. A hope for Latinos, queers, Democrats – and for everyone who wants to forget for a moment how bleak the news situation is. What else can we do now? Well, cry and shake your ass.