Column by IsabellaHayes

As of late, Puerto Rican rapper and singer Bad Bunny has been making headlines nationwide. From his historic Grammy wins to his Super Bowl LX halftime show performance, he’s been receiving his well-deserved flowers. 

Though songs like “Titi Me Preguntó (Auntie Asked Me”) and “DtMF” (I Should’ve Taken More Photos) are perfect for dancing to, Bad Bunny is doing so much more than just releasing and performing catchy songs; he’s bringing representation and awareness of the rich Puerto Rican culture to the general public. 

As someone with Puerto Rican heritage from my mom’s side, I’ve grown up surrounded by the culture, whether it be at family gatherings or on trips to the island to visit my grandpa in Ponce, Puerto Rico. Its culture is not something that is often portrayed in popular media, so it has been awesome seeing it celebrated in the mainstream as more and more people become fans of Bad Bunny. This positive representation is especially important in our current political climate where prejudice against people of Hispanic descent has risen significantly. 

Being educated on the basic history of the island itself is also necessary—far too many people aren’t even aware of the fact that Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, as seen through the backlash Bad Bunny faced for being chosen as this year’s Super Bowl halftime show headliner instead of a so-called “real American.” 

However, he successfully used the opportunity to create an unforgettable display of Puerto Rican history and everyday life, performing in Spanish the entire time — a language that’s just as significant in the U.S. as English.

I appreciate how, despite his international success, Bad Bunny has never forgotten where he came from and consistently uses his platform and resources to give back to his homeland. His 2025 residency in San Juan, titled “No Me Quiero Ir de Aquí (I Don’t Want to Leave Here,)” contributed millions of dollars to the Puerto Rican economy through employment and audience spending. Additionally, the non-profit Good Bunny Foundation, which he established in 2018, serves to empower underprivileged youth in Puerto Rico through music, arts and sports programs.

His lyrics, music videos and performances also raise awareness of issues faced by Puerto Rico in the past and present, such as gentrification and colonialism. His most recent album, “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS” combines modern Latin pop with traditional Puerto Rican music styles like salsa and plena, highlighting his heritage. 

Whether you’re personally a fan of his music or not, Bad Bunny’s impact is undeniable. Through his increasing success, he’s brought the small island of Puerto Rico to the world stage.