Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Bad Bunny

Discover the career path of Bad Bunny, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, is a highly influential Puerto Rican rapper, singer, and record producer. Often called the "King of Latin Trap," he's recognized for his pivotal role in popularizing Spanish-language rap on a global scale. He is considered one of the best Latin rappers of all time.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

September 2017: Criticism of Hurricane Maria Response and Performance at Somos Live! Telethon

In September 2017, Bad Bunny criticized the lack of humanitarian aid after Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico. Later that year, he performed at the Somos Live! Telethon, wearing a shirt criticizing then-President Donald Trump.

2018: Establishment of Good Bunny Foundation

In 2018, Bad Bunny established the Good Bunny Foundation (Fundación el Buen Conejo), focusing on youth empowerment, cultural preservation, and community development in Puerto Rico.

2018: Annual Holiday Event 'Bonita Tradición' Started

Since 2018, Bad Bunny has hosted an annual holiday event called Bonita Tradición, distributing toys, musical instruments, sports gear, and art supplies to youth in Puerto Rico and hosting cultural events for underprivileged children.

January 2019: Criticism of Don Omar's homophobic tweet

In January 2019, Bad Bunny publicly criticized a homophobic tweet made by fellow reggaeton artist Don Omar, demonstrating his support for LGBT rights.

July 22, 2019: Protest Against Government Corruption

On July 22, 2019, Bad Bunny joined artists and Puerto Ricans in protesting against government corruption, demanding Ricardo Rosselló's resignation as Governor of Puerto Rico.

2019: Partnership with Marc Anthony to Rebuild Baseball Fields

In 2019, Bad Bunny partnered with Marc Anthony to donate $1.6 million to rebuild Puerto Rican baseball fields destroyed by Hurricanes Irma and María, through their respective foundations, aiming to create opportunities for 17,500 youth.

February 2020: Protest on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

In February 2020, during a performance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Bad Bunny wore a shirt stating, "They Killed Alexa. Not a Man in a Skirt", protesting the misgendering of transgender woman Alexa Negrón Luciano in news reports following her murder.

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2020: ASCAP Latin Awards

In 2020, ASCAP Latin Awards recognized Bad Bunny as the Songwriter of the Year.

2020: Protest Against Transgender Violence

In 2020, Bad Bunny appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and protested the killing of Alexa Negrón Luciano, a transgender woman from Puerto Rico, by wearing a shirt and skirt with a message about her death.

2020: Collaboration with Crocs

In 2020, Bad Bunny collaborated with Crocs to create glow-in-the-dark clogs inspired by the YHLQMDLG album.

Crocs Unisex-Adult Classic Clogs (Best Sellers), Black, 5 Men/7 Women

Check it on Amazon

January 31, 2021: WWE Royal Rumble performance

On January 31, 2021, Bad Bunny performed his song "Booker T" live at WWE's Royal Rumble event, alongside an appearance by the wrestler Booker T. This marked the beginning of his appearances in WWE.

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March 2021: Collaboration with Adidas Begins

Beginning in March 2021, Bad Bunny started collaborating with Adidas to redesign various collections within their sneaker line, incorporating culturally infused elements representative of himself and his life.

2021: Grammy Award for YHLQMDLG

In 2021, Bad Bunny won a Grammy Award for Best Latin Pop or Urban Album for YHLQMDLG.

September 16, 2022: Release of "El Apagón" Music Video

On September 16, 2022, Bad Bunny released the music video for "El Apagón", which included a documentary criticizing issues such as electrical network deficiencies, Act 22 of 2012, gentrification in San Juan, and land and beach privatization in Puerto Rico.

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2022: Royal Rumble appearance

At the 2022 Royal Rumble, Bad Bunny returned to WWE, competing in the men's Royal Rumble match. He eliminated Sheamus and Dolph Ziggler and lasted until the final five, eventually being eliminated by Brock Lesnar.

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2022: Homage to Elvis Crespo's 'Suavemente' in Neverita Music Video

In 2022, Bad Bunny paid homage to Elvis Crespo's "Suavemente" music video in his "Neverita" music video, which Elvis Crespo acknowledged and later performed a merengue version of "Neverita" at the 2022 Latin Billboard Music Awards.

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2022: Awards

In 2022, Bad Bunny won a Grammy Award for Best Música Urbana Album for El Último Tour Del Mundo and also became the first non-English language artist to win the MTV Video Music Award for Artist of the Year.

January 23, 2023: Announcement as playable character in WWE 2K23

On January 23, 2023, it was announced that Bad Bunny would be a playable wrestler in the WWE 2K23 video game as a pre-order bonus.

March 8, 2023: Announcement as WWE Backlash host

On March 8, 2023, it was announced that Bad Bunny would host WWE's Backlash event in Puerto Rico.

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April 1, 2023: WrestleMania 39 commentary and intervention

On April 1, 2023, Bad Bunny joined the Spanish announce team for the Rey Mysterio vs. Dominik Mysterio match at WrestleMania 39, Night 1. He intervened to prevent Dominik from attacking Rey with a chain.

May 19, 2023: Release of "Where She Goes"

On May 19, 2023, Bad Bunny released "Where She Goes", his first solo single of the year, which featured elements of jersey club music and a music video with cameos from various celebrities.

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September 12, 2023: Bad Bunny Discusses Career and Upcoming Album

In an interview with Vanity Fair on September 12, 2023, Bad Bunny announced his departure from the 'El Muerto' film project and confirmed his work on a new album planned for a fall release, hinting at a '70s-inspired sound.

September 2023: Gucci Campaign with Kendall Jenner

In September 2023, Bad Bunny and Kendall Jenner were featured together in a shoot for Gucci's Valigeria campaign, which "explores the intimacy of traveling together."

October 13, 2023: Release of Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana

On October 13, 2023, Bad Bunny released his new album, "Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana", which features 22 tracks, after weeks of teasers and rumors.

2023: Grammy Award for Un Verano Sin Ti

In 2023, Bad Bunny won a Grammy Award for Best Música Urbana Album for Un Verano Sin Ti.

December 5, 2024: Release of "El Clúb"

On December 5, 2024, Bad Bunny released "El Clúb", the lead single from his upcoming album.

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December 26, 2024: Release of "Pitorro de Coco" and Album Announcement

On December 26, 2024, Bad Bunny released the second single "Pitorro de Coco" and announced his new album "Debí Tirar Más Fotos".

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2024: Partnership with Cheetos for Community Grants

In 2024, Bad Bunny and Cheetos launched a $500,000 campaign awarding twenty $25,000 grants to individuals advancing Hispanic communities through art, education, or social projects.

2024: Endorsement of Juan Dalmau

In 2024, Bad Bunny endorsed Juan Dalmau of the Puerto Rican Independence Party in the Puerto Rico gubernatorial election.

2024: Gucci Campaign and Met Gala Co-chair

In 2024, Bad Bunny was part of Gucci's Valigeria campaign and served as a co-chair of the 2024 Met Gala, which was part of the Costume Institute's exhibit, 'Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion'.

January 5, 2025: Release of "Debí Tirar Más Fotos" Album

On January 5, 2025, Bad Bunny released his seventh album, "Debí Tirar Más Fotos," emphasizing his recommitment to Puerto Rico and featuring collaborations with various Puerto Rican artists.

January 2025: Donation of Supplies to Ángel L. Rodríguez Rivera Court

In January 2025, Bad Bunny personally delivered musical instruments, art kits, and sports equipment to the Ángel L. Rodríguez Rivera court in Vega Baja.

March 2025: Global Ambassador for Calvin Klein

In March 2025, Bad Bunny became a global ambassador for Calvin Klein underwear. He wore the brand's Spring 2025 men's underwear collection for its online campaign, which generated $8.4 million in media impact value in 48 hours. The campaign also included the song, "EoO."

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April 7, 2025: NPR Music Release of Tiny Desk Concert

On April 7, 2025, NPR Music released Bad Bunny's Tiny Desk Concert performance.

May 5, 2025: Announcement of Debí Tirar Más Fotos World Tour

On May 5, 2025, Bad Bunny announced the "Debí Tirar Más Fotos" World Tour, a 23-date stadium tour across Europe, Australia, Japan, and Latin America, set to begin in November 2025.

May 2025: Cover of Vogue Mexico and Latin America

In May 2025, Bad Bunny was featured on the cover of Vogue Mexico and Latin America, photographed by Sebastián Faena.

July 2025: Start of "No Me Quiero Ir de Aquí" Residency

In July 2025, Bad Bunny began his 30-date residency, "No Me Quiero Ir de Aquí," at the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum in San Juan, with the first nine dates exclusively for Puerto Rico residents. This residency is expected to boost the local economy.

September 2025: Conclusion of "No Me Quiero Ir de Aquí" Residency

In September 2025, Bad Bunny concluded his 30-date residency, "No Me Quiero Ir de Aquí," at the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The residency is estimated to have a significant economic impact.