History of Bad Bunny in Timeline

Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, is a highly successful Puerto Rican rapper, singer, and record producer. Often called the "King of Latin Trap," he is recognized for his significant role in popularizing Spanish-language rap music globally. He achieved unprecedented success as the first non-English language American artist to top Spotify's most-streamed artist list for three consecutive years (2020-2022). His album, Un Verano Sin Ti (2022), holds the record as the most-streamed album on Spotify.

Sections (4)

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

2017: Meeting Gabriela Berlingeri

In 2017, Bad Bunny met jewelry designer Gabriela Berlingeri at a restaurant after a Zion & Lennox concert, beginning a professional collaboration before their relationship became public.

July 2018: Criticism of a nail salon in Spain

In July 2018, Bad Bunny criticized a nail salon in Asturias, Spain, for refusing service because he was a man, leading to homophobic comments and questions about his sexuality. He responded to the comments and later apologized and deleted his Twitter account.

January 2019: Criticism of Don Omar's tweet

In January 2019, Bad Bunny criticized a tweet by reggaeton artist Don Omar that was considered homophobic, in support of 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 and demanding Ricardo Rosselló's resignation as Governor of Puerto Rico.

2019: Nomination for Humanitarian Award

In 2019, Bad Bunny was nominated for Telemundo's inaugural Premios Tu Música Urbano in the category of "Humanitarian Award of the Year".

February 2020: Protest on The Tonight Show

In February 2020, during a performance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Bad Bunny called attention to the murder of transgender woman Alexa Negrón Luciano in Puerto Rico, wearing a shirt with the words "They Killed Alexa. Not a Man in a Skirt."

May 2020: Position on Puerto Rican statehood

In May 2020, Bad Bunny had not taken a position regarding the Puerto Rican statehood movement.

2020: ASCAP Latin Awards Songwriter of the Year

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

2020: Influence on fellow Latin artists

In 2020, Ben Beaumont-Thomas of The Guardian noted that Bad Bunny's style, including manicured, polished, and long fingernails, influenced fellow Latin artists.

2020: Views on his own sexuality

In a 2020 interview with the Los Angeles Times, Bad Bunny expressed that he views his own sexuality as fluid.

January 2021: Opposition to Puerto Rican statehood

In January 2021, Bad Bunny stated that he would never "want to see Puerto Rico become a State", expressing his opposition to the territory becoming the 51st state.

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, with an appearance by Booker T.

2021: Grammy Award for YHLQMDLG

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

2022: Kiss at the MTV Video Music Awards

At the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards, Bad Bunny kissed a male dancer during his performance of "Tití Me Preguntó".

2022: Grammy Award for El Último Tour Del Mundo

In 2022, Bad Bunny won a Grammy Award for Best Música Urbana Album for El Último Tour Del Mundo.

2022: Elvis Crespo performs merengue version of Neverita

In 2022, Elvis Crespo performed a merengue version of Bad Bunny's song Neverita, which he performed at the Latin Billboard Music Awards, after Bad Bunny paid homage to Elvis Crespo's Suavemente music video in the music video for Neverita.

2022: Split with Gabriela Berlingeri

In late 2022, Bad Bunny and Gabriela Berlingeri ended their relationship.

January 23, 2023: Playable wrestler 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: Hosting WWE Backlash

On March 8, 2023, it was announced that Bad Bunny would serve as the host for WWE's upcoming event, Backlash, taking place in Puerto Rico.

March 2023: $40 million lawsuit filed against Bad Bunny

In March 2023, a woman who had been in a relationship with Bad Bunny from 2011 to 2016 filed a US$40 million lawsuit against the rapper and his manager for unauthorized usage of a recording of her voice in the songs "Pa Ti" and "Dos Mil 16".

April 1, 2023: Commentating at WrestleMania 39

On April 1, 2023, Bad Bunny joined the Spanish announce team to commentate during the match between Rey Mysterio and Dominik Mysterio on Night 1 of WrestleMania 39.

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

On May 19, 2023, Bad Bunny released his first solo single of the year, "Where She Goes", venturing into jersey club music. The music video featured cameos from Frank Ocean, Lil Uzi Vert, and Ronaldinho.

September 12, 2023: Bad Bunny reveals he is no longer involved in El Muerto film

On September 12, 2023, in an interview with Vanity Fair, Bad Bunny revealed his disinvolvement in the upcoming 'El Muerto' film following its schedule removal. He also confirmed that he is working on a new album planned for release in the fall.

September 2023: Gucci Valigeria Campaign with Kendall Jenner

In September 2023, Bad Bunny and Kendall Jenner were featured in a shoot for Gucci's Valigeria campaign, exploring 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 album 'Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana', which has 22 tracks. The album release followed weeks of teasers and rumors.

2023: GLAAD Vanguard Award

In 2023, Bad Bunny was recognized for his allyship by queer advocacy organization GLAAD and was presented with the Vanguard Award for allyship by Ricky Martin at the 34th GLAAD Media Awards.

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.

May 2024: Bad Bunny co-chairs the Met Gala

In May 2024, Bad Bunny co-chaired the annual Met Gala in Manhattan.

October 2024: Criticism of Trump and support for Kamala Harris

In October 2024, after a rally held by Donald Trump in which Tony Hinchcliffe compared Puerto Rico to a "floating island of garbage", Bad Bunny posted videos on Instagram that were critical of Trump and supportive of Kamala Harris.

2024: Endorsement of Juan Dalmau

In 2024, Bad Bunny endorsed Juan Dalmau of the Alianza de País party in the Puerto Rico gubernatorial election.

January 5, 2025: Release of Debí Tirar Más Fotos

On January 5, 2025, Bad Bunny released his seventh album, 'Debí Tirar Más Fotos', which he stated "recommits me to Puerto Rico" and contains many collaborators representing a range of Puerto Rican styles.