by Conny Chavez
Bad Bunny, Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, is a Puerto Rican rapper who has tackled a wide variety of social issues like no other celebrity. At the end of February, Bad Bunny released his second studio album titled YHLQMDLG, an acronym for “Yo Hago Lo Que Me Da La Gana” which translates to “I do whatever the hell I want”, a classic Bad Bunny middle finger to society.
Right before locking himself away in quarantine due to COVID-19, Bad Bunny released his most controversial music video to date. In the music video for “Yo Perreo Sola” (I Twerk Alone) Bad Bunny is seen dressed as a woman with huge breasts and long nails. He dances and twerks in the video while dressed as a woman and a man. The song is in support for female independence, a call to stop sexual harassment towards women, and a huge support to the LGBTQ+ community.
Bad Bunny first made a major appearance in American media after appearing to red carpets with nonconformist outfits, painted nails, and even a third eye on his forehead. Bad Bunny’s nonconformity has come a long way as many other celebrities have followed his lead. For example, A$AP Rocky has also painted his nails and has been judged or called ‘gay’ because of this.
Picture taken from Instagram @badbunnypr
Bad Bunny has an active voice in politics. He has criticized the President of the United States, Donald Trump for his racist comments and for not helping the island of Puerto Rico recover from Hurricane Maria. He has also led revolutions in Puerto Rico after the government was exposed for corruption and fraud. Bad Bunny, alongside other Puerto Rican music artists, organized and led marches and protests in the streets of Puerto Rico demanding for the President’s resignation from office.
We need more artists and celebrities like Bad Bunny. Bad Bunny uses his platform and money to raise social awareness to several issues, exposed several presidents for being hypocrites, and has supported the LGBTQ+ and Latinx communities in all of his work. He continuously criticizes the bigotry of society in particular racism, transphobia, homophobia, sexism, greed, and violence. Bad Bunny is an unapologetic feminist, ally, and nonconformist that will not stop using his voice to empower a great deal of people.