Who is rapper and singer Bad Bunny?
Bad Bunny is the stage name of Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, a Puerto Rican rapper, singer, songwriter and actor born on March 10, 1994, in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico. Known for blending Latin trap, reggaeton, hip-hop and pop influences, he became one of the most internationally successful Spanish-language artists of his generation. His releases have included chart-topping albums, major collaborations and Grammy Award-winning projects.
Background/biography
Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio grew up in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico. His mother, Lysaurie Ocasio, worked as a schoolteacher, while his father, Tito Martínez, worked as a truck driver. He has two younger brothers.
He was raised in a Catholic household and sang in a church choir during childhood. As a teenager, he became interested in creating rap music and began sharing songs online. He later studied audiovisual communication at the University of Puerto Rico at Arecibo while working at a supermarket. His early independently released music drew attention on the streaming platform SoundCloud, helping launch his professional recording career.
Music career and major releases
- La nueva religión (2017) — an early mixtape that helped establish his profile in Latin trap.
- “Soy peor” (2017) — one of his breakthrough singles.
- “I Like It” with Cardi B and J Balvin (2018) — reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
- X 100pre (2018) — his debut studio album.
- YHLQMDLG (2020) — a reggaeton-focused album that reached number two on the Billboard 200.
- El último tour del mundo (2020) — the first all-Spanish-language album to reach number one on the Billboard 200.
- Un verano sin ti (2022) — a widely successful album that won the Grammy Award for Best Música Urbana Album.
- Nadie sabe lo que va a pasar mañana (2023) — an album that returned to trap-oriented material.
- Debí tirar más fotos (2025) — an album drawing on Puerto Rican musical styles and cultural references.
Bad Bunny initially gained recognition through the Latin trap movement, but his work has moved across reggaeton, dembow, rock, pop and Caribbean styles. He has collaborated with artists including J Balvin, Cardi B, Drake, Rosalía and Rauw Alejandro.
Beyond recording music, he has appeared in films, including Bullet Train (2022) and Cassandro (2023), and has made high-profile appearances in professional wrestling through WWE.
Breaking language barriers in global pop music
Bad Bunny became a prominent figure in the worldwide expansion of Spanish-language music. His album El último tour del mundo made Billboard history as the first Spanish-language album to top the Billboard 200 in the United States. His 2022 album Un verano sin ti spent multiple weeks at number one on the same chart and was named Spotify’s most-streamed album globally for that year.
He has also used his public platform to reference Puerto Rican identity, Caribbean culture and social issues. His visual presentation and fashion choices have frequently challenged conventional expectations around masculinity in Latin urban music.
Net worth
Bad Bunny’s net worth has been widely estimated by entertainment and business publications, but figures vary and are not independently verified. His main reported income sources include music streaming and sales, concert touring, brand partnerships, film work, merchandise and business ventures.
Did you know?
- Before his music career accelerated, Bad Bunny worked as a bagger at a supermarket in Puerto Rico.
- His name, “Bad Bunny,” was inspired by a childhood photograph in which he wore a bunny costume and appeared unhappy.
- He performed at the Super Bowl LIV halftime show in 2020 alongside Shakira and Jennifer Lopez.
- He made his WWE in-ring debut at WrestleMania 37 in 2021 and later competed at WWE events including the 2023 Royal Rumble.
- He has collaborated with fashion and footwear brands, including Adidas and Crocs.
