Bad Bunny’s influence on the American music industry

Karys Lay

Music Journalist

I am sure everyone has seen the recent Coachella line up and recognizes the name Bad Bunny as a headliner. A popular artist that is from Puerto Rico who has grown fond to the public quickly. With that said, he has infiltrated the American music industry as a Spanish artist. I personally did not know who Bad Bunny was until I came to college and met my roommate. I ended up listening to him little by little because of her. The more I listened the more I liked him. There was one weekend I went back home and was scanning the radio stations for music, that is when I stumbled on a Spanish station. I would have never thought twice before going past that station, but I stayed on the channel enjoying every bit of music playing.

After listening to Bad Bunny, I developed an appreciation for Spanish music. I feel as though with this generation we are more open to new cultures and ideas. Bad Bunny is not only the most streamed Spotify artist but is now the first Spanish artist headlining at Coachella. Which is a huge step for the American music industry. It is something new that many are excited to see and talk about. Also, people get to embrace something they never heard before, and that is something to look forward to.

Bad Bunny’s new album Un Verano Sin Ti was released in May 2022 with 23 songs, and people loved it. It became an instant sensation around the world. So much so that you can walk into stores or restaurants and hear his music. Even on social media of course you will see him everywhere. Selling out Yankee Stadium was something any artist would dream of. After he went on his “World’s Hottest Tour” around North America Bad Bunny can say that he has crossed it off his bucket list. 2022 was his year to come out on top of the music charts. He has collab with many different artists like Drake, The Marias, Daddy Yankee and PARTYNEXTDOOR. Which really opened doors for him to reach people who listen to different genres of music. People with different music tastes had a common theme and that was Bad Bunny. Slowly making his way through music genres to make a name for himself while still staying true to his own creations.

While making a name for himself in music he has also dipped his toes in acting. He appeared in Bullet Train and will be one of the next Marvel characters. With all his successes he has made a mark in the music industry. He had an opportunity and took it! And where he is right now, we should expect to see him more. I am excited to see what music he comes out with and the movies he is in. I have grown to like Bad Bunny and the fan base he has. He has inspired artists to get out there and make a name for themselves just as he did.