The article I chose was “Bad Bunny, Reggateon, and Resistance” by Gene Demby, Adrian Florido, Christiana Cala, and Dalia Mortada. In this episode, the artist Bad Bunny uses his songs and lyrics to address the issues of Puerto Rico. He expresses his gratitude for his country and the ongoing struggles of liberation and freedom. “El Apagon”, which translates to “the blackout,” is one of Bad Bunny’s songs, and Gene Demby opens with it. The residents are angry over the ongoing blackouts caused by Hurricane Maria’s transition to a new electrical grid. At the end of the song, Bad Bunny’s girlfriend closes it, with a reference to white Americans demanding tax benefits and causing a housing problem on the island. This raised public awareness to the debt crisis, blackout, and post Hurricane Maria life in Puerto Rico. Not only is the musician well-known in both culture and politics, but Vanessa Diaz also mentions his song “Caro,” in which he declares that he doesn’t care what anyone thinks of him. Vanessa calls Bad Bunny “unapologetic” because he receives constant criticism for his sexual orientation and for not speaking English. However, he doesn’t have to reveal his identity to the world; instead, he uses his songs, lyrics, and celebrity status to discuss more important topics. As they look to him for leadership. In one of his songs, “Compositor del ano,” he also discusses racism and police violence while making reference to the murder of George Floyd.

As he sings about the locations on the island and his affection for Puerto Rico, the song “Me fui de vacaciones” can be considered a love letter to the island. Although I’ve always liked Bad Bunny, listening to this podcast and discovering the significance of the songs and the significance of his album “Un Verano sin ti” made me respect him even more since he gives Puerto Rico a voice and allows them to feel heard.