The Take

Why did Bad Bunny's anthem to Puerto Rico strike a global chord?

8 snips
Feb 10, 2025
Jorell Meléndez-Badillo, an expert in Latin American and Caribbean history, discusses the global resonance of Bad Bunny's album, which weaves Puerto Rican history and culture into its fabric. He highlights how the album tackles themes of gentrification, colonial violence, and cultural identity, connecting personal stories to broader socio-political issues. The conversation delves into nostalgia, the impact of recent blackouts, and the struggles Puerto Ricans face in preserving their heritage while inspiring a new generation to advocate for their roots.
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ANECDOTE

Bad Bunny's Collaboration with a Historian

  • Bad Bunny's team contacted Jorell Meléndez-Badillo to help with the album.
  • Meléndez-Badillo wrote historical narratives for the song visualizers on YouTube.
INSIGHT

Themes in the Visualizers

  • Bad Bunny wanted to highlight both niche and general Puerto Rican history.
  • Meléndez-Badillo focused on showcasing the agency and resistance of Puerto Ricans throughout history.
INSIGHT

The Analogy of Hawaii

  • The song "Lo Que Le Paso a Hawaii" uses Hawaii's history as an analogy for Puerto Rico's current situation.
  • The song resonates with people experiencing displacement and cultural co-option in other parts of the world.
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