The Journal. The Bad Bunny Economy in Puerto Rico
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Sep 12, 2025 Bad Bunny's decision to hold 30 concerts in his hometown of San Juan is a game changer, injecting nearly $200 million into Puerto Rico's economy. The podcast highlights the 'Beyoncé effect,' showcasing how local concerts significantly boost spending and tourism. Bad Bunny's journey from humble beginnings to global stardom is explored, alongside his commitment to cultural representation. Listeners also experience the cultural brilliance of a Bad Bunny concert, reinforcing local identity while supporting the island's businesses during tough economic times.
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Global Superstar Without English Hits
- Bad Bunny was the top streamed artist on Spotify from 2020–2022 and had the world's highest-grossing tour in 2022.
- Elias Leight uses these facts to illustrate how globally dominant and market-moving he is.
From Grocery Store To Global Stage
- Bad Bunny grew up in San Juan and worked in a grocery store while trying to break into music.
- Elias Leight recalls meeting him early in his career when he played 3,000-capacity venues.
Language Isn't A Barrier Anymore
- Bad Bunny built global success singing primarily in Spanish, challenging the old industry playbook that required English.
- Elias Leight frames this as evidence the music business has become more global and less Anglo-centric.