Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny has secured the coveted Artist of the Year title at the Billboard Latin Music Awards for the third consecutive year. As the accolades continue to pour in for this musical sensation, it’s worth diving into the remarkable journey that catapulted Bad Bunny to such immense popularity.
Benito Martínez Ocasio: The Early Years
Born in 1994, Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Martínez Ocasio, grew up in the vibrant landscape of Vega Baja, Puerto Rico. Music flowed in his veins from a young age when, at just five years old, he joined a local church choir. It was during these formative years that his deep connection with music was formed.
Bad Bunny remained an active member of the church choir until the age of thirteen, a time when he felt the urge to chart his own course in the world of music. This transition led him to start creating his own music from the comfort of his bedroom, setting the stage for a remarkable musical career.
Influences and the Birth of “Bad Bunny”
Bad Bunny had always been a fan of reggaeton, a genre that blends reggae and hip-hop. This enduring love for reggaeton would later become a defining element of his musical style and a still a large appeal to his fan base.
Regarding his unique stage name, the artist shared its origin during an episode of “Carpool Karaoke”with James Corden. Bad Bunny commented, “No matter how bad a bunny is, it’s still looking cute. That’s me, cuz I’m a good guy!”
The Emergence on Soundcloud and the Path to Stardom
While in college, Bad Bunny took a significant step by sharing his music on Soundcloud. His music quickly caught the attention of producers, a moment that would change the trajectory of his life. It’s worth noting that he started receiving calls from producers while he was busy bagging groceries at work.
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With the guidance of a manager, Bad Bunny decided to avoid signing with a record label, and to first start releasing his singles on YouTube throughout 2018. These early steps laid the foundation for his meteoric rise in the music industry. Rumors have long swirled about Bad Bunny’s association with Drake‘s label, OVO, dating back to the early days of his career. However, these speculations have yet to be confirmed.
Grammy Nominations
It didn’t take long for Bad Bunny to receive his first Grammy nomination for Record of the Year, notably for his hit single “I Like It.” Since then, he has earned an impressive total of nine Grammy nominations, with three wins under his belt. Among his nominations, the most notable was for his album, “Un Verano Sin Ti,” which had the potential to make history as the first Spanish-language album to clinch the prestigious award.
What’s Next: “Nobody Knows What Will Happen Tomorrow”
While Bad Bunny may have lost out on the Grammy for “Un Verano Sin Ti” to Harry Styles‘ “Harry’s House,” his loyal fan base remains optimistic about what the future holds. The artist made an announcement on October 9, revealing that a new album, titled “Nobody Knows What Will Happen Tomorrow,” is in the works. This revelation has left fans brimming with excitement.
Bad Bunny offered a glimpse into his new music, remarking, “I am playing around and enjoying myself, letting go. I’m being inspired a lot by the music of the ’70s, but I’m not sure if this is going to shape my music, generally or just one song.” With a string of accolades and a remarkable journey of growth and success, fans are eagerly counting down the days to Bad Bunny’s upcoming album, set to release on Friday, October 13.
