March 8, 2023 • 28 mins
In our third episode about the world’s most streamed artist, Lilliana and Joseph delve into Bad Bunny’s return from a self imposed hiatus to reign atop the charts. Highlighting his head-turning appearance at the Met Gala, this episode is Bad Bunny at the height of his popularity. And finally we connect the dots on how his early days led to the sold out global stadium tour that continues to break records.
Lilliana Vázquez and Joseph Carrillo are the hosts of Becoming an Icon with production support by Juan Carlos Arenado, Josie Meléndez, Daniela Sarquis, and Santiago Sierra of Sonoro Media in partnership with iHeart Radio's My Cultura Podcast network. If you want to support the podcast, please rate and review our show.
Follow Lilliana Vázquez on Instagram and Twitter @lillianavazquez
Follow Joseph Carrillo on Instagram @josephcarrillo
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Welcome back, me Hanthon. We've covered so much in the
past two episodes and it's only been like what four
years out of Bad Bunny's life. That's insanity. Yeah, if
you remember, he went from grocery bagger to the biggest
artist on the planet faster than Leo DiCaprio can find
a new underaged girlfriend. Oh my god, store that success. However,
(00:25):
it didn't come easy. It took a lot of hard
work and as we've told you, there have been a
lot of challenges along the way because with his success
came a level of fame and attention that would overwhelm
most people. And let's be honest, Bad Bunny was no different.
There was a spotlight on his life now and soon
it just became too much. So the unthinkable happened. Bad
(00:49):
Bunny was no Moss. He announced his retirement. Wait what
that's it, I'm leaving. No, No, I'm done, Joseph. It's okay.
We'll get through it because we all know that fate
had a different plan for babies futudo. It was bigger
than anyone could imagine. I am talking met Gallery. Yes,
(01:12):
even Anna Wintour cannot escape at conejomalo a sold out
stadium tour and a night we will never forget at
the twenty twenty two VMAs. But before any of that
could happen, COVID cut all of our plans short and
the world went into lockdown. I'm your host, Liliana Vasquez
(01:37):
and I'm Joseph Carrillo and this is Becoming an icon
a weekly podcast where we give you the rundown on
how today's most famous Latin at stars have shaped culture
and given the world some extra stable Sit back and
get comfortable, because we are going in the only way
we know how, with buenas and a lot of opinions
(02:03):
as we relive their greatest achievements on our journey to
find out what makes them so iconic. Um, that's an understatement.
(02:23):
That is as Joseph yo Ago became the highest charting
All Spanish album ever on the Billboard two hundred charts,
well until he released his third album, Ultimotor del Mundo.
But let's slow down, because we are getting ahead of ourselves.
Bad Bunny had just delivered a banger of an album
and then shared that his next album would be his
(02:45):
last one. Wait what come again? The fanside questions, what
was he thinking, and the only place we could go
to get answers was Twitter. There were all of these
crazy theories. Um yeah, like the wwe excuse me, no, no, no,
I remember people thought, well he said nine months in
(03:06):
the song. Is he having a baby? Hell no. But
here's the thing. We were all thinking this if this
in fact was going to be his very last tour,
hold up, hold up, honey, you know I'm going to
every tour stop I can afford and hoard all the
merch I can get this hands on in size extra
(03:26):
smorg exactly. But we knew that the Yagur would be incredible.
Unfortunately we would have to wait to see it because
in March twenty twenty, the world came to a standstill.
Over one hundred countries instituted either a full or partial lockdown.
(03:50):
The entire world went on pause only one month after
Bad Bunny released the album. Joagle was meant to get
peeps into the streets, out of the jando, in the
garage parties, or in the clerk. Instead, everyone was putting
on masks and stockpiling hand sanitizer, oh and toilet paper.
(04:10):
And let's be honest, the pandemic was bad for everyone,
but imagine if you're a global icon who just dropped
a critically acclaimed album, and now you're just passing time
by dancing at home with hold up with who who
is my puppy? Chuli's shacking up with behind my back,
Patience Joseph. I will get to all of that. In April,
(04:31):
Bad Bunny went back to his SoundCloud roots and released
and Gasita with a very special backup singer, so Navia
Gadiela Berlinghetti. While Bad Bunny was becoming a worldwide sensation,
there was one thing he happily kept very very private,
his relationship with Berlingetti. Now here's what we know. They
(04:54):
first met while out to dinner with his family in
Puerto Rico, and then they started talking. They just hit
it off. It was simple, let may not get cute.
It's so basic but so romantic. I kind of love it.
And one thing led to another, and a year later,
Gabby was in the studio with her man her Man
Joseph recording references for Jlo's vocals on vegus Thin talk
(05:21):
about supporting your man's What's insane to me is that
they met in twenty seventeen and they're still together. We
found out about this years later. I can't believe they
were able to keep their relationship quiet and on the
d L for so long. Even the diehard Bad Bunny
fans had no freaking clue. Once we started seeing videos
(05:43):
of them dancing, are wrestling, playing Jenga, making out on
the set of Jo while Benito was in full drag. Yeah,
it was at that moment we knew they were the
real deal. He had a lot of things going on.
He also graced the first digital cover of Playboy, and
(06:04):
he was the only other man to ever grace the
cover other than Hugh Hefner himself, and his song Bano
appeared in an ad for Joe Biden's twenty twenty campaign.
He even gave a concert via YouTube on top of
a flatbed truck as it drove through Manhattan. Hold On,
Hold On, But he delivered us one last album, even
though twenty twenty was so rough. In the end, Bad
(06:27):
Bunny gave the world a gift his album, A Ultimo
Tour del Mundo. For our non Spanish speaking listeners, it
means the last Tour of the World. Babe wrote and
recorded the entire album during Quartee, and it was a
sharp departure from Joago looking Lagana. Yeah, it feels like
(06:49):
it was a softer light light you should trademark that
was designed to be turned all the way effing up.
Musi guy, you could shake your ass too, But Uti
Motor del Mundo was meant to be enjoyed at home.
(07:11):
You know. This was music to chill with with your girlfriend,
with your man's with your boo. And if you think
about the album, it was almost like he was imagining
what his last concert tour would look like. And what
was really stand out for me was all of the
different genres that we heard from Bad Bunny. It felt
(07:32):
I was hearing a little rock and roll, Was I
hearing a little new wave, maybe some indie music. I
actually was wondering if he was just kind of switching over,
you know, because this was so different. Yeah, that question
is one that everyone was asking, right. We were saying, Okay,
he's stepping outside of reggaeton into reggaeini right, Okay, but
hold on, what was your favorite song? Okay? So I
(07:55):
feel like I have too. So one of them I
loved because it was the song that converted my mom
to a Bad Bunny fan, and that was Bekiti. It
was on repeat at my house, at my mom's house,
I mean, she finally came around to the Bad Bunny universe.
And what made me realize that this song would have
(08:17):
that power not just over my mom but over all people,
is that I would literally see gringos shazamming the shit
out of that song. What song is this? So it is?
It is just so good. It reminds me of, you know,
just being out and being around people, and it's just
a really, really really great memory. It was, and I
loved the pace of that song. But as a Rosalia fan,
(08:39):
I also have to say their collaboration, Oh, it was
so good fuego and it was something that the fans wanted,
so I felt they both listened to their fans and delivered.
And just like everything that Bad Bunny touches, it turned
to gold. The album dominated the charts, becoming the most
(09:01):
streamed album in Latin America. People were calling Bad Bunny
the world's biggest pop star, so naturally he started exploring
other creative avenues. He was like, y'all think you know me,
let me show you bo I really am, And that
led to a musical guest performance on SNL he got
cast opposite I don't know, the biggest celebrity on the
(09:22):
planet grad hit in a movie. Plus, he didn't stop
with that acting role. He also scored a supporting role
in Natur's Mexico. Hold On, Hold On, you're forgetting something
super major? No? Yeah, he started wrestling. How could we
forget wrestle Mania? Tight clothes and sweaty men. But all
(09:44):
these extracurricular activities also meant that Benito didn't have as
much time for his music. Like Ross and Rachel say,
we're on a break, he needed it for his own
mental health, But something in me feels like he also
needed to miss what he loves the most. You know
that saying if you love something, set it free. If
(10:05):
it comes back, No, if it doesn't come back, it
was never yours. It's on a T shirt somewhere. Whatever.
What I'm saying is that I feel like Benito needed
to miss the thing that really centers him, the thing
that drives and fuels his passion, and that's the connection
that music provides between him and his fans. After taking
(10:26):
a break from it all, Bad Money was ready to
come back with a whole new sound and reignite regeton
yet again. As Bad Money loves to say, he just
goes with the flow and post mundo, the vibe was
(10:48):
all about the fashion. No, no, it was about the
fact shining from the get go. We know that he
has always been a rule breaker. I mean, he is
a total individual. He defined trends with his style, challenging
gender norms and machismo along the way. So it's only
(11:08):
fitting that he would be invited to the biggest and
most exclusive fashion event, the MET Gala. Liliana. Not everyone
knows and is obsessed with the MET Gala as we are,
so watch the spiel. Okay, well, listeners, you're in the
right place because the MET Gala takes place once a year,
(11:31):
I mean, on a normal non COVID schedule on the
first Monday in May. And what it really is is
a big fundraiser, right, It benefits the Metropolitan Museum of
Art Costume Institute a New York City. But it's called
the Met Gala, and it's only and only one person
gets to invite you my homegirl, and wait, she's your
(11:55):
home girl? I mean no, but I do contribute to Vogue.
You can't really get a ticket. You must be invited
by Anna herself to buy tables for a hundreds and
thousands of dollars. Yes, I mean literally everybody wants to
be there. It has been hosted by the biggest names
in music, in film, in fashion, in society. I mean
this is Leachrem de Leachrem. Not even a list, this
(12:17):
is a plus plus list. It is the list. So naturally,
given his assent the top of the fashion and music world,
Anna had no choice but to invite bad Bunny Well,
I mean she was lucky. He even made it. To
be honest, I mean, home dude was busy making the
greatest album of the Summa Summa Summa Time. I like
(12:41):
that your voice was so smooth on the I do
love that song. Benito knew the power of walking the
famous steps at the met Gallen, so naturally he RSVP hell. Yes.
What I love is that every year they have a theme.
The theme was the guilded Age, and Benito made sure
(13:02):
to represent Puerto Rico as he always does. The really
cool thing is he was paired with designer Ricardo t
Sheet for Burberry. Yes, which I thought was an interesting
pairing because here's how it worked. So Anna drafts up
her guest list, right, these are all the celebrities she
wants to invite, but then she paired them up with
their fashion quote unquote date, and that designer is responsible
(13:25):
for dressing that celebrity for the Red Carpet. So I
found it interesting that Anna for some reason thought that
Ricardo and Burberry would be the perfect match for Benito,
and it turns out she was right. That fit Mama
was everything. Yes, the research that went into it, the artistry,
it was all a win. I mean he wore a dress. Yeah.
(13:49):
You know. What was the coolest part about the dress
is that it was actually two pieces that zipped together
to create a dress. And I believe his stylist, Storm Pablo,
mentioned that they had done a lot of skirts in
the past, but this was the very first time Bad
Bunny had actually worn a dress, especially at an event
this big and this major. Oh, it was incredible. I'm
(14:11):
dead and honestly like, he is someone who can deliver
this look. He might be one of the only people
that could deliver this look. He was the only person
who delivered the look. There, I said it. No, it's true.
I mean most of these men on the Red Carpet
just show up in a tux, and Bad Bunny was like,
excuse me, I'm not basic. I'm not showing up in
a white tie tucks. I'm going to show up in
(14:33):
a dress. And he was authentic and he was unapologetically
Puerto and that is the best part of who he is.
He's just somebody that always shows up and gives us
something to talk about. His attendance at the Met gala,
was it just about hobnobbing with fashion Zelie and you know,
taking some snaps for the gram. No, no, no, Bad
(14:56):
Bunny is much smarter than that. He saw this as
a he huge promotional opportunity. Unvanadocinthi Baby's fourth studio album
was released on May six, twenty twenty two, just four
days after the Met gala. Bad Bunny was everywhere post
Met and it paid off. That album debuted at number
(15:18):
one on the Billboard two hundred and hasn't left the
top since. Okay, this album is going to go down
in the record books. I mean simply. It is the
longest running number one album in over five years, since
Drake back in twenty sixteen. It is also the first
all Spanish language album to hit number one on the
(15:39):
Billboard two hundred for me, You're saying all these amazing things.
I'm just kind of like it's the album of the summer.
It totally is, But why do you feel that way?
Because it had everything from like mambo and techno and
rey gae in Coombia and Caribbean. It was he paid
an ode to the Caribbean culture. True. Yeah. And he
(16:00):
talks about the album, he says that this album encapsulates
a feeling, right, and that feeling is of his summers
as a little boy in Puerto Rico, and if he's
ever been to Puerto Rico, there really is something about
the air, about the water, about the people, about the feeling,
and Bad Bunny was able to bring all of that
into an album. I mean, it really is and has
(16:23):
been the go to album this last summer. Okay, but wait,
what is your favorite song on the album? Okay, So
I might get some feedback on this, but I'm gonna
go for it. I say this was the Laplaya and
I'll tell you why. It starts off classically Bad Bunny, right,
but then all of a sudden he hits you on
a live mic over a Dominican band Dahianla Pachao and
(16:46):
then you have this mambo Marenge fusion and Bad Bunny
is just going for it. It's raw. It was a
total surprise. So the album was what a success, which
of course means that he had to go on the road.
But y'all, this was not going to be just any
(17:06):
tour he hasn't performed in over two years. It needed
to be big, and I mean over the top. Benita
was booking the biggest stadiums all over the world, and
they were selling out so fast. But you know, Joseph,
what I keep thinking when I see all of the
videos of him performing that fans are posting from his
concerts that you want to attend my wedding where Benito
(17:27):
and I walked down the aisle of Roses on a
ply on Puerto Rico. Wait what? And then I cut
the cake and then I shoved the first slice into
his open mouth and then he rubs icing all over him. Joseph, stop,
he looks happy. He just looks like he's having the
(17:48):
best time ever on stage, surrounded by all the good
vibas that his fans are bringing. It's really true, and
I think it says a lot about mental health now
and how outspoken. He has been about it. Yeah, you know,
we've talked about how he continues to fight against gender
norms with his fashion choices. But I think Bad Bunny's
also combating the stigma that often exists in Latin culture
(18:10):
around mental health and getting help for yourself, and the
way he does it is by just being vulnerable and
giving visibility to his own struggles. He really doesn't shy
away from acknowledging how important taking a break can be,
even for someone like him. The truth of Bad Bunny
as an artist is that he's always prioritized his well
(18:31):
being over fame and success. Honestly, he's just making art
that he can be proud of. Yeah, and that kind
of authenticity is inspiring, and he makes music with a message.
In a recent interview with Vogue, Bad Bunny said this, Honestly,
I'm grateful for the awards and the recognition, but nothing
I do is with the intention of breaking records, getting
(18:51):
nominations or being number one again. I'm extremely grateful. I
don't want it to come off as if I'm not.
I'm just doing what I'm most passionate about, creating music.
And he's even making music with his girl Berlingetti. Okay,
can you stop bringing her up? What are you not
inviting her to your fantasy wedding? Oh trust me, all
(19:14):
of the exes are definitely going to come witness my victory. Anyways.
In the track Alafagon Beer Lingetti sings let them leave,
this is my beach, this is my land. The song
is basically a melodic middle finger to the privatization of
Puerto Rico's beaches and their electrical grid, and the resulting
displacement of communities on the island. Benito told The New
(19:36):
York Times, this is a song from the heart. I
didn't want to get a famous artist. I wanted someone
to sing it out of love, because it's a sincere message,
a message about how deeply he loves his island. So
when Unvananal Sindi dropped, there was no doubt where he
would be kicking off the tour. We really have come
full circle, haven't we? M And while we all know
(19:59):
the lead up to the concert was total chaos, please
refer to episode one. The best part about this PR
tour is that you could buy a ticket for as
little as fifteen bucks. Honestly, I love bad Bunny gave
San Juan a sneak peek of what was to come
(20:19):
on his stadium tour, and every single night was packed
full of guests. Arbnito is always looking up for others.
The top moment of the night had to be when
he brought on Viano Antiano, the first prominent trans Latin
rap artist. The crowd went fuerta de control, but Benizo
(20:42):
wasn't going to stop there. He also invited queer musician
Young Nikol and alt Pareo artist Right Now during the
subsequent nights. Bad Bunny does not shy away from using
his massive platform to bring more visibility to trans and
queer artists, and he highlights political issues in Puerto Rico.
On stage, he said, the country belongs to us and
(21:04):
we are the ones in control. I believe in this generation.
I want to live here with you forever. That was
a very direct message to developers and mainland investors who
are trying to buy out all of Puerto Rico and
even claiming Puerto Rico's beaches as private property. I mean,
the beaches belong to Puerto Ricans, not you. Goldman Sachs
(21:24):
get to step in and all that drama is on
the album too. If you want to listen to the
tracks with some rum and potty potty potty on a playa,
you can do that. But if you really listen to
the B side of this album, Bad Bunny also asked
you to pay attention to what's really happening on the island.
There's actually one song in particular, I'd definitely like to
(21:46):
pour out a little rum too when we come back. Okay, really,
why I can't be the mind her own business because
she's at THEA and it's their job to be nosey
af honest? Is a bang girl? No, you are so
(22:12):
right on this one. I mean, this is the perfect
Bad Bunny song because you can dance to it, or,
as Joseph likes to say, you can twerk all of
the above. And he talks about doing this, and you know,
the song celebrates being with multiple women, cheating, not settling down,
(22:34):
and if you listen to it, on the surface, it
mocks more traditional relationships and expectations. But then Bad Bunny
turns the whole song upside down at the end and
says that, wait, I actually do want to be in
a committed relationship. I want stability, I want monogamy. Listen
the song is complicated, like all Bad Bunny songs are,
(22:56):
because even though it sounds like he wants a party, party,
party in the street with dozens of women, at the end,
it goes back to mental health and to also criticizing
the machismo that exists and is so pervasive in Latino culture. Right.
It's this double standard that's set on young boys and girls.
It's deep. He really addresses so many different things just constantly,
(23:16):
but it's the same issues he keeps going through. And
I think it's so cool because it's all written so differently.
The machismo, the cheating, the mental health, the political issues.
It's really beautifully told stories. Yes, and visually, if you
guys watch the video, I mean this video is a
love song to the Dominican Republic, right, and as of
(23:39):
Puerto Rican who has oh out of Dominican friends. I
can tell you we're a little competitive with each other, right.
We're both small islands, fiercely proud of our music, our food,
our people are sound. But I love that Bad Bunny
is such a broad Botigua. But in this video he's
being proud of Puerto Rico, but also really sharing his
love for Dominican culture. I mean shot the video in
(24:01):
the Bronx on the streets. I was like, who are
you j low Right, he's in the bodega, he's parting
with the people. It's just it's a really beautiful video.
And I also live at the end that his real
life girlfriend Gabby gets beamed down from the sky in
her gorgeous white wedding dress. So some people even said,
wait a second, could they be secretly married and we
(24:21):
not know? Did she steal my dress? I'm done with her?
So it's only fitting that that's the song he performed
when he was awarded Artist of the Year at the
twenty twenty two VAS. Now, this award is the biggest
award of the night at the VMA's and that moon
Man lets everyone know who ruled music that year at
(24:45):
Sharon Camilla, Caabayo, Ariana Grande, Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber have
all taken home the same award. This is music Royalty
and now you can add Bad Bunny to that prestigious list.
This is a big deal because it makes him the
first non English speaking performer to win the award. Can
I get fails? Yes, yes, a Bad Bunny? And he
(25:08):
accepted the award on stage at Yankee Stadium in front
of a sold out crowd. Girl, those tickets were cralicious.
We couldn't even afford to get tickets for ourselves. I mean,
I need to sell my bitcoin. I mean we need
a raise. The prices were out of control. And you
(25:29):
know what, Joseph, everything that we've shared about Benetho in
these past three episodes, well it's all in his acceptance
speech from that night. From the beginning, I've always said,
and I've always believed that I could be big, that
I could become one of the biggest stars in the
world without changing my culture, my language, or the way
I speak. I'm Beneito Antonio Martinez forrom Puerto Rico, for
(25:51):
the entire world. Authenticity is what makes Bad Bunny an icon.
In his music, through his fashion, or when he's telling
off some of the most powerful politicians in the world.
Beneathal speaks his truth. He also works tirelessly to make
sure that others can speak their truth. He's an amplifier
(26:13):
for causes important to our community, and he always makes
sure to extend a ladder to the next generation. Joseph,
what's the reason that Bad Bunny is an icon in
rys he has become iconic in what he means to
me is he's an amazing storyteller, he's an artist, and
he addresses honestly for me because it's really like deep
(26:34):
to my heart mental health and mental health issues. And
he talks so openly about him, kind of like people
talk about the gym, and so it's his vulnerability of
just him staying true to himself that is what has
made him iconic for me. For me, it's always been
about representation, but representation that isn't watered down to appeal
(26:55):
to the masses. The fact that Bad Bunny is from
or Three and that I'm from Puerto Rico and my
family's from there. He is such a beacon of light
and hope and joy, and he really represents the love
that Puerto Ricans have for that island. And him opening
(27:16):
up the world to how beautiful and magical this small
island in the Caribbean really is, it just makes me
feel so loved and embraced in such a real way.
I feel like in the past, we've had representatives from
the island, but nobody has represented Puerto Rico the way
that Bad Bunny has, and it's so beautiful to see,
(27:36):
it's so beautiful to be a part of. And it
has really inspired me to reconnect with my family in
ways that I have it before, and to dig deeper
into the history of the island. And not many musicians
or fashion icons do that. Right, he has made me
really deep dive into Laku Buddha and understand it in
(27:58):
a very different way than I ever had before. Wow.
I mean, honestly, that's that's that's deep it is. And
I hope that other people that aren't Puerto Rican also
start to see the history and the culture and the
art and the beauty of that island they have and
they do, you know, And you know what's the most
exciting part about Bad Bunny. Tell me it's that he's
just getting started. I cannot wait to see what he
(28:21):
does next. On the next Becoming an Icon, I feel
like you didn't get quite enough Bad Bunny, Well, there's more.
On our next episode, Joseph and I are joined by
journalists Moi says Mendes to discuss all of the cheeseman
we couldn't fit into this episode, Becoming an Icon is
(28:42):
presented by Sonoro and Ihearts Michael Kuda Podcast network. Listen
to becoming an icon on the iHeartRadio app, Apple podcast,
or wherever you get your podcast
Welcome back, me Hanthon. We've covered so much in the
past two episodes and it's only been like what four
years out of Bad Bunny's life. That's insanity. Yeah, if
you remember, he went from grocery bagger to the biggest
artist on the planet faster than Leo DiCaprio can find
a new underaged girlfriend. Oh my god, store that success. However,
(00:25):
it didn't come easy. It took a lot of hard
work and as we've told you, there have been a
lot of challenges along the way because with his success
came a level of fame and attention that would overwhelm
most people. And let's be honest, Bad Bunny was no different.
There was a spotlight on his life now and soon
it just became too much. So the unthinkable happened. Bad
(00:49):
Bunny was no Moss. He announced his retirement. Wait what
that's it, I'm leaving. No, No, I'm done, Joseph. It's okay.
We'll get through it because we all know that fate
had a different plan for babies futudo. It was bigger
than anyone could imagine. I am talking met Gallery. Yes,
(01:12):
even Anna Wintour cannot escape at conejomalo a sold out
stadium tour and a night we will never forget at
the twenty twenty two VMAs. But before any of that
could happen, COVID cut all of our plans short and
the world went into lockdown. I'm your host, Liliana Vasquez
(01:37):
and I'm Joseph Carrillo and this is Becoming an icon
a weekly podcast where we give you the rundown on
how today's most famous Latin at stars have shaped culture
and given the world some extra stable Sit back and
get comfortable, because we are going in the only way
we know how, with buenas and a lot of opinions
(02:03):
as we relive their greatest achievements on our journey to
find out what makes them so iconic. Um, that's an understatement.
(02:23):
That is as Joseph yo Ago became the highest charting
All Spanish album ever on the Billboard two hundred charts,
well until he released his third album, Ultimotor del Mundo.
But let's slow down, because we are getting ahead of ourselves.
Bad Bunny had just delivered a banger of an album
and then shared that his next album would be his
(02:45):
last one. Wait what come again? The fanside questions, what
was he thinking, and the only place we could go
to get answers was Twitter. There were all of these
crazy theories. Um yeah, like the wwe excuse me, no, no, no,
I remember people thought, well he said nine months in
(03:06):
the song. Is he having a baby? Hell no. But
here's the thing. We were all thinking this if this
in fact was going to be his very last tour,
hold up, hold up, honey, you know I'm going to
every tour stop I can afford and hoard all the
merch I can get this hands on in size extra
(03:26):
smorg exactly. But we knew that the Yagur would be incredible.
Unfortunately we would have to wait to see it because
in March twenty twenty, the world came to a standstill.
Over one hundred countries instituted either a full or partial lockdown.
(03:50):
The entire world went on pause only one month after
Bad Bunny released the album. Joagle was meant to get
peeps into the streets, out of the jando, in the
garage parties, or in the clerk. Instead, everyone was putting
on masks and stockpiling hand sanitizer, oh and toilet paper.
(04:10):
And let's be honest, the pandemic was bad for everyone,
but imagine if you're a global icon who just dropped
a critically acclaimed album, and now you're just passing time
by dancing at home with hold up with who who
is my puppy? Chuli's shacking up with behind my back,
Patience Joseph. I will get to all of that. In April,
(04:31):
Bad Bunny went back to his SoundCloud roots and released
and Gasita with a very special backup singer, so Navia
Gadiela Berlinghetti. While Bad Bunny was becoming a worldwide sensation,
there was one thing he happily kept very very private,
his relationship with Berlingetti. Now here's what we know. They
(04:54):
first met while out to dinner with his family in
Puerto Rico, and then they started talking. They just hit
it off. It was simple, let may not get cute.
It's so basic but so romantic. I kind of love it.
And one thing led to another, and a year later,
Gabby was in the studio with her man her Man
Joseph recording references for Jlo's vocals on vegus Thin talk
(05:21):
about supporting your man's What's insane to me is that
they met in twenty seventeen and they're still together. We
found out about this years later. I can't believe they
were able to keep their relationship quiet and on the
d L for so long. Even the diehard Bad Bunny
fans had no freaking clue. Once we started seeing videos
(05:43):
of them dancing, are wrestling, playing Jenga, making out on
the set of Jo while Benito was in full drag. Yeah,
it was at that moment we knew they were the
real deal. He had a lot of things going on.
He also graced the first digital cover of Playboy, and
(06:04):
he was the only other man to ever grace the
cover other than Hugh Hefner himself, and his song Bano
appeared in an ad for Joe Biden's twenty twenty campaign.
He even gave a concert via YouTube on top of
a flatbed truck as it drove through Manhattan. Hold On,
Hold On, But he delivered us one last album, even
though twenty twenty was so rough. In the end, Bad
(06:27):
Bunny gave the world a gift his album, A Ultimo
Tour del Mundo. For our non Spanish speaking listeners, it
means the last Tour of the World. Babe wrote and
recorded the entire album during Quartee, and it was a
sharp departure from Joago looking Lagana. Yeah, it feels like
(06:49):
it was a softer light light you should trademark that
was designed to be turned all the way effing up.
Musi guy, you could shake your ass too, But Uti
Motor del Mundo was meant to be enjoyed at home.
(07:11):
You know. This was music to chill with with your girlfriend,
with your man's with your boo. And if you think
about the album, it was almost like he was imagining
what his last concert tour would look like. And what
was really stand out for me was all of the
different genres that we heard from Bad Bunny. It felt
(07:32):
I was hearing a little rock and roll, Was I
hearing a little new wave, maybe some indie music. I
actually was wondering if he was just kind of switching over,
you know, because this was so different. Yeah, that question
is one that everyone was asking, right. We were saying, Okay,
he's stepping outside of reggaeton into reggaeini right, Okay, but
hold on, what was your favorite song? Okay? So I
(07:55):
feel like I have too. So one of them I
loved because it was the song that converted my mom
to a Bad Bunny fan, and that was Bekiti. It
was on repeat at my house, at my mom's house,
I mean, she finally came around to the Bad Bunny universe.
And what made me realize that this song would have
(08:17):
that power not just over my mom but over all people,
is that I would literally see gringos shazamming the shit
out of that song. What song is this? So it is?
It is just so good. It reminds me of, you know,
just being out and being around people, and it's just
a really, really really great memory. It was, and I
loved the pace of that song. But as a Rosalia fan,
(08:39):
I also have to say their collaboration, Oh, it was
so good fuego and it was something that the fans wanted,
so I felt they both listened to their fans and delivered.
And just like everything that Bad Bunny touches, it turned
to gold. The album dominated the charts, becoming the most
(09:01):
streamed album in Latin America. People were calling Bad Bunny
the world's biggest pop star, so naturally he started exploring
other creative avenues. He was like, y'all think you know me,
let me show you bo I really am, And that
led to a musical guest performance on SNL he got
cast opposite I don't know, the biggest celebrity on the
(09:22):
planet grad hit in a movie. Plus, he didn't stop
with that acting role. He also scored a supporting role
in Natur's Mexico. Hold On, Hold On, you're forgetting something
super major? No? Yeah, he started wrestling. How could we
forget wrestle Mania? Tight clothes and sweaty men. But all
(09:44):
these extracurricular activities also meant that Benito didn't have as
much time for his music. Like Ross and Rachel say,
we're on a break, he needed it for his own
mental health, But something in me feels like he also
needed to miss what he loves the most. You know
that saying if you love something, set it free. If
(10:05):
it comes back, No, if it doesn't come back, it
was never yours. It's on a T shirt somewhere. Whatever.
What I'm saying is that I feel like Benito needed
to miss the thing that really centers him, the thing
that drives and fuels his passion, and that's the connection
that music provides between him and his fans. After taking
(10:26):
a break from it all, Bad Money was ready to
come back with a whole new sound and reignite regeton
yet again. As Bad Money loves to say, he just
goes with the flow and post mundo, the vibe was
(10:48):
all about the fashion. No, no, it was about the
fact shining from the get go. We know that he
has always been a rule breaker. I mean, he is
a total individual. He defined trends with his style, challenging
gender norms and machismo along the way. So it's only
(11:08):
fitting that he would be invited to the biggest and
most exclusive fashion event, the MET Gala. Liliana. Not everyone
knows and is obsessed with the MET Gala as we are,
so watch the spiel. Okay, well, listeners, you're in the
right place because the MET Gala takes place once a year,
(11:31):
I mean, on a normal non COVID schedule on the
first Monday in May. And what it really is is
a big fundraiser, right, It benefits the Metropolitan Museum of
Art Costume Institute a New York City. But it's called
the Met Gala, and it's only and only one person
gets to invite you my homegirl, and wait, she's your
(11:55):
home girl? I mean no, but I do contribute to Vogue.
You can't really get a ticket. You must be invited
by Anna herself to buy tables for a hundreds and
thousands of dollars. Yes, I mean literally everybody wants to
be there. It has been hosted by the biggest names
in music, in film, in fashion, in society. I mean
this is Leachrem de Leachrem. Not even a list, this
(12:17):
is a plus plus list. It is the list. So naturally,
given his assent the top of the fashion and music world,
Anna had no choice but to invite bad Bunny Well,
I mean she was lucky. He even made it. To
be honest, I mean, home dude was busy making the
greatest album of the Summa Summa Summa Time. I like
(12:41):
that your voice was so smooth on the I do
love that song. Benito knew the power of walking the
famous steps at the met Gallen, so naturally he RSVP hell. Yes.
What I love is that every year they have a theme.
The theme was the guilded Age, and Benito made sure
(13:02):
to represent Puerto Rico as he always does. The really
cool thing is he was paired with designer Ricardo t
Sheet for Burberry. Yes, which I thought was an interesting
pairing because here's how it worked. So Anna drafts up
her guest list, right, these are all the celebrities she
wants to invite, but then she paired them up with
their fashion quote unquote date, and that designer is responsible
(13:25):
for dressing that celebrity for the Red Carpet. So I
found it interesting that Anna for some reason thought that
Ricardo and Burberry would be the perfect match for Benito,
and it turns out she was right. That fit Mama
was everything. Yes, the research that went into it, the artistry,
it was all a win. I mean he wore a dress. Yeah.
(13:49):
You know. What was the coolest part about the dress
is that it was actually two pieces that zipped together
to create a dress. And I believe his stylist, Storm Pablo,
mentioned that they had done a lot of skirts in
the past, but this was the very first time Bad
Bunny had actually worn a dress, especially at an event
this big and this major. Oh, it was incredible. I'm
(14:11):
dead and honestly like, he is someone who can deliver
this look. He might be one of the only people
that could deliver this look. He was the only person
who delivered the look. There, I said it. No, it's true.
I mean most of these men on the Red Carpet
just show up in a tux, and Bad Bunny was like,
excuse me, I'm not basic. I'm not showing up in
a white tie tucks. I'm going to show up in
(14:33):
a dress. And he was authentic and he was unapologetically
Puerto and that is the best part of who he is.
He's just somebody that always shows up and gives us
something to talk about. His attendance at the Met gala,
was it just about hobnobbing with fashion Zelie and you know,
taking some snaps for the gram. No, no, no, Bad
(14:56):
Bunny is much smarter than that. He saw this as
a he huge promotional opportunity. Unvanadocinthi Baby's fourth studio album
was released on May six, twenty twenty two, just four
days after the Met gala. Bad Bunny was everywhere post
Met and it paid off. That album debuted at number
(15:18):
one on the Billboard two hundred and hasn't left the
top since. Okay, this album is going to go down
in the record books. I mean simply. It is the
longest running number one album in over five years, since
Drake back in twenty sixteen. It is also the first
all Spanish language album to hit number one on the
(15:39):
Billboard two hundred for me, You're saying all these amazing things.
I'm just kind of like it's the album of the summer.
It totally is, But why do you feel that way?
Because it had everything from like mambo and techno and
rey gae in Coombia and Caribbean. It was he paid
an ode to the Caribbean culture. True. Yeah. And he
(16:00):
talks about the album, he says that this album encapsulates
a feeling, right, and that feeling is of his summers
as a little boy in Puerto Rico, and if he's
ever been to Puerto Rico, there really is something about
the air, about the water, about the people, about the feeling,
and Bad Bunny was able to bring all of that
into an album. I mean, it really is and has
(16:23):
been the go to album this last summer. Okay, but wait,
what is your favorite song on the album? Okay, So
I might get some feedback on this, but I'm gonna
go for it. I say this was the Laplaya and
I'll tell you why. It starts off classically Bad Bunny, right,
but then all of a sudden he hits you on
a live mic over a Dominican band Dahianla Pachao and
(16:46):
then you have this mambo Marenge fusion and Bad Bunny
is just going for it. It's raw. It was a
total surprise. So the album was what a success, which
of course means that he had to go on the road.
But y'all, this was not going to be just any
(17:06):
tour he hasn't performed in over two years. It needed
to be big, and I mean over the top. Benita
was booking the biggest stadiums all over the world, and
they were selling out so fast. But you know, Joseph,
what I keep thinking when I see all of the
videos of him performing that fans are posting from his
concerts that you want to attend my wedding where Benito
(17:27):
and I walked down the aisle of Roses on a
ply on Puerto Rico. Wait what? And then I cut
the cake and then I shoved the first slice into
his open mouth and then he rubs icing all over him. Joseph, stop,
he looks happy. He just looks like he's having the
(17:48):
best time ever on stage, surrounded by all the good
vibas that his fans are bringing. It's really true, and
I think it says a lot about mental health now
and how outspoken. He has been about it. Yeah, you know,
we've talked about how he continues to fight against gender
norms with his fashion choices. But I think Bad Bunny's
also combating the stigma that often exists in Latin culture
(18:10):
around mental health and getting help for yourself, and the
way he does it is by just being vulnerable and
giving visibility to his own struggles. He really doesn't shy
away from acknowledging how important taking a break can be,
even for someone like him. The truth of Bad Bunny
as an artist is that he's always prioritized his well
(18:31):
being over fame and success. Honestly, he's just making art
that he can be proud of. Yeah, and that kind
of authenticity is inspiring, and he makes music with a message.
In a recent interview with Vogue, Bad Bunny said this, Honestly,
I'm grateful for the awards and the recognition, but nothing
I do is with the intention of breaking records, getting
(18:51):
nominations or being number one again. I'm extremely grateful. I
don't want it to come off as if I'm not.
I'm just doing what I'm most passionate about, creating music.
And he's even making music with his girl Berlingetti. Okay,
can you stop bringing her up? What are you not
inviting her to your fantasy wedding? Oh trust me, all
(19:14):
of the exes are definitely going to come witness my victory. Anyways.
In the track Alafagon Beer Lingetti sings let them leave,
this is my beach, this is my land. The song
is basically a melodic middle finger to the privatization of
Puerto Rico's beaches and their electrical grid, and the resulting
displacement of communities on the island. Benito told The New
(19:36):
York Times, this is a song from the heart. I
didn't want to get a famous artist. I wanted someone
to sing it out of love, because it's a sincere message,
a message about how deeply he loves his island. So
when Unvananal Sindi dropped, there was no doubt where he
would be kicking off the tour. We really have come
full circle, haven't we? M And while we all know
(19:59):
the lead up to the concert was total chaos, please
refer to episode one. The best part about this PR
tour is that you could buy a ticket for as
little as fifteen bucks. Honestly, I love bad Bunny gave
San Juan a sneak peek of what was to come
(20:19):
on his stadium tour, and every single night was packed
full of guests. Arbnito is always looking up for others.
The top moment of the night had to be when
he brought on Viano Antiano, the first prominent trans Latin
rap artist. The crowd went fuerta de control, but Benizo
(20:42):
wasn't going to stop there. He also invited queer musician
Young Nikol and alt Pareo artist Right Now during the
subsequent nights. Bad Bunny does not shy away from using
his massive platform to bring more visibility to trans and
queer artists, and he highlights political issues in Puerto Rico.
On stage, he said, the country belongs to us and
(21:04):
we are the ones in control. I believe in this generation.
I want to live here with you forever. That was
a very direct message to developers and mainland investors who
are trying to buy out all of Puerto Rico and
even claiming Puerto Rico's beaches as private property. I mean,
the beaches belong to Puerto Ricans, not you. Goldman Sachs
(21:24):
get to step in and all that drama is on
the album too. If you want to listen to the
tracks with some rum and potty potty potty on a playa,
you can do that. But if you really listen to
the B side of this album, Bad Bunny also asked
you to pay attention to what's really happening on the island.
There's actually one song in particular, I'd definitely like to
(21:46):
pour out a little rum too when we come back. Okay, really,
why I can't be the mind her own business because
she's at THEA and it's their job to be nosey
af honest? Is a bang girl? No, you are so
(22:12):
right on this one. I mean, this is the perfect
Bad Bunny song because you can dance to it, or,
as Joseph likes to say, you can twerk all of
the above. And he talks about doing this, and you know,
the song celebrates being with multiple women, cheating, not settling down,
(22:34):
and if you listen to it, on the surface, it
mocks more traditional relationships and expectations. But then Bad Bunny
turns the whole song upside down at the end and
says that, wait, I actually do want to be in
a committed relationship. I want stability, I want monogamy. Listen
the song is complicated, like all Bad Bunny songs are,
(22:56):
because even though it sounds like he wants a party, party,
party in the street with dozens of women, at the end,
it goes back to mental health and to also criticizing
the machismo that exists and is so pervasive in Latino culture. Right.
It's this double standard that's set on young boys and girls.
It's deep. He really addresses so many different things just constantly,
(23:16):
but it's the same issues he keeps going through. And
I think it's so cool because it's all written so differently.
The machismo, the cheating, the mental health, the political issues.
It's really beautifully told stories. Yes, and visually, if you
guys watch the video, I mean this video is a
love song to the Dominican Republic, right, and as of
(23:39):
Puerto Rican who has oh out of Dominican friends. I
can tell you we're a little competitive with each other, right.
We're both small islands, fiercely proud of our music, our food,
our people are sound. But I love that Bad Bunny
is such a broad Botigua. But in this video he's
being proud of Puerto Rico, but also really sharing his
love for Dominican culture. I mean shot the video in
(24:01):
the Bronx on the streets. I was like, who are
you j low Right, he's in the bodega, he's parting
with the people. It's just it's a really beautiful video.
And I also live at the end that his real
life girlfriend Gabby gets beamed down from the sky in
her gorgeous white wedding dress. So some people even said,
wait a second, could they be secretly married and we
(24:21):
not know? Did she steal my dress? I'm done with her?
So it's only fitting that that's the song he performed
when he was awarded Artist of the Year at the
twenty twenty two VAS. Now, this award is the biggest
award of the night at the VMA's and that moon
Man lets everyone know who ruled music that year at
(24:45):
Sharon Camilla, Caabayo, Ariana Grande, Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber have
all taken home the same award. This is music Royalty
and now you can add Bad Bunny to that prestigious list.
This is a big deal because it makes him the
first non English speaking performer to win the award. Can
I get fails? Yes, yes, a Bad Bunny? And he
(25:08):
accepted the award on stage at Yankee Stadium in front
of a sold out crowd. Girl, those tickets were cralicious.
We couldn't even afford to get tickets for ourselves. I mean,
I need to sell my bitcoin. I mean we need
a raise. The prices were out of control. And you
(25:29):
know what, Joseph, everything that we've shared about Benetho in
these past three episodes, well it's all in his acceptance
speech from that night. From the beginning, I've always said,
and I've always believed that I could be big, that
I could become one of the biggest stars in the
world without changing my culture, my language, or the way
I speak. I'm Beneito Antonio Martinez forrom Puerto Rico, for
(25:51):
the entire world. Authenticity is what makes Bad Bunny an icon.
In his music, through his fashion, or when he's telling
off some of the most powerful politicians in the world.
Beneathal speaks his truth. He also works tirelessly to make
sure that others can speak their truth. He's an amplifier
(26:13):
for causes important to our community, and he always makes
sure to extend a ladder to the next generation. Joseph,
what's the reason that Bad Bunny is an icon in
rys he has become iconic in what he means to
me is he's an amazing storyteller, he's an artist, and
he addresses honestly for me because it's really like deep
(26:34):
to my heart mental health and mental health issues. And
he talks so openly about him, kind of like people
talk about the gym, and so it's his vulnerability of
just him staying true to himself that is what has
made him iconic for me. For me, it's always been
about representation, but representation that isn't watered down to appeal
(26:55):
to the masses. The fact that Bad Bunny is from
or Three and that I'm from Puerto Rico and my
family's from there. He is such a beacon of light
and hope and joy, and he really represents the love
that Puerto Ricans have for that island. And him opening
(27:16):
up the world to how beautiful and magical this small
island in the Caribbean really is, it just makes me
feel so loved and embraced in such a real way.
I feel like in the past, we've had representatives from
the island, but nobody has represented Puerto Rico the way
that Bad Bunny has, and it's so beautiful to see,
(27:36):
it's so beautiful to be a part of. And it
has really inspired me to reconnect with my family in
ways that I have it before, and to dig deeper
into the history of the island. And not many musicians
or fashion icons do that. Right, he has made me
really deep dive into Laku Buddha and understand it in
(27:58):
a very different way than I ever had before. Wow.
I mean, honestly, that's that's that's deep it is. And
I hope that other people that aren't Puerto Rican also
start to see the history and the culture and the
art and the beauty of that island they have and
they do, you know, And you know what's the most
exciting part about Bad Bunny. Tell me it's that he's
just getting started. I cannot wait to see what he
(28:21):
does next. On the next Becoming an Icon, I feel
like you didn't get quite enough Bad Bunny, Well, there's more.
On our next episode, Joseph and I are joined by
journalists Moi says Mendes to discuss all of the cheeseman
we couldn't fit into this episode, Becoming an Icon is
(28:42):
presented by Sonoro and Ihearts Michael Kuda Podcast network. Listen
to becoming an icon on the iHeartRadio app, Apple podcast,
or wherever you get your podcast
Hosts And Creators
Lilliana Vazquez
Joseph Carrillo
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