Global reggaeton superstar Bad Bunny is turning up the heat in Puerto Rico this summer—not just with his music, but with a powerful cultural statement. The chart-topping artist, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has launched a much-talked-about San Juan residency alongside the release of his latest album, Debí Tirar Más Fotos (“I Should’ve Taken More Photos”). The project, which dropped in early July, is already sparking conversations about identity, tourism, and the soul of the island.
Running through September 2025, Bad Bunny’s residency in Puerto Rico’s capital city is more than a concert series—it’s a multimedia experience and a reclaiming of local space. Each performance is accompanied by immersive visuals, commentary on gentrification, and tributes to the island’s rich Afro-Caribbean heritage. The residency is hosted at a specially designed open-air venue in San Juan’s historic district, and incorporates local artists, dancers, and vendors.
The new album, Debí Tirar Más Fotos, takes a deeply personal turn for the reggaeton king, blending trap, Latin jazz, reggaeton, and spoken word. Tracks like “Playita Mía,” “Lo Nuestro,” and “Sin Postales” chronicle memories of childhood in Vega Baja, heartbreak over cultural erasure, and growing tensions between locals and the surge of “bad tourists” — outsiders who disrespect the island’s culture while driving up living costs.
“I didn’t want to just drop another album,” Bad Bunny said during the residency’s opening night. “I wanted to drop a reminder—to Puerto Ricans, to visitors, and to myself—of what makes this island powerful: its people, its pain, and its beauty.”
The residency isn’t just symbolic—it’s economically strategic. Local businesses have reported a 40% uptick in traffic since the residency began, and artists featured in the live shows have seen boosts in international recognition. A portion of ticket proceeds goes to community rebuilding initiatives and youth arts programs across the island.
Critics have praised the album for its emotional resonance and political boldness. Rolling Stone called it “Bad Bunny’s most important work to date,” while Billboard hailed it as “a sonic love letter to Puerto Rico.”
The project arrives amid rising concerns about “crypto-colonialism” and unchecked tourism in Puerto Rico, issues Bad Bunny has long spoken out against. His viral 2022 music video “El Apagón” featured testimonials from displaced residents—and this residency builds on that message with even greater intensity.
With Debí Tirar Más Fotos and his San Juan residency, Bad Bunny isn’t just entertaining—he’s educating, empowering, and reminding the world who Puerto Rico truly belongs to.