P FKN R: How Bad Bunny Became the Global Voice of Puerto Rican Resistance

by Vanessa Diaz, Petra R. Rivera-Rideau

"Aquí mataron gente por sacar la bandera/Por eso es que ahora yo la llevo donde quiera." (Here they killed people for taking out the flag/that's why I bring it anywhere I want now.)—LA MuDANZA

Global superstar Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, like many other Puerto Ricans, has lived a life marked by public crises—blackouts, hurricanes, political corruption, and oppression, among others—that have exposed the ongoing impacts of colonialism in Puerto Rico. Offering a portrait of the past and future of Puerto Rican resistance through one of its loudest and proudest voices, P FKN R draws on interviews with musicians, politicians, and journalists as well as ethnographic research to set Bad Bunny and Puerto Rican resistance in a historical, political, and cultural context. Authors Vanessa Díaz and Petra Rivera-Rideau—creators of the "Bad Bunny Syllabus"—demonstrate Bad Bunny's place in a long tradition of infusing joy and protest into music and honor the many, evolving forms of daily resistance to oppression and colonialism that are part of Puerto Rican life.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, Cultural, Music, Audiobook, Sociology

320 pages, Paperback

Published January 27, 2026

Reviews

[Traci Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned so much reading this book, at times it is overly detailed, but overall it was a really smart way to bring Bad Bunny and PR history and politics together. Both the authors teach college courses on Bad Bunny and I would love to take their classes. It also really added to my watching of the Super Bowl halftime show.

[Yareli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Achooo Bad Bunny es otra cosa!

[Delanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

For an academic text, I can’t believe how intrigued I stayed the whole way through. I loved this, loved learning about Puerto Rico, Puerto Rican resistance, Bad Bunny’s political and social activism, and the music that we all know and love. I enjoyed reading and absorbing, and took notes on videos and songs I wanted to return to with this additional context in mind. What a work of education and celebration of the accomplishments of Benito. 🇵🇷

[Chispita Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

P FKN R!!!!! this was spectacular!!! i learned and reaffirmed so much history and wowwwww i did not know anything about Bad Bunny. he is an interesting guy that’s for sure; would love to take these ladies’ classes

[Michael F · Rating 4 out of 5]

So good! I’m long overdue for reading about PR history and this was an easy intro. So cool to learn more about songs I’ve been listening to for years. I feel like a follow up is going to be needed in a few years after the Benito bowl and all the other records I’m sure he’s going to continue to shatter

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Music is my favorite act of resistance. I'm also new to the Bad Bunny appreciation club (adds to my 'Top 5 Best Superbowl Halftime Shows') Wow!! This was an incredibly detailed, deep-dive into Puerto Rican history and Benito's activism/voice within the resistance.

While I enjoyed learning the meaning behind Bad Bunny's lyrics and videos, I was equally fascinated by the #rickyrenuncia protests in 2019, the role potholes have played, Perreo, Trap, Jose Feliciano... I could go on. What incredible history and culture Benito has brought to the forefront.

4.5 stars rounded up to 5

[Nia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so honored to be the first person to review this book. I read it wasn't coming out until Jan. 27, but I made a pre-sale purchase at bookshop.org and it showed up early!

I really enjoyed reliving some of the highlights of the last 10 years of Bad Bunny's career while reading this book, from the releases of his early videos to hosting to SNL to performing at the Grammys.

Many of his songs and videos have layers of meaning that I think are only really meant to be understood by Puerto Rican audiences. As a non-Puerto Rican, I appreciated the context the book gave me to better understand his lyrics and the imagery in his videos.

The book really emphasized how intentional and strategic he is about choices he makes, and how he has used some of his biggest stages to bring global attention to issues affecting the island of Puerto Rico, from gentrification and displacement to potholes and power outages. The book also emphasizes how he is constantly paying homage to the Puerto Rican artists, and reggaeton artists specifically, who paved the way for him to be able to perform on those stages.

The parts I found most interesting were those about the #RickyRenuncia protests, the music video-turned-documentary for El Apagón, and the 2024 election. The battle between BB and the PNP (a Puerto Rican political party) got so vicious and so personal, I had no idea!

If you're a fan, this book might help deepen your appreciation. If you just want to know what all the hype is about, this book might help you understand. If you think Bad Bunny has already been given too much credit for his pro-queer stance and for being less machista then other reggaeton artists, this book is probably not for you.

I learned a lot about recent Puerto Rican history by reading this book, and it inspired me to want to learn more about things like the Jones Act, PROMESA, and the 1948 gag law that made it illegal to display the Puerto Rican flag (even in your own home) or even discuss Puerto Rican independence. I would recommend it for any BB fan who wants to learn more about recent Puerto Rican history. Pairs well with Puerto Rico: A National History by Jorell Meléndez-Badillo.

[Mandee Rayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great look into the life and influence of Bad Bunny. I was introduced to him via Bullet Train. I had heard his name before but not any of his music yet. Once I realized it was him in the movie, and I saw him on Carpool Karaoke (still my all time favorite moment of him stopping mid sentence to belt Ariana), the rabbit hole got real.

I have learned so much about Puerto Rico through him, and now this book, and I'm fascinated by his ability to be completely authentic and still become the star he is today. We need more of that in the people we put our money and time into. Americans should definitely read this book, if only to learn something.

You don't have to like Bad Bunny's music or him as a person, but his messages are imperative in this moment: Free Puerto Rico and be unapologetically you.

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bad Bunny is a once in a generation artist whose musical and cultural influences are truly global. Yet despite his stratospheric status, Benito remains firmly, unapologetically, and proudly Puerto Rican. First and Last, he is from the islands. Because of this positionality his music is a talisman for understanding Puerto Rico and the beauties, the struggles and the futures contained within its shores. Thai boon helps us navigate how his career and his music are so interdigitated in hope and resistance. I found it clear, well written, insightful and powerful. Even if you don’t (yet) listen to his music the book shows how dissent, joy, power and resistance harmonize through his stories and his actions. Definitely using this for class and so thankful to have been able to read it.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a well-researched and well-balanced summary and analysis of Benito Antonio "Bad Bunny" Martínez Ocasio's role in Puerto Rican and Latin American culture, politics, and music. Not only do the authors expertly summarize Bad Bunny's career as a musician and activist, they also give context to his activities and performance in both arenas, making this book an easy read for people who may or may not be familiar with the artist, his career, or the history of Puerto Rico and Puerto Rican music. I read the English translation and listened to the English language audiobook, but I am also looking forward to reading the original Spanish edition when the library I work for gets it.

[Jake · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was absolutely captivated by this exploration of Bad Bunny's impact and evolution. Academic texts can sometimes feel dense, but this work manages to be both deeply intellectual and incredibly engaging.

The level of detail regarding his discography is impressive. It offered me a much richer understanding of the intentionality behind his music and his role as a cultural icon. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a scholar of contemporary music, this is a stunning piece of work that deserves a spot on your shelf.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was inspired to learn more about Puerto Rico, Bad Bunny (BB), his music, and his activism after his Super Bowl performance. This book is a fantastic primer! It links BB's music and activism to Puerto Rico's history and current political climate. I recognize that it's not a comprehensive history, but it's extremely informative. The authors also managed to highlight the evolution of Latino music. It's a short, but dense, book, so it's a slow read - and you'll find yourself stopping to listen to songs, watch videos, and look up stuff to get more information.

[Caroline]

It’s incredibly admirable how much Bad Bunny loves his home and stands up for what’s right. I have reached page 197, and I’m just finding it difficult to finish the book, even though it’s short. It’s just a bit overly detailed for my taste. While I did not finish this book, I highly recommend it to those who want to learn more about Bad Bunny as new or even older fans. I’ve been listening to Bad Bunny for a few years now, and I can tell he’s just a wonderful human being.

[Debbie Jacob · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was hoping for a more critical analysis of Bad Bunny's music. That read more like a public relations piece. There wasn't much if any new information. It's a celebration of Bad Bunny's music and a look at how his music and Puerto Rican music has functioned as protest music. There's an interesting history here of how this music highlights colonialism.

[Madison Canizales · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was absolutely fascinating to learn more about the history of Puerto Rico, Latin Trap and Bad Bunny! I learned so much about the meaning behind his songs and his experiences with living in PR. While the format did get slightly repetitive towards the end, I very much enjoyed this book!

[Justin Brayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished this on a beach east of San Juan during sunset

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

The type of scholarship Puerto Ricans deserve 🔥

[Reta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I of course loved this book. Well organized and well researched. Especially loved the detailed accounts from
BBs producers.

[Autumn Kearney]

My library sent me the Spanish version even though I ordered the English one.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I give this a 4.5. I learned so much about Bad Bunny!

[Grace Moro · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved learning more about PR thru BB !!!!!!!! such a great deep dive into the history, culture, colonization, but PRIDE thru his music, impact, and legacy