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, Music, Cultural, Sociology, Audiobook, History

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. 🇵🇷

[Anika (Encyclopedia BritAnika) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.3 stars

I love Bad Bunny and I was excited to learn more about Puerto Rico and his activism. It turns out I need a different actual history book to get PR history and that’s on me for thinking I’d get it here! Bad Bunny has done so many great things to advocate for his home. As has Ricky Martin who I’m glad to see given credit in this book. There were some pieces that didn’t work and a lot more about music than activism which is fine but not what I thought the premise of the book was. Had an enjoyable time though.

I got this audiobook from my library.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bad Bunny is one of my favorite musical artists and I really enjoyed reading this book to learn more about his music in the context of Puerto Rican history, independence and identity. Both the authors teach college courses about Bad Bunny and I would love to take their classes! I created a playlist connected to this book, with almost all the songs they reference and I’m excited to start listening to it to discover new BB songs I am not as familiar with. I also found a few interesting books in the bibliography that I added to my TBR list. A really informative read!

[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

[Jessica Villacres · Rating 4 out of 5]

That’s my #1 artist yessir 🙂‍↕️

[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

[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.

[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

[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.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

The type of scholarship Puerto Ricans deserve 🔥

[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.

[KIM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book I've read this year! My curiosity was peaked by the outstanding Super Bowl Halftime performance by Bad Bunny. I knew who he was, obviously, but knew very little about him and his music. I was surprised to find there are college courses taught on his impact on music, politics, gender and most important, his beloved Puerto Rico. I found this book written by two academics and was totally enthralled by it. This is not a "fan" book. This is a fascinating look at how this young man of only thirty-one became the voice of Puerto Rico, in more ways than one. To accompany it listen to his most recent album "Debi Tirar Mas Fotos". It is his loving tribute to PR. You will be amazed at the richness of his voice...both in the album and the the book. And if you are worried about not understanding his Spanish on the album, it is worth your time to lookup the English translations to go with it...but let the richness of his Spanish wash over you. The depth of both the book and the album will stay with you forever.

[Noemi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not an avid non-fiction reader but absolutely had to pick this up. I love Bad Bunny and his music. He is an amazing song writer and I was aware of a lot of his political stances and support of marginalized groups so I wanted to read this and there are no regrets. This dives deep into all he has done for his people and I learned so much about why he chose to do certain things. I also learned a lot about Puerto Rico's history that I think is important for people to understand, especially those that ever plan on visiting the island. I also learned about some of his earlier forms of activism that I hadn't noticed or heard of in the past. This is definitely a must-read for any Bad Bunny fan, no matter the cultural background.

[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.

[Lizvette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Powerful, deeply researched, and well organized. This book goes far beyond Bad Bunny’s influence on the island and across the Latin community, it becomes a profound exploration of Puerto Rico’s complex relationship with the U.S., its culture, politics, music, and the daily struggles boricuas continue to face. Reading it felt like stepping into a time machine, revisiting some of the most defining events on the island over the last 15 years. There was so much I didn’t know, and I walked away with a richer understanding than I ever gained in a classroom.

A must read for every boricua.

My only critique is that I wish the narrator had stronger Spanish pronunciation.

[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.

[Jami K · Rating 5 out of 5]

I requested this book from the library as soon as I'd heard of it because I've been a fan of reggaetón for many years. I'm not fluent in Spanish, so I don't understand all the lyrics but I'm learning. I had NO IDEA about all of the issues in PR and his involvement in the resistance until I read this book (yes, I keep myself in a bubble). There's also of ton of details about the history of his music and the artists and producers he works with. I learned so much and it was truly entertaining to read.

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

133:2026
4.5* This was absolutely excellent. I've been _familiar_ with BB for more than a minute, but I'll be honest, Caribbean Spanish makes my brain sweat so I gotta WORK when I turn up his sounds.
You'd have to be living under a rock to not have heard of him after the hubbub surrounding the super bowl and his AMAZING performance.

I was NOT aware of his vocal and undying support for PR in every way possible, from overtly political to artistic and utterly nuanced.

I can't really recommend this to my students as it's very sweary, but I'd recommend it to pretty much everyone else.

[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.

[Yaddy Valerio · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives a detailed of bad bunny’s upbringing to now. With a twist of how his music has influence the politics in PR but also how his music is reaching people f jarro rican history. The authors reference many scholars but also the closest people to the artist. It also explains some of Bad bunny controversies and give clarity of those situations. I learned a few things about the PR resistance and bad bunny and just reggaetom music.

[gabriela ˚ 𝜗𝜚˚⋆｡☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lo leí para la uni y como puertorriqueña siento que a pesar de que el libro no está enfocado en explicar la situación de Puerto Rico en detalle, siento que se pudo haber escrito de manera más entendible para una persona non-boricua. Sin embargo, en cierta parte también lo sentí demasiado detallado en algunas partes que tal vez no eran tan necesarias. Overall me gustó fue una lectura que a pesar de ser académica la disfruté, es bastante llevadera a pesar de lo que mencioné anteriormente.

[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.

[Phillip Pless · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall Review: 4.5/5

Great accessible non-fiction book that explores how Bad Bunny became the leader of the resistance movement in Puerto Rico. It's very interesting and I learned a lot more about the political history of Puerto Rico. Definitely recommend if you're a fan of Benito or are interested in PFKNR.

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Salvo por el misgenderind de Villano Antillano y Tokischa, todo perfecto.
Hacer un recorrido tan profundo de la carrera de BB a través de esta lectura me ha recordado a momentos donde él ha estado presente en mi vida y me ha enseñado más sobre la cultura de PR que cualquier documental u otra estrella puertorriqueña presente en el mainstream actual.
Viva Puerto Rico libre y «que se vayan ellos».

[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!

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

5 stars for content, 3 stars for the writing (a bit too much of the “tell them what you said” repetition and not trusting readers to hold details in their heads for more than 1 paragraph). So 4 in the end but recommend.

[Justin Brayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

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