Bad Bunny’s album releases don’t require an event to become an event. Since the release of X100Pre on Christmas Eve in 2018, Puerto Ricans have been turning their homes into impromptu listening parties, sharing their initial thoughts and reactions via WhatsApp groups and lively Twitter threads for each album. His music releases have always been a communal experience for his fans, even from their homes.
But this year has been an interesting one for the music superstar, leaving many to wonder if the “Bad Bunny effect” was waning. There was ongoing chatter that the artist was losing touch with his loyal fanbase and drifting away from his roots, partly due to his high-profile relationship with Kendall Jenner. Yet, much of that chatter faded into the digital ether when Bad Bunny announced his forthcoming album nadie sabe lo que va a pasar mañana (nobody knows what will happen tomorrow).
Upon his album announcement, rumors swirled of a potential event in Puerto Rico, but there was no official confirmation. Then came Tuesday afternoon (October 10) — just three days ahead of the album’s release — and his long-time manager, Noah Assad, inconspicuously dropped a link in his Instagram story: a virtual queue to purchase tickets for the nadie sabe lo que va a pasar mañana listening party in Puerto Rico’s Choliseo.
The listening party sold out within a matter of minutes, and the excitement was palpable everywhere. Bad Bunny was undeniably back, but in what fashion? Ahead of its release, he dropped the official promo video for the album, revealing a freshly shaven head— a throwback to his “trap era” spanning from 2016 to 2018. The anticipation only grew: Was “trap Bunny” making a comeback, or was it all a clever stunt?
On the big release day (October 13), fans began gathering at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico, and as they waited in line, his team handed out booklets to all attendees. On the front page, it read “Acho PR, puñeta, te quiero.” Inside were pictures of him shaving his head and working in the studio with Tainy, De La Ghetto, Ñengo Flow, and Arcángel. Nestled within the pages was also a handwritten note that said:
“This album is dedicated to all the barrios of the world, especially the ones on my island of Puerto Rico. To the hood, the projects, neighborhoods, and communities… the ones many people point out but few understand. Thank you so much. I’m big because I come from a small place. I’m a legend because I’m Puerto Rican. I was born here and I will die here… Acho PR, puñeta, te quiero!”
The venue featured a straightforward setup: A pyramid made of hay stood at the back, while a circular barricade took up the middle of the arena. Serenading the anticipation was a playlist of ‘60s boleros, salsa, bossa nova, and jazz playing in the background. Initially, it might have seemed like a casual choice, but as specific artists were getting played — La Lupe, Hector Lavoe, Bill Evans — it became clear: This was no accident. It was a subtle nod from Bad Bunny himself. He’s no longer the new kid on the block anymore. He’s the benchmark, a confirmed legend, akin to the musicians playing while we waited.
Moments before the show started, people walked onto the pyramid steps on the side of the venue: Benito’s VIP guests. Reggaetoneros, traperos, and producers were gathering to listen —Arcángel, Ñengo Flow, Tainy, La Paciencia, Young Miko, Bryant Myers, Los Rivera Destino, and even Colombian star Feid was there.
It was time. The show kicked off with a short recap of Bad Bunny’s career, highlighting his come-up during the golden era of trap in Puerto Rico. Then, the first chords of “Nadie Sabe” started playing. A 6-minute song where Bad Bunny reflects on the loneliness of fame and the emptiness of wealth and boasts of being the best in the game. He raps through the whole song, accompanied by unassuming strings that build the tension but never compete with his lyrics. It reminded me of Kanye West during his 808s & Heartbreak era or Drake in Nothing Was The Same. A rapper and his musings.
“Monaco” begins, and Bad Bunny descends from inside the jumbotron and into the middle of the arena in a 1970 Rolls Royce Shadow, wearing a black mask with red eye covers. The camera pans above him to show that he’s got the aux cord, and we’re seemingly listening to the album straight from his phone. The tracks unfold, leaving no doubt that the Bad Bunny we championed has returned.
He presents a trap-heavy album featuring breakout stars like Young Miko and Feid, fan favorites Bryant Myers, Youvngchimi, and Luar La L, and heavy-hitters Arcángel, Ñengo Flow, De La Ghetto, and Eladio Carrión. I was transported back to Aljibe in Mayagüez, where Bad Bunny would play hits like Diles in 2016 to a modest crowd of 50 at most. It’s a nod to the past without feeling outdated, with samples from Tego Calderón, Madonna, Julio Voltio, and Wisin & Yandel, underscoring his intentions: Our beloved Trap Bunny evolved, bringing us a refreshed sound and well-written bars.
Midway through the album, the platform reached the ground, and Bad Bunny removed his mask and made the symbol for La Nueva Religión, a rebel movement created by his fans during his trap days. The crowd erupted. They received the confirmation they anticipated — this record is a love letter to his day-one fans, and they soaked up every moment of this heartfelt ode.
Making his way through the crowd, he signed a pair of Bad Bunny sneakers with lip gloss, shook some hands, and interacted with his fans. When he reached the pyramid, he took the time to embrace every artist who worked on the album. From there, it was all about savoring the music with his fellow musicians and reveling in what is undeniably another milestone in his career.
The Puerto Rican star concluded the event with a heartfelt message: “No importa cuan lejos llegue, mi música siempre será pa’ PR.” // “No matter how far I go, my music will always be for PR.”
Taking in all the tracks played at the event, it became evident that the record and evening was a nod to the OG reggaetón stars and an embrace of the emerging talent in the industry. A significant move from Bad Bunny, who stands in the center of it all.
Puerto Rico loves Bad Bunny, and Bad Bunny loves Puerto Rico.
This evening, any lingering doubts of Bad Bunny losing his fan base rumors were proven wrong — at least on the island, where it matters most for Benito. Puerto Rico loves Bad Bunny, and Bad Bunny loves Puerto Rico. The crowd embraced him with the same fervor and passion as ever. “Nadie sabe lo que va a pasar mañana,” but one thing’s for sure in my book: this album will be retumbando out of every car speaker on the island in the foreseeable months.
