Multiple Billboard award winner for Social Artist of the Year, Top Latin Song, Top Rap Song (2019), & MTV Music Award for Best Song of the Summer (2018), Bad Bunny continues to put Latin Rap to the forefront of Pop Culture. He has come a long way from his first album, El Conejo Malo, to doing hits like ‘Mayores’ with fellow Latin artist Becky G. and ‘Mia’ with Top American Hip Hop Artist Drake.
Bad Bunny continues to shock us with his flashy and edgy street-ware but, little did we know, he had more tricks up his sleeve. From the content, to the outfits, the release of his music video ‘Yo Perreo Sola’ (She dances alone) shocked us all. Bad Bunny took it to the RuPaul Runway, posed in a full drag head to toe alter ego. The outfit, a dominatrix red leather dress, a silver chain choker necklace, and a jet-black wig.
Similar to his predecessors, Prince and Boy George, Bad Bunny stands against toxic masculinity and the Ritmo of what will sell in a mainstream music market. So why do we not only feel shocked but totally attracted to this Bad Bunny Diva?
In a time like this, where social rights and especially women’s rights are top of mind, it is about time we got a man to join in on Hot Girl Summer. We should also praise Bad Bunny for opposing the normality of rap culture, which usually disenfranchises women through sexual slurs or body shaming. This leaves women to compare themselves negatively to other women, through a male lens, that looks only for flaws.
Throughout the video, Bad Bunny endorses women in all shapes and sizes by showing a huge diversity of women. Vibrant neon lights cut in between scenes with signs like, “Ni Una Menos” (Not one ‘woman’ less) and “Las Mujeres Mandan” (Women are in control), in tribute to the Argentinian feminist movement and the larger Latin American women’s rights movement. Bad Bunny uses these neon lights, to promote the Latin woman activists in these movements, as an ally against the current machismo culture.
Specifically, the ‘Ni Una Menos’ movement calls for equality through representation. The activists protest for women business owners, artists, politicians, etc. to all be heard. That a woman’s mind, voice, and body should be respected just as much as their male counterpart. However, all movements need allies, and ‘Yo Perreo Sola’ demonstrates Bad Bunny support.
Bad Bunny will continue to be at the top of his fans feed, simply put, he just gets it; from the rhythm, to his message, we want to dance and support him. His creative and riské attitude attracts all crowds and continues to be a leverage for him as a Latino rapper. To reinforce his message, Bad Bunny closes the video in bold lettering with this quote, “If she doesn’t want to dance with you, respect that, she dances alone.”
May 9, 2020
“ We should also praise Bad Bunny for opposing the normality of rap culture, which usually disenfranchises women through sexual slurs or body shaming. This leaves women to compare themselves negatively to other women, through a male lens, that looks only for flaws.”
So fucking true and so fucking powerful. Thankyou for this beautiful, enlightening article.
May 9, 2020
I agree! Bad Bunny is always pushing the envelope and so confident in his skin. Great article, I’m going to check out the music video now!
May 9, 2020
Yes to all of this!! Its a profound message through music, art and a demonstration against hegemonic masculinity. There is no room for the male role defining a persons character, gender or sexuality. There is no room for the male dominant position. I love this write up about Bad Bunny. Thank you for brining it out and up!!