Bad Bunny isn’t just breaking records; he’s breaking boundaries. Known for his defying sound and unapologetic authenticity, the Puerto Rican singer has risen to global fame not just by dominating the reggaeton and trap scene, but by reshaping it to send a message.
In a genre focused on party anthems, wealthy lifestyles, and sensual rhythms, Bad Bunny stands apart, using his platform to amplify the voices and issues his homeland is facing.
“LO QUE LE PASÓ A HAWAii” is a song from Bad Bunny’s fifth studio album, released on Jan. 5 called “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS”.
The song holds a direct complaint: “Quieren quitarme el río y también la playa”, referring to the exploitation of Puerto Rico’s natural resources, as corporate greed threatens to privatize the island’s beaches and displace local communities. This is due to Act 60, a law aimed at boosting Puerto Rico’s economy.
Under this Act passed in July 2019, eligible individuals can avoid taxes on long-term capital gains from investments made after establishing residency. The law allows foreign investors to reduce their income taxes to as little as 0 to 4 percent.
“This act has only deepened marginalization, displacement and socioeconomic inequality and has helped turn the island into a tax haven for the rich,” said Rep. Nydia Velázquez, D-N.Y in a letter sent to the IRS back in Nov. 2023.
Hawaii and Puerto Rico share similar histories of colonialism and cultural loss. Hawaii, once a sovereign kingdom, was overthrown and annexed by the United States in 1898, becoming a tourist state neglecting its native people and traditions. That same year, Puerto Rico was ceded to the U.S. after the Spanish-American War, and in 1952 it was legally proclaimed a U.S. commonwealth under President Harry Truman.
As tourism expands, locals are being priced out, raising concerns that Puerto Rico could follow Hawaii’s path, becoming a destination that prioritizes visitors over its own communities.
In an interview with Time magazine, Bad Bunny reflected on the disconnect between outsiders and Puerto Rico’s realities. “Politically and historically, they know nothing about Puerto Rico, nor are they interested in knowing,” he said. “They don’t even know that Puerto Ricans on the island don’t even vote for the president, but they do know that they can go to the island to legally evade taxes. That’s something that shocked me.”
“LO QUE LE PASÓ A HAWAii” stands as a powerful reminder that music can be a tool for resistance and reflection. By exposing Puerto Rico’s biggest challenges into his lyrics, he highlights the urgent need to protect the island’s land, culture, and people from exploitation and neglect.
His message is clear: Boricuas must stand united to prevent their homeland from becoming just another star in the American flag. By protesting, Bad Bunny isn’t just reshaping reggaeton, he’s giving Puerto Rico a voice on the world stage.
