Bad Bunny Wild and Free

The Beginning

Growing up, my home life was a mixture of joy, challenges, and perseverance. I come from a humble background, born and raised in the town of Vega Baja, Puerto Rico. My parents, along with my two younger brothers, formed our close-knit family.
In my household, music played a central role and was an essential part of our daily lives. There was always a vibrant energy—whether it was merengue, salsa, or reggaeton—that filled our home. The rhythmic beats and infectious melodies became ingrained in me from an early age, igniting my passion for music and ultimately shaping my career.
However, despite the vibrant atmosphere, financial struggles were a constant presence within our household. We faced economic challenges that forced all of us to work hard to make ends meet. I witnessed my parents' determination as they worked tirelessly to provide for us. They instilled in me a strong work ethic and the importance of persistence.
Growing up in a neighborhood with its own set of obstacles presented to me. Living in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico was a significant part of my upbringing and has had a profound influence on my life and music. Vega Baja is a vibrant town known for its beautiful beaches, rich cultural heritage, and close-knit community.
One of the most memorable aspects of living in Vega Baja was the strong sense of community. The people of Vega Baja are warm, supportive, and always ready to lend a helping hand. Growing up, I witnessed the power of unity within our neighborhood. Whether it was celebrating local festivals or coming together in times of need, there was a deep sense of camaraderie that made me feel connected to my roots.
The natural beauty of Vega Baja also left a lasting impact on me. With its stunning coastlines, golden sand beaches, and crystal clear waters, the town offered a serene escape from the daily hustle. These surroundings became a source of inspiration for my music, as I found solace and creativity in the peacefulness of my hometown.
Living in Vega Baja also helped me become more aware of what I wanted to do with my life. My parents have been an integral part of my life, shaping me into the person I am today. They have been pillars of support, love, and inspiration throughout my journey.
My mother, Lysaurie, has played a crucial role in my upbringing. She has been my rock, constantly cheering me on and encouraging me to pursue my dreams. Her unwavering belief in my talent and determination has been a driving force behind my success. As a strong and independent woman, she taught me the values of hard work, resilience, and staying true to oneself. Her sacrifices and dedication have inspired me to always strive for greatness.
My father, Benito Martinez, Sr., has also been an influential figure in my life. He instilled in me a strong work ethic and taught me to value honesty and integrity. His guidance and mentorship have been invaluable, shaping my character and contributing to my growth as an artist and as a person.
Both of my parents come from modest backgrounds, and their humble upbringing taught me the importance of being a hard working woman and man in Puerto Rico. Becoming flamboyant and embracing my free-spirited nature has been an integral part of my artistic expression and personal journey. It's a reflection of my authenticity and the freedom to be true to myself.
As an artist, I believe in breaking stereotypes and challenging societal norms. I strive to express myself in a way that resonates with who I am at the core, without fear of judgment or criticism. Flamboyance, for me, represents the colorful and vibrant nature of my music, fashion, and overall artistic vision.
Growing up, I always had a sense of individuality and a desire to stand out. I never wanted to conform to conventional expectations or be restricted by limitations. I found solace in embracing my unique style and exploring different forms of self-expression.
Being flamboyant allows me to celebrate my identity and showcase my creativity. It gives me the freedom to experiment with fashion, from bold colors to unconventional outfits. It allows me to embrace my Puerto Rican heritage which let me be freely expressed myself. When it comes to vacations and being at home, I truly embrace the idea of being fully bare and fully free. For me, these moments represent a well-deserved break from the demands of the industry and a chance to recharge and connect with myself.
Being fully bare, both physically and emotionally, means stripping away all pretenses and letting go of any inhibitions. It's about embracing a state of vulnerability and allowing myself to be completely open and authentic. Whether I'm on a beach, in the mountains, or simply at home, I find solace in shedding any external expectations and embracing my true self.
Vacations offer me the opportunity to escape the pressures of my career and immerse myself in relaxation and self-reflection. When I'm away from the hustle and bustle, I can fully unwind and enjoy the freedom of being in the moment. Whether it's feeling the sand between my toes or basking in the warmth of the sun, I take pleasure in connecting with nature and embracing the beauty of the water and the beauty of the sea. My journey into music began at a young age, as it often does for many artists. Growing up in Puerto Rico, a place rich in musical traditions, I was exposed to various genres and styles from an early age.
As a child, I found solace and joy in music. It became an outlet for my emotions and a means of self-expression. The rhythms and melodies captivated me, and I was drawn to the power of lyrics to tell stories and convey messages.
In my teenage years, I started exploring music more seriously. I began writing my own songs and experimenting with different sounds. It was during this time that I realized the impact and influence music could have on people's lives. I saw how it could transcend language and cultural barriers, touching hearts and minds across the globe.
In 2016, I took a leap of faith and uploaded some of my early tracks to SoundCloud. The response was overwhelming, and it gave me the motivation to pursue music as a career. I continued to hone my skills, refining my sound and setting up my own sound system. When I think back to my high school years, it brings a smile to my face. Like many teenagers, those years were a time of self-discovery, growth, and navigating the ups and downs of adolescence.
Music played a significant role in my life even then. I was always drawn to it, finding solace in its melodies and lyrics. During those years, I immersed myself in various genres, exploring different sounds and styles, developing my taste and expanding my musical horizons. I would spend hours listening to my favorite artists, finding inspiration in their work.
As a student, I was filled with curiosity and an eagerness to learn. While academics were important to me, I must admit that my mind often wandered to melodies and lyrics during class. would find myself daydreaming about music, occasionally even jotting down lyrics or ideas in my notebooks. It was clear to me that music was my true passion.
Outside of the classroom, I enjoyed spending time with friends, indulging in hobbies, and participated in different activities that kept me engaged throughout my life. The story of how I got discovered is one that I am truly grateful for. It was a combination of passion, hard work, and a little bit of fate.
In the early stages of my music career, I began sharing my songs on the social media platform SoundCloud. I utilized this platform to showcase my unique sound and style to the world. I poured my heart and soul into my music, and I think that resonated with listeners.
At the same time, I took advantage of the power of social media to connect with a wider audience. I shared snippets of my songs on platforms like Instagram and Twitter, allowing people to get a glimpse into my musical journey. These small clips caught the attention of listeners, and word began to spread.
One of the turning points in my came when DJ Lu, a renowned producer the Latin urban music, discovered one of tracks on SoundCloud. recognized something special and unique in my sound, and together with Mambo Kingz, he reached out to me.
This encounter led to an opportunity to collaborate with him on a new song. When the music industry took notice of my unique sound and style, several record labels expressed interest in signing me. However, there was one label in particular that stood out to me and aligned with my artistic vision and values.
It was Rimas Entertainment, an independent record label founded by DJ Luian and Mambo Kingz. Rimas Entertainment has been a hub for urban Latin music, and their commitment to authenticity and artist development resonated with me on a deep level.
What drew me to Rimas Entertainment was their genuine passion for music and their dedication to supporting artists in expressing their true selves. Instead of conforming to mainstream expectations, they encouraged artistic freedom, allowing me to explore my individuality and unique sound.
Rimas Entertainment understood the importance of authenticity, and they saw the potential in my music and saw me as more than just another artist. They recognized my passion, my desire to make a difference, and my drive to challenge myself with different sounds. Making my first debut album was a truly transformative and exhilarating experience. It was a reflection of my unique journey as an artist, and the process was filled with creativity, dedication, and self-discovery.
To begin with, I wanted my debut album to portray my authentic self and showcase the diverse range of musical influences that have shaped me as an artist. I collaborated with producers, songwriters, and fellow artists who shared my vision, ensuring that every track represented a piece of my artistic identity.
We embarked on a creative journey, exploring different genres, sounds, and lyrical themes. The process involved countless hours of writing, recording, and experimenting in the studio. It was important for me to push boundaries and challenge conventional norms within the music industry.
During the creation of my debut album, I poured my emotions, experiences, and convictions into the songs. The lyrics reflected my personal stories, struggles, celebrations, and the socially normality of myself and how I express myself. Choosing a name for my first debut album was a significant decision for me. I wanted a title that captured the essence of my music, conveyed a message, and represented my artistic identity. It was a process that required careful thought and consideration.
I explored different ideas, searching for a name that resonated with the themes and emotions present in the album. I wanted something that would evoke intrigue and curiosity, drawing listeners in and inviting them to dive into the music.
Ultimately, I decided to title my first debut album "X100PRE." This name holds deep meaning for me as it represents a powerful message of authenticity and perseverance. "X100PRE" is an abbreviation of the Spanish phrase "Por siempre" (which means "Forever" in English), symbolizing my commitment to staying true to myself and my music.
The name also conveys a sense of longevity and dedication. It signifies that my music is here to stay, that I'm in it for the long run, and that I'm determined to leave a mark on the world. The success of my first debut album, "X100PRE," was truly humbling and beyond my wildest expectations. Its popularity and impact can be attributed to several key factors that came together in a perfect storm.
First and foremost, the success of "X100PRE" can be attributed to the support and loyalty of my incredible fan base. They embraced my music, connected with the lyrics, and resonated with the authenticity and honesty of the album. Their passion and dedication played a crucial role in spreading the word and creating a buzz around the project.
Additionally, the album's unique sound and innovative approach to Latin music helped it stand out from the crowd. By blending various genres such as reggaeton, trap, and hip-hop with traditional Latin influences, "X100PRE" offered a fresh and dynamic sound that appealed to a wide range of listeners. It caught the attention of not only Latin music enthusiasts but also fans of different genres worldwide.
Collaborations with other talented artists have been the reason it was so successful.