Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio a Grammy award winner popularly known as Bad Bunny has not only rooted himself in Puerto Rico, but also staged a 30nights show residency in San Juan, demonstrating his commitment to place over standard touring norms His new live residency in San Juan, Puerto Rico, a series of concerts pointedly titled “No Me Quiero Ir de Aqui” (I Don’t Want to Leave Here), sees the superstar playing an impressive 30 nights in the place that raised him, opting to stay home for the summer even with a new album to promote. This decision to remain grounded in his origins is complemented by a candid conversation with i-D for their 375th issue, where Benito addressed a myriad of questions from his readers, offering a rare glimpse into the man behind the global phenomenon.
During this revealing exchange, filmed in Puerto Rico, Bad Bunny delved into the personal stories etched onto his skin. He openly admitted that while some of his tattoos were acquired "just for the hell of it," many others carry deeply personal meanings that he doesn't feel the need to broadcast to the world. Intriguingly, he also spoke about the untouched spaces between his existing ink, describing them as canvases reserved for "future tattoos of future moments" he anticipates experiencing. This forward-thinking perspective suggests an artist who views his body as a living chronicle, continuously evolving with his life's journey.
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i-D - Bad Bunny
Reflecting on his journey since 2016, the period preceding his explosive rise to global fame, Bad Bunny acknowledged a natural progression marked by "more maturity, more experiences lived". Yet, he steadfastly asserted that his "essence as a person and even as an artist" has remained largely unchanged. He recounted a recent instance where he stumbled upon an old interview from 2016 online, expressing satisfaction that "that kid looks much more like who I am now than many of my interviews later in between 2016 and where I am now". This sentiment underscores a conscious effort to safeguard his original vision and his "north" in music, expressing happiness at being able to "rescue who I am and what my vision always was". This consistency in self, despite immense external pressures, resonates deeply with his decision to host a residency in Puerto Rico, reinforcing a narrative of unwavering authenticity.
Beyond his artistic and personal evolution, Bad Bunny offered charming insights into his daily life. His choice of fragrance for performances, for instance, is far from static; he stated it "really depends on the show, on the tour or whatever". He employs a rotation of perfumes, matching them to "different moments or seasons," ensuring that no single scent defines his stage presence. His recent media consumption has included first-time viewings of the classic comedy "The Mask" and the thought-provoking "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind." However, he charmingly misremembered the latter's full title. He is also currently engrossed in the "Spirited" series. When it comes to the most important meal of the day, his breakfast typically consists of "scrambled eggs with avocado," often accompanied by coffee, though more recently he’s been enjoying "scrambled eggs with pastrami.
Regarding his personal aspirations, Bad Bunny revealed a selective approach to sharing his dreams. He confides in a trusted inner circle, those with whom he will "work on those dreams" or who he knows will offer support. However, he prefers to keep his future goals private, particularly when it comes to public declarations, especially in front of cameras. He chooses instead to "work on them for myself" and fulfill them for his own satisfaction and for those who believe in him, rather than to impress others. This private yet driven philosophy highlights a deep-seated desire for self-fulfillment over external validation. As for when he last felt "super cool," Bad Bunny charmingly confessed it's "quite often," citing "just now this morning" and "right now" as examples, suggesting a consistent sense of confidence and contentment. Finally, addressing a fan's query about a murmured line in one of his songs, he admitted, "I don't even remember myself what I was saying," but playfully hinted that he might "perhaps someday open the session and just take out that line and show it to you". This intimate conversation painted a vivid portrait of an artist who, despite his global stature, remains remarkably grounded, self-aware, and profoundly connected to his roots and personal journey, beautifully complementing his heartfelt decision to return home for his latest musical endeavor.
