Throughout his career, Bad Bunny has shown significant evolution, both musically and physically. Now at 31 years old, he is the most-streamed Latin artist worldwide, with a career that has perhaps surpassed many of his predecessors. However, Benito (Bad Bunny’s real name) has changed a lot over time.
The first time we saw the Puerto Rican artist gain international recognition was likely with the release of «Mayores» alongside Becky G in 2017.
In this phase of Benito’s career, which alternated between reggaeton (he was undoubtedly one of the globalizers of the genre’s new era) and Latin trap, we saw an artist in his early 20s, very short hair and clean-shaven, whose deep voice was one of his most distinguishing features.
Becky G and Bad Bunny rehearse for the 2017 Latin American Music Awards at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood, CA on October 23, 2017. Alberto Rodriguez/Telemundo
In his early years, the themes in Bad Bunny’s music ranged from attraction, flirting, and lust… to reflections on heartbreak in songs like «Amorfoda» or «Soy Peor,» which quickly made him stand out globally for his talent in blending urban rhythms with both lighthearted and profound reflections.
Bad Bunny donates toys as part of Good Bunny Foundation event at Roberto Clemente Coliseum on December 23, 2018 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Gladys Vega/Getty Images
The Physical and Artistic Transformation of Bad Bunny
Bad Bunny didn’t take long to go international with his career after the release of X 100PREin 2018, where he consolidated himself as a global phenomenon. One of the key moments in his internationalization was his collaboration with Drakeon the song «Mia» in 2018.
Bad Bunny performs «Estamos Bien» at the Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon on September 26, 2018. Andrew Lipovsky/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images
By the time he released YHLQMLDin 2020, Benito had already become a global sensation. His lyrical evolution was evident, with smoother verses, and his physical transformation was noticeable as well: a more adult appearance, paired with extravagant and eye-catching outfits. Lots of color combinations and a wide versatility of styles.
Bad Bunny poses backstage at the 2020 Billboard Music Awards, broadcast on October 14, 2020 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, CA. Amy Sussman/BBMA2020/Getty Images for dcp
With Un Verano Sin Ti (2022), we got a closer look at the image that Bad Bunny seemed most comfortable with in his adulthood, letting his curly hair and beard grow out. The Puerto Rican artist combined a more open, extroverted, and vulnerable image in his love and heartbreak songs with a more reserved public projection, fully aware of the magnitude of his global success.
Bad Bunny attends the Los Angeles premiere of «Bullet Train» at the Regency Village theatre in Westwood, California, August 1, 2022. Michael Tran / AFP via Getty Images
In the following years (2022-2024), Benito would experiment with various hairstyles (including iconic Jamaican braids), along with a cowboy-inspired look, aligned with the Jersey cut style from Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va A Pasar Mañana (2024).
Bad Bunny performs during his Most Wanted Tour at Coliseo de Puerto Rico. Gladys Vega/Getty Images
In 2025, it seems that Bad Bunny is showing us his more natural and laid-back image again. Long, free-flowing hair, and a beard, rocking colorful outfits in line with his latest studio album DtFM(Debí Tirar Más Fotos), a tribute to his Puerto Rican culture.
Bad Bunny attends the Calvin Klein Fashion Show during New York Fashion Week: The Shows in Midtown on February 07, 2025 in New York City. TheStewartofNY/GC Images
In fact, we recently saw more of Bad Bunny than ever in the explosive and viral 2025 spring campaign for Calvin Klein, where he posed in underwear, showcasing his tattoos and physique. An adult Benito, solidified as an international star and nicknamed by social media as one of America’s sex symbols.
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