Bad Bunny, good gospel: The lessons I’m learning from this Puerto Rican rapper

Bad Bunny’s latest album speaks of his proud Puerto Rican heritage. For pastor Johnny Rivera, it was a reminder that his allegiance is to Christ, and he will always be proud to live under God’s banner

Bad Bunny’s latest album, Debí Tirar Más Fotos, recently climbed to number one in the US Billboard 200 album chart and resonated deeply with listeners worldwide, transcending cultural and linguistic barriers along themes of resistance and defiance.

Before this album’s release, I had never really listened to Bad Bunny. I knew of him, of course—his music is everywhere - but I also knew that much of his content could be seen as ‘worldly’ and, as a pastor, I was wary. But something about Debí Tirar Más Fotos was different.

To be clear, the album contains songs that I would never endorse as a Christian. But it also did something I would never have imagined. It made me think about my faith, my identity and my culture - what it means to be part of something bigger than oneself.