New York, NY – The CUNY Graduate Center is set to host a unique intellectual and musical exploration titled “Deep Dive: Listening to Bad Bunny Jorell Meléndez-Badillo and Miguel Zenón in Conversation.” Scheduled for Wednesday, December 10, 2025, this event promises an insightful examination of Bad Bunny’s impact on contemporary music and culture, guided by the distinct perspectives of a renowned historian and a celebrated musician.
A Global Artist and His Cultural Resonance
Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has transcended the boundaries of the reggaeton and Latin trap genres to become a global cultural icon. His music, characterized by a unique blend of styles and deeply personal lyrics, resonates with millions worldwide. The Puerto Rican artist has consistently topped global streaming charts and made history by achieving the first all-Spanish language album to reach number one on the Billboard 200 with “YHLQMDLG”. His influence extends beyond music, as he has become a prominent advocate for social issues, challenging traditional norms around gender, sexuality, and Puerto Rican identity.
His latest album, “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS,” released earlier in 2025, has been hailed as a “love letter” to Puerto Rico, weaving in themes of nostalgia, activism, and cultural resilience. The accompanying visualizers for the album’s tracks have garnered significant attention, partly due to the historical context provided by scholar Jorell Meléndez-Badillo.
The Historian’s Deep Dive into Puerto Rican Identity
Jorell Meléndez-Badillo, an Associate Professor of Latin American and Caribbean History at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and author of the award-winning “Puerto Rico: A National History,” brings a scholarly lens to Bad Bunny’s work. Meléndez-Badillo recently collaborated with Bad Bunny on the visualizers for “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS,” contributing written texts that illuminate various facets of Puerto Rico’s rich history, from its origins to contemporary social and political issues. This collaboration stemmed from an Instagram message, marking a unique intersection between academia and mainstream music.
Meléndez-Badillo’s academic mission is to democratize knowledge, moving historical insights beyond traditional academic settings. His work with Bad Bunny aims to educate listeners, both within Puerto Rico and internationally, about the island’s complex past and present, highlighting the historical resonances embedded within the artist’s music. He views Bad Bunny as a significant turning point in contemporary culture, one that allows for a deeper understanding of Puerto Rican identity on a global stage.
The Musician’s Perspective on Latin Sounds
Joining Meléndez-Badillo is Miguel Zenón, a Grammy-winning saxophonist, composer, and former MacArthur Fellow renowned for his contributions to jazz. Zenón has carved a unique niche by masterfully blending intricate bop melodies and advanced jazz harmonies with the distinct rhythms and textures of his native Puerto Rico, effectively redefining the genre of Latin jazz. His extensive discography, including the Grammy-winning “El Arte Del Bolero Vol. 2,” showcases his profound engagement with Puerto Rican musical traditions.
Zenón’s expertise lies in his ability to interpret and reimagine Latin American musical heritage through a contemporary jazz framework. His approach often involves a deep dive into cultural rhythms, creating a sonic landscape that is both innovative and deeply rooted. His participation in this conversation suggests an exploration of how Bad Bunny’s music draws from and contributes to the broader spectrum of Latin music.
An Interdisciplinary Conversation
The “Deep Dive” event, presented by the H. Wiley Hitchcock Institute for Studies in American Music, is designed to offer audiences an opportunity to “listen — really listen — to artists who have shaped our musical imagination”. Meléndez-Badillo and Zenón will guide attendees through selected tracks, offering a multifaceted analysis that bridges historical scholarship and musical artistry. This interview-style discussion is expected to delve into the stylistic choices, thematic depth, and cultural significance of Bad Bunny, exploring how his music serves as a vehicle for cultural dialogue and social commentary.
The event, which is free and open to the public with reservations required, will be held in a hybrid format, accommodating both in-person and virtual attendees. It represents a significant opportunity to understand the complex layers of an artist who has not only dominated the music charts but has also become a powerful voice for cultural identity and social change.
This collaborative interview promises to illuminate the intricate relationship between popular music, history, and cultural expression, offering a fresh perspective on one of the most influential artists of our time.
