A force of nature at just 30 years old, Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio of Vega Baja, Puerto, has struck a chord far beyond the beats with his latest album DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS. Bad Bunny doesn’t just make music, he creates cultural revolutions sparking highly charged conversations about identity, displacement, and cultural preservation.

Community members had the good fortune to experience this phenomenon for themselves at Taller Puertorriqueño (El Corazón del Barrio) on Wednesday evening of February 12, 2025. With a full house of 150 attendees who braved the snow and a growing waitlist, the event underscored the album’s deep resonance with Puerto Ricans and others balancing life between the U.S. and their homeland.  More than entertainment, Bad Bunny’s music serves as both a love letter and a battle cry for Puerto Rico and communities facing similar struggles.

A warm welcome: Food, flags, and fellowship

As guests arrived, they were greeted with an aromatic feast prepared by Chef Amy and her team from Amy’s Pastelillos in Fishtown. The flavorful arroz con gandules, layered with pernil, potato salad, and crispy plantain chips, was a highlight in itself. With stomachs and hearts full, attendees took their seats, waving Puerto Rican flags provided upon entry. The atmosphere was electric, spanning generations—from babies to senior citizens—all eager to experience the powerful storytelling of DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS.

Philly Boricuas: A perfect host for the evening

Philly Boricuas, a grassroots collective of volunteers who are passionately dedicated to advocating for Puerto Rican self-determination and decolonization, curated the event in collaboration with Taller Puertorriqueño, Amy’s Pastelillos, AfroTaino, and Gusto! (all Puerto Rican organizations in Philadelphia).

Philly Boricuas’ mission is deeply aligned with the themes of Bad Bunny’s album, which explores Puerto Rico’s changing landscape and the struggles of its people facing gentrification and displacement.

“There is a long history of our ancestors using music to preserve our language, culture, and history in Puerto Rico,” explained Vanessa Maria Graber of Philly Boricuas. “Cultural icons like Bad Bunny have also used their platforms for social justice. His newest album and film, DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, are part of that legacy. He shows us what Puerto Rico’s fate as a colony could be if we don’t take action, but also why our culture is so special and worth fighting for.”

A deeply engaging experience

The event unfolded as a guided journey through DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, with five members of Philly Boricuas—Vanessa Maria Graber, Charito Morales, Deborah Rodriguez, Justin Roig, and Adrián Rivera Reyes—leading the audience through each song’s meaning. The format was interactive: a presenter shared reflections on a track, followed by either a short film or the song itself. Attendees were encouraged to discuss their thoughts with their neighbors, sparking deep conversations and community-building by getting to know others by discussing deeply personal and meaningful topics people attending could fully understand.

Charito Morales kicked off the session with NuevaYol, a vibrant track capturing the experience of Puerto Ricans building communities in New York. “El Orgullo Patriótico de Borikén es una señal de amor y compromiso social hacia una nueva reconstrucción del Puerto Rico de ayer y forjar el Puerto Rico de hoy con orgullo y amor patrio,” Morales emphasized, highlighting the pride and commitment to Puerto Rico’s legacy.

Vanessa Maria Graber followed with Baile Inolvidable, preceeded by a historical reflection on Puerto Rico’s status dating back to World War II. Vanessa referenced the Ponce Massacre, where peaceful protesters were killed by police, and the economic shifts that led to Puerto Rico’s commonwealth status. Graber’s analysis left the audience deeply moved, especially when she quoted the song’s poignant lyrics: “En otra vida, en otro mundo, podrá ser,” as she shared how she wondered what her life would be like if her mother had stayed in Puerto Rico.

A nostalgic lament and a political awakening

Justin Roig introduced Turista, a song layered with sadness and longing for a Puerto Rico that is fading away. He provided historical context, touching on El Grito de Lares, Puerto Rico’s ties to Spain, and the creation of its first flag. The song’s melancholic tone transformed the energy in the room; where earlier tracks had inspired dancing and celebration, this one brought a solemn silence. The lyrics struck a deep chord: “En mi vida fuiste turista; tú solo viste lo mejor de mí y no lo que yo sufría.”

Then came Lo Que le Pasó a Hawaii, introduced by Adrián Rivera-Reyes. This politically charged track warns of Puerto Rico’s potential future by comparing it to Hawaii, where native people have been displaced and their land overrun by wealthy outsiders. The song’s lyrics paint a grim picture: “Quieren quitarme el río y también la playa; quieren el barrio mío y que abuelita se vaya.”

At this point, emotions ran high. Audience members Diana González, Adriana Cruz, Rafael Febo, and Joana Diaz each shared their personal experiences, expressing frustration over the gentrification that is pushing Puerto Ricans off their own island. Many attendees wiped away tears, hugging and comforting one another. The song had uncovered a collective pain that, while always present, is often pushed aside in the busyness of everyday life. Yet, in this space, the community was able to voice and process these emotions together.

The album’s title track: A call to appreciate and protect

The evening culminated with the title track, DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS. The song, infused with bomba and plena rhythms, starts slow before building into an emotional crescendo. While on the surface it appears to be about personal regret, its deeper meaning is a call to cherish Puerto Rico before it changes beyond recognition. The lyrics—“Otro tardecer bonito que veo en San Juan; disfrutando de todas esas cosas que extrañan los que se van”—served as a final reminder of the album’s overarching message.

According to Rivera-Reyes, “I’m glad that the album has resonated with so many people. The album has started a trend on social media, amplifying not only the message and history of Puerto Rican struggle, but also allowing others across the world to connect with it and our music.”

A cultural force to be reckoned with

By the end of the night, the impact of DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS was undeniable. The audience connected with each other through shared experiences, fueled by a longing to protect Puerto Rico’s sacred roots while confronting the realities of living between two worlds. The album doesn’t just entertain—it educates, inspires, and mobilizes. For Puerto Ricans, it’s a deeply personal experience, a reflection of their roots, struggles, and aspirations. For others, it’s an invitation to understand and stand in solidarity.

The Benito Effect is more than just admiration— it’s a movement. It’s a testament to the power of music as a vessel for history, resistance, and cultural pride. If one night in Philadelphia is any indication, Bad Bunny’s message is not just being heard— it’s being felt, lived, and carried forward by a community determined to honor and protect its identity.

Continued conversations and future events

Philly Boricuas: The History, Stories, and Contributions of Puerto Ricans in Philadelphia, featuring Dr. Victor Vázquez Hernández and Dr. Ariel Arnau, will take place virtually on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at 7 PM. Register at tinyurl.com/PBhistoryevent. Stay connected by following Philly Boricuas on social media or signing up for their email list at tinyurl.com/PhillyBoricuasSignUp.

The overwhelming success of this event, along with the growing interest in Puerto Rican culture following the release of DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, has sparked a new wave of community engagement. In response, Taller Puertorriqueño is launching a series of cultural events in the coming months. To learn more about Taller’s impactful work over the past 50 years, visit www.TallerPR.org.