Petra Rivera-Rideau

Vanessa Diaz, college professor and scholar of Puerto Rican culture and politics. Petra Rivera-Rideau, college professor and Bad Bunny scholar of Puerto Rican music and culture. They discuss Bad Bunny as a symbol of Puerto Rican resistance. They debate his Super Bowl performance, political choices like speaking English, cultural impact, backlash, and how music teaches Puerto Rico’s relationship with the U.S.

Petra Rivera-Rideau, an Associate Professor of American Studies at Wellesley College and author of Remixing Reggaeton, discusses the powerful impact of Bad Bunny in Puerto Rico. She highlights how his music connects young Puerto Ricans to their heritage while addressing critical social issues. The conversation delves into the role of music as a cultural bridge, the longing for identity among the diaspora, and how Bad Bunny champions social justice. His contributions are shaping conversations around resilience, tourism, and the political landscape on the island.

Vanessa Díaz, associate professor and co-founder of the Bad Bunny Syllabus; Petra Rivera-Rideau, American Studies chair and co-founder of the Bad Bunny Syllabus. They explore Bad Bunny's blending of reggaeton with Afro-Puerto Rican rhythms, his role in Puerto Rican protest and Hurricane Maria resilience, his Grammy win and Super Bowl platform, and his outspoken stances on immigration and LGBTQ+ solidarity.