It’s 2025, and Bad Bunny has finally checked off one of the most fan-requested appearances of his career — the NPR Tiny Desk concert. With his unmistakable charisma, genre-bending vision, and deep cultural roots, the Puerto Rican global icon delivered a stripped-down, heart-forward performance that brought his homeland straight to Washington, D.C.
Filmed back in February, this intimate set was more than just another career milestone. It was a celebration of heritage, rhythm, and raw musicality. With a full band of seasoned Boricua musicians — LoS SOBRiNOS — under the direction of percussionist Julito Gastón, Benito reshaped tracks from his chart-dominating album DeBí TiRAR MáS FOToS into acoustic gems. These live renditions allowed his vocals and songwriting to shine with fresh emotional gravity.
Draped behind him, two hand-sewn Puerto Rican flags by artist Milagros Rosado set the stage — symbols of independence, resilience, and identity. The flags carried both aesthetic and political weight, referencing the island’s independence movement with their distinctive light blue tones, a visual cue that fans of Bad Bunny will recognize from his past videos and public stances.
He opened with the nostalgic “PIToRRO DE COCO,” easing into the performance with visible nerves that quickly dissolved once the music took over. From there, he led the audience on a sonic journey through his homeland. “VOY A LLeVARTE PA PR” served as a love letter to Puerto Rico, with Benito sipping coffee between verses, saying, “This song is for those who’ve never been. Let me take you there.”
His humor remained intact too. Before “KLOuFRENS,” he joked, “I don’t know whose idea it was to give me this desk. It was mine, and I’m starting to regret it.” The moment was classic Benito — equal parts vulnerability and playfulness.
The performance also featured fan favorites like “LO QUE LE PASÓ A HAWAii,” the deeply personal “LA MuDANZA,” and a closing rendition of “DtMF” that wrapped the session in a soft, wistful glow.
Bad Bunny didn’t just perform; he translated the pulse of Puerto Rico for a global audience, reminding us why he remains one of the most vital voices in modern music. His NPR Tiny Desk wasn’t just worth the wait — it was a cultural moment, perfectly timed, beautifully executed, and deeply resonant.