Industry Weekly

[Soundscape]

Bad Bunny updates the sound of Latin hip-hop

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Bad Bunny performs at Drai’s after the Latin Grammy Awards.

Embassy Nightclub brought Bad Bunny to Las Vegas in May, just as the Puerto Rican rapper was about to break big. Since then, the artist born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio has emerged as one of the leaders of the hot Latin trap movement, collaborating with established stars and fast-rising names like Prince Royce, Timbaland, J. Balvin, Wisin and Karol G. Now, thanks to the Embassy-Drai’s connection—the off-Strip club co-programs the Reggaeton Room at Drai’s After Hours—the Bunny returns for a Latin Grammys afterparty performance at Drai’s Nightclub on the Cromwell rooftop.

Bad Bunny was one of the first performers announced for this year’s Latin Grammy Awards, set for November 16 at MGM Grand Garden Arena, and he’s also nominated for Best Urban Fusion Performance for “Si Tu Novio Te Deja Sola,” a slinky reggaeton track with Balvin.

His newest songs and guest appearances seem to hit even harder; but you can get a solid feel for Bad Bunny’s sound by listening to “Soy Peor,” on which he uses his striking baritone to come off like Bryson Tiller or Travis Scott en espanol. Earlier 2017 single “Diles” has already gone viral with more than 300 million YouTube views. Intricately shaved hairstyles, a flamboyant fashion sense and natural charisma have helped Bad Bunny become a true breakout artist, but it all stems from the music. Bad Bunny at Drai’s at the Cromwell, November 16.

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Brock Radke

Brock Radke is an award-winning writer and columnist who currently occupies the role of managing editor at Las Vegas Weekly ...

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