By Ashley Young-
Rapper Bad Bunny, known for his chart-topping albums and global hits, has been crowned the “King of Pop” by Forbes magazine in their latest 30 Under 30 issue, sparking some controversy.
Despite his undeniable success, the announcement has ignited a fierce debate, with fans and critics challenging the appropriateness of the title.
Bad Bunny’s influence in the music industry is undeniable, with No. 1 albums and collaborations with A-list artists such as Cardi B, Drake, and Jennifer Lopez. However, the Forbes proclamation stirred controversy on social media platforms, particularly Twitter, where users expressed varying opinions on the prestigious title.
While acknowledging Bad Bunny’s achievements, many users contested the appropriateness of labeling him the “King of Pop.” A significant portion of the criticism stemmed from the fact that the title has long been associated with the late Michael Jackson, an iconic figure in the music industry, before the late singer’s name was tarnished by sexual abuse claims.
Fans were quick to remind Forbes that Jackson’s legacy remains unparalleled.
One Twitter user wrote, “That’s a big reach! Your arms must be hurting. Stop this narrative. He is nowhere near iconic status.”
Another user questioned the basis for Bad Bunny’s claim to the “King of Pop” title, stating, “King of Pop with what talent, impact, and global reach? He’s not even a Pop artist.”
Critics also highlighted the global recognition factor, pointing out that Bad Bunny is not universally known in all countries. The sentiment was encapsulated by a user who emphasized, “That crown ain’t going anywhere (no matter how many times the press tries to force into whoever is the flavor of the month), buddy.”
One user, emphasizing the importance of respecting cultural distinctions, pointed out that Bad Bunny’s music belongs to the genre of Latino Urbano and should be acknowledged as such.
The user wrote, “In no way shape or form is Bad Bunny a ‘Pop Artist.’ You can literally Google his genre. It’s Latino Urbano, and his music should be acknowledged as such out of respect for our culture.”
Forbes pointed out that in three years, the rapper has amassed an astounding 35.9 billion Spotify streams, making him the second most streamed artist to date.
With more than 32 billion views on YouTube, his channel has surpassed the popularity of international musicians like Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, and Justin Bieber. He has won three Grammy Awards and eleven Latin Grammy Awards for his musical talent.
The Forbes declaration has raised questions about how success and influence in the music industry are measured and acknowledged.