Bad Bunny just took busking to a whole new level! The Puerto Rican rapper and singer surprised New York City subway riders on Monday, January 13, during an unforgettable segment on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon." The Grammy-winning artist, 30, joined Jimmy Fallon, 50, for an impromptu performance at the 50th Street subway station near Rockefeller Center.
"Hey guys, I'm in the 50th Street subway station right below Rockefeller Center with Bad Bunny," Fallon teased viewers as they prepared to entertain unsuspecting commuters. Disguised with wigs, sunglasses, and fake facial hair, the duo, accompanied by The Roots, brought their energy to the platform.
© Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty ImageThe surprise kicked off with Fallon singing the first verse of the Backstreet Boys' classic "I Want It That Way." Bad Bunny joined in for the chorus, both shaking tambourines, as onlookers began to gather. What started as a trickle of curious passersby quickly became a packed crowd, with subway riders singing along and capturing the moment on their phones.
By the end of the song, Fallon and Bad Bunny revealed their true identities. "Welcome to New York City, I'm Jimmy Fallon," the late-night host said, taking off his disguise. The crowd erupted into cheers as Bad Bunny flashed his signature smile. Fallon introduced the rapper, saying, "This is Bad Bunny, he's got a new record out. Let's do one more song."
© Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty ImageBad Bunny performed his new track "NUEVAYoL" from his recently released album "Debí Tirar Más Fotos." Fallon enthusiastically danced alongside him, shaking his tambourine as fans swayed to the beat of the reggaeton-inspired track.
"Gracia, gracia, gracia, Nueva York," Bad Bunny said, thanking the audience in colloquial Spanish. Fallon closes the performance by shouting, "Thank you, New York. That's Bad Bunny! Have a great day!"
© Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty ImageThe subway surprise marks another iconic moment for the artist, whose new album continues to dominate the charts.
All About Debí Tirar Más Fotos
The three-time GRAMMY and 11-time Latin GRAMMY award-winner started 2025 with a bold musical statement: a heartfelt return to his Puerto Rican roots. His sixth studio album, "DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS" (I Should Have Taken More Photos), showcases a deep dive into traditional Puerto Rican music. Available now on all streaming platforms, the 17-track production bridges the old and the new, combining música jíbara (Puerto Rican folk music), plena, and salsa with elements of house and reggaeton.
This album departs from Bad Bunny's reggaeton-heavy past, emphasizing live instrumentation, emotional storytelling, and cultural homage. "I've been dreaming about this album for years," Bad Bunny stated. "At the peak of my career and popularity, I want to show the world who I am, who BENITO ANTONIO is, and who PUERTO RICO is."
© Eric Rojas"DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS" is more than an album; it's a cultural celebration. Bad Bunny collaborated with a roster of Puerto Rican talent, including Chuwi, Dei V, and Omar Courtz, to celebrated groups such as Pleneros de la Cresta. Notably, he worked with young musicians from Puerto Rico's Escuela Libre de Música on tracks like "BAILE INoLVIDABLE" and "LA MuDANZA."
The album cover features a pair of white plastic chairs set against a backyard scene with a plantain tree. This is a quintessential image of Caribbean life. For many Latino fans, the cover evokes memories of family gatherings, which generally include making and eating pasteles and playing dominoes. This understated yet evocative image celebrates the simple, beautiful moments that define Puerto Rican culture.
© Bad BunnyAs if dropping an album that honors Puerto Rico wasn't enough, Bad Bunny will kick off a monumental concert residency in his homeland. The Puerto Rican reggaeton superstar has announced 21 exclusive shows at San Juan's iconic Coliseo de Puerto Rico, bringing his fans an unforgettable experience of music, culture, and community. The residency, dubbed "No Me Quiero Ir de Aquí," will support his highly anticipated new album "Debí Tirar Más Fotos," which was dropped on January 5, 2025.
© Bad BunnyBad Bunny has always made his native Puerto Rico a central part of his career. This residency is a love letter to his roots, offering an exclusive chance for locals to see him perform live in their hometown before the rest of the world. For the first nine concerts, Bad Bunny has made it clear that these shows are reserved for Puerto Rican residents, which is his way of giving back to the island that raised him.
