Bad Bunny on stage during Super Bowl halftime show performing DtMFPhoto by Soly Moses on Pexels

Bad Bunny claimed the top spot on Billboard's Hot 100 chart this week with his song 'DtMF.' This marks his first No. 1 as a lead artist, coming more than a year after the track's debut. The achievement follows his high-profile Super Bowl halftime show appearance, which sent four of his songs into the top 10. The Puerto Rican singer, known for blending reggaeton and Latin trap, has built a massive following through consistent releases and live performances.

Background

Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, better known as Bad Bunny, grew up in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico. He started uploading songs to SoundCloud as a teen while working at a supermarket. His breakout came in 2016 with a feature on Becky G's 'Mayores.' From there, he dropped hit albums like X 100pre and YHLQMDLG, which topped Latin charts and crossed over to mainstream audiences.

Bad Bunny first entered the Hot 100 in early 2020. He has racked up multiple top 10 hits since then, often collaborating with artists like J Balvin, Cardi B, and Drake. Before 'DtMF,' his only No. 1 came as a featured artist on Cardi B's 'I Like It' in 2018. That track, from her Invasion of Privacy album, spent three weeks at No. 1 and introduced many U.S. listeners to his sound.

His music mixes Spanish lyrics with urban beats, appealing to Latinx fans and beyond. Streaming numbers exploded during the pandemic, with Bad Bunny dominating Spotify's global charts for months. He became the most-streamed artist worldwide in 2020 and 2022. Live shows sell out stadiums, from Madison Square Garden runs to festivals like Coachella, where he headlined in 2023.

The Super Bowl halftime show last weekend in New Orleans amplified his reach. Sharing the stage with Kendrick Lamar and others, Bad Bunny performed a medley of his hits to over 120 million viewers. This exposure pushed 'DtMF' streams and sales skyward, propelling it to the top.

Key Details

'DtMF' debuted on the Hot 100 in January 2025 at No. 45. It climbed steadily, fueled by radio play, digital sales, and over 50 million U.S. streams in its latest tracking week. Billboard calculates the chart using airplay, sales, and streaming data from Monday to Sunday. This week, 'DtMF' earned 120 million streams, 25,000 sales, and strong radio spins.

Four Bad Bunny tracks now sit in the top 10:

Top 10 Breakdown

  • No. 1: 'DtMF'
  • No. 3: 'Monaco' (another recent single)
  • No. 6: Super Bowl standout 'Titi Me Preguntó'
  • No. 9: 'Un x100to' with Grupo Frontera

This is the first time one artist has four top 10 hits since Taylor Swift in 2022. 'DtMF' samples classic reggaeton vibes, with lyrics about fleeting romance. Fans on social media buzzed post-Super Bowl, sharing clips that racked up millions of views.

"DtMF has been building for over a year, but the Super Bowl gave it the final push to No. 1. Bad Bunny's energy on stage connected with everyone watching." – Gary Trust, Billboard chart director

Bad Bunny released 'DtMF' as part of his 2025 album project, which has sold over 500,000 copies worldwide. He promoted it through TikTok challenges and club remixes. U.S. radio stations, especially in Miami and Los Angeles, added it to playlists early.

What This Means

This No. 1 solidifies Bad Bunny's shift from Latin specialist to pop heavyweight. He joins a short list of non-English language solo acts to top the Hot 100, following artists like Luis Fonsi and Despacito collaborators. Streaming data shows 40% of his U.S. audience now comes from non-Latinx listeners, up from 25% two years ago.

Record labels eye more Latin crossovers, with Bad Bunny's success proving Spanish tracks can dominate. His tour grossed $250 million last year, and this chart win could boost ticket sales for upcoming dates in Europe and Asia. Apple Music and Spotify plan themed playlists around his top 10 run.

Fan engagement remains high, with 'DtMF' inspiring dance trends online. Bad Bunny's influence extends to fashion—he wore custom Louis Vuitton during the Super Bowl—and wrestling, as a WWE fan and occasional performer. This milestone comes ahead of his next album drop expected this spring.

Industry watchers track how long 'DtMF' holds No. 1 amid competition from new releases by Beyoncé and new pop acts. Bad Bunny's team confirmed Grammy considerations for the track. His path reflects broader changes in music consumption, where global streams level the field for international stars.

Author

  • Vincent K

    Vincent Keller is a senior investigative reporter at The News Gallery, specializing in accountability journalism and in depth reporting. With a focus on facts, context, and clarity, his work aims to cut through noise and deliver stories that matter. Keller is known for his measured approach and commitment to responsible, evidence based reporting.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *