Puerto Rican Rapper Villano Antillano Is Redefining What Power Sounds Like

Puerto Rican rapper Villano Antillano stands as a revolutionary force in Latin music, shattering barriers as one of the first mainstream transgender rappers to rise within a genre historically defined by machismo and exclusion. Born Villana Santiago Pimentel, she has not only defied the odds stacked against transgender artists in Puerto Rico—a place where violence against the trans community is alarmingly prevalent—but has also transformed reggaetón’s hyper-masculine culture into a platform for empowerment, identity, and radical visibility. Her journey is one of resilience and fearless artistry, marking a new chapter for queer representation in Latin urban music.

Puerto Rico’s reality for transgender people is fraught with danger. According to multiple human rights reports, the island has one of the highest rates of fatal violence against transgender individuals in the world. Against this backdrop, Villano Antillano’s transition and rise to prominence take on even greater significance. As she told Remezcla in 2021, “To be a trans woman and Puerto Rican in this industry is like walking through fire every day. The odds are stacked, but I am here to break those chains and rewrite the story.” Her visibility is not only a personal triumph but a beacon for a marginalized community that has historically been erased or sidelined within Latin music culture.

Before Villano Antillano broke through, the late Kevin Fret was the primary queer face in Latin urban music. Kevin, a Puerto Rican rapper known for his openness about his identity, was a trailblazer in his own right, shining a light on queer visibility in reggaetón before his tragic death in 2019. His passing left a void in representation that Villano has stepped into with power and purpose. Where Kevin opened doors, Villano is building a whole new room—one where transgender artists can not only exist but thrive. “Kevin paved the way for us all, and I honor his legacy every time I step to the mic,” she told Billboard. “Now, it’s about creating space so others don’t have to fight as hard as we did.”

Reggaetón, the genre Villano navigates, is famously macho—not just in its music, but in the culture it fosters. Lyrics often celebrate hyper-masculinity, women as objects, and a tough, unyielding swagger. Yet, despite these entrenched norms, women and queer artists have claimed and reshaped the genre from within, turning it into a site of resistance and redefinition. Villano Antillano is at the forefront of this movement. Her lyrical content boldly challenges heteronormativity and patriarchy, giving voice to experiences rarely heard on mainstream Latin music platforms. As she told NPR, “My music is a battle cry for those of us erased by society. I use reggaetón’s own rhythm to speak truths it’s tried to silence.”

Her career highlights are a testament to her growing influence. One of her breakthrough moments was performing on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series, a platform that has long been a benchmark for musical artistry and diversity. Her performance was widely praised for its raw energy and emotional depth, showcasing not only her lyrical skills but her ability to command an intimate space with authenticity and poise. That same spirit fueled her collaboration with Argentine producer Bizarrap, whose music sessions have become a global phenomenon. Villano’s “Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 51” is one of his most successful collaborations to date, catapulting her into international visibility and further proving that her art resonates across borders and cultures.

Villano Antillano’s rise is also about reclaiming narratives. In interviews, she has often spoken about how important it is to redefine what it means to be a trans woman in the Latin music industry. “We are not just symbols or stories; we are creators, fighters, artists,” she said to The FADER. “My music isn’t just for the queer community; it’s for everyone who believes in freedom and justice.” This vision of inclusivity and radical self-love challenges the genre’s conventions and offers a fresh, vital perspective in a space that too often sidelines women and LGBTQ+ voices.

Today, Villano Antillano resides in Spain, continuing to expand her sound and influence within the European and global Latin music scenes. Her relocation signals not just a physical move but an artistic evolution, one that fans and critics alike eagerly anticipate. As she told Rolling Stone, “Being in Spain opens new doors for me—to collaborate, to learn, to grow. I’m excited for what’s next because this is just the beginning.” Her journey from Puerto Rico’s dangerous streets to international stages is emblematic of a broader cultural shift: a growing acceptance and celebration of queer identities in Latin music and beyond.

Villano Antillano’s story is one of courage, resilience, and groundbreaking artistry. In a genre and culture built on traditional masculinity, she stands as a fierce, unapologetic voice for trans visibility and empowerment. From honoring the legacy of Kevin Fret to making waves with Bizarrap, her impact is undeniable and only growing. As she continues to break down barriers, her music offers both a challenge and an invitation—to rethink, to embrace diversity, and to celebrate all the faces of Latinidad. The world is watching, and Villano Antillano is leading the way.