Reggaeton is more than just a genre—it’s a movement. From its underground roots in Panama and Puerto Rico to its global takeover, reggaeton has shaped Latin music, fashion, and culture. Today, artists like Bad Bunny, Karol G, and J Balvin dominate the charts, but the story of reggaeton goes back decades. Let’s explore the history of this infectious, genre-bending music.

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The Early Roots: Panama and Dancehall Influence (1970s–1980s)

Reggaeton’s origins trace back to the 1970s and 1980s in Panama, where Caribbean immigrants, particularly those from Jamaica, brought reggae and dancehall to the country. Panamanian artists like El General and Nando Boom adapted reggae beats into Spanish, creating a style known as “reggae en español.”

Key Influences:
Jamaican Dancehall & Reggae – Artists like Shabba Ranks and Super Cat inspired the rhythmic patterns.
Hip-Hop & Rap – Early influences from American rap found their way into the music.

During this time, reggae en español was mostly localized, enjoyed within Panama’s Afro-Caribbean communities. But it wouldn’t stay confined for long.

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The Birth of Underground in Puerto Rico (1990s)

In the early 1990s, the sound traveled to Puerto Rico, where it took on a new identity. Borrowing heavily from dancehall and hip-hop, Puerto Rican DJs started remixing Panamanian reggae with Spanish rap over electronic beats. This raw, street-level music became known as “underground”, a precursor to modern reggaeton.

The Mixtape Era – DJs like DJ Playero, DJ Nelson, and DJ Blass produced mixtapes featuring artists such as Daddy Yankee, Don Chezina, and Baby Rasta & Gringo.

Dem Bow Riddim – The genre’s backbone was the Dem Bow riddim, a beat from Shabba Ranks’ 1990 song “Dem Bow.” Producers looped and modified it, making it the signature sound of reggaeton.

This era faced censorship due to its explicit lyrics and association with marginalized communities. Puerto Rican authorities even raided record stores to seize underground mixtapes! But instead of dying out, underground music thrived in the streets and clubs.

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The Rise of Reggaeton: 2000s Explosion

By the early 2000s, underground music evolved into reggaeton, a more polished and mainstream-friendly sound. Key albums and songs pushed the genre into the global spotlight:

“Cogeremos el Party” (1999) – DJ Nelson & DJ Blass
“Guatauba” (2000) – Plan B
“Latigazo” (2002) – Daddy Yankee

Then came the breakthrough moment:

“Gasolina” (2004) – Daddy Yankee
When “Gasolina” dropped, it changed everything. The infectious beat and catchy chorus made reggaeton a worldwide sensation. Daddy Yankee’s album Barrio Fino became the best-selling Latin album of the decade.

This era also saw the rise of other key figures:

• Don Omar (“Dale Don Dale,” “Reggaeton Latino”)
• Wisin & Yandel (“Rakata,” “Pam Pam”)
• Tego Calderón (“Pa’ Que Retozen”)

By the mid-2000s, reggaeton had firmly established itself in Latin America, the U.S., and beyond.

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Reggaeton’s Evolution: Latin Pop Fusion & Trap Influence (2010s–Present)

Reggaeton’s next chapter involved blending with other genres, including pop, EDM, and Latin trap. Artists like J Balvin, Maluma, and Ozuna softened reggaeton’s raw edges, making it even more radio-friendly.

Global Reggaeton Hits:
“Ginza” (2015) – J Balvin
“Felices los 4” (2017) – Maluma
“Dákiti” (2020) – Bad Bunny & Jhay Cortez

Reggaeton also fused with Latin trap, a movement led by Bad Bunny and Anuel AA. Songs like “Soy Peor” and “Ella Quiere Beber” introduced trap’s darker beats and lyrical storytelling to the genre.

One of the biggest moments? Luis Fonsi’s “Despacito” (2017) ft. Daddy Yankee. The song shattered records, becoming the most-viewed YouTube video of all time and proving reggaeton’s universal appeal.

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Reggaeton Today: A Global Phenomenon

Today, reggaeton is a dominant force in global music, influencing everything from fashion to dance culture. Artists like Karol G, Rauw Alejandro, and Feid continue pushing the genre forward, incorporating Afrobeats, EDM, and traditional Latin elements.

With billions of streams and stadium tours worldwide, reggaeton isn’t just a genre—it’s a cultural revolution that keeps evolving.

From the streets of Panama to the clubs of Puerto Rico and now the global stage, reggaeton has come a long way—and it’s here to stay.

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