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What is reggaeton? It’s one of the most popular music genres today, known for its catchy beats and lyrics that encourage people to have a good time. It has become a favorite for millions worldwide and has seen significant growth, often considered the dominant genre in Latin music. But how does it stand out from other Latin American rhythms?

Reggaeton, this genre that has swept the globe, sets itself apart through its distinct rhythms, lyrics, and origins. While sharing roots with other Latin genres, reggaeton has unique qualities that make it distinctive.

Origins

Reggaeton originated in Puerto Rico during the 1990s, blending elements of reggae and hip hop music. Its defining feature is its distinctive rhythm, known as dembow, which repeats throughout the song, making reggaeton highly danceable and catchy. According to DJ Playero, Daddy Yankee was the one who first popularized the term.

“Daddy Yankee mentioned ‘reggaeton’ in Playero 36, if I remember correctly, in one of his songs, marking its initial use. The genre gained prominence around the year 2000, with DJs like DJ Blass releasing hits such as ‘Reggaeton Sex’, leading to its widespread recognition,” he explained in an interview with Red Bull.

Lyrics

Another distinguishing feature of reggaeton is its lyrics, which often explore themes of street life, love, and desire. While these topics are also common in other Latin genres, reggaeton tends to address them in a more direct and explicit way. This has sparked criticism over the years, as some feel its explicit content reinforces gender stereotypes.

In contrast, genres like salsa, merengue, and bachata touch on similar themes but typically present them with a more romantic and poetic approach. Additionally, these genres place a strong emphasis on musical instruments, featuring complex percussion and string arrangements.

In this case, salsa, for instance, originated in Cuba and is known for its intricate rhythms and focus on percussion instruments. Merengue, from the Dominican Republic, stands out with its lively beat and the prominent use of the accordion. Bachata, also from the Dominican Republic, is famous for its heartfelt melodies and emphasis on the guitar.

Additionally, as mentioned earlier, reggaeton is notable for its global impact. While other Latin genres have gained international popularity, reggaeton has achieved unprecedented success worldwide, with artists like Daddy Yankee, Don Omar, and J Balvin reaching global stardom. This success continues with new generations of artists such as Rauw Alejandro, Bad Gyal, Álvaro Díaz, Tiago PZK, and others.

Three Major Contrasts

Thus, the primary features that differentiate reggaeton from other Latin genres are:

• Its rhythms
• Its lyrics
• Its global impact

In summary, although reggaeton shares similarities with other Latin genres, it stands out due to its distinctive rhythms, straightforward lyrics, and substantial global influence. Despite criticism, reggaeton has made a lasting impact on the Latin music scene, continuing to evolve and influence other genres.

Original article in Spanish for LOS40 Spain.