From Don Omar to Wisin: The Classics Sampled in Karol G’s ‘Latina Foreva’

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Every time Karol G drops new music, it’s a hit—and ‘Latina Foreva’ is no exception. The song has made a big impact, especially since it’s her first release following the pink era of Mañana Será Bonito. And if ‘Latina Foreva’ sounds a bit familiar, you’re not imagining it.

This track is a full-on tribute to early 2000s reggaeton, and ‘la Bichota’ leans into it by sampling three major hits from that era: ‘Dile’ by Don Omar, ‘Saoco’ by Wisin, and ‘Oye Mi Canto’ by N.O.R.E. With this, she’s clearly honoring the Latin sounds that helped open doors for a whole new generation of artists. After all, reggaeton in the early 2000s shook up the music industry and changed the game.

In ‘Latina Foreva,’ Karol G pays tribute to these classics not just through the lyrics—which celebrate the confidence and sensuality of Latina women—but also through the rhythm and production, which are a direct nod to that golden era of reggaeton. Here are the three songs she references in the track.

‘Dile’ by Don Omar

The first clear tribute in Latina Foreva is to “Dile” by Don Omar. The song opens with the same melody as this 2004 classic. Karol G has always been a big fan of the Puerto Rican icon, who was a major force in shaping reggaeton in the early 2000s.

‘Oye Mi Canto’ by N.O.R.E.

The next reference appears in the chorus, when Karol G sings: “Qué chimba, ta buena la fiesta con ellas, Mamacitas foreva, me quedo con mis nenas.” It mirrors the well-known hook from “Oye Mi Canto”: “Boricua (ha), morena (ha), dominicano (ha), colombiano (ha), Boricua (ha), morena (ha), cubano (ha), mexicano (ha).”

It’s no surprise she chose to highlight this track. Released in 2006, ‘Oye Mi Canto’ was one of the first major reggaeton collabs. It broght together stars like N.O.R.E., Nina Sky, Daddy Yankee, Gem Star, and Big Mato—a true turning point for Latin urban music.

‘Saoco’ by Wisin

Like Rosalía, Karol G grew up listening to Wisin’s ‘Saoco’, another 2004 classic. So it’s fitting that she would include a reference to it in her song, repeating the iconic line: “Todas queríamos saoco al piso, todas nos dimos saoco al piso.”

With ‘Latina Foreva,’ Karol G pays tribute to some of the most legendary reggaeton tracks of the 2000s. Not just as a nostalgic nod, but as a way to celebrate the roots and legacy of the genre that helped shape today’s Latin music scene.

Article in Spanish by Alberto Palao for LOS40 Spain.