Reggaeton Genre in Music

By Sara Garcia

Reggaeton (also spelled reggaetón) is an urban musical genre that emerged in the 1990s, with roots in Puerto Rico, although influenced by styles from Panama, Jamaica, and the United States. 

Origin and Evolution:

* It derives from Spanish reggae (especially from Panama), mixed with hip hop, rap, dancehall, and Latin music.

* In the late 1990s and early 2000s, it gained momentum in Puerto Rico with its own identity, becoming known for its signature rhythm: dembow, a repetitive and catchy rhythmic pattern.

Characteristics of reggaeton:

Rhythm: dembow, with strong, repetitive percussion.

Lyrics: typically focus on partying, dancing, sensuality, love, heartbreak, and urban themes.

Language: street-style, direct, often with popular slang or Spanglish influences.

Production: use of synthesizers, digital beats, voice effects, and autotune