reggaetón

Reggaetón is a music genre that originated in Puerto Rico in the late 1990s. It evolved from earlier Caribbean music genres like reggae, dancehall, and bomba. A key characteristic of reggaetón is its distinctive dembow rhythm, a syncopated beat derived from Jamaican dancehall music. The lyrical content often focuses on themes of love, relationships, dancing, and social commentary, though more explicit or party-oriented lyrics are also common.

Reggaetón's sound typically features a prominent bassline, synthesized melodies, and often incorporates samples from other genres. The vocal delivery can range from melodic singing to rhythmic rapping. While initially an underground genre, reggaetón gained significant international popularity in the early 2000s and has since become a dominant force in global music charts. Artists like Daddy Yankee, Don Omar, and Wisin & Yandel were pioneers in bringing the genre to a wider audience.

The genre's influence can be seen in contemporary pop music, with many mainstream artists incorporating reggaetón rhythms and styles into their songs. Despite its global success, reggaetón has also faced criticism regarding its lyrical content and perceived sexism by some. Nevertheless, it continues to be a vibrant and evolving musical movement with a strong cultural presence, particularly in Latin America and among Spanish-speaking communities worldwide.