History of Reggaeton and the Expansion of Music Style : Essay

Reggaeton: The Sound That Broke Barriers

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................................................1
MAIN BODY...................................................................................................................................1
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................10
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................11

INTRODUCTION
Reggaeton is also known as regueton. It is a style of music which has arisen in Puerto
Rico in year 1990's. It is one of the most famous music genres in Caribbean in countries such as
Puerto Rico, Venezuela etc. After many years, Reggaeton more famous in Latin America and in
mainstream Western music (Hill, 2019). The following essay will outline the research on history
of Reggaeton and the expansion of music style. It will explain history on artists of Reggaeton. It
will further explain influence of the music style which was emerged from Panama, South
America. Reggaeton has become popular in different countries across the world. The music is
mainly influenced by Hip Hop, Caribbean music and Dancehall etc. The essay will also describe
the specific cultural origin and political base of Reggaeton. The music style was originated from
Panama in year 1970's. It will further explain the ways in which the style of music has become
popular in America and across the world. The search for Latin music has grown by 110% with an
average of ten songs out of fifty songs. Six out of top ten songs that are watched on YouTube are
from Latin artists. There are various artists that gain popularity due to Reggaeton such as Nando
Boom, EI General, Renato etc.
Further, Despacito has continuously dominated Spotify in such as way that no other song
ever has. Moreover, the remix version of Despacito has become true global smash that features
Justin Bieber. The song was seventh most streamed song on Spotify. The Essay will also outline
the expansion of Reggaeton and it's popularity at global level (Baldrich, Beric and Meyers,
2018). Moreover, the song has also received attention outside America from various nations. It
will also explain that approximately 95% of Reggaeton was exported by America to another
countries (Favoretto, 2016). In year 2017, Reggaeton has expanded in nations such as Europe,
mainly half part of North America and whole South America. At last, Essay will explain how
Anitta an artist in Brazil has started singing Reggaeton in Spanish. It will also outline translation
into gringos. The Essay helps to outline the way in which Latin American music has influenced
whole world of media. Anitta has approached to producers of gringo who are already working
with stars of Reggaeton. At this moment, Anitta is still singing songs in Portuguese, but after
analysed that to penetrate the market it is essential to sing in Spanish and English.
MAIN BODY
“Evolution of Reggaeton and how it is expanded drastically and the influence of Reggaeton”.
Chapter 1) Research and History on Reggaeton Artists and Music.
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As per the view of Bodenheimer (2017) the roots of Reggaeton are from Panama and the
music gets evolved and come to prominence in Puerto Rico. The origin of this music style was
begin with recording made during year 1970's in Latin American language. There are various
artsist that are considered as first ragamuffin DJ's from Panama like Black, Apache, Nando
Boom, EI General, Renato etc. During that time, it is common to translate the lyrics of
Reggaeton into Spanish language and sing the lyrics over original melodies. The father of
Reggaeton was EI General who blends Jamaican reggae into Latin version. DJ Playero is
considered as one of the most popular producers at that time. The basis of Reggaeton is based on
Puerto Rico with melding of Panama Spanish reggae and it has influenced from other musical
genres of Latin America. The name Reggaeton gain popularity in mid 1990's due to beat
characterizing with Dem Bow. The name was developed to reflect hybrid sound and differentiate
it from past Spanish reggae that was developed from years of mixing various genres. Today, this
music flourishes across Latin America.
Pacini Hernandez (2016) said that, the popularity of Reggaeton increased in United States
when DJ Blass has worked with other artists like Plan B and in other albums. Further, Reggaeton
has expanded and become well-known due to other producers like DJ Nelson and DJ Eric.
Albums like Las Gargolas 4 become popular in United States. In year 2004, the music style gain
popularity in America and also gain attention of other countries. The history of Reggaeton started
from Jamaica. The music was performed by popular artists such as Jimmy Cliff, Bob Marley etc.
In year 2004, Reggaeton has become popular in Europe and United States and music was already
popular among youths. In year 2006, King of Kings of Don Omar's was one of the highest
ranking Reggaeton LP on charts of United States. Wisin and Yandel's was third highest
Reggaeton album. It has ranked at first position in Latin Albums chart in year 2007. In year
2017, Despacito by Luis Fonsi reached a billion views only in three months.
As per the view of Heuser (2016) there are some genres that has gain political popularity
in Latin America are Latin Pop, Latin Rock and Reggaeton etc. Due to new economic boom,
strong influence of foreign countries and changing politics in the region, new generations of the
country has become more open-minded towards Reggaeton as compared to their ancestors. Due
to increase in political liberty of democratic nations, views of political parties towards music
genres are becoming more acceptable. In recent years, regions of America has made political and
economic progress. Due to the growth and increase in political stability the arts have been
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