curiosities about reggaeton

1. A genre initially censored

In the 1990s, reggaeton was considered "rebel music" in Puerto Rico. Its raw lyrics and urban style led authorities to censor and confiscate CDs and cassettes. But urban culture nevertheless found a way to emerge.

2. Reggaeton has its own "code" language

Expressions like "perreo," "bellaqueo," and "gata" are often found in the lyrics, which are part of Puerto Rican urban slang. This language creates a strong cultural connection with those who live it. For a time, in some schools in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, students were checked with metal detectors and punished if found with headphones or a reggaeton playlist. A true war on twerking!

3. Bad Bunny changed the rules of the game

With his unconventional, fluid, and politically conscious style, Bad Bunny revolutionized reggaeton, demonstrating that commercial music can also address feminism, the environmental crisis, and LGBTQ+ rights. Furthermore, not all his songs are about parties or relationships: some artists use reggaeton to address poverty, social inequality, and discrimination.

4. Universities that study reggaeton

Some sociology and musicology departments in the USA, Latin America, and Spain offer courses or theses dedicated to the history, social, and cultural impact of reggaeton.

5. "Gasolina" was the gateway to the world market

Daddy Yankee's 2004 song "Gasolina" is considered the song that opened reggaeton's doors to an international audience, even reaching the top of the European and American charts. Meanwhile, the music video for "Despacito" was the first YouTube video to surpass 1 billion views in just a few months. It set so many records that Google had to update its internal counter limits.