Reggaeton

Reggaeton is a Spanish language genre of Dancehall with distinct Hip hop and Pop Music influences, originating in Panama.
History

The first Reggae recordings in Latino America were made in Panama in the mid-1970s. A large number of Jamaican immigrants had been brought in during the building of the Panama Canal and they brought with them Reggae music to the local population.

In 1985, rapper Vico C from Puerto Rico produced the first Spanish-language Hip hop record. Thus the two main influences of the genre were in place, as well as the two main producing countries.

Reggae production took off seriously in Panama in the early nineties, about the same time Jamaican Ragga imports were becoming all the rage in Puerto Rico. It was common practice to translate an original jamaican reggae song (Same melody and rhythm, but with translated lyrics). Towards the middle of the decade Puerto Ricans were making their own riddim material, with clear pop influences, and recording what must be considered the first proper Reggaeton tracks.

Although Panama has always held its own production-wise, a more-widespread Reggaeton scene was created throughout Latino America when local Panamanian-style reggae became infused with distinct Puerto Rican influences a couple of years later. Today the music flourishes equally in both countries and has also spread to the rest of Latin America, including Colombia.
Distinguishing Features

The genre's most notably unique feature is a driving drum-machine track derived from early Jamaican Dancehall rhythms. Sometimes hip hop-styled vocals, an import from the U.S., are also used. Despite the genre's derivativeness, the fusion is often very creatively done, with some excellent producers and performers incorporating their own personal musical backgrounds into the crafting of songs. In any event, after over a century of forced connection to the U.S., Island Puerto Ricans have- in the end- preferred to tie themselves back into the Caribbean matrix to which they belong.

The lyrics, like most working-class popular music, are often about the reality on the streets, misunderstandings, unfair situations, love, cheating and passion. The most notable differences in Reggaeton from some Jamaican Dancehall records, besides the inclusion of definite Latino melodies and musical styles, is the exclusion of homophobia which allows Reggaeton a more acceptable access to a much wider age-bracket and social spectrum of Latino music lovers worldwide. A big factor holding reggaeton from being truly respected as an artform are the misogynistic, violent, and drug related lyrics as found in some U.S. hip hop music. This is an Indigenous Taino aspect- both men and women can be Cacikes (leaders) in the same musical arena- equal and with respect. Ivy Queen's establishment as an artist who highlights female strength has garnered the respect from Latino youth- both male and female- and has paved the way for many female Reggaeton artists.

These developments are definite signs which demonstrate the openness, positivity and party-atmosphere preference of Puerto Rican society. Reggaeton's creativity and break from the normal Reggae style is reflective of Puerto Rico's multi-ethnic flavor- afroindoeuropean. This creative fusion has allowed it to almost become a recognized Puerto Rican musical form.