reggaetón
Puerto Rican dance music
Reggaetón is a Latin music genre that emerged in Puerto Rico in the 1990s, blending Caribbean rhythms with hip-hop and electronic dance music.
Its signature is the *dembow* beat—a syncopated, driving rhythm that makes the genre instantly recognizable.
Lyrics often focus on partying, romance, and sexuality: The club was playing reggaetón all night.
The genre achieved global popularity in the 2000s and has influenced mainstream pop worldwide.
American Caribbean territory
- CaribbeanTropical Atlantic region
- San JuanPuerto Rican capital city
- LatinxGender-neutral Hispanic identifier
- HispanicOf Spanish-speaking origin
barrio · calle · bling · swagger · urban · streetwear · underground · Spanish language
Rhythmic pulse or strike
- basslineLow-register musical foundation
- syncopationStressed unexpected beats
- grooveNarrow cut or routine
- tempoRate of musical performance
percussion · drumming · pulse · backbeat · loop · breakbeat · riddim · 808s
Reggaeton's founding hitmaker
Puerto Rico
American Caribbean territory
- CaribbeanTropical Atlantic region
- San JuanPuerto Rican capital city
- LatinxGender-neutral Hispanic identifier
Hispanic · barrio · calle · bling · swagger · urban · streetwear · underground · Spanish language · Spanglish
beat
Rhythmic pulse or strike
- basslineLow-register musical foundation
- syncopationStressed unexpected beats
- grooveNarrow cut or routine
tempo · percussion · drumming · pulse · backbeat · loop · breakbeat · riddim · 808s · snare
Daddy Yankee
Reggaeton's founding hitmaker
fiesta
Festive public celebration
- clubOrganization with membership
- discotecaDance hall with music
- nightlifeEvening entertainment culture
DJ · festival · concert · crowd · vibes · celebration · lights · bottle service · VIP · dancefloor
twerking
Dance emphasizing buttock movement
hip roll · clubbing · choreography · moves · routine · freestyle · sensual · provocative · partnered
reggaetónclassical music
Western orchestral tradition
opera · chamber music · Gregorian chant · folk music · ambient music
reggaetónclassical music
Western orchestral tradition
opera · symphony · art music · chamber music · baroque music
reggaetóngospel
Sacred choral tradition
hymns · sacred music · worship music · spirituals · children's music