Is there something more Puerto Rican than reggaeton? Probably, but we can’t deny the immortalization of this music in our culture and identity.. Its sound has evolved, while some songs are still about getting the girl, others are about resistance to social injustice like Residente, ILe & Bad Bunny’s collab in “Afilando Los Cuchillos” and “El Apagón” by Bad Bunny. However, though reggaeton has gone through some transformations, some artists like to maintain its roots alive. An example of this is Bad Bunny— while creating new sounds he simultaneously paid tribute to those who’ve come before him. For example in songs like “Después de la playa” he sings, “Ey, tu novio se cree Romeo. Y yo le vo’a hacer como Don, le vo’a hacer como Don, ¿qué, qué, qué?”. He made reference to “Ella y Yo” by Don Omar and Romeo Santos.
He is from the new-school era, but he grew up listening to old-school rappers like Tego Calderon, Hector El “Father”, Don Omar, and Ivy Queen. And I grew up listening to their songs thanks to family members, neighbors, or random people with their radios on full blast. I used to dislike reggaeton because of the negative stigma that surrounds it. But now, the “demonic” sound that some people used to complain about is not as bad as it seems. I mean yes, it does dip its toes on taboo topics, such as sex and drugs, but that’s not all it does. Reggaeton can be about having fun, finding love, admiring someone, feeling your best, being confident, or even losing someone.
If you clicked on this article, I’m pretty sure you know what kind of lyrics and vibes you’ll be looking into. So, obviously, listeners discretion is advised. Here’s your new Spotify playlist of old-school songs, for those reggaeton enthusiasts that are stuck listening to the most recent hits and want to take a trip down memory lane. Happy listening!
Your New Spotify Playlist:
- Los Dicipulos- Eddie Dee, Daddy Yankee
- La Vida Es Asi- Ivy Queen
- Guaya Guaya- Don Omar
- Quiero Bailar- Ivy Queen
- Pa’ Que Retozen- Tego Calderon
- Down- R.K.M & Ken-Y
- Dejale Caer To’ El Peso- Héctor “El Father”
- Sensacion Del Bloque- De La Ghetto
- Soy una Gargola- Alex Gargolas, Randy
- Pa’ Que La Pases Bien- Arcangel
- ¿Por Que Te Demoras?- Plan B
- Noche De Entierro- Daddy Yankee, Wisin & Yandel
- Mi Cama Huele a Ti- Tito El Bambino
- La Batidora- Yaga & Mackie, Don Omar
- Gata Gangster- Daddy Yankee, Don Omar
Bonus:
- Contacto- Hector “El Father”, Yaviah