Puerto Rico is culturally known for many things: the food, the people, the scenery, and many others that make this island stand out in the Caribbean. One of the most noticeable characteristics is the music. Since the africans and “taínos” met and shared their cultures, we have had three music categories that stand out: Bomba, Plena, Salsa, and now “Trap.” Over the years, there have been many music artists that have impacted our island and the world. The music makes us unique in every way, and it is part of our identity.
1. Cheo Feliciano
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Known primarily as a Salsa and “Bolero” music, Cheo has been one of the most fruitful artists of the twentieth century. Natural Ponceño, he has had many recognitions like the “Agueybaná” prize, the Latin New Award, and the Venezuelan Golden Cup. He was the owner of his own music record “Coche Records”
2. Marc Anthony
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Originally born in New York, he started out as a backup singer for acts such as the band Menudo and the Latin Rascals, but became a headliner when he pursued a more Spanish-based sound. He debuted his first record called “Rebel” in 1988. Later on, he was the opening act for Tito Puentes in Madison Square Garden. When he changed his music style from Freestyle to Salsa, he released his first Spanish record titled “Otra Nota” and it included one of his hits “Hasta que te conocí.” Since then, he has had nothing but hits. He is one of the most recognized Salsa/Puerto rican artists in history.
3. Olga Tañón
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Known as “La Mujer de Fuego” (Woman of Fire) – her debut album that rose her to the top- she has become one of the most famous merengue singers since 1990. She started out in groups such as “Las nenas de Ringo” and “Jossie y Chantelle”. Since she had ballet skills too, it made her stand out even more. In Puerto Rico, she is known as “La Reina del merengue boricua.” One of her hit songs “Eres mentiroso” showed her passion for the feminist movement. In 1996-1997 she had 13 consecutive concerts in “Centro de Bellas Artes en San Juan” and filled “El Estadio Roberto Clemente” three times.
4. Ivy Queen
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Born and raised in Añasco, Puerto Rico, Ivy Queen is a recognized rapper, singer, actress, record producer, and songwriter. Known as “La Diva”, “La Gata”, “La Caballota”, and “La Reina del Reggaeton”, “The Queen of Reggaeton.” At 18, she went to San Juan and met DJ Negro, where he introduced her to a group called “Noise.” In the group, she wrote her first song “Somos Rapperos Pero No Delincuentes” (We’re Rappers, Not Delincuents). When DJ Negro convinced her to go solo, she wrote her first album and sold over 100,000 copies. Ivy usually speaks in her songs about Puerto Rico and about the abuse that many women suffer.
5. Bad Bunny
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Twenty-four year old Trap artist, Bad Bunny has gained mass popularity over the past two years. He studied at the University of Puerto Rico, Arecibo Campus andworked as a bagger in a local Supermarket, all while making music and posting it to SoundCloud. It was not until his hit single “Diles” caught the attention of DJ Luian and he was signed to the record label, “Hear This Music”. Since then, he has earned multiple top-ten entries on the US Hot Latin Songs. This year, he collaborated with Cardi B and J Balvin releasing the song “I Like It”, which reached the Billboard Hot 100, making it his number one hit single. On January, there were rumors of a collaboration with rap artist Drake, and on October 11, 2018 they released their new song “MIA”.
Link to MIA (here)