Bold, loud, and unapologetically Caribbean—this book dives deep into the beat that took over the world: reggaeton.

From Puerto Rican dance floors to global stages, reggaeton has reshaped music, culture, and identity across borders. Reggaeton is the definitive collection that unpacks this genre’s explosive rise and ongoing influence, offering a rich, critical look at its sound, aesthetics, and social context. Featuring insights from journalists, artists, and academics, this book captures the genre’s essence while examining the complex debates it sparks—around race, nation, gender, and sexuality.

Rooted in the underground scenes of 1990s Puerto Rico, reggaeton is a fusion of reggae, rap, dancehall, and Latin rhythm. The book traces its journey through Panama, Jamaica, New York, Cuba, Miami, and the Dominican Republic—showing how each location shaped its evolution. Readers will find in-depth essays, artist testimonies, and stunning visuals that highlight the genre’s local roots and international reach.

Among the standout features of the book is a powerful essay by reggaeton legend Tego Calderón, confronting racism in Latin America. There’s also a revealing interview with DJ/rapper El General, as well as a poetic introduction originally featured in Daddy Yankee’s debut album. Hip-hop artist Welmo Romero Joseph shares his views on the development of reggaeton and his early resistance to the genre. Visual artist Miguel Luciano presents his thought-provoking series Pure Plantainum, a meditation on identity in the bling-bling era, and videographer Kacho López provides a behind-the-scenes look into the making of Bling’d: Blood, Diamonds, and Hip-Hop.

Whether you're a music lover, a cultural scholar, or a reggaeton fan eager to explore the genre’s roots and impact, Reggaeton offers a captivating, thought-provoking journey into the music that transformed the sound of the Americas.

Año: 2009 | Páginas: 392

Duke University Press