In The Community
It’s practically undeniable that Reggaeton has now become synonymous with Latin urban culture. Rooted in Caribbean and Latin American rhythms, Reggaeton has transformed the global music scene in the last decade or so. Yet its history goes way back and is one of cultural amalgamation and erasure, particularly of Afro-Latino artists who played a crucial role in its birth and evolution.
Reggaeton traces its roots back to the 1970s in Panama, where Afro-Panamanian musicians began experimenting with reggae en Español – a Spanish language version of Jamaican reggae. This was largely influenced by the Jamaican workers who migrated to Panama for the construction of the Panama Canal and brought their music with them.
Panamanian artist La Atrevida, also known as Rude Girl, rose to prominence in the early 1990s by introducing Spanish-language reggae, with many of her lyrics addressing issues within the Afro-Caribbean community.
The genre's evolution continued in Puerto Rico in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Here, reggae en Español fused with American hip hop and native Latin American music styles, creating a unique sound that would later be termed "reggaeton." Key to this evolution was the "dembow" rhythm, derived from Jamaican dancehall music.
But despite reggaeton's deep-rooted connection to Afro-Latino culture, there has been a consistent marginalization and erasure of Afro-Latino voices from the genre's mainstream narrative. In the early years of reggaeton, Afro-Latino artists, including El General, Vico C, and Tego Calderón, were instrumental in shaping the genre.
And even though Ivy Queen is often hailed as the "Queen of Reggaeton," she's just one component of a broader, vibrant landscape of numerous Afro-Latina pioneers. Women like Lisa M, La Sista, La Atrevida, and Glory have all significantly contributed to shaping the genre we enjoy today, yet their stories are often overlooked.
As reggaeton moved into the international limelight, it began to align itself more closely with a lighter-skinned image, frequently sidelining Afro-Latino artists. This erasure isn't just about recognition; it's about the appropriation and whitewashing of a genre. As reggaeton evolved and gained commercial success, it often shed its black roots in favor of a more marketable image. This shift has repercussions beyond just music—it's part of a broader pattern of anti-Blackness in the Latin music industry and the world at large.
One clear example of that is how J Balvin, a white Colombian reggaeton artist, was awarded Afro-Latino Artist of the Year in 2020 by African Entertainment Awards USA. As Dr. Petra Rivera-Rideau, author of “Remixing Reggaeton: The Cultural Politics of Race in Puerto Rico,” put it in a Rolling Stones article, “The Latin music industry borrows heavily from Afro-Latino cultural practices, but privileges and prioritizes white Latino artists to perform them. And that’s a historical pattern we’ve had.”
Even as the genre becomes more inclusive, with more and more women gaining recognition, Afro-Latina artists still struggle for the same visibility. This issue is not limited to reggaeton; it's a reflection of broader patterns of colorism, racism, and sexism prevalent within the music industry and society at large.
Time and time again, we have witnessed a pattern where white-presenting artists catapult to fame seemingly overnight, engaging in the same pursuits that their darker-skinned peers have been dedicated to for years. The latest example of that is Young Miko’s rise to fame, an openly queer white Puerto Rican rapper who has achieved more in 3 years than most Afro-Latina artists in the space. While Latino artists who manage to find success are a big win for Latino representation in the music industry, the obstacles Afro-Latino artists face are still an issue.
It’s still unsurprising that contemporary Afro-Latina artists like Goyo from ChocQuibTown, who not only possesses remarkable musical talent but is also a vocal advocate for the Afro-Latino community, encounter obstacles in attaining equal levels of fame and recognition compared to their white-presenting counterparts in Reggaeton, such as Natti Natasha, Anitta, Young Miko, and Rosalía. This discrepancy extends to male artists, such as Sech and Ozuna, who find themselves facing similar challenges when measured against the success of Bad Bunny.
The sexual objectification of women in reggaeton further aggravates this erasure. Music videos often depict women, particularly Afro-Latina women, as sexual objects rather than as artists or contributors to the genre. A glaring example of this is J Balvin's downright racist and sexist "Perra" video. This narrative reduces Afro-Latina women to highly sexualized, one-dimensional figures, overshadowing their talent and contributions.
Despite the challenges and hurdles, Afro-Latino urban artists continue to take up space in the industry and strive for success while championing their roots. Rising stars like Colombian Afro-Latina rapper Mabiland, who opened for Coldplay in Bogota in 2022, La Dame Blanche, Cuban rapper and flutist, and J Noa, a Dominican teen rapper who was nominated for best rap/hip-hop song at the 2023 Latin Grammys have promising careers ahead of them.
Reggaeton's popularity continues to soar on the global stage, showing just how much the world loves Latin urban music. Still, we're not telling the full story. We're overlooking the roots of the genre and the Afro-Latino artists who helped bring it to life. Isn't it time we spotlight the rich blend of influences that created reggaeton, from its start in Afro-Caribbean rhythms to its rise across Latin America? Let’s give credit where it's due to those who have added their unique experiences and personalities to its vibrant history.
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Urban music encompasses a wide range of music genres that originate from vibrant and diverse communities. These musical styles often serve as a creative outlet and mirror the challenges, successes, and ordinary lives of the individuals residing in these areas. From Latin America to the Caribbean, urban music genres have evolved over time and continue to evolve so quickly it's hard to keep up. And no, it’s not all just “reggaeton.”
Where music originated from is just as important as who's currently creating it.
Reggaeton
Emerging from the vibrant musical scene of Puerto Rico in the late 1990s, reggaeton swiftly captured the attention of music enthusiasts by blending reggae, hip hop, and Latin American rhythms into a compelling fusion. At the heart of this genre lies the infectious dembow riddim, a rhythmic structure inspired by Jamaican dancehall music, accompanied by dynamic Spanish rap and melodic vocals. With each passing year, reggaeton has experienced an unprecedented surge in popularity, solidifying its position as one of the most impactful Latin urban genres on a global scale.
Reppin’ Reggaeton:Ivy Queen, hailed as the "La Reina del Reggaeton," is a trailblazer in this genre. With her powerful voice and empowering lyrics, she challenged the genre's traditional machismo, paving the way for many other female artists.
Dembow
Hailing originally from Jamaica, dembow found significant resonance in the Dominican Republic, where it garnered immense popularity. This urban music genre draws its foundations from the realms of dancehall and reggae, known for its distinctive repetitive, looped beats and energetic rhythm. Lyrically, dembow serves as a conduit for expressing the realities and challenges faced within urban neighborhoods, offering a powerful voice to these communities.
Reppin’ Dembow: Tokischa is currently one of the most prominent female figures in Dembow. Known for her energetic performances and often controversial lyrics, she represents a strong feminine presence in a predominantly male genre
Turreo
Originating from the depths of the Argentine underground music scene, Turreo, also recognized as Cumbia 420, emerges as a captivating sub-genre of Cumbia Villera. This genre skillfully intertwines the essence of traditional cumbia with electronic music and reggaeton influences. Its lyrical themes frequently revolve around vibrant party culture, sexuality, and the realities of life in urban slums, known as villas. With its signature synthesized beats and occasionally explicit lyrics, Turreo has established itself as a controversial yet undeniably captivating force within the realm of urban music.
Reppin’ Turreo: Cazzu is an Argentine singer, rapper, and songwriter known for her influential presence in turreo and trap. Her music often explores themes of love, heartbreak, and female empowerment, and her charismatic approach has helped her gain a devoted fan base and establish herself as one of the leading figures.
Neo Perreo
NeoPerreo, alternatively referred to as Latin dancehall or perreo 2.0, arises as a sub-genre within the diverse landscape of urban music, finding its roots in Latin America, notably in Chile and Puerto Rico. This distinctive genre seamlessly melds elements of traditional reggaeton and dancehall with experimental and electronic sounds. NeoPerreo breathes fresh life into the classic perreo style, embracing contemporary influences and amplifying messages of female empowerment, sexual liberation, and unapologetic self-expression. It serves as a testament to the ever-evolving nature of urban music, pushing boundaries and reflecting the dynamism of the current cultural landscape.
Reppin’ Neo Perreo: Tomasa del Real is a Chilean artist who has gained recognition as a key player in the neo-perreo or Latin dancehall scene. Her music incorporates traditional dancehall sounds with electronic beats, and her lyrics often explore themes of female empowerment and sexual freedom.
Trap
Originating in the early 1990s in the Southern United States, trap music established its foundation. This genre distinguishes itself with its foreboding, introspective lyrics and assertive, synthesized beats. In more recent times, Latin Trap has surfaced, harmonizing traditional trap elements with distinct Latin music traits and Spanish verses. Within this genre, narratives centered around the realities of street life prevail, chronicling tales of adversity, aspiration, and ultimate conquest. Latin Trap stands as a testament to the genre's evolution and cross-cultural influences, bridging diverse musical landscapes while capturing the essence of urban experiences.
Reppin’ Trap: Colombian singer, rapper, and songwriter Farina's commanding delivery, coupled with her unique blend of trap, reggaeton, and hip-hop influences, has solidified her position as an influential artist within the genre.
Cumbiaton
Cumbiatón is a genre that merges reggaeton and Mexican cumbia sonidera, characterized by lively dance rhythms, memorable melodies, and a fusion of traditional and electronic instruments. The genre's popularity has been on the rise, particularly in Mexico, as it seamlessly combines the timeless essence of traditional Mexican sonidero music with a contemporary urban sound.
Reppin’ Cumbiaton: Bellakath's explosive rise to fame on TikTok, fueled by her chart-topping hit "Gatita," has established her as the reigning queen of cumbiaton.
Still, we've just skimmed the surface of the incredible Latin urban music scene, but guess what? There's so much more to explore, and there's a subgenre for every taste out there. What's your go-to?
How Karol G Is Reshaping Reggaeton and Blazing a Path for Latina Artists
Reggaeton, largely male-dominated, is a world where female voices often get drowned out. But Karol G didn't just break the mold; she remade it. She climbed the charts with authenticity, proving that the Latina voice isn't just powerful—it's transformative.
As she gears up for the grand finale of her record-setting tour, "Mañana Será Bonito," at Boston's iconic Gillette Stadium on September 28th, we're reminded of the incredible journey that brought her to this pinnacle. She didn’t just wake up one day and become the highest-grossing North American tour of all time by a Latin female with her $trip Love Tour.
The story of Karol G isn't just about the history-making, massive concerts, and chart-topping hits. To truly understand her meteoric rise to global fame, we need to travel back to the heart of Colombia, to the bustling streets of Medellín, where the dreams of a young girl named Carolina Giraldo Navarro began to take shape.
Medellín, known for its beautiful landscapes, is also infamous for its violent past. Amidst this juxtaposition, young Carolina nurtured her dream. Her surroundings, a mix of vibrancy and volatility, played a pivotal role in shaping her artistic persona.
Karol G's first encounter with music was at home. With a father who was a musician, she quickly got the exposure and, more importantly, the support she needed. From a young age, she was keenly aware of the challenges that lay ahead, especially for a Latina in the world of reggaeton. But Karol wasn't one to back down.
Karol G's first steps towards fame were anything but glamorous. Participating in the reality show "El Factor Xs" in her teenage years, she began to gain recognition, though not immediate success. However, this platform provided her with a glimpse into the music world and steeled her determination.
The years that followed saw her battling industry norms, dealing with rejections, and constantly trying to find her unique voice. She faced the challenges head-on, with the spirit of Medellín running through her veins.
The real turning point in Karol G's career came with her authenticity. Rather than fitting into the established mold of what a female reggaeton artist "should" be, she carved her own path. Songs like "Ahora Me Llama" and "Culpables" highlighted her distinctive style. It was a refreshing mix of her roots, raw talent, and an undying passion for music.
Collaborations with renowned artists expanded her reach, but it was her dedication and homage to her roots that won fans over. Karol G didn't just sing songs; she told stories—of love, heartbreak, aspiration, and resilience.
Karol G, Bad Bunny - Ahora Me Llama (Official Video)www.youtube.com
Perhaps the real magnetism of Karol G lies in her relatability. Through her struggles, her triumphs, and her love life, she shares glimpses that resonate with us. Whether it's navigating love in the public eye or battling societal expectations, Karol G is a testament to the fact that even stars face challenges. And it's how she rises, with grace and fiery determination, that inspires us all.
Karol G's rise hasn't just been meteoric; it's been groundbreaking. While the musical prowess of Latin artists is no secret in the industry, few have achieved the level of global dominance that she has.
In a significant testament to her influence, Karol G's "Mañana Será Bonito" became the first Spanish-language LP by a woman to secure the top spot on the Billboard 200. This achievement echoes a similar triumph in December 2020, when Bad Bunny had the honor of claiming the first No. 1 album performed entirely in Spanish with "El Último Tour del Mundo."
But the accolades don't end there. Adding to her list of historic accomplishments, Karol G became the first Latina to headline the famed Lollapalooza festival in Chicago. It was a moment of immense pride, not just for her but for Latinas everywhere, a real indicator of changing tides in the music industry.
Karol G - AMARGURA (Live at Lollapalooza 2023)www.youtube.com
Furthermore, her $trip Love Tour didn't just captivate audiences; it set records. This sultry musical journey raked in an impressive $69.9 million and sold 410,000 tickets over its 33-show run in North America until the end of October. These staggering numbers not only stand as a testament to Karol G's draw but also place her above previous records set by Latin legends. The $trip Love Tour officially surpassed Jennifer Lopez's "It's My Party World Tour" in 2019, which grossed $50 million, and even Shakira's "El Dorado Tour" in 2018, which secured a gross of $28.2 million. This places Karol G at the forefront, highlighting her as one of the most influential Latina artists of our time.
If there's one thing to be said about Karol G, it's that she isn't just another artist. She's an era, a movement, and an icon. When you hum along to a Karol G track, remember, it's not just her story—it's ours. And like her, we're destined to leave our mark on the world.
