In this first foray into a genre that’s not often covered in this blog, we’re going to start from the beginning. Here’s our list of old reggaeton songs. To do this, we need to go back to the 90s, a period when reggaeton emerged in Puerto Rico. And it emerged through the fusion of various music styles, including reggae, dancehall, Latin music, and hip-hop. Reggaeton is characterized by its steady rhythm and, in general, lyrics with a high level of sexual and provocative content.
As we’ve mentioned, reggaeton began gaining popularity in Puerto Rico in the mid-1990s and quickly became a cultural phenomenon throughout Latin America and later worldwide. Some of the most well-known classic reggaeton artists include Daddy Yankee, Don Omar, and Wisin y Yandel, among others.
Currently, reggaeton is one of the most listened-to genres on music streaming platforms like Spotify, and it has a wide base of followers on social media and around the world, influencing many other music genres for quite some time. For this reason, and as a tribute to a musical style that’s been criticized in certain circles, we bring you our old school reggaeton mix.
Old Reggaeton Songs: Universal Classics Worldwide
Historically, some of the most important and well-known reggaeton artists, in addition to those mentioned earlier, are Zion y Lennox, as well as the Panamanian Lorna and her dembow (a distinctive rhythm of reggaeton that has become a fundamental element of the genre). These artists have had a significant impact on the genre and have contributed to its global popularity. For all these reasons, they’ve earned the right to be a part of our playlist of old reggaeton classics, which goes up until 2012, considering that more than 10 years have passed since the publication of this entry.
Currently, there are many reggaeton artists who are highly popular and considered the leading figures of the genre, and, as one would expect, they owe a lot to these reggaeton classics. Some of the most prominent and recognized artists include J Balvin, Ozuna, Bad Bunny, Anuel AA, among others. Well, it’s possible that some of them might also appear in our playlist, but in a younger version.
It’s important to note that both old and new reggaeton are genres in constant evolution, with many young and talented artists emerging and contributing to its development. This explains why, despite predictions, it’s the musical genre that keeps filling dance floors, no matter how many years go by.
Dale Don Dale, by Don Omar
Puerto Rican reggaeton artist Don Omar is one of the most important reggaetoneros in the genre on all levels. And, as you’ll see in the Spotify playlist, not just because of “Dale Don Dale,” a song released in 2005 that quickly became an international commercial success and one of the most popular songs in the genre.
“Dale Don Dale” is celebrated by fans of old reggaeton songs and its festive rhythm since its release. In fact, this success has made it an obvious classic at various events and parties. Naturally, the song is one of Don Omar’s most iconic and has contributed to his success as a reggaeton artist, which he has managed to maintain for nearly two decades.
Don Omar is one of the most important and recognized artists in reggaeton and has had a significant influence on the genre. That’s why it’s inevitable to start our selection of classic reggaeton with “Dale Don Dale,” even though he has released many other songs and albums that have achieved even more success in sales and online plays, as you’ll notice throughout our playlist.
Rompe, by Daddy Yankee
“Rompe” is a song by Puerto Rican reggaeton artist Daddy Yankee. The song was released in 2005.
Papi Chulo… Te Traigo El Mmmm, by Lorna
“Papi Chulo… Te Traigo El Mmmm” is a song by Panamanian artist Lorna. The song was released in 2004.
Yo Voy, by Zion & Lennox
“Yo Voy” is a song by the Puerto Rican reggaeton duo Zion & Lennox. The song was released in 2005.
Noche De Sexo, by Wisin & Yandel
“Noche de Sexo” is a song by the Puerto Rican reggaeton duo Wisin & Yandel. The song was released in 2006.
Pa’ Que Retozen, by Tego Calderón
“Pa’ Que Retozen” is a song by Puerto Rican reggaeton and rap artist Tego Calderón. The song was released in 2004.
Atrévete-Te-Te, by Calle 13
“Atrévete-Te-Te” is a song by the Puerto Rican reggaeton and rap duo Calle 13. The song was released in 2006.
(Madrid, 1987) Novelist by vocation, SEO specialist by profession. Music lover, cinephile and reading lover, but in “amateur” mode.