While merengue and Bachata are considered more historic or classical in nature, and thus the territory of more mature listeners, Reggaeton has become one of the newest forms of music that the younger people of the Dominican Republic have chosen.
Reggaeton traces its origins to that of rap music from Puerto Rico (rap espaol). Rap Espaol has enjoyed popularity in the Caribbean and Latin America, eventually making its way to the Dominican Republic where it quickly became embraced by the local youth. Much like the attributes of North American hip-hop, reggaeton music has lyrics which are often a reflection of street life, socio-political themes, and overall urban culture. Also, it shares the energetic, heavy dance beats and catchy hook-filled choruses of traditional hip-hop, making it the prefect score for any party.
The rise in popularity came at the onset of the 21st century. A 2003 release by Tego Calderon (El Abayarde) seemingly channeled the youth culture and hardships of street life and became a galvanizing musical release for the genre. Much as hip-hop is continually and summarily condemned for its perceived vulgarity, sexuality, vague misogyny, depictions of urban violence and political issues presented via its lyrics, so too has reggaeton been criticized.
While watchdogs and parents groups will always find something in hip-hop lyrics to decry (and likely take out of context), it is easy to understand why the music of reggaeton is so appealing to a younger audience - it is at once the anti-thesis of everything a "good" person (i.e. - an adult, or parent) would want to hear in their music. It has captivated Dominican youth in the same manner, and for much the same reasons, as hip-hop has done in North America.
The culture and clothing surrounding the reggaeton genre are also a focal point of the music. The slang and language are also a point of identity amongst fans of the music. All fans of reggaeton have come to view the music and its culture as the voice of the street, or the voice of the urban youth. This is understandable since the Spanish lyrics have in a sense provided a voice for the urban Latino population. The Spanish lyrics have also crossed the language barrier as it appeals to people who do not speak English. Outsiders (and parents) could glean a very detailed understanding of the undercurrent of frustration that many Dominican and Latino youths feel by listening to the lyrics of reggaeton music, but the depictions of violence, misogyny, and the challenges of urban life described in the lyrics are what likely keep outsiders away from, and thus from understanding, the music and its associated culture.
Reggaeton traces its origins to that of rap music from Puerto Rico (rap espaol). Rap Espaol has enjoyed popularity in the Caribbean and Latin America, eventually making its way to the Dominican Republic where it quickly became embraced by the local youth. Much like the attributes of North American hip-hop, reggaeton music has lyrics which are often a reflection of street life, socio-political themes, and overall urban culture. Also, it shares the energetic, heavy dance beats and catchy hook-filled choruses of traditional hip-hop, making it the prefect score for any party.
The rise in popularity came at the onset of the 21st century. A 2003 release by Tego Calderon (El Abayarde) seemingly channeled the youth culture and hardships of street life and became a galvanizing musical release for the genre. Much as hip-hop is continually and summarily condemned for its perceived vulgarity, sexuality, vague misogyny, depictions of urban violence and political issues presented via its lyrics, so too has reggaeton been criticized.
While watchdogs and parents groups will always find something in hip-hop lyrics to decry (and likely take out of context), it is easy to understand why the music of reggaeton is so appealing to a younger audience - it is at once the anti-thesis of everything a "good" person (i.e. - an adult, or parent) would want to hear in their music. It has captivated Dominican youth in the same manner, and for much the same reasons, as hip-hop has done in North America.
The culture and clothing surrounding the reggaeton genre are also a focal point of the music. The slang and language are also a point of identity amongst fans of the music. All fans of reggaeton have come to view the music and its culture as the voice of the street, or the voice of the urban youth. This is understandable since the Spanish lyrics have in a sense provided a voice for the urban Latino population. The Spanish lyrics have also crossed the language barrier as it appeals to people who do not speak English. Outsiders (and parents) could glean a very detailed understanding of the undercurrent of frustration that many Dominican and Latino youths feel by listening to the lyrics of reggaeton music, but the depictions of violence, misogyny, and the challenges of urban life described in the lyrics are what likely keep outsiders away from, and thus from understanding, the music and its associated culture.
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