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First Reggaeton productions and performers
At the end of 1994 came the first productions combining Spanish rap with reggae. They appeared in "Playero 37" and "The Noise". There was a rapper, who performed in these clubs, and was accompanied by Reggae-beats containing elements of instrumental rap. It was in "Palyero 37", where Daddy Yankee, O.G. Black and Master Joe began their careers. |
Daddy Yankee |
Don Chezina, Daddy Yankee, Baby Rasta y Gringo, Guanabanas, Polaco and Maico y Manue were among the artists that interpreted this fusion.
The Noise: one of the first productions and its theme
The first productions of The Noise dealt with such issues as street violence, sex and drugs. The Noise 3, however, was totally different, because it used slow reggae to get across positive messages as well as the love theme. This way it was possible to avoid critique coming from the authorities. Such productions as The Creation 1 and La Cripta 1 were also of great importance in Panama.
Reggaeton: ups and downs in the 90's
Meanwhile, reggaeton was no longer a secret music style, and was turning into a hip sound coming from almost every stereo, especially in cars. The commercialization of this musical direction created more and more notorious "tiraeras", typical fights between various DJ's causing a lot of hostility among them. Each DJ has his "corillo", his troop or gang of singers around him.
These fights really discredited reggaeton at the end of the 90's (1997-2000). An agreement between various "corillos" finally managed to settle the "tiraera". As a result, many singers ("Benny Blanco presents Daddy Yankee" or "Don Chezina") as well as joint projects of various artists could gain a firm hold on the market, while the latter was preferred by the audience.
Worldwide expansion of Reggaeton
The rhythm of reggaeton, which was already very popular among young people, began expanding into the rest of Latin American countries and even reached the North American audience. This spectacular expansion brought reggaeton unexpected respect and celebrity, while just a few years ago this musical direction had to lead a shadowy existence.
In the meantime, reggaeton has become a music style, which celebrates a triumph in many countries, including Venezuela, Columbia, Mexico, Argentina, Spain, Dominican Republic, USA, Puerto Rico, etc.
Reggaeton, however, has expanded further than Latin American markets, reggaeton singers also distinguished themselves in other countries like, for example, Peruvian band "Los Kalibres" in Japan or "Pachanga" in Germany.
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