The long, winding, and often forked road that has led us to contemporary reggaeton has been traced often over the last decade.
In the beginning it moved fast: in early-'90s Jamaica, Steely & Clive's "Fish Market" begat "Dem Bow" by Shabba Ranks, which would introduce a distinctive syncopated three-beat pattern (or riddim) named after the song. Around the same time in Panamá, artists like El General would start producing dancehall and reggae en español, influenced by Jamaican and West Indian transplants who had moved to the country in the 1980s.
In Puerto Rico, local producers would discover these two sounds and marry them with local salsa and bomba influences, along with the "boom bap" hip-hop sound that Nuyoricans brought back to the island from the U.S. From this potpourri came what was initially called "underground," but eventually came to be baptized as "reggaetón."
In the nearly-30 years since, the genre has exploded beyond any of its originators' wildest expectations. Its popularity and bevy of talented producers have spurred many offshoots, such as bachatón, poptón, neoperreo, and more. Although it was forged in Puerto Rico, it rapidly spread to the rest of Latin America, creating new fans there and eventually new talents that would rise up in the ranks as well. Colombia, Argentina, and Mexico have seen stars of their own in the genre. Even Spain has gotten in on the action, as of late.
It's a music that hasn't been free of controversy—and was famously very nearly banned in Puerto Rico during its nascent years. But like any genre born from marginalized communities, the rawness of its lyrics was bound to cause consternation in some of the populace. As it became more and more successful, and its influence spread, people began to accept its place as part of Latin American culture, especially in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.
Reggaeton has, in the face of its detractors, etched its place in the history books of Latin America. It is a sonic juggernaut that shows no signs of slowing down, as artists new and old continue finding ways to play around with its sounds and engineer new takes on its rhythms. And while some mock what they consider its overly simple base beat, the fact remains that it's one that easily possesses listener's hips, motivating them to do as it says on the label: "perreo, baby, hasta abajo, baby" and we're all more than happy to oblige.
In compiling our list of the greatest reggaeton artists of all time, we used a metric based on artistic skill, catalog, commercial success, and lasting influence. We focused specifically on vocalists, which is why—despite their importance to the genre—producers were not included.
With that in mind, here are the 25 best reggaeton artists of all time.
25.Feid
Why They Belong on This List: He’s the people’s champ of perreo; he made Colombian terminology as prevalent as boricua lingo in the genre
Important Songs: “Classy 101” with Young Miko; “Feliz Cumpleaños Ferxxo”; “LUNA” with ATL Jacob
Feid’s“overnight success” truly was an “over-a-decade success.”
Beginning his career as a songwriter for superstars like J Balvin (“Ginza”), Feid started getting noticed as an artist in his own right with 2016’s “Que Raro,” a collab with the fellow Medellín native. Yet, it wasn’t until 2020, with the release of FERXXO (VOL 1: MOR), that he struck oro. The album featured a mix of lullalby-esque tracks (“XNTXS”), radio-friendly reggaeton (“REXJXTE”), and undeniable hits (“PORFA” ft. Justin Quiles).
Overall, it’s Ferxxo’s unique blend of emo lyrics, lush soundscapes, and Colombian slang that have made him one of the top artists in the world. And that’s chimba AF. —Jesús Triviño Alarcón
24.Myke Towers
Why They Belong on This List: A relentless lyricist turned reggaeton star not afraid to experiment across genres
Important Songs: “Diosa” ; “Lala” ; “Los Bo” with JHAYCO
Versatility is Towers’ strongest suit. While his first love was always hip-hop, he established himself among the newer generation of artists revolutionizing reggaeton and Latin trap. The rapper is not afraid to fuse his own lyricism and storytelling with genres like corridos tumbados and pop to reach the masses. First inspired by lyricists like The Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z, and Drake, his no-time-to-slow-down mentality has led to him regularly dropping projects. He’s currently at seven LPs, each capturing a different version of himself while showcasing his penmanship and his ability to flow through songs with a range of different collaborators. —Brenda Barrientos
23.De La Ghetto
Why They Belong on This List: One of reggaeton's most versatile artists, hardly anyone marries perreo with R&B stylings the way he does
Important Songs: “Aparentemente” as part of Arcángel & De la Ghetto; “Loco Por Perrearte”; “Chulo Sin H” with Jowell & Randy
With a babyface that acts as a cover for his more satyric personality, De La Ghetto has become one of the genre's mainstays since he burst onto the scene in 2005 alongside brother-in-arms Arcángel. He's a crooner who excels in reggaeton, malianteo, R&B, hip-hop, and more, and will have you harmonizing the naughtiest lyrics like if they were a tearjerker ballad. A longtime favorite of Bad Bunny himself—who's heaped praise on him before—De La Ghetto is the Bobby Womack of perreo and one of reggaeton's finest. —Juan J. Arroyo
22.Ñengo Flow
Why They Belong on This List: Your favorite rapper's favorite rapper (and your girl’s too)
Important Songs: “Que Malo” with Bad Bunny; “Mueve Ese Culo” with Chyno Nyno and Ñejo; “Sigue Viajando”
Ñengo Flow didn't pioneer the malianteo subgenre of reggaeton, but he's become one of its most important figureheads and with good reason: his rhymes and swag are absurdly infectious. With a cackling laugh that's become one of the most iconic ad libs of the genre, the proud Bayamón native is a rapper's rapper and perennial fan favorite who lights up any stage he steps on. His impish demeanor camouflages the fact that he's as respected as they come in the streets as well. —Juan J. Arroyo
21.J Álvarez
Why They Belong on This List: Helped redefine reggaeton for a new era by blending it with the smooth textures of American R&B
Important Songs: “La Pregunta”; “Junto Al Amanecer”; “Sexo, Sudor y Calor” featuring Ñejo & Dalmata
J Álvarez’s moniker, El Dueño del Sistema, is fitting. Throughout his career, he carved out a lane that reshaped the DNA of modern reggaeton—masterfully fusing it with the smooth, melodic sensibilities of American R&B.His landmark project, Otro Nivel de Música, delivered an anthem of the early 2010s with “La Pregunta,” a track driven by seductive synth lines and a velvety vocal flow. Critically, his impact was also geographical. As a Puerto Rican artist, he was among the first of his era to build his strongest fanbase in Colombia, creating a halo effect that brought more visibility to the country’s own burgeoning scene. By laying this groundwork—both sonically and regionally—J Álvarez provided a blueprint for the next generation of urbano stars. —AJ Ramos
20.Maluma
Why They Belong on This List: While others built the streets, Maluma rose to the penthouse, proving a reggaetonero could lead global pop from the world's biggest stages
Important Songs: "Borro Cassette"; "Hawái"; “Felices Los 4”
Every kingdom needs a diplomat, and for reggaeton's global conquest, Maluma has been its most charismatic ambassador. The self-proclaimed “Pretty Boy” from Medellín helped spearhead a sleek, romantic sound from Colombia that was as polished as it was globally irresistible. His career has been shaped by both solo smashes and powerhouse collaborations with global pop royalty, including Shakira on “Chantaje” and Madonna on “Medellín.”
But it was his mega-hit heartbreak anthem "Hawái" that cemented his status as a standalone global force, proving his sound needed no translation. Maluma's influence, however, extends far beyond the studio. He transformed the image of an urbano star, evolving into a high-fashion icon, gracing Versace campaigns and becoming a fixture at the Met Gala. —AJ Ramos
19.Farruko
Why They Belong on This List: Merged trap, reggae, and EDM into reggaeton, creating some of the genre’s most innovative and commercially successful tracks
Important Songs: “Calma” with Pedro Capó; “Chillax” featuring Ky-Mani Marley; “Pepas”
Farruko is a chameleon—an artist constantly pushing genre boundaries, blending bachata, trap, pure reggae, and more. His role during reggaeton's transitional phase—when it evolved into a global movement—is undeniable. He helped J Balvin score his first major hit outside Colombia with “6 AM” and was an early supporter of Bad Bunny, featuring him on the reggae-laced “La Cartera” back in 2019.
His global breakthrough as a solo act came with “Pepas,” a guaracha banger that still dominates clubs. His versatility is unmatched—his range so broad it can sound like two different artists on a single track. And he’s still full of surprises. Today, Farruko is on a spiritual journey, even going so far as to publicly apologize for the message behind his biggest hit. —Antonio Johri
18.Nicky Jam
Why They Belong on This List: Completed the greatest comeback story in reggaeton history
Important Songs:“En La Cama” featuring Daddy Yankee; “X (EQUIS)” with J Balvin; “Hasta el Amanecer”
Despite what meme conventional wisdom might suggest, very few people actually deserve a Netflix series or documentary. Nicky Jam is one of them. A child prodigy under the wing of Daddy Yankee, he came up fast as a rapper—then famously flamed out. Eventually beefing with his mentor, picking up a nasty drug habit, and all but vanished from the spotlight.
But like the genre itself, Nicky Jam evolved.
After relocating to Colombia, he reinvented his sound, drawing inspiration from the country’s more melodic, sweeter take on reggaeton. In the process, he delivered some of the most beloved reggaeton records of the decade, including the all-time classics “X” with J Balvin and “El Perdón” with Enrique Iglesias. —Dimas Sanforenzo
17.Héctor & Tito
Why do they belong on the list: Pioneering figures for other duos in reggaeton
Important songs: “Mataron a un inocente”; “Felina”; “Gata salvaje”
Héctor & Tito were one of reggaeton’s defining duos. The pair were a natural yet unusual pairing—Héctor el Father’s bad-boy swagger juxtaposed with Tito El Bambino’s more romantic, seductive style. Their most successful and final album as a duo, A La Reconquista, became a genre classic, setting a new standard commercially and artistically for reggaeton duos. (A year later they would headlined one of the genre’s first massive concerts at San Juan’s Roberto Clemente Coliseum.) They would go their separate ways in 2004 and launch successful solo careers, but it’s hard to top what they were together. —Sadot Santana
16.Calle 13
Why They Belong on This List: Had a sound ahead of its time, fusing reggaeton, hip-hop, rock, and salsa with sharp political satire
Important Songs: “Atrévete-te-te”; “Latinoamérica” featuring Maria Rita, Totó La Momposina and Susana Baca; “El Aguante”
Calle 13’s 2005 self-titled debut album was rebellious and genre-breaking, and honestly a little ahead of its time. Amid controversy, from sharp political commentary to clashes with institutions, they were also bawdy, funny, and rooted in barrio energy. Residente and Visitante pushed the limits of what reggaeton sounded like, blending cumbia, tango, and Andean folk with razor-edged verses.
They turned their disrespect into an influence, leaving a sonic fingerprint that today’s genre-bending Latin artists still follow. And c’mon—the reaction in Latin spaces when the people hear the clarinet at the beginning of “Atrévete-te-te” is forever priceless. —Douglas Jase
15.Anuel AA
Why They Belong on This List: Despite the controversy, he remains one of the most talented lyricists working today
Important Songs: “Hasta Que Dios Diga” with Bad Bunny; “Secreto” with Karol G; “Ella Quiere Beber” featuring Romeo Santos
Anuel is... complicated.
The “God of Latin Trap” has become a polarizing figure—beefing with so many contemporaries that we’d run out of room trying to list them all. But there’s no denying he’s one of the best pure rappers of his generation: an artist who’s mastered the balance between gritty street records, club anthems, and deeply introspective tracks—one who’s not afraid to go head-to-head with an OG figure like Arcángel. Maybe that’s why, at his peak, the passion around him was so overwhelming that when he got hit with a prison stint, the viral #FreeAnuel campaign took off. —Dimas Sanfiorenzo
14.Rauw Alejandro
Why They Belong on This List: He is reggaeton’s greatest showman
Important Songs: “Todo De Ti”; “Tattoo”; “Carita Linda”
Most reggaetoneros don’t dance, they perrear. Well, Rauw Alejandro dances his arse off. Yet, to pigeonhole Raulito to his exceptional choreography is like saying Michael Jackson was a good moonwalker.
Inspired by the King of Pop, the Puerto Rican artist began bubbling on Alex Rose’s 2017’s trap intímo, “Toda.” In 2021, he released “Todo De Ti,” a song that not only changed his trajectory but also the way reggaeton was viewed by the mainstream audience. Since its release, Rauw has experimented with freestyle music, EDM, pop, bomba, and, of course, salsa. If you need proof of his artistic metamorphosis, look no further than his last two albums, Cosa Nuestra and Cosa Nuestra: Capitulo 0. They’re masterclasses in Latino culture, experimental sounds, and Rauw being the coldest motherfunker on Planet Puerto Rock. —Jesús Triviño Alarcón
13.Plan B
Why They Belong on This List: They’re one of the earliest acts to capitalize on being blue, crude, and still widely beloved.
Important Songs: “Guatauba;” “Frikitona;” “Fanática Sexual”
Plan B separated just under a decade ago, and their two members—Chencho Corleone and Maldy—have gone on to enjoy their own varied success as solo acts. But what was once their slogan continues to be the truth for many reggaeton faithful: "Plan B es Plan B." The duo spent 20 years, from their earliest days as The Panic to their stints with DJ Joe and beyond, making some of the stickiest perreo your ears have heard. They're undoubtedly part of the genre's pantheon, beloved by old and new generations alike. —Juan J. Arroyo
12.Jowell & Randy
Why do they belong on the list: Pioneering figures who brought a light, playful approach to reggaeton
Important songs: “Agresivo” with Arcángel; “Un poco loca” featuring De La Ghetto; “Loco”
It was in 2006 that Jowell & Randy turned heads in the music industry with their breakthrough single, “Agresivo.” Bringing a fun, playful, and vibrant approach to reggaeton, the duo introduced fresh energy to the genre while staying true to its perreo roots. Randy brought the sultriness—known for his melodic vocals about love and sexual encounters—while Jowell delivered relentless energy with his rhymes. Their chemistry and sound have earned them a place as one of the most influential duos in reggaeton history. They've also maintained impressive longevity—they released a new album, Mazorkeo.com, last year—and, perhaps most remarkably, a lasting partnership. Unlike many other reggaeton duos, they've never split up. —Sadot Santana
11.Zion & Lennox
Why They Belong on This List: Legendary duo with chemistry so undeniable it transcends generations
Important Songs: “Hay Algo En Ti” ; “Doncella” ; “Yo Voy” with Daddy Yankee
Last year, Zion & Lennox announced they were splitting up after more than 20 years together, marking the end of one of reggaeton's most iconic pairs. While several duos helped shape the genre in its early days, it’s hard to find an album that hit as hard as Zion & Lennox’s masterful 2004 debut, Motivando a la Yal, which is a stone cold no-skips classic. The album showcases how Zion & Lennox were the original loverboys, seamlessly blending romantic storytelling with perreo throughout. —Brenda Barrientos
10.Karol G
Why They Belong on This List: The biggest commercial force, and most dominant women in reggaeton right now
Important Songs: "Tusa" with Nicki Minaj; "TQG" with Shakira; "Provenza"
While reggaeton has had many powerful women, Karol G is the one who built an empire. Her reign is founded not just on a list of chart-shattering hits, but on a revolutionary cultural movement: the era of the Bichota. Karol G transformed a term once associated with narco-bosses into a symbol of fierce, unapologetic female empowerment.
She created a space where vulnerability is a superpower and sisterhood is paramount, connecting with a massive global fanbase on a deeply personal level. Her superstardom reached a historic apex with Mañana Será Bonito, the first all-Spanish album by a woman to ever debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. Karol G didn’t just carve out a space for herself in a male-dominated genre; she rewrote the rules and proved that a woman’s perspective could be a dominant force in modern music. —AJ Ramos
9.Arcángel
Why They Belong on This List: Has secured a dual legacy as both a phenomenal artist and one of the most important talent brokers the genre has ever seen
Important Songs: “Tú No Vive Así" with Bad Bunny; “Me Prefieres a Mi”; “Por Amar A Ciegas”
For nearly two decades, La Maravilla has thrived as a lyrical assassin with a pen sharp enough to cut through any beat. After emerging as one-half of Arcángel & De La Ghetto, he cemented his solo career with timeless hits that showcase his immense range—effortlessly shifting from heartfelt vulnerability to undeniable club anthems in an instant.
But Arcángel’s most profound impact is his role as a sonic visionary and the genre’s most crucial, unofficial A&R. Long before Latin Trap was a commercial juggernaut, he was one of its primary architects. His co-sign became the ultimate launching pad for a new generation, most famously on "Tú No Vive Así," where he didn't just feature a rising Bad Bunny—he formally opened the door for an entire movement. This is his unique genius: he actively discovers, validates, and elevates the next wave. —AJ Ramos
8.Ivy Queen
Why They Belong on This List: She’s the godmother of every single reggaetonera to ever exist—period
Important Songs: “Quiero Bailar”; “Dile”; “Te He Querido, Te He Llorado”
Early reggaeton, similar to hip-hop, was a male-dominated genre. Many women were regulated to backup singers or even, worse, uncredited artists. Not Ivy Queen. It’s difficult to encapsulate the monumental importance that Ivelisse holds for women, in particular for Latinas, who dealt with the misogyny of the world. She embraced her differentiating qualities—being told her voice was too masculine, her nails were too long—to become La Cabollata, who can hold her own with anyone.
She’s never shied away from heartbreak in her music, because she’s gone through the same pain; she’s never backed down from a challenge, because being a mujer in the machista music industry has been a challenge in itself. The result: La Diva is one of the pillars of the genre. Bow down! —Jesús Triviño Alarcón
7.Ozuna
Why They Belong on This List: The melodic Maestro of reggaeton’s new school and conqueror of the digital world—becoming a YouTube behemoth and collecting Guinness World Records for his streaming milestones
Important Songs: “Se Preparó”; "Te Boté (Remix)" with Nio García, Casper Mágico, Bad Bunny, Darell & Nicky Jam; “Taki Taki" with DJ Snake, Selena Gomez & Cardi B
If the first wave of reggaeton was built on grit and booming baritones, its streaming-era dominance was architected by melody. No one embodies that shift more than the Golden Boy of the Digital Era, Ozuna. Bursting onto the scene with a signature high-tenor voice and an almost supernatural gift for crafting infectious hooks, El Negrito Ojos Claros redefined what a global superstar in the genre could sound like. His record-shattering 2017 debut, Odisea, was a masterclass in pop-infused, romantic reggaeton, delivering an unstoppable barrage of hits.
Ozuna's genius, however, lies in his collaborative Midas touch. He became the genre's ultimate feature, the secret weapon on countless chart-toppers. Whether dropping the iconic opening on the cultural phenomenon that was the "Te Boté (Remix)," dominating the charts with Natti Natasha on "Criminal," or holding his own with mainstream heavyweights on the global smash "Taki Taki," Ozuna proved his hooks were a universal language. —AJ Ramos
6.J Balvin
Why They Belong on This List: The person responsible for putting Colombia on the reggaeton map
Important Songs: “Mi Gente” with Willy William; “I Like It” with Cardi B and Bad Bunny; “Ginza”
Although José Álvaro Osorio Balvín, better known as J Balvin, is the singular artist responsible for revitalizing the urban genre, which had grown monotonous after its initial 2004 boom, he carries himself with a quiet humility.
The self-awareness is very impressive for a middle class Colombian kid who was in a rock band as a teen covering songs by Nirvana, Metallica and the Offspring. Over his storied career, Balvin has amassed megahits, billions of music video clicks and streams. But beyond his own rapid output, he’s also sent the elevator back down and co-signed many on this very list.
Yet, perhaps, one of his biggest wins his music has accomplished is dispelling the Narco stereotype of his beloved country, Colombia. When outsiders think of his native city, Medellín, now they imagine the holy trinity of perreo–Karol G, Maluma and, of course, El Negocio, J Balvin. Que Dios bendiga al reggaeton y a José. —Jesús Triviño Alarcón
5.Tego Calderón
Why They Belong on This List: One of the GOAT reggaetonero figures and a tireless advocate for Afro-Latinidad across Latin America
Important Songs: “Pa’ Que Retozen”; “Guasa, Guasa”; “Punto y Aparte ”
Tego Calderón, considered one of the GOAT reggaetoneros, was never supposed to be. Initially a hip-hop MC from Loíza, Puerto Rico, he was urged by his friends and DJs and started to craft perreos his way. Eventually, his hip-hop prowess caught the attention of Stateside artists with remix feature requests by a who’s who of NYC rappers (Terror Squad’s “Lean Back,” Lil Kim’s “Lighters Up,” and, of course, N.O.R.E.’s “Oye Mi Canto”—all crossover classic). Beyond his boom bap connects, it’s his Afro-Latinx pride and constant battle of mainstream’s media’s whitewashing of reggaeton, a genre firmly sprouted from Panama, Jamaica and Puerto Rico, that elevated him from the pack.
Race in Latin America has always been a complicated issue but El Abayarde, via his music and even, his aesthetic—immaculate afro or dreadlocks—made sure to put his gente front and center. —Jesús Triviño Alarcón
4.Don Omar
Why They Belong on This List: A foundational pillar of reggaeton's first global explosion
Important Songs:”Dale Don Dale”; “Dile”; “Danza Kuduro” featuring Lucenzo
Few artists can legitimately claim the title of "King," but for a generation, Don Omar was, and always will be, El Rey. William Landrón Rivera established himself as a titan with an unmistakable baritone voice and a catalog of era-defining anthems. His 2003 debut, The Last Don, wasn't just an album; it was a statement, unleashing timeless classics like the raw, aggressive "Dale Don Dale" and the eternally smooth "Dile," a track that remains a masterclass in the genre's seductive power.
Don Omar’s reign was built on a rare versatility. He could craft a cinematic street narrative like in "Pobre Diabla," a song that showcased his masterful storytelling, or deliver an epic, stadium-shaking anthem like "Salió El Sol." Then there's "Danza Kuduro," a global juggernaut that transcended language and genre to become one of the biggest party tracks of the 21st century. For his role in architecting the sound, swagger, and worldwide reach of reggaeton, El Rey's place in the pantheon is forever secured. —AJ Ramos
3.Wisin & Yandel
Why do they belong on the list: Unquestionably, the most iconic duo in reggaeton history
Commercial success: One Grammy, Two Latin Grammys, 16 Billboard Latin Airplay #1 hits, and three songs on Billboard’s Hot 100; 22.4 million monthly listeners on Spotify
Important songs: “Guayale el Mahon”; “Esta Noche Hay Pelea”; “Rakata”
For Wisin & Yandel, consistency has been the name of the game.
Since the early 2000s, no reggaeton duo has had a greater impact on the genre’s rise. Their catchy hooks, Yandel’s melodic vocals, and Wisin’s aggressive, bouncy delivery set a high bar for every other act on the scene. But it was in 2005 that they truly changed the game with their album Pa’l Mundo, which featured classic hits like “La Barría” with Héctor 'El Father and “Noche de Sexo” with Anthony Santos of Aventura.
For more than 15 years, their surefire, knee-bending perreo tracks have lit up clubs and live stages alike. Like many legendary reggaeton groups, their partnership eventually came to an end—they officially split in 2022. But even in separation, Wisin & Yandel remain one of the most iconic acts in reggaeton history, laying down a foundation that others continue to build on. —Sadot Santana
2.Daddy Yankee
Why They Belong on This List: Almost every reggaetonero and fans alike refer to DY as the GOAT
Important Songs: “Gasolina”; “Lo Que Pasó, Pasó”; “Despacito” with Luis Fonsi
It’s hard to mention reggaeton without saying Daddy Yankee. Beginning his career in the mid-’90s on DJ Playero’s mixtapes, he contributed to the creation of “underground,” which is what reggaeton was called in its initial stages. Inspired by his favorite American MCs—Rakim, Big Daddy Kane and Nas—Borinquen-raised raperos (Vico C) and Panamanian reggae legends (El General), Ramón Luis Ayala Rodríguez became DY.
Of course, the world outside of Puerto Rico came to know Daddy Yankee in 2004, through his reggaeton-is-here (coño!) megahit “Gasolina,” exceptionally produced by Luny Tunes. Fast forward to 2017, he and Luis Fonsi sparked the recent golden era of Latin music with the streaming giant, “Despacito.” Now, even in post-retirement, the game still needs him and he’s obliged with a few tropical bangers (“Sonríele”). Just remember El Cangri walked so Bad Bunny, J Balvin, Ozuna and almost every other artist on this list could run around the world. —Jesús Triviño Alarcón
1.Bad Bunny
Why They Belong on This List: One of the biggest artists in the world, a global phenomenon who has never shied away from recognizing all the reggaeton artists who paved the way for him
Important Songs: “Safaera” featuring Jowell & Randy & Ñengo Flow; “Efecto;” “EoO”
What else can be said about Benito Antonio that hasn't been said already? You want to talk numbers? He was the most streamed artist in the world from 2020 to 2022. Un Verano Sin Ti, his fourth studio album, sits comfortably as Spotify's most streamed album of all time. DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS is a front-runner for Album of the Year—the project that sparked his iconic residency, which eventually led to him booking the Super Bowl halftime performance.
But the kid from Vega Baja, who started out as a Latin trap wunderkind before blowing up, has let it be known that what he's most proud of is spreading the gospel of reggaeton around the world. DTmF is filled with references to how important reggaeton has been to his life and career: "El mejor de la nueva porque me crié en la vieja" ("The best of the new [school] because I was raised by the old [school]") he freestyles on "LA MuDANZA." On "EoO," he ad libs: "Nosotros nos criamos escuchando y cantando esto" ("We were raised listening to and singing this"). That last fact he underlined at his residency's opening night, when he took three minutes to read aloud the names of over 100 reggaeton artists and producers from the genre's beginnings to the present.
But fealty means little if it can't be backed up with talent and hits, and it's safe to say Bad Bunny is good on that front. While all his albums have had diverse tracklists, reggaeton is their center. Songs like "Yo Perreo Sola" and "Safaera" have become anthems of the genre, and just like his hero Tego Calderón he's also managed to make the music be about something too.
So then, how did Bad Bunny become the king of pop? You know the answer: con reggaetón y dembow. —Juan J. Arroyo