Rising Above The Rhythm

Reggaeton has evolved quickly, and while some prefer the classic sounds of artists like J. Balvin, Don Omar, Wisin, and Yandel, others feel more connected to the new proposals in urban music. Maria Botello, security at Paso Robles High School, is loyal to the old-school hits, reliving songs that defined her genre, like Dale Don Dale by Don Omar. Meanwhile, Citlali Avalos, a senior at PRHS, dives into the new wave, enjoying the fresh style of Paulo Londra, Quevedo, and the latest reggaeton artists.

Reggaeton is a global genre that has influenced many people today. With roots in the Caribbean, Puerto Rico, and Panama, reggaeton has gained prominence. The world is witnessing the rise of one of the most influential genres in global music today: reggaeton. With its roots deeply embedded in Caribbean cultures, particularly Puerto Rican and Panamanian, reggaeton began to gain prominence in the early 2000s. Artists like Daddy Yankee, Zion, and Lennox paved the way for the genre to become a cultural powerhouse, blending Latin rhythms with hip hop and electronic beats. However, the genre has evolved rapidly. While reggaeton in the early 2000s had a distinctive “Dembow” sound, today’s rhythm is more diverse, reflecting global influences. This evolution is seen through the careers of artists like Quevedo, Paulo Londra, and others.

“The songs today are good, but they don’t compare to the songs from before,” Botello shared.

Through music, we can see how the world is developing. Music reflects the transformations society is going through. Early reggaeton focused more on dancing and partying, with lyrics that portrayed a positive view of life. Over the years, we’ve seen how today’s artists use their platforms to address deeper topics, such as politics, social injustices, and, of course, love and heartbreak. These changes show how today’s music has adapted to the current times.
As the world becomes aware of everything that has been happening globally through the lyrics of many artists, we’ve also noticed that the change is not just in the rhythm but also in how the ideas and voices of artists have transformed. These artists have the power to influence their audience while maintaining the roots of their genre. This change is evident in the artists that Avalos has been listening to Reggae.

“Today’s songs have highlighted events and situations that young people can relate to, and they’ve also expressed feelings that many of us have experienced,” said Avalos.

As we observe the transformation of music, we also see a deep connection with an album. From each album, there is always a favorite song. Over the years, we’ve seen how impactful reggaeton music continues to be for both Botello and Avalos. It has brought joy and opened doors to create memories in important moments.