From Daddy Yankee’s Gasolina to Bad Bunny’s Yonaguni, discover 10 reggaeton songs that still dominate playlists. You’ll want to replay them all
Presenting reggaeton simply as one of today’s most popular music genres feels almost reductive. It’s better described as a spiritual X-ray of contemporary Latin life, where deep cultural roots intertwine with unresolved traumas.
What Is Reggaeton and Where Did It Start?
Reggaeton originated in the Caribbean during the early 1990s, particularly in Panama. It drew heavily from Jamaican dancehall music, inheriting key elements such as the distinctive “Dem-Bow” beat and the art of MCing.
"Dem Bow" by Shabba Ranks is one of the most known songs made on the iconic "dembow" riddim
From Panama, reggaeton spread across Hispanic Caribbean communities, finding its true home in Puerto Rico. There, it evolved into a fully-fledged genre with its own rules, themes, and legends, rising from the underground scene to become one of the most influential forces in global music over the past three decades.
What began on the outskirts of San Juan soon leapt beyond Central America, captivating Latin communities worldwide and eventually gaining traction in the broader mainstream. Its infectious rhythms set dancefloors on fire with the unmistakable pulse of perreo. Yet, despite its evolution, reggaeton’s essence remains intact: a distinctly Latin interpretation of hip-hop culture and the larger “urban” movement, a term that carries its own complexities.
The Evolution of Reggaeton: From Panama Roots to Global Charts
Reggaeton has continuously reinvented itself, transitioning from underground clubs to topping Billboard charts. While artists like Daddy Yankee and Tego Calderón laid the groundwork for the genre, newer stars such as J Balvin, Karol G, and Bad Bunny have expanded its global reach.
With that in mind, here’s a curated list of essential reggaeton songs every fan should know to truly earn the title of connoisseur.
View this post on Instagram
Daddy Yankee on the cover of The Source magazine in 2005
10 Reggaeton Tracks That Shaped the Genre
Nando Boom – Ellos Benia Dem Bow (1990)
Often cited as one of the earliest sparks of reggaeton, “Ellos Benia Dem Bow” stands out as a Spanish-language twist on dancehall, delivered by Panama-born artist Nando Boom. Built on the legendary “Poco Man Jam” riddim from Jamaican producers Steely and Clevie—later popularised by Shabba Ranks in “Dem Bow”—this track set a significant precedent: it featured MCing in Spanish over the drum pattern that would come to characterise the genre. More than just a milestone, it’s living proof of reggaeton’s Black Caribbean roots, a reminder that no recent attempts at whitewashing can alter its true lineage.
Daddy Yankee – Gasolina (2004)
Arguably one of the most recognisable songs ever recorded, Daddy Yankee’s “Gasolina” catapulted reggaeton onto the global stage. Released in 2004 as the lead single from his album “Barrio Fino”, it not only conquered the U.S. charts but also stormed into European airwaves, introducing entire markets to a sound they had never experienced before. Over the years, its cultural weight has been cemented, earning spots on lists like Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time and preservation in the U.S. National Recording Registry.
Tego Calderón – Pa’ Que Retozen (2003)
Tego Calderón once warned us, “I’m má’ monstro que los de Thriller” (“I’m more of a monster than those in Thriller”), and in this track, he proves it beyond doubt. With razor-sharp punchlines stacked one after another, he delivers pure lyrical dominance over an infectious beat with a gritty, street-driven vibe. Drawing from his Afro-Caribbean roots, Calderón, particularly in these early works, embodies the bridge between hip-hop and reggaeton, blending street narratives and social commentary without ever sacrificing style and attitude.
Zion & Lennox – Yo Voy (feat. Daddy Yankee) (2004)
Produced by the genre-defining duo Luny Tunes, Yo Voy stands as one of reggaeton’s most iconic tracks. Wrapped in a tense atmosphere driven by haunting strings, an infectious topline emerges, delivering evocative storytelling that portrays the clubbing experience from a suggestive and slightly unsettling perspective.
J Balvin – Ginza (2015)
Widely regarded as J Balvin’s breakout track in the Western market, Ginza marked one of the first major steps for contemporary Colombian reggaeton. The song softened the hard-hitting dembow of its Puerto Rican roots, replacing it with smooth riddims and more romantic lyrics, creating a gentler take on the genre’s original sound. Its success opened the door for the Colombian music scene to flourish, paving the way for artists like Karol G, Ozuna, and Maluma to reach global audiences.
N.O.R.E. – Oye Mi Canto (feat. Daddy Yankee, Nina Sky, Gemstar, Big Mato) (2004)
“Oye Mi Canto” (“Hear My Song”) stands as a true anthem of Latin pride set to a reggaeton beat. Created by the New York–based Puerto Rican rapper N.O.R.E., the track blends Spanish and English verses to celebrate Latin American heritage, depicting vivid scenes—from sipping Bacardi Limón to heavy perreo on the dance floor. With an unforgettable chorus by Nina Sky, the song embodies the intersection of New York street codes and Latin urban music, repping for Latin communities across American cities.
Bad Bunny – Yonaguni (2021)
Debuting at No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, “Yonaguni” is one of the clearest examples of mellow, melancholic reggaeton and stands out as one of Bad Bunny’s most celebrated tracks. Floating over a wistful beat built on soft vocal chops and hazy synth melodies, El Conejo Malo sheds his Malo persona to reveal vulnerability, delivering a heartfelt ballad about a love he’s lost (and yes, I’m still crying over this every now and then).
Wisin & Yandel – Mayor Que Yo (2005)
Featured on their legendary album “Pa’l Mundo”, “Mayor Que Yo” is one of the most groundbreaking tracks from reggaeton’s early wave. Fusing the unmistakable Dem-Bow riddim with touches of Merengue and Bachata, it’s often cited as a prime example of “bachaton,” showcasing how traditional Latin sounds began to shape the evolution of the genre.
Karol G – TQG (feat. Shakira) (2023)
Far beyond its twenty-week run on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, TQG feels like a meeting of Latin music royalty. The track marked Karol G’s rise as a leading female force in the genre, side by side with Shakira, long celebrated as the queen of contemporary Latin music. With sharp, defiant lyrics aimed at their exes, TQG stands as an anthem of female empowerment, carried by a solid reggaeton beat crafted by Ovy On The Drums.
Nio García – Te Boté (Remix) (feat. Casper Magico, Bad Bunny, Darell, Ozuna, Nicky Jam) (2018)
With over a billion streams on Spotify, Te Boté (Remix) is as an instant reggaeton classic from Puerto Rican artist Nio García. Featuring heavyweights of the genre—Ozuna delivering the unforgettable chorus, Bad Bunny setting the tone with the opening verse, and Nicky Jam closing it out—the track became a phenomenon, earning a staggering 106× platinum certification from the RIAA with over six million units sold.
Why These Songs Matter for Reggaeton Fans Today
From its underground beginnings to its global dominance, reggaeton has continuously reinvented itself while staying true to its Latin roots. Each track, whether a hard-hitting anthem or a tender ballad, carries the heartbeat of a culture that continues to inspire audiences worldwide. As new voices emerge and legends continue to shape the sound, the story of reggaeton is far from over—it’s only getting louder.