In the 1990s, the music faced heavy censorship and police raids in Puerto Rico due to its explicit lyrics, which ironically fueled its popularity as a symbol of rebellion. Old School Reggaeton | Spotify Playlist
It evolved from "reggae en español" in Panama and hip-hop influences in New York and Puerto Rico.
Producers like DJ Playero and DJ Nelson popularized the signature "boom-ch-boom-chk" rhythm known as dembow , which remains the genre's backbone.
Before becoming a global phenomenon, reggaetón was known as .