
The sun’s out, and we’re ready to go MIA from work. How are your summer plans looking? Are you going on a trip to the beachside with your girls? Maybe a romantic Caribbean getaway with your partner? Whatever the case, you’ll need music — and we’ve got the classics prepared for you.
If you’re into reggaeton, you may know it’s an important year for two of the genre’s figureheads. We’re talking about Puerto Rican pioneer artists Daddy Yankee and Wisin & Yandel, who are performing their final tours and retiring this year.
The genre remains strong and alive, though. Even though the two reggaeton icons are saying goodbye to the stages, plenty of trailblazers are currently cementing their legacy in reggaeton. One of the prime examples is Puerto Rico’s current global icon, Bad Bunny, whose newest album, Un Verano Sin Ti, has been dominating the charts. Who hasn’t heard of Benito?
While we wait for Benito’s music to become certified classics, here are three throwback songs that are some of the movement’s most played tracks for your summer playlist.
“Quiero Bailar” – Ivy Queen
Ivy Queen, also known as “La Diva” and “La Caballota,” controlled the early 2000s reggaeton scene when she dropped her Diva album in 2003. With lyrics like: “Quiero bailar / Tú quieres sudar / Y pegarte a mí / El cuerpo rozar / Yo te digo: “sí, tú me puedes provocar” / Eso no quiere decir que pa’ la cama voy,” the Queen became one of the most empowering females in the male-dominated reggaeton scene.
“Lo Que Pasó, Pasó” – Daddy Yankee
We all know that D.Y.’s “Gasolina” is basically synonymous with his name. Another hit single from the Puerto Rican star is “Lo Que Pasó, Pasó” from his Barrio Fino album released in 2004. Since then, he’s known as one of the prominent names in reggaeton, often referred to as “The Big Boss” or “The King.” After 32 years of music, he is officially retiring this year. To commemorate his farewell, the icon released his final album Legendaddy and will embark on his last tour, “La Última Vuelta,” on July 25.
“Rakata” – Wisin & Yandel
Another artist retiring this year is Wisin & Yandel. After almost two decades together, the duo is performing their last tour together. The 26-date arena “La Ultima Mision” tour is kicking off on Sept. 30 in Miami. In addition to the final tour, the two are set to release their last album, La Última Misión, in September of this year.