2023-04-16 18:37:21
Although it lacks full evidence, a strongly held idea is that the reggaeton musical genre has little content and substance. Due to its popular origin, it has always been marked by various social, political and economic stigmas. However, 20 years ago reggaeton broke into Latin America with force and 30 years ago it was born in the hamlets of Puerto Rico. As an activist, professional and fan of the urban genre, I consider it important to mention some songs with social criticism by reggaeton artists, who marked and influenced a generation (the millennials):
This song from the album “Barrio Fino” contains lyrics that describe the social situation in Puerto Rico, as well as pointing out the artist’s perception of how people treat each other and how one of the current problems lies in the lack of mutual solidarity and the indifference of political institutions. It is a song that explicitly invites us to think about our behavior towards others. Here are some stanzas:
“But I know it’s a lost dream like watching all three games joined
fighting for the good of Puerto Rico
They don’t see that education in residential housing is mediocre
They need more teachers they need materials
To create more leaders and less criminals”
A little-known song by Daddy Yankee, but ahead of its time, describes the situation of migrants and the motivations for leaving their countries of origin. It also includes a critique of the immigration policies of the United States and the realities of migrants in that country; It also makes an invitation to reflect on how the same migrants are treated in other Latin American countries. Here, you can read some lines of this song:
“It’s just that a peso doesn’t fall from heaven
I work all day without seeing progress
I’m tired of this damn government
We can’t look for the saints in hell
The mission is to cross the border, run like an athlete”
It is one of the most popular reggaeton songs, driven by being a soundtrack in the movie saga Fast and Furious. But, beyond this cinematographic anecdote, the origin of this song is motivated by an arrest of the artist Don Omar for possession of marijuana. In the letter, the hypocrisy of society and institutions is criticized for this situation, and how there is a differentiated treatment with those people who have a humble social origin when they are arrested. In light of today, where cannabis use is legal in several countries in the region and differentiated police violence is denounced, the reflection of this song is also ahead of its time.
“I don’t believe your ungrateful system of reformation
Two pigs arrested me for hanging out
And here I am holding on
Shut up if no one is perfect what are they judging me about”
Currently, the Afro-descendant issue begins to have greater visibility in the discussion. However, in the early 2000s, the picture was different. This song, which has the name of an Afro municipality in Puerto Rico, is a unique representation for its time. The lyrics are a social critique of the treatment black people receive in that country. It also proudly greets having black features or physiognomies, contrary to the “traditional” thought that validates only those white or mixed-race physiognomies.
“There will never be justice without equality
Damn evil that destroys humanity
Because protesting is going to take away my freedom
If I do not recognize your authority”
In the same way, the wave of feminism that we are going through has a transversal impact on the preconceived thinking of gender roles and the macho culture of our societies. And although reggaeton has an outstanding debt, where most of the lyrics validate that culture, there are transcendental exceptions, not only because of their feminist lyrics; but because they are popular songs. This letter claims the autonomy and decision of women when dancing and how this act does not imply consent to have sexual relations.
“I want to explain
If in the disco we are going to make a fuss
If the two of us are going to caress each other
It’s because I want to and you can’t stand me
Don’t think I’m going to bed”
Reggaeton is part of Latin American culture, as well as the genre of salsa or merengue. As time goes by, it is important to recognize their contribution to the thinking of a generation and how this influences the social or political assessment of certain current issues. Perhaps part of that sensitivity that is present in the public space today, when investigating its origin, among other causes, it is possible to identify some reggaeton songs that marked the childhood and adolescence of millions of people in Latin America. Let’s not forget that culture and music are also a political space.
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