Despacito

Definition

'Despacito' is a reggaeton and Latin pop song by Puerto Rican artists Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee, released in 2017. The song gained international acclaim for its catchy melody and danceable rhythm, showcasing the influence of Latin music on mainstream pop culture and marking a significant moment in the crossover of world music into Western pop music charts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'Despacito' became a massive hit globally, topping charts in multiple countries and becoming one of the most streamed songs of all time.
2. The song's music video on YouTube broke records for being the most-watched video, highlighting the power of digital platforms in promoting world music.
3. 'Despacito' features a blend of Spanish lyrics and infectious beats, appealing to both Spanish-speaking audiences and those unfamiliar with the language.
4. The remix featuring Justin Bieber contributed significantly to the song's mainstream success, showcasing how collaborations can help bridge cultural gaps in music.
5. 'Despacito' sparked a renewed interest in Latin music within Western pop, influencing other artists to incorporate similar styles into their work.

Review Questions

• How did 'Despacito' demonstrate the influence of Latin music on Western pop?
  • 'Despacito' showcased the influence of Latin music on Western pop by blending reggaeton rhythms with catchy melodies that appealed to a global audience. Its success on international charts highlighted how Latin genres can capture mainstream attention. The song's appeal was enhanced through its infectious beat and relatable themes, which resonated with diverse listeners beyond just Spanish-speaking populations.
• In what ways did 'Despacito' reflect the trends of crossover success in modern music?
  • 'Despacito' exemplified crossover success through its ability to reach audiences outside its original genre. The collaboration with Justin Bieber brought further visibility to the song within Western markets, while its catchy chorus and danceable rhythm appealed universally. This phenomenon illustrates how collaborations between artists from different genres can lead to greater acceptance and integration of diverse musical styles into popular culture.
• Evaluate the impact of 'Despacito' on the future of Latin music within the global pop landscape.
  • 'Despacito' had a profound impact on the future of Latin music within the global pop landscape by paving the way for other Latin artists to gain recognition in mainstream markets. Its massive success demonstrated that audiences are increasingly open to diverse sounds and languages, leading to more cross-genre collaborations. The song's influence can be seen in subsequent hits that blend Latin elements with various musical styles, indicating a shift towards more inclusive representation in popular music.

Related terms

Reggaeton: 'Reggaeton is a genre of music that originated in Puerto Rico during the late 1990s, blending Latin rhythms with hip-hop and dancehall influences, characterized by its distinctive beat and often catchy melodies.'

Bachata: 'Bachata is a genre of Latin music that originated in the Dominican Republic, featuring romantic themes and a mix of guitar, bongo drums, and maracas, which has also influenced the popular music scene.'

Crossover Success: 'Crossover success refers to the phenomenon where music transcends its original genre and reaches audiences in different markets, often leading to increased popularity and commercial success across various music charts.'