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CD & DVD Reviews - New Releases |
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Don Omar Dec 6, 2005 Universal / VI The "Chosen Few Remix" of "Reggaeton Latino" had been a hit song and video for months before Da Hit Man Presents Reggaeton Latino finally showed up in late 2005, compiling that song along with other Don Omar miscellanea. About a third of the songs on this compilation are among Omar's best-known hits to date, which gives this album a greatest-hits feel. In particular, the opening run -- "Reggaeton Latino," "Dile," "Ella y Yo," and "Pobre Diablo" -- were all major hits for Omar. The subsequent eight inclusions aren't as significant, but there are a couple further highlights, including a number of collaborations. Overall, Reggaeton Latino functions primarily as a stopgap release designed to capitalize on the success of the title track and also to tide fans over until the next studio album. As such, it's practical if not entirely satisfying, promising more than it actually delivers, considering that the highlights are all previously released and sometimes in remixed form. A few new songs would have made a big difference. Anyone who isn't yet familiar with Omar's catalog will want to skip this release in favor of The Last Don, his excellent, rock-solid breakthrough album. However, fans who already have that album and who can't get enough of Omar will likely find at least a few worthwhile songs here, given that a lot of them are fairly rare, albeit old, as well as high-quality. ~ Jason Birchmeier, All Music Guide |
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 From all indications, 2006 seems poised to be the year reggaeton takes over America's audio playback devices by force. The dancehall/hip-hop hybrid originated in Puerto Rico during the '90s thanks to the island's proximity to Jamaica and the accelerated dancehall beats of artists such as Shabba Ranks.
Reggaeton has already produced strong club singles such as Daddy Yankee's "Gasolina" from 2004, and in November Daddy became the first reggaeton artist to win the Latin Grammy for Best Urban Album. Reggaeton was also toasted by rap duo N.O.R.E. in their Top 10 single "Oye Mi Canto."
Even with the style's building U.S. buzz, longtime reggaeton stars Wisin y Yandel stunned pop music chart-watchers two weeks ago when their new album "Pa'l Mundo" debuted in the Billboard 200 album chart at No. 30. Produced by reggaeton kingpins Luny Tunes, "Pa'l Mundo" is anchored by three versions of the Top 10 Latin hit "Rakata," including a remix featuring Ja Rule. |
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The name of reggaeton prodigy
Voltio translates to "voltage" in Spanish, and fans of
Jagged Edge will recognize him as one of the contributors to
their "So Amazing" single. Voltio's self-titled debut album
contains gritty street poetry that has garnered favorable
comparisons to legendary hip-hop artist MC Nas.
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Da
Hit Man Presents Reggaeton Latino