“It’s just the same pattern over and over again” is a phrase I have heard one too many times when talking about reguetón with music fans. 

In clubs, raves, the deep corners of music Twitter (I refuse to call it X, sorry Elon!), and many underground spaces, I have encountered a surprising, resounding hatred for the genre. Witnessing how people can hate the music that soundtracked your birthdays, family gatherings, and pretty much your entire life, is a strange feeling. I am not saying that everyone needs to enjoy every genre that exists, because that’s impossible. However, entirely shutting a genre down seems like a closed-minded and reductionist way of listening to music. This is why I deeply relate to country fans. Many of them were raised in communities where country music is embedded within the local culture. I grew up listening to Wisin & Yandel, Ivy Queen, and other reguetón icons. Therefore, I feel it is my duty to defend the genre’s cultural and social appeal while still critiquing the many flaws that come with it. 

A lot of the critiques of reguetón are that it’s a highly commercial and repetitive genre. The “Despacito” formula that many reguetón artists choose to follow to dominate the charts can get tired very quickly. However, many people bringing up this point are Anglophones who have only been exposed to the genre’s biggest hits. It’s like saying that all pop sounds like Taylor Swift just because you’re only familiar with her music. Many variations of reguetón go beyond the typical structure of a hit song if you listen closely enough. Reguetón can be melancholic, hard-hitting, slow, or fast. While this might feel unnecessary to say, it is the truth. A lot of people’s idea of reguetón hyperfixates on the songs that are on the radio. They are not aware that reguetón is also a crucial component of many alternative spaces like the world of neoperreo.

Neoperreo is a fairly new subgenre of reguetón that emerged in the digital age as a reintroduction of the genre in the underground scene. Mainly dominated by female artists, neoperreo is a space for women and gender-nonconforming people to freely discuss their sexuality. It is a liberation from old school reguetón, which was deeply rooted in misogyny and the objectification of women as a commodity for commercialization. A lot of neoperreo songs are characterized by electronic-focused production, often featuring harsh sounds and eclectic and provocative lyrics. 

As a way to expand your knowledge of neoperreo and reguetón, I have curated a playlist that you can find here. It features a blend of classics from the genre and more left-field options to create the perfect vibe for any function. Through this, I’ve become more appreciative of the art of playlisting. To the girlies that have a playlist for every event that happens in their lives: Know that I see you and I admire you. It is a challenge to gather a collection of songs that reflect a certain aesthetic or mood. I did my best with this one.

I also understand that not everyone has the time to listen to a lot of music at once. Therefore, I have gathered a list of five essential tracks that you can check out if you are interested in neoperreo and alternative reguetón. 

  1. “KLK” - Arca featuring Rosalía 

When I think of neoperreo, this song immediately comes to mind. The dystopian and futuristic nature of Arca’s production, paired with Rosalía’s angelic voice, makes for a disorienting yet thrilling experience. The track is an empowering club anthem that morphs into experimental madness through glitches and transitions, making it sometimes difficult to follow. However, when you finally figure the song out, it is gratifying. Arca’s adlibs are reminiscent of Latin DJs and MCs, phonetics designed to hype up the crowds during parties. She knows how to command the listener through her intensity while still letting Rosalía shine through. While this might be a little challenging for the casual listener, Arca anchors the track in the traditional rhythm pattern of reguetón, making it still accessible.    

  2. “Tu Sicaria” - Ms. Nina featuring Beauty Brain 

Ms. Nina is a foundational pillar of neoperreo, and “Tu Sicaria” is one of the tracks that started it all. The song was an international hit that redefined how women could refer to themselves in mainstream reguetón. Nina’s provocative lyrics, the many gunshots, and the hooky melody inspired by Dembow make for a perfect banger for the club. While the song is on the shorter side, it packs a punch that you do not want to miss. 

  3. “Latina” - Isabella Lovestory 

Isabella Lovestory is one of the most promising artists to come out of the neoperreo scene. Her futuristic production, inspired by genres like hyperpop and deconstructed club, is a breath of fresh air for the world of reguetón. In “Latina,” she is feeling her oats as she sings about her Latina identity and her confidence as a woman. While keeping the energy up, she critiques how many people tokenize Latinidad without actually taking part in the culture. It is a transgressive ode to owning your heritage without shame.    

  4. “Baddie” - Tomasa del Real featuring NIXIE

Known as one of the neoperreo pioneers, Tomasa del Real coined the term “neoperreo” to describe her perfect blend of raunchy and hard-hitting music. The Chilean artist focuses on blending the DIY digital aesthetics of the internet era with lyrical influences from the biggest artists of reguetón, like Ivy Queen. An example of this is her song “Baddie,” where she delivers a cheeky vocal performance over police sirens and a dark bass. Throughout three minutes, she reclaims her own pleasure, reversing the notions of reguetón that usually focus on men’s pleasures. She knows she is a “baddie,” and you should know it too. 

  5. “ZARI” - Marina Satti

The Greek pop star, Marina Satti, represented Greece in the 2023 edition of the European song festival, Eurovision, with her song “ZARI.” This song is a ferocious fusion of reguetón and traditional Greek music where Satti explores a tumultuous relationship. Satti’s vocals shine through the mix like she is performing for a packed stadium, which makes sense as it was designed with the contest in mind. However, this does not stop the song from exploring the intersection between reference and innovation. I could have also added her maximalist, Frankenstein-like reguetón track “MIXTAPE” to the playlist. However, we would have been partying for well over the recommended bedtime, as it goes a little over 10 minutes. “ZARI” is a wonderful track that offers a unique twist on what neoperreo and alternative reguetón can be.     

As neoperreo becomes more of an established subgenre, it is crucial to support the many talented women and gender-nonconforming people that are part of it. While this article is just an introduction, I invite you all to learn more about the genre and introduce your fans to the fascinating and futuristic world of neoperreo. Have fun, and never stop dancing!