Wisin and Yandel, Two Romeos Romancing the World to a Reggaetón Beat

Reggaetón, the Puerto Rican rhythm-and-rhyme style that spread from regional to international audiences as the 21st century began, has been stalled in the United States by a language barrier. Hip-hop and R&B had their flirtation with it around 2005. But in other Spanish-speaking territories, reggaetón has entrenched itself so strongly that the Puerto Rican duo Wisin & Yandel sold out Madison Square Garden on Saturday night.

In their songs, Wisin (born Juan Luis Morera Luna) and Yandel (Llandel Veguilla Malavé Salazar) can’t resist a pretty body, especially when she’s dancing. Over the boom-chicka-boom-chick reggaetón beat — a Latin twist on Jamaican dancehall — Yandel (pronounced Yon-DELL) croons romantic endearments while Wisin (WE-seen) raps some racier specifics. Pop melodies dominate the songs, adrenalized by Wisin’s excitable voice. Now and then they claim reggaetón’s street-level grit, but they’re pop Romeos at heart, with squealing female fans who return the affection.”*

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