Reggaeton is a music fad of this decade that blends reggae and dancehall with latin pop, hip hop and electronica. It originated fom Latin America and from 2004 and onwards, Reggaeton has crossed mainstream and became a global phenomenon. Most popular fads have its share of controversy and Reggaeton is no different with its violent lyrics, obvious sexual innnuendos, suggestive dancing and references to drugs and alcohol.
Puerto Rican Reggaeton artist Don Omar sampled controversy in his new worldwide hit single Sexy Robotica. Here, Don Omar incoporates lyrics such as:
"LLEVA EN SU LENGUA MEDICINA (EXTASIS)" - She has medicine on her tongue (ecstasy)
"Y UN POLVO MAGICO QUE HECHIZA
(FINISIMO DE COLOMBIA PUES)" - and a magical powder [cocaine] that bewitches (Colombia's cynicism)
"FUMA CIGARRO QUE DA RISA
(STRAIGHT FROM WASHINGTON HEIGHTS)" - smokes a cigar that produces laughter [marijuana]
"Y UNA PASTILLA QUE LA ERIZA
(EUROPEA)" - a pill that makes her erect [I personally do not know what this innuendo represents]
The song caused criticism in Colombia which in the last couple of decades, lived in the stigma as being one of the top cocaine producers in the world. The country has also been plagued by the violence and criminization caused by narcotraffickers. I personally feel that the song is not suggesting drug use. Instead, it references Latin America's club scene which has been marked by cocaine and marijuana. Also, Colombia is the only Latin America country that has expressed disaproval of the song's lyrics.
Here is a article on the controversy as well as the music video.
http://www.soundzet.com/news/?p=1357
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