NPR

Daddy Yankee's 'Gasolina' is the National Recording Registry's first reggaeton song

On Wednesday, the mega-hit single became the first reggaeton song to be inducted into the National Recording Registry at the Library of Congress.
Daddy Yankee retired last year after a career spanning more than 30 years. In that time, reggaeton has become one of the most profitable genres in the music industry.

Before becoming the Godfather of Reggaeton, Ramón Luis Ayala Rodríguez, now known around the world as Daddy Yankee, was listening to the din of San Juan, Puerto Rico.

A cacophony of revving engines and flirtatious catcalls floatedup from the streets into his tiny apartment in the projects. it to Billboard in 2014, someone shouted, "Cómo le gusta la gasolina!" at the girlswho rode in men's flashy cars.

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR3 min read
Taiwan's New President Urges China To Stop Its Military Intimidation
Taiwan's new President Lai Ching-te in his inauguration speech has urged China to stop its military intimidation against the self-governed island Beijing claims as its own territory.
NPR3 min read
Hold On To Your Wishes — There's A 'Spider In The Well'
There's trouble in the town of Bad Göodsburg! A wishing well has stopped working! NPR's Tamara Keith talks with Jess Hannigan about her new children's book, "Spider in the Well."
NPR2 min read
The Jawbone Of Washed-up Whale In New Zealand Was Removed With Chainsaw And Stolen
The jawbone of a nearly 50-foot sperm whale that washed ashore in New Zealand's southernmost region has been removed. While the act is illegal, it's also considered disrespectful to the Māori people.

Related Books & Audiobooks