The first Latin American reggae recordings were made in Panama and were the basis for the eventual development of the reggaeton genre of music. Around the same time, the style of music became popular in Puerto Rico. Both countries lay claim to creating the genre. Puerto Rican rapper Vico C combined Latin-influenced hip-hop with reggae, the two main genres of the reggaeton music style, and is considered by many to be the "Father of Reggaeton."
The rhythm that characterizes reggaeton is known as Dem Bow. It takes its name from a song of the same title by Shabba Ranks, who helped popularize and spread the style in the 1990s. The same basic rhythm that characterizes reggae is employed in reggaeton, although usually with a Latin flair. Drum machines, heavy bass lines and guitar are often a part of the musical sound.
Don Omar, Zion y Lennox, Wisin y Yandel, Hector y Tito, Tego Calderon, Daddy Yankee, Baby Rasta y Gringo, and Ivy Queen are some of the most requested reggaeton artists from Puerto Rico, which produces some of the top artists in the field.
Since 2004, major music labels have taken notice of, and given respectability to, reggaeton. Sony Music signed deals with artists such as Mickey Perfecto, Buddha's Family and Noztra, while Universal Music is a major distributor of reggaeton in and outside Puerto Rico. Reggaeton has spread to much of South America, Europe, the Philippines, Japan and the United States.