A new genre of music called reggaeton is rapidly making waves. The Panamanians started it. Puerto Ricans added hip hop, salsa, reggae and sexy rhythmic beats, too sensuous to ignore. Its history can be found in “Chosen Few: El Documental,” (available on www.chosenfew-eldocumental.com). This CD/DVD chronicles the birth, rise and future of reggaeton. Dominican über producer Manuel Alejandro Ruiz (known in the game as Boy Wonder) carefully details the inception and impact of reggaeton. With over 120 interviews from rising artists like Daddy Yankee, Voltio and the all mighty standout female, Ivy Queen, Ruiz encapsulates the flavor of reggaeton and the cultural pride behind it. These and other artists are not new Jacks or Jills on the scene. Collectively, they have maintained a strong fan base, making them the most famous unknowns in music, until now.
The DVD portion is cut into 14 chapters pasting together reggaeton’s history. Ruiz traces the roots back to the pioneers, both artists and producers, who helped create this movement. During live concert footage, you can feel the raw energy fusing both performer and audience members. Their unbridled passion for their culture and the music makes it easy to surrender. Whether listening to Nicky Jam’s flow on “Llegó la hora” (The time has come), produced by the legendary Luny Tunes or taking in the Chosen Few Remix, produced by Ruiz, the sounds and rhythms will be beating inside you, long after the song is done. That’s the seed of reggaeton, good time, infectious music, whose only purpose is to make you crunk and wild out.
The CD half reads like a who’s who of reggaeton artists. Duos like L.D.A., Zion y Lennox and solo acts like Don Omar and N.O.R.E. each display their individual flavor and come alive. Over 20 artists are featured. Each one performs his or her ass off . It’s a succession of fast-paced, vivid songs that propel the momentum. Much credit goes to Ruiz, who did an amazing and tirelessly job in bringing out reggaeton’s authenticity. He proves two things: the music is not going away anytime soon and it’s quickly gaining a wider audience. Ruiz is the P. Diddy of reggaeton. He has the gift of concocting a fresh beat, making it into a hot track, giving it to the right person and causing a manic sensation. He’s that good. He’s been in the game a long time and understands what the people need. Chosen Few: El Documental is a must have for long time and new fans.
