In Santurce rest some of the most important salsa artist of the island. Puerto Rico is the birthplace of Salsa music and people like Rafael Cortijo, Ismael Miranda, Don Rafael Cepeda, Angel Cachete Maldonado, Pedro 'Pellín' Rodríguez, Sammy Ayala, Tommy Olivencia and more helped define the Puerto Rican Salsa movement with its Bomba and Plena musical influences.
Just like Salsa music, Reggaetón, a music genre with strong roots in Santurce, are deeply intertwined in the history of the genre. Reggaetón emerged from the underground music scene of Santurce in the late 1980s, often associated with marginalized communities, and while not exclusively Santurce-based, the district played a significant role in its evolution.
Reggaetón started as an underground music scene, fueled by DJs like Blass, Playero, and Nelson, who blended reggae, hip-hop, and other influences.
The genre gained traction in Puerto Rico, with artists like Daddy Yankee, Wisin & Yandel, and Don Omar becoming prominent.
By the late 90s, reggaetón began to gain mainstream popularity, and its international breakthrough occurred with Daddy Yankee's "Gasolina" in 2004.
Santurce, with its vibrant cultural scene, played a role in the development and expression of reggaetón. The district has seen a period of revival and economic growth, attracting artists and entrepreneurs, which has further contributed to its cultural significance.
Santurce is known for its vibrant murals and thriving arts scene.
Santurce has experienced a resurgence in tourism and economic activity, attracting both local and international visitors interested in its cultural heritage.
Reggaetón's journey from an underground movement to a global phenomenon is intertwined with the cultural landscape of Puerto Rico, particularly the district of Santurce. While reggaetón originated in other parts of Puerto Rico, Santurce became a hub for the genre's expression and evolution, contributing to its vibrant arts scene and overall cultural identity.