How did Puerto Rico's underground music scene lead to reggaeton?

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ceramic flute — Latin American music Flute, slip-painted ceramic, Nopiloa, southern Veracruz, Mexico, 300–500 ce; in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. 35.56 × 17.15 × 10.80 cm.

In the 1990s, Puerto Rico’s underground music scene emerged as a convergence of hip-hop in Spanish and reggae en español. This genre, known simply as "underground," was cultivated in nightclubs like The Noise, where early performers such as Daddy Yankee and Ivy Queen developed their craft.1

Underground music served as a powerful medium for resistance, addressing life in the caseríos (low-income housing projects) and systemic issues like racism. Despite being targeted by government anti-crime campaigns, the genre’s popularity grew, solidifying its reputation as a voice for marginalized communities. The scene was also characterized by the perreo, a dance style that became synonymous with the music.1

By the turn of the 21st century, this underground movement evolved into what is now known as reggaeton. While some artists maintained the genre's provocative roots, others began shifting toward more radio-friendly sounds, eventually leading to global commercial success with hits like "Gasolina" in 2004.1