Reggaeton is a popular Latin music genre that blends reggae rhythms with Latin styles like merengue and salsa. It originated from the fusion of Jamaican dancehall music and Latin genres in Panama and Puerto Rico, where Jamaican immigrants had brought reggae and influenced local music. While its roots are Panamanian, Puerto Rico is also credited as it popularized the genre. Reggaeton is now characterized by its "dembow" beat and mixes hip hop, rap, electronic dance music and Spanish lyrics. It has gained widespread popularity among Hispanic urban youth worldwide.