Baby Rasta Responds to Shaggy’s Reggaeton Origins Story: “Puerto Ricans Created The Genre”

Puerto Rican pioneer Baby Rasta has responded to Shaggy’s claim that Reggaeton started in Panama during a World Music Views interview.

The exchange has reignited long-standing discussions about the roles of Jamaica, Panama, and Puerto Rico in shaping the global sound.

“This Is a Difficult Topic”

Baby Rasta, real name Wilmer Alicea made his statement in the comment section on Instagram, first by acknowledging the sensitivity of the issue, especially for different communities tied to the genre’s history.

“Eso es un tema difícil… para los artistas panameños y para los jamaiquinos de NY.”
“This is a difficult topic… for Panamanian artists and for Jamaicans in New York.”

He explained that when modern reggaeton emerged, earlier movements were pushed aside.

“Cuando llegó lo que se conoce como Reggaetón… esos artistas fueron reemplazados.”
“When what is now known as reggaeton came along, those artists were replaced.”

Recognizing Jamaica and Panama

Despite the debate, Baby Rasta made it clear that he respects the foundation laid by Jamaica and Panama.

“No se le quita que Jamaica son creadores de tantos ritmos.”
“You can’t take away the fact that Jamaica created so many rhythms.”

“Panamá fueron los primeros en coquetear con ese estilo de música.”
“Panama was the first to experiment with that style of music.”

He also paid tribute to early pioneers like Nando Boom and Aldo Ranks, who helped shape the early sound.

“Puerto Rico Created the Genre”

Still, Baby Rasta drew a firm distinction when it comes to reggaeton as a global movement.

“De uno el boricua creó un género… reconocido mundialmente como Reggaetón.”
“From that, Puerto Ricans created a genre… recognized worldwide as reggaeton.”

He acknowledged that this reality can be hard for some to accept.

“Entiendo que duele.”
“I understand it hurts.”

Investment and Industry Matter

In a follow-up response, Baby Rasta pointed to the importance of investment and infrastructure in taking the music global.

“Qué falta de inversión… para ganar premios tienes que invertir.”
“There was a lack of investment… to win awards, you have to invest.”

He argued that many artists in Panama stayed focused on local success rather than expanding globally.

“Los artistas de Panamá… se conformaron con sonar en su país, y no miraron que el mundo es grande.”
“Artists in Panama settled for being popular in their country and didn’t realize how big the world is.”

“We Built an Industry”

According to Baby Rasta, Puerto Rico’s impact came from turning the sound into a structured, global business.

“Con un ritmo de miles… hicimos un género, industria.”
“From one rhythm among many… we created a genre and an industry.”

He emphasized the scale of reggaeton today.

“Ahora es la música más importante del mundo.”
“Now it’s the most important music in the world.”

A Shared but Contested History

Even while defending Puerto Rico’s role, Baby Rasta acknowledged the genre’s deeper roots.

“El Reggaetón no le quita que Panamá, Jamaica tiene ADN.”
“Reggaeton doesn’t take away that Panama and Jamaica are part of its DNA.”