Reggaeton Fi Tanja

(This is my official Last Tangier Posting. I typed it up before packing my computer into my suitcase. Then I didn't get to publish it before I flew out, because they have cancelled consigned bags at Casa Voyageurs train station. Among the most annoying and underrated results of transportation-focused terrorism is the unannounced cancellation of luggage consignment and lockers. I ended up going directly to the Muhammad V airport and killing 10 hours there... In any case, on with the blog post!)

I blogged recently about reggaeton, the Puerto Rican style that mixes reggae-dancehall, rap, and “Latin” sounds. I thought I was hearing it in the Tangier streets and in cars going by, but since I don’t speak Spanish I really couldn’t tell. I just listened to the samples on wayne&wax and thought I recognized the sound...

But on my last night in Tangier I found a great CD stand with almost everything I had been looking for. Along with CDs from Muslim and Zanka Flow, I also found:

Koupable, the latest from hotshot Algerian rapper Lotfi Double Kanon. (This is really great—probably the best yet I’ve heard for rapping in Arabic. If you understand Arabic, try to find and get a listen to the first track alone, “Intro.” It will blow your mind.);

The Kachla compilation CD (with contributions from DJ Suspect, Kachla, O-din, La-N, Islamic Gun, Arab Souljaz, La’arbee, Mojahid, Harbee, Zanka Flow, and Muslim);

Bigg’s latest, Mgharba ‘Tal Moute, and...

Reggaeton Beats Vol. 2! There were a couple of reggaeton compilation/remix discs—I chose the one that identified the musicians. Here’s a list of featured DJs and artists:

DJ Glenn B
MC Brainwave
R. Kelly
Luny Tunes
Papa A.P.
Hancel
The Horny Crew
Pablo Bachatta
Raw Jawz
Andy’s Val
C.U.V.A.
DJ Frank
Bimbo
Chacka
Raw Jawz
Leki
Brainpower
Immorales
Beef
Mega D
Misterio Y Hancel
K-Liber
RO-L
Partysquad
Sendar
Reezz & the GMC

DJ Glenn B seems to be the major force behind this compilation. The titles to the last three songs include the phrases “Wat Wil Je Doen Dan,” “In Het Gebouw—Bling Bling—Draai’t,” and “Groeten Uit Purmerend”... These words do not appear to be in Spanish. I am led to suspect that DJ Glenn B is based somewhere in Belgium or the Netherlands, and further that both of these Benelux countries are on the route that Reggaeton is following on its way to Morocco...