Don Omar Da Hit Man Presents Reggaeton Latino CD

By 2005, Don Omar was one of the biggest figures on the reggaeton landscape, thanks to the anthem "Reggaeton Latino," a song from the CHOSEN FEW compilation that proved a huge hit. A remix version, which features lyrics in English and guest spots by Fat Joe and N.O.R.E., was also a hit, and further heightened Omar's profile via the corresponding video on MTV. That remix kicks off this collection, which also features ten tracks of Omar's by-now familiar reggaeton sound. With its mixture of hip-hop beats, dancehall-inspired rhythms, and lyrics en Espanol, DA HIT MAN PRESENTS REGGAETON LATINO is sure to have a wide appeal in urban centers across the Americas.
The "Chosen Few Remix" of "Reggaeton Latino" had been a hit song and video for months before Da Hit Man Presents Reggaeton Latino finally showed up in late 2005, compiling that song along with other Don Omar miscellanea. About a third of the songs on this compilation are among Omar's best-known hits to date, which gives this album a greatest-hits feel. In particular, the opening run -- "Reggaeton Latino," "Dile," "Ella y Yo," and "Pobre Diablo" -- were all major hits for Omar. The subsequent eight inclusions aren't as significant, but there are a couple further highlights, including a number of collaborations. Overall, Reggaeton Latino functions primarily as a stopgap release designed to capitalize on the success of the title track and also to tide fans over until the next studio album. As such, it's practical if not entirely satisfying, promising more than it actually delivers, considering that the highlights are all previously released and sometimes reprised here in remixed form. A few new songs would have made a big difference. Anyone who isn't yet familiar with Omar's catalog will want to skip this release in favor of The Last Don, his excellent, rock-solid breakthrough album. However, fans who already have that album and who can't get enough of Omar will likely find at least a few worthwhile songs here, given that a lot of them are fairly rare, albeit old, as well as high-quality. ~ Jason Birchmeier