7. Mas Flow, Vol. 1 -Luny Tunes (2003)

Luny Tunes are producers and proteges of DJ Nelson, an incredibly successful Underground artist. The pair, however, are known in their own right; their celebrity arguably rising with the release of their 2003 album, Mas Flow, Vol. 1. From now on, I will be referencing Reggaeton rather than Underground, not because this was when the name was invented but because this is when it’s sound was consolidated in its current form. The album is particular in its innovative uses of synthesizers as well as the pop sensibilities (55). Moreover, throughout are  riffs on salsa, and merengue, leaning more on diverse Latin musical styles. A great example of this new sound is “Métele Sazon” (add seasoning) featuring Tego Calderon. 

The popularity of this album ushered in dozens of songs in the same vein, beginning what some see as reggaeton’s “rhythmic conservatism (or its monotony, to put it more pejoratively, as many detractors do)” (57). Tego Calderon, Daddy Yankee, Wisin y Yandel, Don Omar, Zion y Lennox, Tito “El Bambino”, Nicky Jam and Plan B, all herein featured, go on to be some of the biggest artists in the genre. 

Returning to “Gasolina”, it should be no surprise then that Luny Tunes were the producers of the uber successful track.