Gawker: Reggaeton

McCain Vows to Explore Off-Shore Gasolina Reserves

Pareene — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 15:24:33 EDT

We saw this earlier today, and we were like, "wtf, did we just see John McCain introduce Daddy Yankee for some reason?" but before we could figure out what the hell was going on CNN cut to something boring and non-Daddy Yankee-related. Thankfully, C-Span had the context. (Not that we watched this entire clip, because it's still a John McCain campaign appearance.) ENJOY. [Radar]

New Optimum Online Ad Trades Reggaeton For Suburban R&B!

Hamilton Nolan — Mon, 05 May 2008 17:01:37 EDT

Optimum Online commercials: they are now their own genre. A specific category at the Grammy Awards, a spot in the Olympic Games, and a bust on Mount Rushmore are reserved specifically for the psychedelic, grating ads that this strange company produces. The original "Reggaeton-Jet Ski-Lifeguard" spot was an over-the-top classic after only 17,000 exposures per person in the Tristate area; the follow up spot, all shiny, kinetic, and Hype Williams-esque, expanded the motif. Now there's a new one in circulation, and it shifts the setting to suburbia, with a sort of knockoff Gwen Stefani character whirling through a household with backup dancers, and the odd appearance of an old lady who is also a race car driver. Philosophers, break out your thinking caps. The full ad is after the jump.

The Other Reggaeton Cable Ad: Awesomer

Hamilton Nolan — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 12:51:19 EDT

Remember that IO Digital Cable/ Optimum Online reggaeton ad on the beach that is the most ubiquitous thing on television in the tristate area? Ha, you don't just remember it, you secretly love it! Or perhaps it makes you want to murder people. Either way, when I saw this old Spanish remix of the ad running on Telemundo last weekend, I knew I had to find it and bring it to you, the viewer. This is not just the same as the ad on the beach, but with Spanish lyrics; this is a totally different ad, done in a Hype Williams-style shiny black and white palette, with dancing girls, an even more banging beat, and that reggaeton guy dressed up like Busta Rhymes, riding in a tiny car! It's truly a must-see. If you don't see much Spanish TV, you'll want to bookmark this one to watch over and over and over and over. Full video after the jump.

"Come On Mi Gente, Let's Get Online!"

Hamilton Nolan — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 15:36:57 EST

We tried to leave this one alone, but its influence has now grown to the point that it must be mentioned. We're referring, of course, to that reggaeton-themed commercial for IO Digital Cable, which is maddeningly effective at making you remember a phone number you will never call. What do mermaids, life preservers, jet skis, and latin beats have to do with cable? Eight seven seven three nine three, four, four, four, EIGHT! That's the answer. This is both the best and worst ad in the world [AV Club]. Gluttons for punishment, please watch the ad below again and again until you can recite it from memory like the rest of the population of New York. We apologize.