This year marks the 20th anniversary of Machete Music, a label that, in the mid-2000s, became the epicenter of reggaeton. It helped launch the careers of legendary artists like Don Omar, Daddy Yankee, Ivy Queen, Wisin & Yandel, and many more.
That era of reggaeton, responsible for some of the most iconic tracks in the genre’s history—including "Gasolina," "Quiero Bailar," and "Dile"—sounds a bit different from what we hear today. While the signature drum pattern remains, reggaeton has evolved beyond its Puerto Rican roots to become a global phenomenon. It now carries influences from all over the world.
And if you're a vinyl lover, that global expansion means more opportunities than ever to dig through crates and find gems, whether they’re from the genre’s pioneers or today’s chart-topping stars.
Here are 10 essential reggaeton vinyl records every collector should own.
Wisin & Yandel, 'Pa'l Mundo'
Price: $36.98
There’s a strong case to be made that if you could only play one reggaeton album, it should be this one. Few records in the genre come close to matching the impact of Wisin & Yandel’s 2005 classic. The number of hits packed into this album is unreal—“Rakata,” “Llamé Pa' Verte (Bailando Sexy),” “Noche de Sexo.” And we could keep going. There are literally no skips. —Dimas Sanfiorenzo
J Balvin, 'José'
Price: $29.98
In 2021, J Balvin dropped his most stacked project to date. I mean, in what world do you get Dua Lipa, Bad Bunny, Skrillex, Khalid, Karol G, and Feid all on the same album? Jose was a genre-blending smash, with Balvin experimenting across sounds, voices, and production styles. —Antonio Johri
Don Omar, 'King of Kings'
Price: $36.98
If you’re building a Reggaeton Mount Rushmore, Don Omar has to be on it. And if you’re carving out a Mount Rushmore of reggaeton albums, his sophomore masterpiece King of Kings is a must. —Dimas Sanfiorenzo
Karol G, 'Mañana Será Bonito'
Karol G’s Mañana Será Bonito was a powerhouse, becoming the first Spanish-language album by a female artist to hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart in the U.S. The success is well deserved—the album is a banger from start to finish, from the waves crashing over the Afrohouse rhythms of “Provenza” to the candy-coated reggaetón of “TGQ." —Antonio Johri
Luis Fonsi featuring Daddy Yankee, 'Despacito 7"'
Price: $11.11
What more can be said about this song? One of the most iconic songs of the 2010s—a defining anthem of summer 2017. Now, for the first time ever, it's available on 7" vinyl. Don't miss out. —Dimas Sanfiorenzo
Feid, 'Ferxxocalipsis'
Price: $36.98
Ferxxo has a reputation for dropping projects in December, and 2023 was no exception. That winter, he released Ferxxocalipsis, the album that features his biggest hit to date, “LUNA.” The record cemented his dominance in the mainstream, marking a moment where Ferxxo began to be recognized as a global force on par with Bad Bunny and Karol G. —Antonio Johri
Álvaro Díaz, 'Felicilandia'
Price: $36.98
Álvaro Díaz’s excellent 2021 album Felicilandia blends a wide range of styles and sounds, with reggaeton playing a key role throughout. The project is stacked with star power, featuring legends like Rauw Alejandro, Randy, Feid, and Tainy. —Dimas Sanfiorenzo
J Balvin & Bad Bunny, 'Oasis'
Price: $32.99
When people talk about the best reggaetón albums released during its late-2010s boom, Oasis is always part of the conversation. With J Balvin and Bad Bunny at the height of their rise, this joint project delivered the mega-smash hit “La Canción,” along with the gritty, classic reggaetón vibe of “Cuidao Por Ahí." The vinyl features the otherworldly cover art, showcasing the duo’s combined moniker: a bunny sporting Balvin’s signature lightning bolt eyes. ——Antonio Johri
Jayco, 'Famouz'
Price: $37.99
The "No Me Conoce (Remix)" with Bad Bunny and J Balvin is an all-time great reggaeton posse cut. But is it even the best track on Jhayco's breakout classic, Famouz? Decide for yourself with this gorgeous blue vinyl edition of the album. —Dimas Sanfiorenzo
Rauw Alejandro, 'Cosa Nuestra'
Price: $39.99
Rauw Alejandro just dropped Cosa Nuestra: Capítulo 0, which is technically a prequel to last year's album. So, which do you play first? You can’t really go wrong with either. —Dimas Sanfiorenzo