The history of reggaeton is filled with power duos. Reggaeton has historically been the perfect genre for duos. The duo model has dominated the genre since the beginning. It’s one of the biggest thing that distinguishes the genre from others. The history of the genre would not be the same without the artists like Wisin & Yandel, Zion & Lennox, Los Cangris, and others that came before them.
One of the biggest differences between Latin music and American music is the prevalence of duos. In Latin music, some of the most successful acts of all time are duos. American music just doesn’t have that many.
When it comes to our definition of a duo here, we’re talking about actual duo artists. We’re not counting artists who only put out albums together. So J Balvin and Bad Bunny or Ozuna and Anuel don’t count.
Without further ado, let’s get to our ranking.
5. Chino & Nacho
These two briefly broke up a few years back and each artist pursued their own solo career, as almost every other duo on this list has. Chino y Nacho are more known for their romantic interpretations of reggaeton and urban music. The video for their song “Me Voy Enamorando” is one of the most romantic videos ever produced and on of the greatest (if you ask me). Their solo careers differed wildly but it seems like the duo is back together as of 2021.
4. Los Cangris (Nicky Jam and Daddy Yankee)
This is a situation where the parts are probably greater than the whole. Daddy Yankee is obviously one of the greatest artists of all time. Nicky Jam is one of the most important figures in reggaeton history. The two haven’t put out a ton of songs together but reggaeton wouldn’t be where it is without these two. These two broke up for a while but have since made up and gone back to making music together.
3. Plan B
This might be one of the more surprising inclusions on the list, especially this high up. Now, if you look into the Puerto Rican duo’s catalog, there are a TON of hits. (Be careful googling Plan B, for obvious reasons). Their album Love & Sex was one of the greatest reggaeton albums of all time and capitalized on the rejuvenation of reggaeton in the mid-2010s. These two are probably the strongest pure duo based on the heights Chencho and Maldy have reached together but not individually. They’ve been broken up for a few years but I’m holding out hope that they’ll get back together soon.
2. Zion & Lennox
These two are the model artists for long lasting success. Zion & Lennox have been constants in reggaeton for decades now, putting out some of the biggest in the genre for decades. They haven’t broken up or spent too much time separately over the years so the majority of their music is together. Their latest album was alright but they have a very deep catalog of great music.
1. Wisin & Yandel
I mean, who else could we have put at this spot? Wisin & Yandel are the Michael Jordan and Scott Pippen of reggaeton and it’s not particullary close. These two have been leaders in reggaeton since the beginning. Beyond Daddy Yankee, these two are probably some of the most influential artists in the game. Their classics are part of the canon and their newest hits are still topping the chart. There simply isn’t any better duo than Wisin & Yandel.
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