13 Iconic Latin Trap Songs You Need to Know

The term “trap” originated in the ’90s and early ’00s in Atlanta, as a way to describe where drug deals took place. It later evolved to include music that spoke about the trap and featured its own distinct sound (“sub-divided hi-hats;” 808 kick drums; synths; dark, moody beats). Artists credited with starting trap include Shawty Redd, Ghetto Mafia, Outkast, UGK, 8Ball and MJG, Master P, and more. T.I.’s second album, Trap Muzik, was released in 2003. Gucci Mane’s Trap House dropped in 2005.

Latin trap, also referred to as Spanish-language trap and trapeton, emerged out of Puerto Rico as a new movement within the genre in 2015. It also talks about the trap, or in this case, la calle, and what goes down there. In addition to taking it’s sound from trap, Latin trap is infused with reggaeton and dembow. Its notable artists include Bad Bunny, Anuel AA, Fuego, Farruko, De La Ghetto, Ozuna, La Zowi, Messiah, Bryant Myers, and Noriel. In order to delve deeper into Latin trap, which has really grown, starting in 2017, we wanted to share some of the important songs that everyone should know about, with some details about each jam. Think of it as Latin Trap 101!

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“El Pistolón,” Arcangel & De La Ghetto, Yaya & Mackie, and Jowell & Randy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08mq7-6tink

The first Latin trap song we will take a look at is “El Pistolon.” According to the Wikipedia page on Latin trap, Ozuna says that this song, by Arcangel & De La Ghetto, Yaga & Mackie, and Jowell & Randy, is what started the genre. “El Pistolon” was released in 2007.

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“Esclava (Remix),” Bryant Myers Ft Anonimous, Almighty and Anuel AA

Another OG Latin trap song is Bryant Myers’ “Esclava,” and “Esclava (Remix).” The Puerto Rican singer and songwriter (of both Latin trap and reggaeton) is considered a pioneer of the genre; in addition to these hits, he released other jams including “Tu Me Enamorastes,” with the remix, and “De Camino a Marte.”

wp_*posts“Tu Me Enamoraste (Remix),” Lary Over, Brytiago, Almighty, Bryant Myers, and Anuel AA

Anuel AA might be a new name to some, but he has been a part of the Latin trap game for a bit. For example, he was on Larry Over’s 2016 “Tu Me Enamorastes (Remix), alongside Brytiago, Almighty, and Bryant Myers, and is considered a pioneer in the genre.

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“La Ocasion,” De La Ghetto, Ft Arcangel, Ozuna, and Anuel AA

“La Ocasion,” by De La Ghetto, and featuring Arcangel, Ozuna, and Anuel AA, was released in 2016. In a conversation for the Billboard series, “A Brief History Of,” Ozuna credited the song with taking Puerto Rico’s Latin trap and expanding it to the rest of the world. This makes the jam an integral part in the genre’s history.

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“Ella y Yo,” Pepe Quintana, Ft Farruko, Anuel AA, Tempo, Bryant Myers and Almighty

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALxSRQnFRb8

There are some big Latin trap heavyweights, several of which are seen on this list many times. This includes Almighty, Anuel AA, and Bryant Myers. The hit song, “Ella y Yo,” by Pepe Quintana, features all these artists, as well as Farruko and Tempo.

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“Bodak Yellow (Latin Trap Remix),” Cardi B and Messiah

“Bodak Yellow” helped Cardi B’s career blow up, but have you heard the Latin Trap remix?! It features Messiah and a whole lot of Spanish lyrics that you’ll want to learn (because you know you know all the lyrics from the original).

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“Amigos Y Enemigos,” Noriel

Trap Capos: Season 1 was the first Latin trap LP to top Billboard’s Latin Rhythm Album’s chart. It featured music by Bryant Myers, Anuel AA, and Noriel. We have included Noriel’s song from this compilation album, “Amigos Y Enemigos,” in our iconic Latin trap songs you should know roundup.

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“Krippy Krush (Remix),” Farruko Ft. Nicki Minaj, Bad Bunny, 21 Savage, and Rvssian

Collaborations are a way for rappers to work with different artists, grow their popularity, create music that would never have existed otherwise, and crossover into different markets and audiences. Our next song, the “Krippy Krush” remix, took the original, with Farruko, Bad Bunny, and Rvssian, and added Nicki Minaj and 21 Savage. It’s two musical worlds colliding.

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“Ahora Dice,” Chris Jeday, Ft J Balvin, Ozuna, and Arcangel

Puerto Ricans and Colombians have been collaborating a lot in reggaeton, but also in Latin trap. Just take the song, “Ahora Dice,” for example. It’s from Boriqua Chris Jeday, with fellow Puerto Ricans Ozuna and Arcangel, who teamed up with Colombiano J Balvin. The worldwide hit was the first Latin trap song to reach a billion views on YouTube.

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“Ahora Me Llama,” Karol G and Bad Bunny

We always have to mention moments when women make their presence known, and respected, in male-dominated fields. This includes Latin music and definitely Latin trap. Karol G releasing the song “Ahora Me Llama” showed the world that women could brush off guys’ advances, not need them, and live in their confidence, just as hard as the guys can with women.

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“I Like It,” Cardi B Ft Bad Bunny, and J Balvin

Cardi B’s “I Like It” was a number one hit that took Latin trap to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Of course, the jam includes Bad Bunny and J Balvin as well, and the trifecta proved to be a winning combination. These days, if you want your Latin trap song to be legit, and become a hit you put its biggest artist, Bad Bunny on the track. J Balvin also has the Midas and platinum touch when it comes to songs.

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“Sensualidad,” Bad Bunny, Prince Royce, and J Balvin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_vGz9JEF2g

“Sensualidad” is another worldwide Latin trap hit. It is by Bad Bunny, J Balvin, and Prince Royce, and was released in 2017. This jam marked the first time Bad Bunny had a top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart as a lead artist.

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“Te Guste,” Jennifer Lopez Ft Bad Bunny

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HH8d9hEptg

A sign that a music genre is blowing up and is at a peak, is when big-name artists from other genres start collaborating with its artists and creating that sound for themselves. Jennifer Lopez collabed with Bad Bunny to create the Latin trap song “Te Guste.” It belongs on this list as a look at present-day Latin trap, and how it is becoming more mainstream and celebrated.