Linking the reggae and reggaeton scenes, Machete Music's
Caribbean Connection compilation is the brainchild of veteran producer
Nelson Gustavo Colón. It's surprising that his idea of mixing artists from both worlds hasn't been done extensively before, since the Latin American -- primarily Puerto Rican -- genre of reggaeton was born under the influence of the reggae offshoot dancehall, but
Colón isn't just beating everyone else, he's also setting the bar high for all followers. Save a couple cuts that just don't gel, the excitement level stays high as tracks based in reggaeton find their Jamaican guests sounding perfectly comfortable and compatible. Best of the lot might be
Voltio and
Turbulence making "Don't Stay Away from the Sunshine" sound like sage advice, but the dream team of
Daddy Yankee and
Bounty Killer come in at a very close second with their stately "ghetto gladiator" anthem "Controlando el Area." Surprises include the great
El Gorila and
Sanchez team-up "Millennium Anthem," which offers some ominous social commentary, plus the appearances of singer
Barrington Levy and the band
Inner Circle, both acts being more reggae than dancehall.
Colón meets them halfway, providing them smoother beats that still suit his homeboys
Don Omar and
Varon. Add well-designed and attractive packaging and
Colón's entertaining experiment is an easy recommendation.