Merengue is a type of music and dance from the Dominican Republic. It is popular in the Dominican Republic and all over Latin America. Its name is Spanish, taken from the name of the meringue, a dessert made from whipped egg whites and sugar. It is unclear as to why this name became the name of the music; perhaps it can trace its meaning from the movement on the dance floor that could remind one of an egg beater in action.
Merengue was created by Ñico Lora, a Dominican of Spanish descent, in the 1920s. In the Dominican Republic it was promoted by Rafael Trujillo, the dictator from the 1930 to 1961, and became the country's national music and dance style, while in the United States it was popularized by Angel Viloria and his band Conjunto Típico Cibaeño. It was during the Trujillo era that the popular merengue song "Compadre Pedro Juan", by Luis Alberti, became an international hit.
Internationally known merengue singers and groups include Fernando Villalona, Juan Luis Guerra, Eddy Herrera, Toño Rosario & Los Hermanos Rosario, Los Toros Band, Sergio Vargas, Wilfrido Vargas, Johnny Ventura, Bonny Cepeda, Miriam Cruz & Las Chicas Del Can, Joseito Mateo, the aforementioned Angel Viloria, El Ciego de Nagua, Kinito Mendez, Ravel, Jossie Esteban y la Patrulla 15, Pochy y su Cocoband, Cuco Valoy, The Freddie Kenton Orquestra, Ramon Orlando, Sandy Reyes, Rasputin, Peter Cruz, Alex Bueno, Aramis Camilo, Jochy Hernandez, El Zafiro, Dioni Fernandez, The New York Band, Anibal Bravo, Conjunto Quisqueya, Olga Tañón, Gisselle, and Grupomanía. Milly Quezada is known as the Queen of Merengue. The popularity of Merengue is growing fast in Venezuela. Venezuelan merengueros include Roberto Antonio, Miguel Moly, Natusha, Los Melodicos. Merengue is also popular in the coastal city of Guayaquil in Ecuador. The merengue produced in New York has become very popular among the lovers of this rhythm. Some of the New Yorkers who produce this new merengue sound are Malafe, Henry Jimenez, and Aybar.

Xandro Ft Prophex shorty ratata

Merengues are fast arrangements with a 2/4 beat. The traditional instrumentation for a conjunto típico (traditional band), the usual performing group of folk merengue, is a diatonic accordion, a two–sided drum, called a tambora, held on the lap, and a güira. A güira is a percussion instrument that sounds like a maraca. It is a sheet of metal with small bumps on it (created with hammer and nail), shaped into a cylinder, and played with a stiff brush. The güira is brushed steadily on the downbeat with a "and-a" thrown in at certain points, or played in more complex patterns that generally mark the time. "Caballito" rhythm, or a quarter and two eighths, is also common. The double headed drum is played on one side with a stick syncopation and on the other side with the palm of the hand.
The traditional (some say fundamental) signature rhythm figure of merengue is the quintillo, which is essentially a syncopated motif whose pattern is broken by five successive drumhead hits at the transition between every second and third beat, alternating between the hand and the stick. To purists, a merengue without quintillo is not truly a merengue, a viewpoint that has gradually disappeared as other alternate figures are used more frequently (as the one traditionally called "jaleo", also known as "merengue bomba", wrongly identified as a mixture of merengue and Puerto Rican bomba music, and which actually also has its roots in traditional merengue).
Three main types of merengue are played in the Dominican Republic today. Perico ripiao, which is usually called merengue típico, is the oldest style commonly played. In English "perico ripiao" means "ripped parrot", which suggests controversy but which is said to be the name of a brothel where the music was originally played. The other two types are merengue de orquesta (big band merengue) and merengue de guitarra (guitar merengue).
At first, Merengue Típico Cibaeño (traditional Cibaoan merengue) was played on stringed instruments like the tres and cuatro, but when Germans came to the island in the late 19th century trading their instruments for tobacco, the accordion quickly replaced the strings as lead instrument. The two Típico groups play a variety of rhythms, but most common are the merengue and the pambiche. In the 1930s–50s a bass instrument was also often used. Called marimba, it resembles the Cuban marímbula, and is a large box-shaped thumb piano with 3-6 metal keys.principal percussion instruments, güira and tambora, have been part of the ensemble since the music's inception, and are so important that they are often considered symbolic of the whole country. The güira is a metal scraper believed to be of native Taíno origin, while the tambora is a two-headed drum of African origin. Together with the European accordion, the típico group symbolizes the three cultures that combined to make today's Dominican Republic.

Prophex-Sussana

Internationally known merengue singers and groups include Fernando Villalona, Juan Luis Guerra, Eddy Herrera, Toño Rosario & Los Hermanos Rosario, Los Toros Band, Sergio Vargas, Wilfrido Vargas, Johnny Ventura, Bonny Cepeda, Miriam Cruz & Las Chicas Del Can, Joseito Mateo, the aforementioned Angel Viloria, El Ciego de Nagua, Kinito Mendez, Ravel, Jossie Esteban y la Patrulla 15, Pochy y su Cocoband, Cuco Valoy, The Freddie Kenton Orquestra, Ramon Orlando, Sandy Reyes, Rasputin, Peter Cruz, Alex Bueno, Aramis Camilo, Jochy Hernandez, El Zafiro, Dioni Fernandez, The New York Band, Anibal Bravo, Conjunto Quisqueya, Olga Tañón, Gisselle, and Grupomanía. Milly Quezada is known as the Queen of Merengue. The popularity of Merengue is growing fast in Venezuela. Venezuelan merengueros include Roberto Antonio, Miguel Moly, Natusha, Los Melodicos. Merengue is also popular in the coastal city of Guayaquil in Ecuador. The merengue produced in New York has become very popular among the lovers of this rhythm. Some of the New Yorkers who produce this new merengue sound are Malafe, Henry Jimenez, and Aybar.

Prophex - Demagogo

Merengue (pronounced /məˈrɛŋɡeɪ/[1]) is a style of Latin American music and dance with a two-step beat[citation needed]. Partners hold each other in a closed position. The leader holds the follower's waist with the leader's right hand, while holding the follower's right hand with the leader's left hand at the follower's eye level. Partners bend their knees slightly left and right, thus making the hips move left and right. The hips of the leader and follower move in the same direction throughout the song. Partners may walk sideways or circle each other, in small steps. They can switch to an open position and do separate turns without letting go each other's hands or momentarily releasing one hand. During these turns they may twist and tie their handhold into intricate pretzels. Other choreography is possible. Merengue was made the official music and dance of the Dominican Republic by Rafael Trujillo. Some say merengue derived from the "paso de la empalizada" (pole-fence step). There are also legends about a limping war hero (or El Presidente of a banana republic himself, in some versions) who had to step in this way while dancing because of wounds, and polite (or clueless) public imitated him[citation needed].

Merengue rhythm[2].
Although the tempo of the music may be frantic, the upper body is kept majestic and turns are slow, typically four beats/steps per complete turn.
In the social dancing of the United States the "empalizada" style is replaced by exaggerated Cuban motion, taught in chain ballroom studios for dances of Latin American origin (Cha-cha-cha, Rumba, Mambo, Salsa).

Prophex- merengue calle anthem 2011

Prophex knew at a very young age that his life would revolve around music. As a child Prophex became familiar with the music of his native country, loving the smooth rhythms, electrifying percussions and soul stirring melodies that pulsed through everyday tunes. Although pleased with the many variations of song and music found in the native sounds of the world, Prophex yearned to give this music his own twist. At the age of six Prophex came to the United States, relocating to a main artery of the hip hop movement, Harlem, New York. It was here where he got his first taste of hip hop. At the age of 13, Prophex took the reigns of his career, taking the initiative to truly begin his path to stardom. Prophex enjoyed every facet of music. Knowing this he began to dissect the intricacies of song and rebuild them with his own flavor. As a young adult, his favorite hip hop artists included Biggie Smalls and Dr. Dre among others with reggae artists such as Bob Marley and Shabba Ranks influencing his music style as well. The 90’s resulted in Prophex’s creative explosion. Not only did he master music production, but he also honed his craft as a story teller and lyricist. Taking every opportunity to shed light on his unique blend of salsa, merengue, reggae, and hip hop Prophex’s fan base surged as his participation in New York festivals, block parties and community events grew. Despite his young age, Prophex’s style and talent caught the eye of established artists in various music genres including reggaeton and hip hop, allowing for his participation as the show opener for performances by artists including Daddy Yankee, Don Omar, and Wisin Y Yandel among others. It was during this time that Prophex began to inject his already unique sounds with a bit of southern comfort. Blending the already known genre Reggaeton with dirty south flavor, Prophex was able to establish a sound all his own. Multifaceted when presenting his music, Prophex capitalized on his growing popularity by employing his business savvy. Independently producing and selling his own albums, with titles including Sextassy, Reggaeton Gold 2 and 3, Sobredosis Pistas and additional mixtapes, Prophex managed to sell volumes of eight to twenty thousand of each to loyal fans and new followers. With the credibility of his name alone, in 2003 Propheta founded his very own record label. Using his own funding, Prophex was able to obtain distribution with Universal Music Latino, and sold over 53,000 copies of his début album Reggaeton Con El Propheta sans any corporate marketing. Taking the grass roots approach, Prophex has successfully brought his music to a wide audience and continues to do so today. Prophex has become internationally known with his features and production on smash hits like Gasolina Del Reggaeton which was the number one album on the charts in Germany and Sabosura, a heart pounding song Continuing to work with popular Reggaeton favorites !

Prophex Ft BlackPoint NO DejO De Pensar

Prophex Ft. Watatah - Buduska

Propheta started his musical career at the age of 13, he was inspired by 

great hip hop and reggae artists such as; "Bob Marley", "Shabba Ranks", "Biggie Smalls" "Dr Dre" "El General", "Vico C", "Nando Boom, PlaYero", "Steely & Cleavi",  etc", 

Propheta is one of the main exponents in the reggeaton/dancehall genre in Ny, he could be considered the sean paul or timbaland of reggeaton. Despite his young age, Propheta has had an extensive music career.  

During the mid 90's Propheta came to fame in the ny streets by participating in festivals and block partys. opening shows for to other artists such as Daddy Yankee, speedy and Wisin y Yandel. also producing and independently distribuiting his own records selling 8,000 to 10,000 of each tittle some of these tittles are Reggaeton Platinum 1,Sextassy Reggaeton Gold 2 and 3,Sobredosis Pistas and his own Mixtapes. 

Propheta, who is also a producer and song writer , has produced for a variety of artists. In 2003 he founded his own record label Maxximuz Musik Group and released various albums with Universal Music Latino  among audience's favorites his first release Reggaeton con el Propheta  sold 13,000 copies with out a poster video or any type of promotions. ever since he has been participating in various projects along with big stars like; "Daddy Yankee", "Nicky Jam" on "Destruccion Total", then participated in "papi chulo mix 2005" with "El Chombo, "lorna, "Magic juan. He also produced and participated in Gasolina Del Reggaeton with "Vico c","Tego","Zion y Lennox" wich was the # 1 album on the charts in germany He also produced and participated in Extreme Reggaeton , Kings of New York, Metropolis Beats and

Reggaeton con el Propheta 2. 

In 2005 he participated in the album reggaeton exitos 2005 along with

 Luny Tunes ,Noriega,Cheka,Nicky jam,Voltio. Presently the artist has several songs climing the charts across Latin America such as: "Pretty Smile",

"No llores Mas " "Fuego ala Lata", "Yo Te Pido" and "Wow-Wow".

  
Recently he Participated in two sold out shows at Club Exit in NY.

His next shows will bring him to San Francisco, Las Vegas and the Universal Amphitheatre in Chicago. Presently he is negotiating and preparing his first solo album "EL FUTURO ES AHORA ".

As a producer he is working on the album "eL SisTeMa"

Prophex-La TOrTA

Propheta started his musical career at the age of 13, he was inspired by 

great hip hop and reggae artists such as; "Bob Marley", "Shabba Ranks", "Biggie Smalls" "Dr Dre" "El General", "Vico C", "Nando Boom, PlaYero", "Steely & Cleavi",  etc", 

Propheta is one of the main exponents in the reggeaton/dancehall genre in Ny, he could be considered the sean paul or timbaland of reggeaton. Despite his young age, Propheta has had an extensive music career.  

During the mid 90's Propheta came to fame in the ny streets by participating in festivals and block partys. opening shows for to other artists such as Daddy Yankee, speedy and Wisin y Yandel. also producing and independently distribuiting his own records selling 8,000 to 10,000 of each tittle some of these tittles are Reggaeton Platinum 1,Sextassy Reggaeton Gold 2 and 3,Sobredosis Pistas and his own Mixtapes. 

Propheta, who is also a producer and song writer , has produced for a variety of artists. In 2003 he founded his own record label Maxximuz Musik Group and released various albums with Universal Music Latino  among audience's favorites his first release Reggaeton con el Propheta  sold 13,000 copies with out a poster video or any type of promotions. ever since he has been participating in various projects along with big stars like; "Daddy Yankee", "Nicky Jam" on "Destruccion Total", then participated in "papi chulo mix 2005" with "El Chombo, "lorna, "Magic juan. He also produced and participated in Gasolina Del Reggaeton with "Vico c","Tego","Zion y Lennox" wich was the # 1 album on the charts in germany He also produced and participated in Extreme Reggaeton , Kings of New York, Metropolis Beats and

Reggaeton con el Propheta 2. 

In 2005 he participated in the album reggaeton exitos 2005 along with

 Luny Tunes ,Noriega,Cheka,Nicky jam,Voltio. Presently the artist has several songs climing the charts across Latin America such as: "Pretty Smile",

"No llores Mas " "Fuego ala Lata", "Yo Te Pido" and "Wow-Wow".

  
Recently he Participated in two sold out shows at Club Exit in NY.

His next shows will bring him to San Francisco, Las Vegas and the Universal Amphitheatre in Chicago. Presently he is negotiating and preparing his first solo album "EL FUTURO ES AHORA ".

As a producer he is working on the album "eL SisTeMa"Naciò en la República Dominicana, ya desde muy joven sabía que su vida giraría alrededor de la música. Mientras que aun era un niño, Prophex se familiarizo y se puso al corriente con la música de su país nativo, amando los ritmos suaves, las percusiones electrisantes, y las melodias inspiradas en el espiritud. Aunque estuvo satisfecho con las canciones y musica variada que encontro en los sonidos nativos de la República Dominicana, Prophex anheló dar a esta música su propio estilo. A la edad de seis años, Prophex vino a los Estados Unidos, convirtiendo el Hip Hop en la arteria principal de Harlem, Nueva York. Fue aquí donde por primera vez probò el Hip Hop. A la edad de 13 años Prophex tomó control de su carrera, tomando la iniciativa para comenzar de verdad su trayectoria a la fama. Prophex gozó de cada faceta de la música. Sabiendo esto, él comenzó a romper las esencias de las canciones y a reconstruirlas a su propio gusto. Como joven adulto, sus artistas preferidos del Hip Hop incluyen a Biggie Smalls y Michael Jackson entre otros ademas los artistas del Reggae tales como Bob Marley y Los Productores Sly &amp; Robbie Alinea tambien influenciaron en su estilo de la música. Los años 90 dieron lugar a la explosión creativa de Prophex. No sólo dominó la producción de la música, sino tambien usò su abilidad como narrador, escritor y autor de las liricas de sus canciones. Aprovechando cada oportunidad para producir de su mezcla única de salsa, merengue, y reggae. La fama de Prophex tiene su base a raiz de su participación en los festivales de Nueva York, en fiestas del bloque y las actividades de la comunidad. A pesar de su corta edad, el estilo y el talento de Prophex llamaron la atencion de artistas establecidos en varios géneros de la música incluyendo Reggaeton y Hip Hop, tomandolo esto en cuenta para incluirlo en apertura de conciertos de los artistas incluyendo Daddy Yankee, Don Omar, y Wisin Y Yandel entre otros. Fue durante este tiempo que el Prophex comenzó a inyectar sus sonidos ya únicos con una chispa de sabor del ritmo del sureste. Mezclando el género ya conocido como Reggaecrunk Reggaeton con el sabor del sureste. Prophex pudo establecer un sonido propio por si mismo el cual es multifacetico. Al presentar su música, Prophex se beneficio de su propia popularidad y renombre empleando su sabiduria en el negocio. Independientemente produciendo y vendiendo sus propios álbumes, con títulos incluyendo Regggaeton Con el propheta, Sobredosis Pistas y los mixtapes adicionales, Prophex vendiò volúmenes de ocho a veinte mil copias de cada uno de sus discos entre sus fanaticos leales y sus nuevos seguidores. En el 2003, Prophex logrò registrar su propia etiqueta de renombre. Usando su propio financiamiento, Prophex pudo obtener la distribución de su música con Universal Music Latino, y vendiò màs de 53.000 copias de su album de Regggaeton Con el propheta. Prophex ha traído con éxito su música a una gran audiencia y todabia continúa haciendolo. El se ha dado a conocer internacionalmente por sus características y sus participacion en produciones de Reggaeton tales como la Gasolina del reggaeton que era el álbum nùmero uno en Alemania al igual que el disco de la sabrosura. Prophex continuò trabajando con los màs populares y favoritos de la musica urbana tales como Unique, Vakero, Sujeto, entre otros. El renombre de Prophex en el mercado latino se ha elevado súbitamente. El, no sólo ha tomado el mercado latino, sino tambien tiene planes de dar al POP Americano un toque hispano. El está produciendo actualmente su proximo album “Universal Pop Star”

MerenguePlanet

Popular tracks