Ivy Queen existed before Reggaeton became a worldwide sensation, before Karol G and Bad Bunny. The Caballota. The unchallenged Reggaeton Queen.
Hip-hop, Latin beats, and Caribbean rhythms are all combined to create the vibrant and forceful sound of reggaeton. Ivy Queen was there from the beginning, propelling its expansion.
She is traveling to Connecticut this fall and will be playing in October at the Palace Theater in Waterbury. Her coming is a long-awaited moment of acknowledgment for many members of the state’s thriving Latino and Puerto Rican communities.
With a career spanning more than 20 years, Ivy Queen’s fiery lyrics and unmistakable presence helped her break into the male-dominated reggaeton arena. Hits like Yo Quiero Bailar and La Vida es As developed into immortal anthems of empowerment, while her albums “Diva” and “Sentimiento” were genre-defining classics.
That legacy has not been overlooked. With ASCAP accolades, Latin Grammy nominations, Billboard Latin Music Awards, and a place on the “People en Espa ols” list of the 25 Most Powerful Women, Ivy Queen has garnered industry recognition.
Bailar, Yo Quiero
Reggaeton was booming in the U.S. and Latin America in the early 2000s, but men were nearly always the ones penning the songs, behind the microphones, and on the covers. That was altered by Ivy Queen.
And the song Yo Quiero Bailar is the only place where that is evident.
Christie Colon, the driving force behind DJ Christie Weddings and Events and a DJ located in New Haven, praised the song in particular. It’s about women being in control of their bodies; just because I dance with you doesn’t guarantee that X will happen. And no one at all was penning such lyrics at the time.
“A generation of women who weren’t interested in shrinking themselves found a voice in Ivy Queen’s lyrics,” Colon remarked. She demonstrated what it meant to occupy space in life, on stage, and in the studio.
Ivy Queen’s influence goes beyond music, according to Nina V. Zquez-Rosa, a public historian in Meriden who specializes in Puerto Rican and reggaeton culture.
According to V. Zquez-Rosa, she has been a major icon for women of various backgrounds, not just those in reggaeton. Queer women, women with long nails, and women who experiment with femininity and masculinity. I believe that Ivy Queen’s iconic status stems from her ability to speak to women of all levels.
That strength was encapsulated in a single song by Yo Quiero Bailar. According to DJ Colon, the song is still an anthem today, filling dance floors, making an impression, and demonstrating that Ivy Queen’s voice was more than simply a passing fad.
Motivated by Ivy Queen
Women like Colon, who encountered obstacles in the music industry, were motivated by that movement. She recalled the challenges of being identified as a female DJ.
They didn’t take me seriously. Colon added, “I was really laughed at.” However, similar to Ivy Queen, she persisted, creating a reputation, spinning tunes, and appearing until nobody could ignore her.
The effect of Ivy Queen began early for V. Zquez-Rosa.
She claimed that she served as a model for me as a child. In environments where it wasn’t always accepted, she was a passionate Puerto Rican woman who took pride in her culture.
She has had a huge impact on my style. “You have to be like an Ivy Queen,” she continued, referring to the large earrings and long nails.
As a singer and a symbol of empowerment, Ivy Queen holds a special place in the hearts of both women. Ivy Queen has shown them and many others that women are worthy of taking the lead, being heard, and taking up space in any field through her music and presence.
Her upcoming performance in Connecticut is the kind of event that people will remember because of this.
According to Colon, Latin music is very popular in Connecticut. People in our diverse state will feel more united when performers like Ivy Queen visit.
V. Zquez-Rosa finds significance in the occasion because it signifies that at last a community is visible and being noticed.
Decades of influence, presence, and power are being brought by Ivy Queen. V zquez-Rosa stated that this show isn’t only for die-hard fans. It’s for everyone who appreciates music that moves audiences and has presence.
If you like reggaeton, and you re looking for something that you haven t heard before, V zquez-Rosa said, and you re on the fence because you solely think that it s male-centered? Take a look at Ivy Queen.
Ivy Queen’s upcoming performance is the kind of occasion Connecticut doesn’t often get, regardless of whether you’ve known her lyrics since middle school or you’re hearing her name for the first time.
You won’t want to miss it, Colon and V. Zquez-Rosa concur.
Find out more
Ivy Queen | Waterbury’s Palace Theater, 100 East Main St., Saturday, Oct. 18, 8–10 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased at palacetheaterct.org and 203-346-2000.
