Overview

"Despacito" (Spanish for "Slowly") is a reggaeton-pop single recorded by Puerto Rican singer Luis Fonsi featuring rapper Daddy Yankee. Released by Universal Music Latin on January 12, 2017, it was written by Luis Fonsi, Erika Ender and Daddy Yankee and produced by Andrés Torres and Mauricio Rengifo. The song blends infectious urban rhythms with a melodic pop chorus sung in Spanish, and quickly became an international hit, notable for crossing language barriers to reach mainstream audiences worldwide. For pronunciation and basic translation details, see pronunciation and translation.

Composition and recording

Musically, "Despacito" combines elements of reggaeton, Latin pop and tropical rhythms. The arrangement emphasizes a syncopated beat, acoustic guitar motifs and layered vocal harmonies that support both Fonsi's smoother singing style and Daddy Yankee's rhythmic rap verses. The song was developed in collaborative studio sessions and refined by producers Andrés Torres and Mauricio Rengifo to emphasize a bright, radio-friendly sound. Information about the artists and production credits can be found via artist pages and label summaries, for example artist overview and production credits.

Music video and visuals

The official music video, filmed in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, showcases local neighborhoods and nightlife scenes, including the La Perla neighborhood and the bar La Factoría. Its colorful, community-centered visuals and choreography helped the video resonate broadly; the clip became one of the fastest to reach multiple billions of views on YouTube and set several platform milestones. More on the video's locations and cultural context appears at video details and local guides such as Old San Juan locations.

Reception, records and commercial impact

After release, "Despacito" topped charts in many countries and reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100, among other national charts. Streaming numbers and sales propelled the song to major certifications; in the United States it achieved Diamond-level certification, reflecting very high combined sales and streaming equivalents. It also set or broke multiple streaming records on platforms around the world and contributed to renewed global interest in Spanish-language and reggaeton-influenced pop music.

Remixes, influence and legacy

A high-profile remix featuring Justin Bieber expanded the song's exposure to English-language radio and playlists, while remaining primarily sung in Spanish. Beyond the commercial success, "Despacito" is widely credited with increasing international attention on Latin urban genres and demonstrating the global power of streaming-era hits sung in languages other than English. It received numerous awards and nominations across music ceremonies and continues to be cited as a landmark crossover single of the late 2010s.

Notable facts

  • The title means "slowly" in Spanish and frames the song's romantic lyrical theme.
  • Writers: Luis Fonsi, Erika Ender and Daddy Yankee; producers: Andrés Torres and Mauricio Rengifo.
  • The official music video was filmed on location in Old San Juan and features local performers and venues.
  • A later remix broadened the track's airplay and streaming demographics.
  • It set multiple streaming and viewership milestones on global digital platforms.

Together, these elements explain why "Despacito" is often referenced in discussions about streaming-era crossover hits, the international spread of Latin urban music, and the modern pop landscape.