"Rakata" is the debut single by Puerto Rican reggaeton duo Wisin & Yandel, released on January 27, 2005, by Machete Music. It is from the Luny Tunes-produced compilation Mas Flow 2, and was later included on Wisin & Yandel's fifth studio album Pa'l Mundo. The song was produced by Luny Tunes and Nely "El Arma Secreta". It is known to be one of their signature songs, as well as being their first major-charting single. Since the single's release, it has become one of the top-selling singles of 2005 and 2006 during the mainstream success years of reggaeton music. It was nominated for Best Latin/Reggaetón Track at the 22nd Annual International Dance Music Awards in 2007, which was ultimately won by Shakira and Wyclef Jean for their number one single "Hips Don't Lie".
Music video
The music video, directed by Marlon Peña, was released in late 2005 by Universal Music Group and Mas Flow Inc. Typical of the time during which reggaeton was beginning to get mainstream success, the video mainly showed the duo and a group of dancing women in a large crowd of people. Luny from the production duo makes a cameo appearance in the video as well.
Chart performance Since the single's release, it has become one of the top-selling singles of the end of 2005 and the beginning of 2006. It debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 at number 97, and peaked at number 85, becoming one of the first few reggaeton singles to chart on the Hot 100. It also entered the Billboard Hot 100 Airplay chart, peaking at number 60. It was a hit on the U.S. Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart, peaking at number 2. The single had international success, peaking at number 15 on the Portuguese Singles Chart.
Track listings and formats US CD single "Rakata" – 2:55 "Rakata" – 3:33 "Rakata" – 3:24 "Rakata" – 4:05 "Rakata" – 2:55 "Rakata" – 3:21
European 12-inch vinyl"Rakata" - 12-inch European promo. Discogs. Retrieved on 19 December 2008 A1: "Rakata" A2: "Rakata" B1: "Rakata"
Official versions Album Version – 2:55 Remix – 3:33 Hip Hop Remix – 3:24 Tigerstyle Remix – 4:05 Instrumental – 2:55 Hip Hop Remix A capella – 3:21
Charts Chart (2005–06)PeakpositionU.S. Billboard Hot 100[ Wisin & Yandel Singles chart history]. Billboard (Nielsen Business Media, Inc.). Retrieved on 19 December 200885U.S. Billboard Hot 100 AirplayHot 100 Airplay chart listing. Billboard (Nielsen Business Media, Inc.). Retrieved on 19 December 200860U.S. Billboard Rhythmic Top 4038U.S. Billboard Hot Latin Songs2U.S. Billboard Tropical Songs2U.S. Billboard Latin Rhythm Airplay1Portugal Singles Chart"Rakata" chart listings. aCharts.us (Zink Media, Inc.). Retrieved on 19 December 200815
See also List of Billboard Latin Rhythm Airplay number ones of 2005 List of Billboard Latin Rhythm Airplay number ones of 2006
References