DJ Nelson “Flow La Discoteka 2”

Nelson Martínez, aka DJ Nelson, is considered the "Godfather of reggaetón." His latest release, Flow La Discoteka 2, proves he's also one the genre’s innovators.

Flow La Discoteka 2 is anything but typical, as its best tracks seek to redefine reggaetón, most of them benefiting from slick production that may inspire Luny Tunes to go back to the drawing board. Flow’s glossy template takes cues from '80s icons such as Michael Jackson (Arcangel’s “Chica Virtual”) and the Eurythmics (O’Neil’s “Algo De Ti Me Llama”). Nelson summons Timbaland’s spirit on the grimy synth-drenched beats of Voltio’s “Dale Mami Damelo.”

Although it borrows heavily from past decades, Flow never feels outdated – even when Nelson throws in some techno on Zion’s “Que Pasará.” “Mal de Amores” borrows freestyle music from Black Eyed Peas and caps it off with Ñejo’s Tego-influenced flow. Rapper AJ defines the album's essence on the dark electro of “Love, Sex & Disco,” confidently proclaiming, “nueva música, nuevos estilos, reggaeton con mucha cosa” (new music, new styles, reggaetón with substance).

Unfortunately, the album is interrupted by cloying caribbean numbers and ends with the Menudo-like ballad “Gracias Mama,” an abrupt and disappointing ending to an otherwise exciting trip to the future.