Things You Didn't Know About "Despacito"


7. OH, SO IT’S POPULAR ON YOUTUBE?

                The song, which has become both Fonsi’s and Daddy Yankee’s most successful song so far, falls under the genre of reggaeton-pop. Within six months, “Despacito” was up to 2.5 billion views on YouTube, receiving its one billionth view on April 20, after 97 days, making it the second-fastest video to reach that milestone on the site. After 154 days, it received its two billionth view, making it the fastest video to do so. Overall, “Despacito” is the most-watched video on YouTube.


6. WHY IS IT IN SPANISH?
      
          This isn’t the first Latin-to-pop crossover. In the history of Hot 100 alone, another Spanish-spoken No. 1 came about in the summer of 1987, as the East Los Angeles band Los Lobos covered Ritchie Valens’ “La Bamba” for the soundtrack of the movie version of “La Bamba”. In 1993, the “Macarena” became a crossover hit. And today, fans have “Despacito”.

 Some would argue, though, that the English language was needed in these Latin songs, to help carry them to the top, since there was a movie, a dance craze and a remix with one of America’s biggest male pop stars involved in these three songs. However, performers like Ricky Martin, Jennifer Lopez, Enrique Iglesias, Santana, Pitbull and Shakira have been putting spicy flairs on the radio for years, and “Despacito” is just another great and unique example of crossover music from two talented Puerto Ricans. 

 

5. SO I CAN WATCH AND LISTEN TO IT AT THE SAME TIME?


The popular music video, with its 6.5+B views and 35M+ likes, was filmed in December 2016, in Puerto Rico, and was directed by Carlos Perez, who had previously worked with Luis Fonsi on “Corazón en la Gaveta” in 2014, and with Daddy Yankee on “Gangsta Zone” in 2006, “Descontrol” in 2010, “Ven Conmigo” in 2011, and “Moviendo Caderas” in 2014. The entire thing celebrates Latin American culture and shows off the style, movement, dancing, colors and rhythm associated with the area. It also shows off really hot scenes like this one.

4. WHO ARE THOSE CELLO PLAYERS?

Of course, Guerrero’s version isn’t the only one out there. There are numerous remakes and parodies in numerous languages, all with their own unique elements, styles and performers. The instrumental version by 2Cellos, though, may be the best out there (besides the original, of course:). 

 This version just has Luka Sulic, Stjepan Hauser and their two cellos, which they alternate playing, complimenting each other well at different points.

3. WHAT’S UP WITH THE JUSTIN BIEBER REMIX?


Shortly after “Despacito” was released, a video surfaced of Justin Bieber at New York City’s 1OAK nightclub. He was singing along to the song...but not very much of it, opting instead to rap about how he didn’t know the words and throwing in “poquito”, “dorito” and “burrito” instead.

The remix topped the charts of Finland, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Poland and Sweden, as well as, of course, the US Billboard Hot 100. Jason Boyd and Marty James were the ones who co-wrote the remix, and Colombian musician Juan Felipe Samper helped Bieber sing in Spanish, which earned a special praise from Outmagazine, saying that Justin Bieber singing in Spanish was a highly sexual experience.

 

2. WHAT DOES “DESPACITO” MEAN EXACTLY?

Slowly. Vayamos despacito porque las rocas están resbalosas. Unhurriedly. Let's go slowly because the rocks are slippery. Delicately. La madre acarició despacito la cabeza del bebé. Gently. The mother gently stroked the baby's head.

These are just a few examples of definitions for “despacito”. In the song, the world is hearing about a love story that needs and wants to go slowly: I need to dance with this person. But we need to take our time. I want to breathe this person's neck in, but without rushing, whispering things in their ear, undressing them and hearing them. I've been trying for awhile, but I wanted to enjoy the trip. But now, I'm ready; let's do it on a beach in Puerto Rico...slowly.

1. ANDDD...WHEN CAN I HANG WITH THESE GUYS AT LA FACTORÍA?
While strolling the casual streets of San Juan, one could stumble upon a popular and eclectic spot called La Factoria. A checkerboard floor, fairy lights, mixed drinks and the fact that no sign is used/needed here (just follow the music and laughter) combine to make this bar what it is. Hand-carved ice, homemade bitters, seasonal specials and the favorite, Lavender Mule, are just added bonuses on the menu.

A wooden door at the back of the club leads to a small and secret wine bar. And there will always be a DJ keeping the crowd happy, since groups are always there celebrating everything from birthdays to life. So go! Book a flight! Visit the capital city of Puerto Rico and one of the world’s top 50 bars! Go celebrate life...Slowly.