Generation Z Drives the Rise of Mexican Reggaeton, SoundCloud Report Reveals
A new SoundCloud report highlights the significant growth of Mexican reggaeton, driven by Generation Z.
A recent report by SoundCloud titled '2026 Music Intelligence' sheds light on the accelerating growth of music in Mexico, particularly emphasizing the rise of Mexican reggaeton. The report illustrates how users interact with the platform, capturing the evolving musical culture before it becomes commercialized. It notes that music is developing within 'scenes' rather than traditional charts, indicating a shift in how genres are formed and recognized.
Mexican reggaeton has notably increased by 81% in the last year, blending elements of reggaeton, trap, 'plugg', 'jerk', and regional influences. Subgenres like 'chugg' are also gaining traction. The movement is anchored by La Obsession Factory, a collective based in Mexico City that released its debut mixtape in October 2025. Emerging artists to watch within this movement include Doony Graff, EZYA, Alanis Yuki, Globalboy, and Nokyya, indicating a vibrant and evolving music scene spearheaded by younger generations.
The growing popularity of reggaeton among Generation Z highlights not only a musical trend but also defines a cultural shift, as this demographic seeks diverse sounds that reflect their experiences and influences. This uptick in the Mexican reggaeton scene may signify future trends in music consumption and production, as listeners increasingly prefer genres that are rooted in local culture and resonate with their identities.