Merenrap

Meren(gue)house/Merenrap (merenrap or merenhouse) is a hip hop music style formed by blending merengue music, with house music, hip hop music, and Caribbean music.

History

The hybrid music known as merenrap, merenhouse, or Latin house was formed in the 1980s by Puerto Ricans. Latin house combines house music, rap, Latin rhythms and Caribbean music. Puerto Ricans wanted to preserve their Latin roots as well as adapt to their new environment making it a result of transnationalism.

Dominican Merengue music can be considered an expression of Dominican transnationalism, as there was a significant shift in migration of Dominicans to New York City in the twentieth century. It is not surprising that merenhouse, a musical hybrid, was popular to a generation of bicultural youth growing up in New York City with Dominican roots that combined both aspects of their culture. Merenhouse is a symbol of national identity to Dominican Americans, easily identified by a euphoric sound.

NYC and Dominicans in the Twentieth Century