Forthcoming from Bloomsbury Publishing (2027)
Reggaetón:
A Surprising Story of Migration and Empowerment
From the streets of San Juan to the global mainstream, reggaetón is more than a rhythm—it is a movement. Dr. Raleigh traces the intricate lineage of the genre, exploring how a sound born of migration became a definitive tool for cultural empowerment.
Cementing the Legacy
Reggaetón: A Surprising Story of Migration and Empowerment is the first comprehensive English-language, general interest book to trace the genre’s lineage from the shores of West African to streets of San Juan and eventually, the global mainstream. We are currently inviting the architects, pioneers, and innovators of the movement to contribute their voices to this definitive record.
This is not just a book; it is an exploration of the resilient communities and vibrant artists who created this movement. I seek to reveal how reggaetón fulfills many purposes: artistic self-expression, political resistance, cultural reflection, and social catalyst.
About the Author
Dr. Ilah Raleigh is an interdisciplinary scholar and arts education leader whose work explores the intersection of music, migration, and identity. With a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and a career spanning the opera stage and arts administration, she brings a unique, multi-hyphenate perspective to the study of contemporary global genres.
Scholarship & Publications
Bridging pedagogy and cultural studies, Dr. Raleigh’s research focuses on innovative curricula and the intersection of identity and musical genre.
Book Chapter: Contributed a chapter to Pedagogies for Diverse Learners (Rowman & Littlefield, 2023). Dr. Raleigh’s chapter, "My American Story: A Storytelling and Songwriting Project for Social Change," introduces a general music curriculum by Dr. Raleigh that explores the final projects of college students telling their American story in song.
Dissertation:"Mixed People, Mixed Music: Hybrid Contemporary Commercial Music Genres and the Multiethnic Artists Who Create Them" (2022, Honors Dissertation).
Forthcoming: A general interest book on the cultural forces behind reggaetón, Reggaetón: A Surprising Story of Migration and Empowerment, is slated for publication in Spring 2027.
Beyond the Page
One of the former homes of the Noise on #203 Calle Tanca . Image captured by the author, Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, 2025.
Global Reach
Published internationally by Bloomsbury, reaching scholars, historians, and music enthusiasts across six continents.
La Doña performing at The Parkway Theater. Image captured by the author, Minneapolis, MN, 2024.
Authentic Narrative
Centering 'culture bearers'—prioritizing the lived experiences of the movement's pioneers and the musical narratives they use to reclaim their history.
Ivy Queen at Carnegie Hall. Image captured by the author, New York City, 2024.
Radical Respect
Bridging the gap between the street and the academy to validate Reggaetón as a key record of migration, resistance, and modern identity.
Project Inquiry
Don Omar in concert at the Greensboro Coliseum. Image captured by the author, Greensboro, NC, 2025.
Media & Artist Inquiries
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