Cubanito

Cubanito, originally known as Cubanito 20.02, is a Cuban reggaeton and cubaton band formed in 2002. The group evolved from an earlier hip hop background, with its founding members Haniel Gonzalez Martinez (Flipper), Javier Duran Webb (El Doctor), and José Angel Sastre Perez (White) starting out as the rap group Primera Base in the mid-1990s. Cubanito 20.02 played a crucial role in transitioning Havana's music scene from underground hip hop to reggaeton, becoming one of the pioneers of this genre in Cuba. Their first album, *Soy Cubanito* (2003), and hits like "Matame" showcased their move toward reggaeton beats, which was initially controversial among purist hip hop fans but ultimately influential in shaping Cuban urban music.