Vocal beatboxing is essential, often supplemented in sheet music by notations for hand claps and stamps to maintain the rhythmic drive.
For those looking at the Full Sheet Music on MuseScore , the arrangement is typically scored for: Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone, and Bass voices.
Kevin Olusola provides a foundational beatbox rhythm that mimics the reggaeton "dem bow" beat while transitioning into the more percussive, loop-like feel of Sheeran’s track. Matt Sallee’s bass lines provide the necessary depth to drive the danceable tempo. Vocal Performance and Highlights Despacito x Shape of You - Pentatonix (Full Sheet Music w)
The "Despacito x Shape of You" mashup by Pentatonix, released in April 2018 on their album PTX Presents: Top Pop, Vol. I , serves as a masterclass in modern a cappella arrangement. By intertwining Luis Fonsi’s reggaeton-pop hit with Ed Sheeran’s rhythmic dance-pop track, the group demonstrates how two distinct global hits can be unified through shared harmonic structures and rhythmic ingenuity.
The sheet music reveals a complex layering where the lead vocal often switches between the Spanish lyrics of "Despacito" and the English verses of "Shape of You". This is particularly evident in the chorus, where "I'm in love with the shape of you" is punctuated by vocal echoes of "despacito" and "bailalo". Vocal beatboxing is essential, often supplemented in sheet
Kirstin takes the lead on much of the "Despacito" sections. Her performance is noted for its authentic delivery, serving as a nod to her Hispanic roots.
This mashup remains a standout in the Pentatonix catalog for its ability to take two of 2017's most ubiquitous songs and transform them into a singular, cohesive vocal experience. Pentatonix – Despacito × Shape Of You Lyrics - Genius Matt Sallee’s bass lines provide the necessary depth
Mitch Grassi and Scott Hoying provide soaring tenor and baritone leads that bridge the two songs, often using "Shape of You"'s pre-chorus ("Girl, you know I want your love") to build tension before dropping into the combined chorus. Technical Specifications for Performance
