What two musical styles merged to create Latin Jazz?

The correct answer highlights the fusion of Afro-Latin music and American Jazz as the foundation for Latin Jazz. This genre emerged in the mid-20th century, when musicians began to blend the rhythmic and melodic elements of traditional Afro-Latin music, such as Cuban rhythms and Brazilian bossa nova, with the improvisational aspects and harmonic structures of American jazz.

Through this merging, Latin Jazz has developed a rich sound characterized by syncopated rhythms, brass instruments, and complex polyrhythms, reflecting the diverse cultural influences of both the African diaspora and American musical innovation. Consequently, this blend has allowed artists to explore new creative avenues, producing a genre that celebrates both the heritage of Latin music and the improvisational spirit of jazz.

The other styles mentioned do not encompass the genre's evolution. Blues and Rock, for instance, have distinct roots in American folk music and do not incorporate the specific Latin elements necessary for the formation of Latin Jazz. Similarly, Classical and Folk music represent different traditions that typically do not interact in the same manner as the vibrant collaboration found in Latin Jazz. Reggae and Hip Hop also represent distinct musical movements with their own specific influences and characteristics, separate from the Latin Jazz tradition.