Historical Figure
Daddy Yankee
b. 1977
Puerto Rican rapper and singer (born 1976)
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Biography
Ramón Luis Ayala Rodríguez, known professionally as Daddy Yankee, is a Puerto Rican rapper, singer and songwriter. Dubbed the "King of Reggaeton", he is often cited as an influence by other Hispanic urban performers.
Timeline
The story of Daddy Yankee, told in moments.
Born Ramon Luis Ayala Rodriguez in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He grew up in the Villa Kennedy housing project. As a teenager, he was shot in the leg during a neighborhood shooting, ending his dream of playing professional baseball.
Released his debut album No Mercy independently. Spent nearly a decade building a following in the underground reggaeton scene.
"Gasolina" broke reggaeton into the global mainstream. The album Barrio Fino became the best-selling Latin album of the 2000s decade.
Collaborated with Luis Fonsi on "Despacito." The song became the first primarily Spanish-language track to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 since "Macarena" in 1996.
Announced his retirement after a farewell concert series. "I'm going to live my life, enjoy what all of you have given me," he told the crowd.
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