Daddy Yankee

Ramón Luis Ayala Rodríguez, known professionally as Daddy Yankee, is a retired Puerto Rican singer, songwriter, rapper, and actor who rose to international fame as the "King of Reggaetón." Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Daddy Yankee became a defining figure in Latin urban music, helping bring reggaetón into the global mainstream. His influence reshaped the Latin music landscape and opened the doors for countless artists who followed in his footsteps.

Daddy Yankee’s career took off with the release of his 2004 breakthrough album, "Barrio Fino," which included the global hit "Gasolina." The song became an international phenomenon, praised for its infectious rhythm and unprecedented crossover appeal. "Barrio Fino" became one of the best-selling Latin albums of the decade and established Daddy Yankee as a household name. Reflecting on the impact of the track, he told Billboard, "With 'Gasolina,' we opened the door so reggaetón could walk around the world."

Over the years, Daddy Yankee released a string of successful albums and collaborations, including "El Cartel: The Big Boss" (2007) and "Prestige" (2012), consistently pushing the boundaries of Latin music. In 2017, he teamed up with Luis Fonsi on the single "Despacito," a global smash hit that topped the Billboard Hot 100 for 16 consecutive weeks. The song’s success marked a milestone for Spanish-language music in the U.S. market and earned Daddy Yankee his first Grammy nomination.

Beyond his musical achievements, Daddy Yankee also became a respected businessman and philanthropist. He launched his own label, El Cartel Records, and was involved in ventures spanning fashion, fragrance, and film. During the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in 2017, he donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to relief efforts in Puerto Rico and worked to provide food and medical supplies to affected communities.

In 2022, Daddy Yankee announced his retirement from music with the release of his final album, "Legendaddy," and a farewell world tour. "This career has been a marathon," he said in a video message to fans. "Now I get to enjoy what you all gave me."

Regarded as a trailblazer and icon, Daddy Yankee has left an indelible mark on global pop culture. He received numerous awards throughout his career, including Latin Grammy Awards, Billboard Latin Music Awards, and recognition from Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world.

Though he stepped away from the stage, his legacy continues to influence a new generation of artists and fans worldwide.