The single “Gasolina” was particularly successful and earned Daddy Yankee nominations at the Latin Grammys and the MTV Video Music awards.ĭaddy Yankee’s next album “El Cartel: The Big Boss” came out in June 2007 and was promoted by an international tour throughout the U.S. His music is known to admired by English-speaking and Spanish-speaking fans alike.
He experimented with elements of Salsa music, mixed with rap and reggaeton. In 2004 Daddy Yankee brought reggaeton to the masses with the compilation “Barrio Fino” produced by Luny Tunes and DJ Nelson. Reggaeton became part of pop culture in Puerto Rico.Ī year later, the album “El ” was released to the international music industry and became famous in the Latino communities of Miami and New York, U.S.A. Ayala’s next two releases “El Cartel” in 1997 and “El Cartel II” in 2001 were the defining albums that would launch his career in Puerto Rico. His first solo project was the album “No Mercy” which came out on 2 April 1995. Ayala became involved with the rap music scene gaining influence in San Juan and he collaborated with artist DJ Playero on the recording “So' Persígueme, No Te Detengas” in 1990.ĭeparting from the rap music he grew up with, Ayala explored new territory with reggaeton music.
An accidental gun wound in his leg ended his dreams and he turned his full attention towards music. Better known as his stage name Daddy Yankee, Ayala grew up in the projects of San Juan and aspired to be a professional baseball player.