Daddy Yankee - Musicians
Summary
"Raymond Ayala" (born on February 3, 1977 in Rio Piedras, San Juan, Puerto Rico), known artistically as "Daddy Yankee" is a Latin Grammy Award-winning Puerto Rican reggaeton recording artist.
Musical career Daddy Yankee sought out [[DJ Playero]], considered a pioneer of Reggaetón and forged the fateful partnership that led to recordings in the early 1990s. He rapped as a hobby, in private parties organized by friends in his neighborhood, the "Villa Kennedy", housing project in San Juan. Ayala later pursued rapping as a full-time profession and explored Reggaeton as his main musical style at a time when Rap and Hip-Hop were the norm in Puerto Rico.
His sudden ascent to wealth was largely a result of the hit Reggaeton song Gasolina (which was written by Eddie Dee and produced by the producing duo, Luny Tunes), from his 2004 album Barrio Fino. The album has sold over 500,000 copies in the United States alone and has sold well throughout Latin America and worldwide.
He has appeared on over 70 albums, including compilations such as; 'Mas Flow 2' and 'Blin Blin Vol. 1'. He performed with Nicky Jam from the late-90's to early 2000's until they had a dispute. He has also performed with Luny Tunes, DJ Blass, Dj Dicky, DJ Eric, Eliel, Nas, DJ Tony Touch, Lloyd Banks, Young Buck, Snoop Dogg, Fergie, and many others.
He was regarded as one of the 100 most influential people by TIME magazine.
On June 5, 2007, Ayala released his new album entitled 'El Cartel: The Big Boss.' Ayala has stated that his new album will mark a return to his Hip Hop roots as opposed to being considered a strictly reggaeton album. The album features guest appearances from Akon, Nicole Scherzinger of the Pussycat Dolls, Hector El Father, Will.i.am and Fergie of The Black Eyed Peas.
Tiraera
Daddy Yankee and Don Omar have a well-publicized feud. Daddy Yankee has stated that the origins of their tiraera will be explained in his new album, El Cartel: The Big Boss.
Film and other career projects
In 2006, Ayala introduced his own clothing line, named DY. He also teamed up with Reebok to have his own shoes and sporting goods, which were released on May 23, 2006. Reebok continued the alliance with Ayala with the introduction of Travel Trainer collection in July 2007. Ayala also hosts 'Daddy Yankee On Fuego', a syndicated radio show from ABC Radio Networks.
Ayala, with Andres Hernandez, is one of the owners of El Cartel Records.
Charitable work
Ayala created the 'Fundación Corazón Guerrero' charitable organization in Puerto Rico, which works with young incarcerated people. The foundation helps troubled youth and ex-convicts in computer skills to encourage them to lead a positive lifestyle after their release.
Credit
This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article about Daddy Yankee.
