History of Daddy Yankee in Timeline
Daddy Yankee, born Ramón Luis Ayala Rodríguez, is a highly influential Puerto Rican rapper, singer, songwriter, and actor. He gained international fame in 2004 with his hit song "Gasolina" and is widely regarded as the "King of Reggaeton." He has inspired many other Hispanic urban artists. Daddy Yankee retired from performing on December 3, 2023, after his final performance in Puerto Rico as part of his "La Meta" tour.
February 3, 1976: Birth of Ramón Luis Ayala Rodríguez
On February 3, 1976, Ramón Luis Ayala Rodríguez, known professionally as Daddy Yankee, was born. He is a Puerto Rican rapper, singer, songwriter, and actor.
1992: First Appearance on DJ Playero's Mixtape
In 1992, Ayala made his first appearance on DJ Playero's Mixtape, Playero 34, with the song "So' Persigueme, No Te Detengas".
April 2, 1995: Release of No Mercy
On April 2, 1995, Daddy Yankee's first official studio project as a solo artist, No Mercy, was released through White Lion Records and BM Records in Puerto Rico.
1996: "Macarena" Number One on Billboard
In 1996, "Macarena" was the last Spanish-language song to hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 until "Despacito" in 2017.
1996: Birth of daughter Jesaaelys
In 1996, Daddy Yankee's daughter, Jesaaelys, was born.
2000: Start of the Decade
In 2000, the decade started in which Daddy Yankee's album Barrio Fino would later become the top-selling Latin music album.
2001: Release of El Cartel II
In 2001, Daddy Yankee released the compilation album El Cartel II, which was successful in Puerto Rico.
2003: Release of Los Homerun-es and Collaboration with Luny Tunes
In 2003, Daddy Yankee released the compilation album Los Homerun-es, which contained his first charted single, "Segurosqui". He also collaborated with Luny Tunes on the album Mas Flow, with the song "Cógela Que Va Sin Jockey".
July 2004: Release of Barrio Fino
In July 2004, Daddy Yankee released his album Barrio Fino, produced by Luny Tunes and DJ Nelson, among others, which was highly anticipated in the reggaeton community and included cross-genre singles like "Melao" with Andy Montañez.
2004: Release of "Gasolina" and Global Recognition
In 2004, Daddy Yankee released his international hit single "Gasolina", credited with introducing reggaeton to a worldwide audience. He has since sold around 30 million records.
2004: Rise of Reggaeton
In 2004, Daddy Yankee rose to prominence along with the reggaeton genre, which saw a 12 percent increase in sales.
2004: Worldwide Prominence with "Gasolina"
In 2004, Daddy Yankee rose to worldwide prominence with the song "Gasolina", which helped popularize reggaeton music globally.
2004: Release of 'Barrio Fino' Album
In 2004, Daddy Yankee's third studio album, Barrio Fino, was released and ushered reggaeton into the mainstream. The single "Gasolina" from this album significantly impacted the Latin music industry.
March 2005: International DVD release of Vampiros
In March 2005, Image Entertainment produced a DVD for international release of the 2004 film Vampiros, in which Daddy Yankee played an extra.
April 28, 2005: Latin Billboard Award for Barrio Fino
On April 28, 2005, Daddy Yankee's album Barrio Fino won the "Reggaeton Album of the Year" award at the Latin Billboard Awards, where he performed a mix of his songs in a duet with P. Diddy.
December 13, 2005: Release of Barrio Fino en Directo
On December 13, 2005, Daddy Yankee released Barrio Fino en Directo, a live record and follow-up to Barrio Fino.
May 23, 2006: Distribution of Reebok shoes and sporting goods
On May 23, 2006, Daddy Yankee's own shoes and sporting goods made in partnership with Reebok, were first distributed.
2006: Interview about marriage
In 2006, Daddy Yankee discussed his relationship with his wife, Mireddys González, and children in an interview. He emphasized the strength of their marriage, attributing it to their friendship and his avoidance of temptations.
2006: Production of El Cartel: The Big Boss
In 2006, Daddy Yankee produced the album El Cartel: The Big Boss, which included collaborations with will.i.am, Scott Storch, Tainy Tunes, Neli, and personnel from Daddy Yankee's label.
2006: Recognition as 'The King of Reggaeton'
In 2006, Daddy Yankee was deemed "The King of Reggaeton" in a New York Times article, which highlighted the growth of Latin music sales partly due to reggaeton and his success.
2006: Inclusion in Time 100
In 2006, Daddy Yankee was included in Time 100, Time Magazine's list of the 100 most influential people in the world.
June 5, 2007: Release of El Cartel: The Big Boss
On June 5, 2007, Daddy Yankee released El Cartel: The Big Boss by Interscope. He stated the album marked a return to his hip-hop roots.
2007: Spokesperson for Environmental Organization
In 2007, Daddy Yankee became the spokesperson for the environmental organization "Yo Limpio a Puerto Rico", promoting recycling in Puerto Rico through the campaign "Tómatelo en Serio, Recicla por Puerto Rico" with PepsiCo and Wal-Mart.
2007: Guest Appearances in Compilation Albums
In 2007, Daddy Yankee made guest appearances in famous reggaeton compilation albums, including Caribbean Connection, Echo Presenta: Invasión, and Mas Flow: Los Benjamins.
February 6, 2008: Bought part of Criollos de Caguas' ownership
On February 6, 2008, Daddy Yankee announced that he had bought part of the Criollos de Caguas' ownership during a Baloncesto Superior Nacional press conference.
April 26, 2008: Received Latino of the Year Award
On April 26, 2008, Daddy Yankee was presented with a "Latino of the Year Award" by Harvard College's Presencia Latina for his work with Puerto Rican youth and his Fundación Corazón Guerrero.
July 2008: Cover Version of Thalía's Song
In July 2008, Daddy Yankee announced he would produce a cover version of Thalía's song, "Ten Paciencia".
July 23, 2008: Talento de Barrio debut at New York's Latino Film Festival
On July 23, 2008, Talento de Barrio, a film produced by and starring Daddy Yankee, debuted at New York's Latino Film Festival.
August 17, 2008: Release of Talento De Barrio Soundtrack Album
On August 17, 2008, Daddy Yankee's soundtrack album Talento De Barrio for the eponymous film was released.
August 25, 2008: Endorsement of John McCain
On August 25, 2008, Daddy Yankee endorsed John McCain of the Republican Party in the 2008 United States presidential election, calling McCain a "fighter for the Hispanic community".
October 9, 2008: Moderation of Debate
On October 9, 2008, Daddy Yankee moderated a debate titled "Vota o quédate callado: los candidatos responden a los jóvenes", which was aired as part of a campaign.
2008: DJ in Grand Theft Auto IV
In 2008, Daddy Yankee appeared in the Rockstar Games' video game Grand Theft Auto IV as the DJ of Radio San Juan Sounds, which included his hit "Impacto".
2008: Guest Appearances in Compilation Albums
In 2008, Daddy Yankee made guest appearances in famous reggaeton compilation albums, including Caribbean Connection and 20 Number 1's Now.
2008: Participation in Voting Campaign
In 2008, Daddy Yankee participated in a campaign in Puerto Rico to promote voting in the 2008 general elections, including a concert titled "Vota o quédate callado" (Vote or Remain Silent).
February 27, 2009: Performance at Viña del Mar International Song Festival
On February 27, 2009, Daddy Yankee performed at the Viña del Mar International Song Festival in Chile, receiving the "Silver Torch", "Gold Torch", and "Silver Seagull" recognitions.
April 24, 2009: Spirit of Hope Award
On April 24, 2009, Daddy Yankee received the Spirit of Hope Award as part of the Latin Billboard Music Awards ceremony, recognizing his participation in community or social efforts.
October 8, 2009: Release of "Grito Mundial"
On October 8, 2009, Daddy Yankee released the single "Grito Mundial" to promote his ninth album, Mundial. It was intended to be the official theme for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, but he rejected the FIFA offer.
2009: Barrio Fino Top-Selling Latin Album
In 2009, Daddy Yankee's album Barrio Fino was recognized as the top-selling Latin music album of the decade between 2000 and 2009.
January 12, 2010: Release of "Descontrol"
On January 12, 2010, Daddy Yankee released the single "Descontrol", which topped the Billboard Latin Rhythm Airplay chart.
May 17, 2010: Release of "Descontrol" Music Video
On May 17, 2010, the music video for Daddy Yankee's single "Descontrol" was released, having been filmed in New York City.
August 4, 2010: Release of "La Despedida"
On August 4, 2010, Daddy Yankee released the single "La Despedida", which reached #4 on both the Billboard Top Latin Songs and Latin Pop Songs charts.
April 12, 2011: Release of "Ven Conmigo"
On April 12, 2011, the first single from the album Prestige, "Ven Conmigo", featuring Prince Royce, was released and peaked at number 9 on the Billboard Latin Charts.
October 4, 2011: Release of "Lovumba"
On October 4, 2011, Daddy Yankee released the second single from the album Prestige, "Lovumba", which became a number one hit on the Billboard Latin Charts and the Latin Songs chart.
June 20, 2012: Release of "Pasarela"
On June 20, 2012, the third single from the album Prestige, "Pasarela", was released.
September 11, 2012: Release of Prestige album
On September 11, 2012, Daddy Yankee's sixth studio album, Prestige, was released. The album peaked at number 39 on the Billboard 200, number one on both the Billboard Latin Albums and Latin Rhythm Albums charts. It also peaked at number five on the Billboard Rap Albums chart.
February 16, 2013: Collaboration in the remix of "Limbo"
On February 16, 2013, Wisin & Yandel collaborated in the remix of Daddy Yankee's song "Limbo".
February 25, 2013: Performance at Viña del Mar International Song Festival
On February 25, 2013, Daddy Yankee performed at the 2013 Viña del Mar International Song Festival, winning the Silver and Golden Torch and the Silver and Golden Seagull recognitions.
March 8, 2013: Prestige Album certified Gold by the RIAA
On March 8, 2013, the album Prestige was certified as Gold by the RIAA.
October 29, 2013: Release of "King Daddy" mixtape
On October 29, 2013, Daddy Yankee released the mixtape "King Daddy", produced by Los de la Nazza, as part of the Imperio Nazza Mixtapes series in digital format. The mixtape includes 11 tracks with collaborations from various artists.
November 29, 2013: Release of Trylogy video game
On November 29, 2013, Daddy Yankee's 3D video game "Trylogy" based on tower defense games, was released after being presented at the New York Comic Con. The game features Daddy Yankee's songs like "Gasolina" and "Limbo".
June 17, 2014: Release of "Ora por Mí"
On June 17, 2014, Daddy Yankee released the single "Ora por Mí" as part of the King Daddy's bonus tracks, using the Scorpions' "Send Me An Angel" instrumental.
June 22, 2014: King Daddy Tour Performance
By June 22, 2014, Daddy Yankee had performed on his King Daddy Tour, touring several cities in Europe, South America and North America. In Spain, his concerts were on the 4º position in the box-office ranking, being the first Latin artist on the top 5 in this country.
June 24, 2014: Release of "Ora Por Mí" official video
On June 24, 2014, the official video for Daddy Yankee's song "Ora Por Mí" was released. It was filmed in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and portrays Ayala's life and the dark side of fame.
September 2, 2014: Release of "Palabras Con Sentido"
On September 2, 2014, Daddy Yankee released the single "Palabras Con Sentido", defending reggaeton and urban music against accusations.
September 9, 2014: Release of "This Is Not A Love Song"
On September 9, 2014, Daddy Yankee released his first totally English single, "This Is Not A Love Song" featuring Duncan.
April 28, 2016: Awarded "Industry Leader Award" at Latin Billboard Awards
On April 28, 2016, Daddy Yankee was awarded the "Industry Leader Award" during the 2016 Latin Billboard Awards.
April 20, 2017: "Despacito" Reaches One Billion Views
On April 20, 2017, the music video for "Despacito" on YouTube reached its billionth view, becoming the most-watched video on the platform.
2017: Donation to Food Bank
In 2017, Daddy Yankee donated $100,000 to the Food Bank of Puerto Rico following the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria, providing food to approximately 9,000 families.
August 2018: Collaboration with Janet Jackson on "Made for Now"
In August 2018, Daddy Yankee collaborated with Janet Jackson on her return to music with the song "Made for Now".
July 8, 2019: Presentation at MLB HR Derby
On July 8, 2019, Daddy Yankee presented the HR Derby Champ medallion to Pete Alonso upon his winning the MLB HR Derby.
November 2019: Inauguration of Reggaeton Museum
In November 2019, Daddy Yankee inaugurated a reggaeton museum at Plaza Las Américas, which was the first of its kind.
2019: Release of "Con Calma"
In 2019, Daddy Yankee released the single "Con Calma", a reimagination of Snow's 1992 hit single "Informer".
2019: Record at Coliseum of Puerto Rico
In 2019, Daddy Yankee set a new record in Puerto Rico as the artist with the most shows at the Coliseum, with 12 consecutive sold-out concerts.
April 2020: Most Subscribed Latin Artist
As of April 2020, Daddy Yankee was the most subscribed Latin artist on YouTube Music and remained in the Top 20 most listened-to artists worldwide.
March 2022: Retirement Announcement
In March 2022, Daddy Yankee announced his retirement from music following the release of his seventh studio album, Legendaddy, and its supporting tour.
March 21, 2022: Announcement of final album and retirement
On March 21, 2022, Daddy Yankee announced his seventh and final studio album Legendaddy, and supporting tour. He also announced that he planned on retiring from music after completing the tour.
January 26, 2023: Release of "Panties y Brasieres" with Rauw Alejandro
On January 26, 2023, Rauw Alejandro released the single "Panties y Brasieres" with Daddy Yankee.
December 3, 2023: Retirement After "La Meta" Tour
On December 3, 2023, Daddy Yankee retired after completing his final stage performance on his "La Meta" tour in Puerto Rico.
December 2023: Announcement of Conversion to Christianity
In December 2023, during his tour at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico, Daddy Yankee announced that he had become Christian and wanted to serve in evangelization.
March 29, 2024: Release of "Donante de Sangre"
On March 29, 2024, Daddy Yankee released the single "Donante de Sangre".
December 1, 2024: Divorce Announcement
On December 1, 2024, Daddy Yankee announced his divorce from his wife, Mireddys González, after nearly 30 years of marriage on his Instagram page. Following this, he filed an injunction against Mireddys, alleging unauthorized withdrawal of $100 million from his business accounts.
Mentioned in this timeline
Pepsi is a cola-flavored carbonated soft drink and the flagship...
Instagram is a photo and video-sharing social networking service owned...
Janet Jackson is a highly influential American singer songwriter actress...
The lion Panthera leo is a large cat species native...
Puerto Rico is a self-governing Caribbean archipelago and island that...
The Billboard Hot is the primary music chart in the...
Trending
33 minutes ago Amtrak Train Kills Three Family Members in Tragic Accident Near Philadelphia
34 minutes ago Wild Rift's Poppy Debuts with April Fool’s Skin; LCP Mid Season 2025 Guide
34 minutes ago Severe Storms Cause Deadly Flooding in Central US, Forecasters Warn of More Rain
34 minutes ago Charlotte Flair Opens Up About Divorce and Calls WWE Return Her Biggest Comeback
34 minutes ago BSE Sensex Plunges Amid Trump Tariffs and Recession Fears: A Market Overview
34 minutes ago Anna Kendrick's 'Alice, Darling' arrives on Lionsgate Play: A thriller about abuse.
Popular
Bruce Pearl is an American college basketball coach currently head...
LeBron James nicknamed King James is a highly decorated American...
Cristiano Ronaldo nicknamed CR is a Portuguese professional footballer widely...
Michael Jordan also known as MJ is a celebrated American...
The Nintendo Switch is a video game console developed by...
Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani activist advocating for female education...