Career Timeline of Daddy Yankee: Major Achievements and Milestones
Discover the career path of Daddy Yankee, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Daddy Yankee, born Ramón Luis Ayala Rodríguez, is a highly influential Puerto Rican rapper, singer, and songwriter. Widely recognized as the "King of Reggaeton," he has significantly impacted the Hispanic urban music scene. His pioneering contributions have established him as a key figure in popularizing reggaeton music globally and a major influence for numerous artists in the genre.
2004: Acting Debut in Vampiros
In 2004, Daddy Yankee made his acting debut as an extra in the film Vampiros, directed by Eduardo Ortiz.
2004: Barrio Fino Album Release
In 2004, Daddy Yankee's third studio album Barrio Fino was released, which ushered reggaeton into the mainstream with its single "Gasolina".
2004: Latin Music Sales Growth
In 2004, Latin music sales grew by 12 percent, which at least some of that success is owed to reggaeton and by extension to Daddy Yankee, its top-selling act.
March 2005: DVD release of Vampiros
In March 2005, Image Entertainment produced a DVD release of the movie Vampiros internationally, in which Daddy Yankee had a minor role.
2005: Deal with Reebok
In 2005, Daddy Yankee became the first Latin artist to sign a deal with Reebok to produce accessories and a clothing line.
May 23, 2006: Release of DY shoes and sporting goods
On May 23, 2006, Daddy Yankee, in collaboration with Reebok, released his own shoes and sporting goods.
2007: Environmental Spokesperson
In 2007, Daddy Yankee became the spokesperson of the environmental organization "Yo Limpio a Puerto Rico" and promoted recycling through the "Tómatelo en Serio, Recicla por Puerto Rico" campaign with PepsiCo and Wal-Mart.
February 6, 2008: Purchase of Criollos de Caguas ownership
On February 6, 2008, Daddy Yankee announced he had bought part of the Criollos de Caguas' ownership during a Baloncesto Superior Nacional press conference.
April 26, 2008: Latino of the Year Award
On April 26, 2008, Daddy Yankee was presented with a "Latino of the Year Award" by Presencia Latina of Harvard College for his work with Puerto Rican youth and Corazón Guerrero.
July 23, 2008: Talento de Barrio Debut
On July 23, 2008, Talento de Barrio, starring and produced by Daddy Yankee, debuted at New York's Latino Film Festival.
October 9, 2008: Debate Moderation
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 his campaign to encourage voting.
2008: Promoting Voting in Puerto Rico
In 2008, Daddy Yankee participated in a campaign to promote voting in the 2008 general elections in Puerto Rico. This initiative included a concert titled "Vota o quédate callado" (Vote or Remain Silent).
October 8, 2009: Release of "Grito Mundial"
On October 8, 2009, Daddy Yankee released the single "Grito Mundial" to promote his ninth album, Mundial. The song was initially intended to be the official theme for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, but Daddy Yankee rejected the offer.
January 12, 2010: Release of "Descontrol"
On January 12, 2010, Daddy Yankee released "Descontrol" as the second single from his album Mundial. The single 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. The music video for this song was filmed in New York City.
August 4, 2010: Release of "La Despedida"
On August 4, 2010, Daddy Yankee released "La Despedida" as the third single from his album Mundial. The song 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, Daddy Yankee released "Ven Conmigo" featuring Prince Royce, as the first single from his upcoming album, Prestige. It peaked at number 9 on the Billboard Latin Charts.
October 4, 2011: Release of "Lovumba"
On October 4, 2011, Daddy Yankee released "Lovumba" as the second single from Prestige. The song 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, Daddy Yankee released "Pasarela" as the third single from Prestige.
September 11, 2012: Release of Prestige
On September 11, 2012, Daddy Yankee's sixth studio album, Prestige, was released after a delay caused by a hurricane that damaged El Cartel Records.
November 24, 2012: Macho Camacho's Death
On November 24, 2012, boxer Macho Camacho died. Daddy Yankee had plans to release a movie about the boxer's life, but it remained unreleased after Camacho's death.
2012: Reconciliation with Wisin & Yandel
In 2012, Daddy Yankee and Wisin & Yandel reconciled after years of rivalry, marking a significant event in the genre. Daddy Yankee appeared on their remix song "Hipnotízame".
February 16, 2013: Collaboration on "Limbo" remix
On February 16, 2013, Wisin & Yandel collaborated with Daddy Yankee on the remix of his song "Limbo", further solidifying their reconciliation.
February 25, 2013: Performance at Viña del Mar International Song Festival
On February 25, 2013, Daddy Yankee performed at the Viña del Mar International Song Festival to a sold-out audience, where he won the Silver and Golden Torch and the Silver and Golden Seagull recognitions.
March 8, 2013: Prestige Certified Gold by the RIAA
On March 8, 2013, Daddy Yankee's album Prestige was certified Gold by the RIAA, marking a significant achievement in his career.
October 29, 2013: Release of "King Daddy" Mixtape
On October 29, 2013, Daddy Yankee released his mixtape "King Daddy", produced by Los de la Nazza, as part of the Imperio Nazza Mixtapes series. This digital-only release was a return to his reggaeton roots.
November 29, 2013: Trylogy Game Release
On November 29, 2013, Daddy Yankee's 3D tower defense video game, Trylogy, was released, following its presentation at the New York Comic Con. The game features his songs like "Gasolina" and "Limbo".
January 2014: Film Announcement
In January 2014, Daddy Yankee announced the film on a radio station, mentioning that many reggaeton artists would be involved.
February 2014: Movie Confirmed
In February 2014, it was confirmed that the movie would be about the life of boxer Macho Camacho, with Ayala stating he had the boxer's support.
June 17, 2014: Release of "Ora por Mí"
On June 17, 2014, Daddy Yankee released the single "Ora por Mí" as part of the bonus tracks for King Daddy. The song uses the Scorpions' "Send Me An Angel" instrumental with a rap sampler.
June 24, 2014: Release of "Ora Por Mí" official video
On June 24, 2014, the official music video for Daddy Yankee's "Ora Por Mí" was released, filmed in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The song is described as the most personal song of his career.
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 of being a 'society poison'.
September 9, 2014: Release of "This Is Not A Love Song"
On September 9, 2014, Daddy Yankee released his first fully English single, "This Is Not A Love Song", featuring rapper Duncan.
2015: Unreleased Film
In 2015, the film about Macho Camacho, which Daddy Yankee was involved in, was due for release, but it ultimately remained unreleased.
April 28, 2016: Awarded "Industry Leader Award"
On April 28, 2016, Daddy Yankee received the "Industry Leader Award" at the 2016 Latin Billboard Awards. He also announced "The Kingdom Tour" with Don Omar.
April 20, 2017: "Despacito" reaches one billion views
On April 20, 2017, the official video for "Despacito" on YouTube reached one billion views in just 97 days, becoming the second-fastest video to reach the milestone.
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. This donation provided food to roughly 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".
November 2019: Inauguration of Reggaeton Museum
In November 2019, Daddy Yankee inaugurated a museum of reggaeton at Plaza Las Américas, which was the first of its kind.
2019: Coliseum Record
In 2019, Daddy Yankee set a new record in his country as the artist with the most shows at Coliseum of Puerto Rico, with 12 consecutive sold-out concerts.
April 2020: YouTube Music Success
As of April 2020, Daddy Yankee is the most subscribed Latin artist on YouTube Music. He also is the first Latin act to be the most listened-to artist worldwide, and remains on Top 20.
March 21, 2022: Announcement of final album and retirement
On March 21, 2022, Daddy Yankee announced his seventh and final studio album, Legendaddy, and his retirement from music after completing the supporting tour from August to December.
January 26, 2023: Release of "Panties y Brasieres" with Rauw Alejandro
On January 26, 2023, Rauw Alejandro released the single "Panties y Brasieres" featuring Daddy Yankee.
March 29, 2024: Release of "Donante de Sangre"
On March 29, 2024, Daddy Yankee released the single "Donante de Sangre".
January 2025: Release of "En el Desierto"
In January 2025, Daddy Yankee released the standalone single "En el Desierto".
July 9, 2025: Teaser Upload Featuring Anthony Ramos
On July 9, 2025, Daddy Yankee uploaded a teaser featuring American actor Anthony Ramos, hinting at his return to music.
October 16, 2025: Release of "Lamento en Baile" Album
On October 16, 2025, Daddy Yankee released the album "Lamento en Baile".
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