History of Daddy Yankee in Timeline
Daddy Yankee, born Ramón Luis Ayala Rodríguez, is a Puerto Rican rapper, singer, songwriter, and actor recognized as the "King of Reggaeton." He achieved global fame in 2004 with his hit song "Gasolina" and is a major influence in the Hispanic urban music scene. Daddy Yankee concluded his career on December 3, 2023, with a final performance in Puerto Rico as part of his "La Meta" tour, marking his official retirement.
February 3, 1976: Daddy Yankee Born
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 Playero 34
In 1992, Daddy Yankee first appeared on DJ Playero's Mixtape, Playero 34, with the song "So' Persigueme, No Te Detengas".
1992: Snow's Informer release
In 1992, Snow released his hit single "Informer" which Daddy Yankee reimagined in 2019 with his single "Con Calma".
April 2, 1995: Release of No Mercy
On April 2, 1995, Daddy Yankee's first official solo studio project, No Mercy, was released through White Lion Records and BM Records in Puerto Rico.
1996: Birth of Daughter Jesaaelys
In 1996, Daddy Yankee's daughter, Jesaaelys, was born, expanding his family.
1996: "Macarena" Billboard Hit
In 1996, the song "Macarena" hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
1998: Birth of Son Jeremy
In 1998, Daddy Yankee's son, Jeremy, was born, further completing his family.
2000: Start of the Decade Leading to Barrio Fino Success
The 2000s marked the beginning of the decade in which Daddy Yankee's album Barrio Fino became the top-selling Latin music album.
2001: Release of El Cartel II
In 2001, Daddy Yankee released the compilation album El Cartel II.
2003: Release of Los Homerun-es
In 2003, Daddy Yankee released a compilation album named Los Homerun-es, which contains his first charted single ("Segurosqui"), five new songs and 12 remakes of DJ Playero's albums songs.
July 2004: Release of Barrio Fino
In July 2004, Daddy Yankee released Barrio Fino, produced by Luny Tunes and DJ Nelson, which was highly anticipated in the reggaeton community.
2004: Music Revenue Growth
In 2004 sales grew by 12 percent due to the increase of reggaeton sales, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
2004: Acting Debut in Vampiros
In 2004, Daddy Yankee made his acting debut as an extra in the film Vampiros.
2004: Release of "Gasolina"
In 2004, Daddy Yankee released "Gasolina", which introduced reggaeton to audiences worldwide.
2004: Worldwide Prominence with "Gasolina"
In 2004, Daddy Yankee rose to worldwide prominence with his song "Gasolina."
March 2005: International Release of Vampiros DVD
In March 2005, Image Entertainment released the Vampiros DVD internationally.
April 28, 2005: Latin Billboard Award for Barrio Fino
On April 28, 2005, Daddy Yankee's Barrio Fino won the "Reggaeton Album of the Year" award at the Latin Billboard Awards.
December 13, 2005: Release of Barrio Fino en Directo
On December 13, 2005, Daddy Yankee released Barrio Fino en Directo, a live record and the follow-up to Barrio Fino.
2005: Reebok Partnership
In 2005, Daddy Yankee became the first Latin artist to sign a deal with Reebok.
April 30, 2006: Named One of Time's 100 Most Influential People
On April 30, 2006, Daddy Yankee was named one of the 100 most influential people by Time.
May 23, 2006: DY Clothing Line and Sporting Goods Release
On May 23, 2006, Daddy Yankee's clothing line "DY" and sporting goods were first distributed with Reebok.
2006: Production of El Cartel: The Big Boss Album
In 2006, Daddy Yankee produced El Cartel: The Big Boss album, which included collaborations with will.i.am, Scott Storch, and others.
2006: Speaks About Marriage
In 2006, Daddy Yankee spoke about his relationship with his wife, Mireddys González, emphasizing the importance of friendship and avoiding temptations for maintaining a strong marriage.
2006: Inclusion in Time 100
In 2006, Daddy Yankee was included in Time 100.
2006: Deemed "The King of Reggaeton"
In 2006, a New York Times article deemed Daddy Yankee "The King of Reggaeton", noting his contribution to the growth of Latin music sales.
June 5, 2007: Release of El Cartel: The Big Boss
On June 5, 2007, Daddy Yankee released El Cartel: The Big Boss, marking a return to his hip-hop roots.
2007: Becomes Spokesperson for Environmental Organization
In 2007, Daddy Yankee became the spokesperson for the environmental organization "Yo Limpio a Puerto Rico" and promoted recycling through the campaign "Tómatelo en Serio, Recicla por Puerto Rico."
2007: Guest Appearances on Reggaeton Compilation Albums
In 2007, Daddy Yankee made guest appearances in famous reggaeton compilation albums including Caribbean Connection, Echo Presenta: Invasión, Mas Flow: Los Benjamins, and 20 Number 1's Now.
February 6, 2008: Part Ownership of Criollos de Caguas
On February 6, 2008, Daddy Yankee announced that he had bought part of the Criollos de Caguas' ownership.
April 26, 2008: Latino of the Year Award
On April 26, 2008, Daddy Yankee was presented with a "Latino of the Year Award" by Harvard College for his work with Puerto Rican youth.
July 2008: Cover Version of Thalía's Song
In July 2008, Daddy Yankee announced that he would produce a cover version of Thalía's song, "Ten Paciencia".
July 23, 2008: Talento de Barrio Debut
On July 23, 2008, Talento de Barrio, a film produced and starred by Daddy Yankee, debuted at New York's Latino Film Festival.
August 17, 2008: Release of Talento De Barrio
On August 17, 2008, Daddy Yankee's soundtrack album Talento De Barrio for the eponymous film was released.
August 25, 2008: Endorses John McCain
On August 25, 2008, Daddy Yankee endorsed John McCain in the 2008 United States presidential election, citing McCain's support for the Hispanic community.
October 9, 2008: Moderates Debate
On October 9, 2008, Daddy Yankee moderated a debate titled "Vota o quédate callado: los candidatos responden a los jóvenes" as part of his campaign for John McCain.
2008: DJ on Grand Theft Auto IV
In 2008, Daddy Yankee appeared on the Rockstar Games' video game Grand Theft Auto IV as the DJ of Radio San Juan Sounds.
2008: Guest Appearances on Reggaeton Compilation Albums
In 2008, Daddy Yankee made guest appearances in famous reggaeton compilation albums including Caribbean Connection, Echo Presenta: Invasión, Mas Flow: Los Benjamins, and 20 Number 1's Now.
2008: Participates in Voting Campaign
In 2008, Daddy Yankee participated in a campaign to promote voting in the 2008 general elections in Puerto Rico, which included a concert titled "Vota o quédate callado."
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 and received "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 for his participation in community and 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.
2009: Barrio Fino - Top Selling Album of the Decade
In 2009, Daddy Yankee's album Barrio Fino made history when it became 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 "Descontrol", which topped the Billboard Latin Rhythm Airplay.
May 17, 2010: "Descontrol" Music Video Release
On May 17, 2010, the music video for Daddy Yankee's "Descontrol" was released, 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 Billboard Top Latin Songs and Latin Pop Songs charts.
April 12, 2011: Ven Conmigo Single Release
On April 12, 2011, Daddy Yankee released "Ven Conmigo" featuring Prince Royce. The song peaked at number 9 on the Billboard Latin Charts.
October 4, 2011: Lovumba Single Release
On October 4, 2011, Daddy Yankee released "Lovumba", which became a number one hit on the Billboard Latin Charts and Latin Songs chart. It was also nominated for Best Urban Song at the 2012 Latin Grammy Awards.
December 2011: El Cartel Records Damaged
In December 2011, a hurricane damaged El Cartel Records, resulting in the loss of half of Daddy Yankee's Prestige album, leading to rework and delay of the album release.
June 20, 2012: Pasarela Single Release
On June 20, 2012, Daddy Yankee released the single "Pasarela" as part of his Prestige album.
September 11, 2012: Prestige Album Release
On September 11, 2012, Daddy Yankee's sixth studio album, Prestige, was released. It reached number 39 on the Billboard 200 and topped the Billboard Latin Albums and Latin Rhythm Albums charts.
November 24, 2012: Macho Camacho's death
On November 24, 2012, Macho Camacho died, resulting on Daddy Yankee´s unreleased movie due for release in 2015
February 16, 2013: Collaboration on Limbo Remix
On February 16, 2013, Wisin & Yandel collaborated on the remix of Daddy Yankee's song "Limbo".
February 25, 2013: Viña del Mar Performance
On February 25, 2013, Daddy Yankee performed at the Viña del Mar International Song Festival, winning Silver and Golden Torch and Seagull recognitions.
March 8, 2013: Prestige Certified Gold
On March 8, 2013, Daddy Yankee's album Prestige was certified Gold by the RIAA.
October 29, 2013: King Daddy Mixtape Release
On October 29, 2013, Daddy Yankee released the mixtape "King Daddy", which was produced by Los de la Nazza.
November 29, 2013: Trylogy Game Release
On November 29, 2013, Daddy Yankee's 3D video game Trylogy was released.
January 2014: Movie Announcement
In January 2014, Daddy Yankee announced a film involving reggaeton exponents.
February 2014: Movie about Macho Camacho Confirmed
In February 2014, it was confirmed that the movie would be about the boxer Macho Camacho's life.
June 17, 2014: Ora por Mí Single Release
On June 17, 2014, Daddy Yankee released "Ora por Mí" as a bonus track for King Daddy.
June 24, 2014: Ora por Mí Music Video Release
On June 24, 2014, Daddy Yankee released the official music video for "Ora Por Mí".
September 2, 2014: Palabras Con Sentido Single Release
On September 2, 2014, Daddy Yankee released the single "Palabras Con Sentido", defending reggaeton music.
September 9, 2014: This Is Not A Love Song Single Release
On September 9, 2014, Daddy Yankee released his first English single, "This Is Not A Love Song", featuring Duncan.
2015: Macho Camacho Movie due release
In 2015, the movie about the boxer Macho Camacho's life due to be released, but it remained unreleased after Camacho's death on November 24, 2012.
April 28, 2016: Industry Leader Award
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 video for "Despacito" on YouTube reached one billion views, becoming the most-watched video on the platform.
2017: Donates to Food Bank
In 2017, Daddy Yankee donated $100,000 to the Food Bank of Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria, providing food to approximately 9,000 families.
August 2018: Collaboration with Janet Jackson
In August 2018, Daddy Yankee collaborated with Janet Jackson on the song "Made for Now", marking her return to music.
July 8, 2019: Presents HR Derby Champ Medallion to Pete Alonso
On July 8, 2019, Daddy Yankee presented the HR Derby Champ medallion to Pete Alonso for winning the MLB HR Derby.
November 2019: Inaugurates Reggaeton Museum
In November 2019, Daddy Yankee inaugurated a museum of reggaeton at Plaza Las Américas, marking the first museum of its kind.
2019: Release of Con Calma
In 2019, Daddy Yankee released the single "Con Calma", a reimagination of Snow's 1992 hit "Informer."
2019: Sets Record at Coliseum of Puerto Rico
In 2019, Daddy Yankee set a new record as the artist with the most shows at the Coliseum of Puerto Rico, achieving 12 consecutive sold-out concerts.
April 2020: Most Subscribed Latin Artist
As of April 2020, Daddy Yankee became the most subscribed Latin artist on YouTube Music and remains on Top 20 most listened 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 accompanying tour.
March 21, 2022: Legendaddy Album and Retirement Announcement
On March 21, 2022, Daddy Yankee announced his final album, Legendaddy, and his retirement from music after the supporting tour.
January 26, 2023: Panties y Brasieres Single Release
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 his final stage performance on his "La Meta" tour in Puerto Rico.
December 2023: Announces 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.
2023: Premiere of Neon Netflix Series
In 2023, Daddy Yankee served as an executive producer of Neon, a Netflix series about reggaeton, and also made a cameo in the show.
March 29, 2024: Donante de Sangre Single Release
On March 29, 2024, Daddy Yankee released the single "Donante de Sangre".
January 2025: En el Desierto Single Release
In January 2025, Daddy Yankee released the single "En el Desierto".
