Daddy Yankee's Success and Achievements in Timeline
A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Daddy Yankee.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
