History of Nicky Jam in Timeline

"Nicky Jam is an American singer famous for his Latin urban hits like 'X', 'Travesuras', and 'El Perdón'. His 2017 album 'Fénix' features collaborations with artists like Daddy Yankee and J Balvin. While his early work was classic reggaeton, his recent music leans towards romantic lyrics and vocals."

March 17, 1981: Birth of Nicky Jam

Nicky Jam, born Nick Rivera Caminero, was born on March 17, 1981. He later became known for hits like "X", "Travesuras", and "El Perdón".

1992: Recording of 'De Pies a Cabeza' Remix

In 2016, Nicky Jam recorded a remix of the 1992 song 'De Pies a Cabeza' with Mexican rock band Maná.

1992: Nicky Jam's Admiration for Maná

Nicky Jam became a fan of the Mexican rock band Maná in 1992, early in his career, and considers the band members his idols.

1994: Release of "Here Comes the Hotstepper"

Nicky Jam and Daddy Yankee's song "Muévelo", released in 1994, samples Jamaican dancehall artist Ini Kamoze's hit "Here Comes the Hotstepper".

1995: Release of First EP

In 1995, Nicky Jam released his first EP, '...Distinto a los demás,' at the age of fourteen, marking the beginning of his music career.

1995: First EP Release

In 1995, at the age of fourteen, Nicky Jam released his first EP, '...Distinto a los demás,' catching the attention of Daddy Yankee.

2001: Release of Haciendo escante

In 2001, Nicky Jam released his solo album 'Haciendo escante,' contributing to his early success in Puerto Rico.

2001: Inspiration from Jay-Z's "The Blueprint"

Jay-Z's album "The Blueprint", released in 2001, inspired Nicky Jam's approach to creating albums for the Spanish market.

2004: Release of Diss Track

In 2004, Nicky Jam released a diss track in response to Daddy Yankee's criticism, a decision he later regretted.

2004: Struggling Period

In 2004, after the breakup of Los Cangris, Nicky Jam faced personal and professional struggles, including legal troubles and weight gain.

2004: Split of Los Cangris

In 2004, the music duo Los Cangris, comprised of Nicky Jam and Daddy Yankee, split up, leading to a decline in Nicky Jam's career.

2007: Move to Medellín

In 2007, Nicky Jam moved to Medellín, Colombia, to focus on his music career and leave behind his struggles with drugs and alcohol.

2010: Overdose and Recovery

In 2010, Nicky Jam suffered a nearly fatal overdose, which motivated him to quit drugs and focus on his health and career.

2014: Reconciliation with Daddy Yankee

In 2014, Nicky Jam reconciled with Daddy Yankee after meeting him on a flight, and they began touring together.

2014: Rejuvenation of Career

In 2014, Nicky Jam rejuvenated his career by moving to Medellín, Colombia, and releasing popular singles like 'Voy a Beber' and 'Travesuras.'

2015: Collaboration with Enrique Iglesias

In 2015, Nicky Jam collaborated with Enrique Iglesias on the song 'El Perdón,' which won him his first Latin Grammy for Best Urban Performance.

2015: Success of 'El Perdón'

In 2015, Nicky Jam furthered his success with the single 'El Perdón,' which became a significant hit.

2015: Reunion with Mother

In 2015, Nicky Jam reunited with his mother, who had been deported to the Dominican Republic, ending more than twenty years of separation.

2016: Success of 'Hasta el Amanecer'

In 2016, Nicky Jam's song 'Hasta el Amanecer' became his first to reach one billion views on YouTube, winning several awards.

January 20, 2017: Fénix Album Release

Nicky Jam released his album "Fénix" on January 20, 2017. The album cover features a mural of Nicky Jam in Medellín with the word "Phoenix" stylized as "FEИiX". This mural was a heartfelt tribute from fans that Nicky Jam later decided to use as the album cover.

February 11, 2017: Fénix Tops Billboard Latin Rhythm Albums

On February 11, 2017, Nicky Jam's album "Fénix" reached the top of the Billboard Latin Rhythm Albums chart. It remained on the chart for an impressive 142 weeks.

February 2017: Marriage to Angélica Cruz

Nicky Jam married his girlfriend of two years, Angélica Cruz, in a private Catholic ceremony in Medellín in February 2017. The wedding was attended by notable figures such as J Balvin and Vin Diesel.

2017: Acting in Films

In 2017, Nicky Jam acted in the film 'XXX: Return of Xander Cage,' showcasing his versatility beyond music.

2017: Nicky Jam's Acting Debut in XXX

In 2017, Nicky Jam made his acting debut in the action film "XXX: Return of Xander Cage" alongside Vin Diesel.

2017: Release of Fénix Album

In 2017, Nicky Jam released his album 'Fénix,' which included popular tracks like 'El Perdón,' 'Hasta el Amanecer,' and 'El Amante.'

2017: Billboard Music Award Win

In 2017, Nicky Jam's song 'Hasta el Amanecer' won the Billboard Music Award for Top Latin Song.

August 2018: Divorce from Angélica Cruz

Nicky Jam and Angélica Cruz filed for divorce in August 2018, citing irreconcilable differences.

November 2018: Nicky Jam: El Ganador Premieres

Nicky Jam's biographical series, "Nicky Jam: El Ganador", premiered on Netflix in November 2018. The series delves into his struggles with drug addiction and his journey to fame.

2018: Netflix Biographical Series

In 2018, Nicky Jam starred in and executive produced the Netflix biographical series 'Nicky Jam: El Ganador,' documenting his life story.

October 2019: Behind Nicky Jam's Íntimo Preview

In October 2019, Nicky Jam gave fans a sneak peek of his documentary, "Behind Nicky Jam's Íntimo", produced through Apple Music.

November 1, 2019: Íntimo Album Release

Nicky Jam released his album "Íntimo" on November 1, 2019. The album featured collaborations with artists such as Sech and Anuel AA.

November 2019: Sony Music Latin Contract Renewal

Nicky Jam renewed his contract with Sony Music Latin in November 2019, solidifying their partnership.

2019: Release of Íntimo Album

In 2019, Nicky Jam released his album 'Íntimo,' which received critical and commercial success.

January 17, 2020: Bad Boys for Life Release

Nicky Jam starred as the villain, Zway-Lo, in the film "Bad Boys for Life" which was released on January 17, 2020. The film's soundtrack also featured his collaboration with Daddy Yankee, "Muévelo".

March 2020: Career Achievement Award at Premios Tu Música Urbano

Nicky Jam was honored with the Career Achievement Award at the Premios Tu Música Urbano 2020, hosted by Telemundo, in March 2020.

May 2020: Collaboration on Bad Bunny's Album

In May 2020, Nicky Jam was featured on Bad Bunny's surprise album, "Las que no iban a salir".

2020: Acting in 'Bad Boys for Life'

In 2020, Nicky Jam acted in the film 'Bad Boys for Life,' furthering his presence in the film industry.

2020: Engagement to Cydney Moreau

On Valentine's Day 2020, Nicky Jam announced his engagement to model Cydney Moreau, whom he met on the set of his music video for "Atrévete".

August 2021: 'Infinity' Tour Announcement

Nicky Jam announced his first official post-pandemic tour, "Infinity", in August 2021.

2021: Split from Cydney Moreau

Nicky Jam confirmed his separation from Cydney Moreau on Valentine's Day 2021.

2022: 'Infinity' Tour Kickoff

The "Infinity" tour commenced in early 2022, covering major cities across the U.S. and Canada. The tour began on February 3, 2022, at Boston's Agganis Arena.