Ramón “Raymond� Ayala (born on February 3, 1977 in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico), known artistically as Daddy Yankee is a successful Latin Grammy Award-winning Puerto Rican reggaeton recording artist.
Ayala first became involved then later left for a career in recording music in the early 1990s alongside DJ Playero, a pioneer of Reggaeton music. He rapped as a hobby, in private parties organized by friends in his neighborhood, the Villa Kennedy, housing project in San Juan. By the time he was seventeen, Ayala was shot in his leg at a skirmish with rivals. Ayala later pursued rapping as a full-time profession and explored Reggaeton as his main musical style at a time when Rap and Hip-Hop were the norm in Puerto Rico.
Ayala's persistence over ten years eventually paid off. His sudden ascent to wealth and fame was largely a result of the hit Reggaeton song Gasolina (which was written by Eddie Dee and produced by the producing duo, Luny Tunes), from his 2004 album Barrio Fino. The album has sold over 500,000 copies (2xPlatino) in the United States alone and has sold well throughout Latin America and worldwide.
He has appeared on over 70 albums, including compilations such as; "Más Flow 2" and "Blin Blin Vol. 1". He performed with Nicky Jam from the late-90's to early 2000's. He has also performed with Luny Tunes, DJ Blass, DJ Eric, Eliel, Nas, DJ Tony Touch, Lloyd Banks, Young Buck, Snoop Dogg, Fergie, and many others.
He was regarded as one of the 100 most influential people by TIME magazine.
On June 5, 2007, Ayala released his new album entitled "El Cartel: The Big Boss." Ayala has stated that his new album will mark a return to his Hip Hop roots as opposed to being considered a strictly reggaeton album. The album features guest appearances from Akon, Nicole Scherzinger of the Pussycat Dolls, Hector El Father, will.i.am and Fergie of The Black Eyed Peas.
In 2004, Ayala was cast in a Paramount Pictures film, Talento de Barrio (Barrio talent). Ayala says that although the movie is not autobiographical, it does represent the lives of himself and others living on the streets of Latin America.[citation needed]
In 2006, Ayala introduced his own clothing line, named DY. He also teamed up with Reebok to have his own shoes and sporting goods, which were released on May 23, 2006. Ayala also hosts "Daddy Yankee On Fuego", a syndicated radio show from ABC Radio Networks.
Ayala, with Andres Hernandez, is one of the owners of El Cartel Records.
Ayala created the "Fundación Corazón Guerrero" charitable organization in Puerto Rico, which works with young incarcerated people. The foundation helps troubled youth and ex-convicts in computer skills to encourage them to lead a positive lifestyle after their release.
No Mercy
El Cartel
El Cartel II
El Cangri.com
Los Homerun-es
Barrio Fino
The Kings of New York
Ahora le Toca al Cangri! Live
Barrio Fino en Directo
Tormenta Tropical, Vol. 1
El Cartel: The Big Boss
