Ramón Luis Ayala

Ramón Ayala, known professionally as Daddy Yankee, is a Puerto Rican singer, rapper, songwriter, and record producer widely considered one of the pioneers and most influential figures in reggaeton music. He is credited with popularizing the genre globally and has released numerous hit songs, including "Gasolina," "Despacito," "Con Calma," and "Dura."

Early Life

Ramón Ayala Rodríguez was born on February 3, 1977, in Río Piedras, San Juan, Puerto Rico. He aspired to be a professional baseball player and tried out for the Seattle Mariners. While recovering from a stray bullet wound that ended his baseball aspirations, he turned his focus to music.

Career

Daddy Yankee began his music career in the early 1990s, collaborating with DJ Playero on several mixtapes. His 1995 debut solo album, No Mercy, helped establish him in the burgeoning reggaeton scene. He gained international recognition with his 2004 album Barrio Fino, which featured the hit single "Gasolina." He continued to release successful albums and singles throughout his career, solidifying his status as a global music icon. His collaborations include artists like Luis Fonsi on "Despacito," Katy Perry, and Snow.

Personal Life

Daddy Yankee is married to Mireddys González and they have three children together. He is known for being private about his personal life.