Daddy Yankee “El Cangri” is the Puerto Rican singer who took Reggaeton global with “Gasolina” in 2004 and helped make “Despacito” a global phenomenon 2017.
Daddy Yankee, the King of Reggaeton
Ramón Ayala Rodríguez was born in Río Piedras, San Juan, Puerto Rico on February 3, 1977. Río Piedras is an intense place. Many musicians come from there. University of Puerto Rico’s main campus is there, so it has young vibe, but it’s really not a place for tourists.
Rodríguez started making mixtapes in 1992. In 1994, he coined the term “Reggaeton.”
His nickname is “El Cangri.” That is Puerto Rican slang for someone who is well-connected like a congressman. “ElCangri.com” was the title of Yankee’s 2002 album. It was his first to attract international attention.
Yankee released “Barrio Fino” in 2004. The hit “Gasolina” put Daddy Yankee on the world map and the rest is history.
In 2017, Daddy featured on Luis Fonsi’s “Despacito.” The global hit got people around the world singing in Spanish, even if they don’t speak it. The song won Latin Grammys for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Urban Fusion Performance and Best Short Form Music Video. Though nominated, the regular Grammy’s snubbed this global phenomenon which in our opinion, completely discredits the Recording Academy.
Daddy Yankee in New York City
December 2022
Daddy Yankee La Ultima Vuelta World Tour brings Puerto Rican Trap and Reggaeton to Prudential Center in Newark, NJ on Thursday, December 8, 2022 at 8pm. From $96. 🇵🇷
September 2022
Daddy Yankee La Ultima Vuelta World Tour brings Puerto Rican Trap and Reggaeton to Prudential Center in Newark, NJ on Thursday, September 8, 2022 at 8pm. From $116. 🇵🇷
Daddy Yankee La Ultima Vuelta World Tour brings Puerto Rican Trap and Reggaeton to Madison Square Garden in Chelsea on Tuesday, September 20, 2022 at 8pm (7pm doors). 🇵🇷
March 2022
Daddy Yankee released his album “Legendaddy” on March 24, 2022. He says he’s retiring from music after this.
August 2018
Daddy Yankee’s “Dura” is nominated for “Best Latin” at the 2018 MTV VMAs at Radio City Music Hall in Midtown, Manhattan.
September 2017
El Cangri plays the Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk on Thursday September 21, 2017 at 8 pm.
July 2016
Daddy Yankee and Don Omar battle to be the king of Reggaeton at Madison Square Garden July 30, 2016 at 8pm.
“The Kingdom: Daddy Yankee vs Don Omar” tour is an unusual concept. When they were young up-and-coming artists, the two recorded together. Later the relationship went sour and devolved into one of the biggest rap battles in Latin music. The two surprised audiences by working together on stage in 2009.
The Kingdom Tour started in December 2015 and will run for two years with an accompanying album and a TV show. The show is being presented as a musical boxing match. Yankee and Omar will take turns playing sets. The audience will vote for their favorite artist through a special mobile app for the event. It’s a remarkable reunion for two of the top artists in their genre.
For more information, visit DaddyYankee.com
