Lee en Español

Daddy Yankee’s first studio album since the 2007 multi-platinum selling El Cartel: The Big Boss promises to completely change the face of music. Talento de Barrio: El Soundtrack from Yankee’s own El Cartel Records features “Pose” as its first single, one which has already topped the Billboard urban charts for over twelve weeks.

The soundtrack to Yankee’s cinematic debut will hit shelves August 12, 2008 and promises to shake the world of reggaeton with special appearances by Arcangel, Randy, and top producers Eli “Musicologo” and Menes. For Yankee, Talento de Barrio: El Soundtrack marks another huge step in what has turned out to be a phenomenal career, which has taken him from the streets of San Juan, Puerto Rico, to being deemed one of the hundred most influential artists by Time Magazine. Harvard University has also celebrated his talent by bestowing him with an honorary degree.

“This CD goes hand in hand with the movie. Its major influence is urban music but we mixed it up and let it evolve by adding music from ‘el barrio.’ We came up with fresh ideas,” said Yankee, working from Puerto Rico to fine tune all the important details of this latest production. Although all the songs on Talento de Barrio: El Soundtrack are different, from danceable to romantic, they all revolve around the plot of Yankee’s flick, scheduled to debut in Puerto Rico in August and the United States in the Fall.

The film relates the struggles young people face when they try to improve their lives and break free from squalid surroundings. “Pose” presents a mix of Hip Hop and disco, with Latin and African American rhythms, and a touch of Euro beats. “When I’m at shows, I see almost everyone with a camera and they’re all trying to give the best pose, especially the women.

It’s interesting to me how we’re always trying to look good. That’s the inspiration for the song,” Yankee said. Fans of the rapper are in for a surprise with the release of the next single, “Somos de calle,” which will also feature a music video. “Pa-Kumpa” and “Suelta,” both of which were produced by Musicologo and Menes.

The album counts with the help of other talented artists, including Arcangel in the song “Pasion” and “Sal pa’ la calle” with Randy and “Llamado de emergencia,” both of which were produced by Luny Tunes. Perhaps the most surprising of all is a cameo by Elvis Crespo, who composed “De la paz y de la guerra,” an explosive fusion of music.

Yankee’s last musical venture El Cartel: The Big Boss was the biggest selling album of 2007 and was named Album of the Year at the 2008 Billboard Awards, topping over one million copies sold worldwide. This feat officially made Yankee the best selling artist of the last three years.

According to Billboard Magazine, his live CD/DVD Barrio Fino en Directo was 2006’s biggest selling Latin album. He was named Artist of the Year at The Billboard Latin Music Awards and the MTV Latin American Video Music Awards; Composer of the Year by ASCAP, and Urban Artist of the Year at Univision’s Premios Lo Nuestro.

People en Espanol also named him one of the 100 Most Influential People in its January issue. Packing rapid-fire lyrical improvisation, Daddy Yankee helped make reggaeton an international sound. In 2004, “Gasolina” from his album Barrio Fino became the official anthem of the reggaeton movement, and Yankee became the first artist of his kind to sell multi-platinum records. Daddy’s success runs far beyond the stage and spills over into his innate talent for business ventures.

Aside from being founder and CEO of his own record label and management group, he served as spokesman for Pepsi and Reebok; has designed for his clothing line, “Daddy Yankee by RBK,” that includes shirts, hats, and other urban accessories. His movie, Talento de Barrio, where he makes his acting debut and serves as Executive Producer, hits the States this Fall.

Daddy Yankee always remembers his roots. During the holidays, he offers underprivileged youths free concerts and always shows up bearing hundreds of gifts.

He recently collaborated with the Department of Education and El Nuevo Dia newspaper to spearhead his “Bling blinging Schools” initiative, in which he adopted 16 schools and donated new computers, water fountains, and sports equipment.

He is also part of the American Red Cross’s celebrity cabinet and works hard with Fundacion Corazon Guerrero, whose goal is to “Help those no one wants to help.” This year he also founded his scholarship program “Educate con Impacto.” 

Visit Daddy's Website