Daddy Yanky

Raymond Ayala (born on February 3, 1977 in Río Piedras, Puerto Rico), known publicly as Daddy Yanky, is a successful reggaeton recording artist.

Ayala's rapid ascent to wealth and fame is a result of the hit song "Gasolina", from his 2004 album "Barrio Fino". The album has sold over 1,000,000 copies in Puerto Rico alone and has also sold well in the United States and Europe. He has appeared on over 70 albums, including compilations such as; "Más Flow 2" and "Blin Blin Vol. 1". Ayala is famous for recording songs in both English and Spanish, although the latter is more prominently used.

Daddy Yanky first became involved in recording music in the early 1990s alongside Playero DJ, a pioneer of reggaeton music. He has also performed with Nicky Jam, Luny Tunes, DJ Blass, DJ Eric, Eliel, Nas, DJ Tony Touch and many others.

In 2005, Ayala was cast in a Paramount Pictures film, tentatively titled "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. The movie is expected to première in theaters in February 2006.

Also due out in 2006 is Ayala's own clothing line, titled DY. He has also teamed up with Reebok to have his own shoes and sporting goods, also to be available in 2006.


With over 15 years of upward growth in the entertainment industry and the Latin music scene, Daddy Yankee has developed to be one of the most respected and influential reggaeton artists.

Yankee’s carefully crafted lyrics and his free-style abilities have allowed him to share his views and reach the masses, regardless of his intentions. From love to socially-saturated comments on the everyday Puerto Rican culture, many of his songs have remained solid in the club scene and are considered reggaeton classics.

Yankee’s constant focus and rapid development have allowed him to collaborate with artists such as NAS (they recorded “The Profecy” together) and a track with mix tape legend and acclaimed Dj Tony Touch for his “The Peace Maker” album. Daddy was also invited for a cameo appearance in Terror Squad’s video “100% Percent” while his “PosiciÛn” track was also included in “One Tough Cop” soundtrack.

Without a doubt, his record sales confirm his success and popularity within Latin Music. All of his albums, ØEl Cartel de Yankee˜; ØEl Cartel de Yankee II˜; ØEl Cangri.com˜ and ØLos Home-runes˜, have all received platinum status. In 2002, “El Cangri.com” was the biggest selling album in Puerto Rico, his hometown and one of the most prestigious markets within Latin Music.

2003 was one of the most important years in Yankee’s career. Shortly after “Los Home-Runes” album achieved record-breaking sales, one his life-long dreams came true… a full house (12,000+) danced along with him in Puerto Rico’s historic Roberto Clemente Coliseum. The fans went wild as the press acclaimed his ability to bring the house down with his outstanding ability to free-style and his energetic stage performance. The show titled “Ahora Le Toca Al Cangri” quickly turned into Yankee’s most important and a historic moment in reggaeton music.

Without a doubt, his fan’s support along with his personal desire to share his vision with upcoming artists have been key in his development as “El Cangri’s Inc.” and “El Cartel Records” founder and lead producer.

Currently, Yankee has been touring Latin America and The United States gathering thousands of fans in each region. Just recently in Colombia, Yankee performed in front of over 60,000 screaming fans. Also, his energy and dedication to his career have allowed him to record over 130 tracks in as many as 70 feature reggaeton albums.

Finally, in July of 2004, arrives Barrio Fino, the most anticipated album launch in Regetton music. Being a loyal Salsa fan since childhood, this album allowed him to collaborate with one of Puerto Rico’s legendary Salsa’s singers, Andy MontaÒez in “Melao” and is by far, his most complete Album. His goal with the Barrio Fino is to not only maintain his place within the reggaeton music scene but to also introduce the genre and cross-over within the competitive Anglo market.

Daddy Yankee’s “Barrio Fino” album will be supported with a tour and performances in countries like the United States, Puerto Rico, Honduras, Nicaragua, Colombia, Ecuador, Per?, Panam·, Spain, Argentina, Mexico, Venezuela and Santo Domingo to name a few.




Discography


Albums

1995 No Mercy
2000 El Cartel
2001 El Cartel II
2002 El Cangri.com
2003 Los Homerun-Es Vol. 1
2004 Barrio Fino (2 million world wide)
2005 Ahora Le Toca al Cangri Live (with DJ Nelson)
2005 Barrio Fino En Directo (Live) (US Sales: 100,000(1st week) Worldwide pre-sales: 1,000,000]
2006 El Cartel III


Singles

2004: "Gasolina" #1 US LATIN, #5 UK, #12 France, #27 Japan,#3 Italy,#1 Mexico,#1 Spain #1 Colombia #21 Australia
2004: "Lo Que Pasó, Pasó" #2 US LATIN
2004: "Like You" #78 US
2005: "Rompe" #1 US LATIN (True Crime: New York City) soundtrack
2005: "Tu Principe" ft. Zion y Lennox
2006: "Gangsta Zone" ft. Snoop Dogg