Daddy Yankee

Born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico in 1977, Daddy Yankee (aka Raymond Ayala) got his start singing with DJ Playero while he was still in his teens. After a few appearances on compilations, he released his platinum-selling debut El Cartel De Yankee I in 2000, which was quickly followed by El Cartel De Yankee II in 2001. Now firmly established as a star in the crowded reggaeton field, Daddy Yankee began his crossover bid in 2004, when his song "Gasolina" (off of 2004's Barrio Fino) climbed charts at home and abroad. Ayala's heart doesn't belong to reggaeton alone, however -- he's toured with Olga Tanon and sung with salsa greats Domingo Quinones and Andy Montanez.