Daddy Yankee is a Puerto Rican rapper widely called the King of Reggaeton. Born Ramon Luis Ayala Rodriguez in San Juan in 1976, he grew up in the Villa Kennedy housing projects and is credited with coining the word reggaeton.
Gasolina
After years on underground mixtapes, his 2004 album Barrio Fino became the best-selling Latin album of the decade. Its single “Gasolina” introduced reggaeton to a global audience and was the first reggaeton song nominated for a Latin Grammy Record of the Year.
Building an empire
He kept the hits coming with “Rompe”, “Lovumba”, “Limbo”, “Shaky Shaky”, “Dura” and “Con Calma”, and ran his own label, El Cartel Records, keeping ownership of his masters. J Balvin has called him the reason reggaeton exists as it does today.
Despacito
In 2017 he joined Luis Fonsi on “Despacito”, the first mostly Spanish-language song to top the Hot 100 since 1996. It spent 16 weeks at number one, tied a chart record, and a remix with Justin Bieber pushed it even further.
Collaborations and legacy
He also teamed with the Jonas Brothers on “Runaway”. With multiple Latin Grammys and a farewell tour behind him, he was named the 2026 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year.
Most loved songs
A spread across the catalogue. Each title opens through the in-site player.
- Full nameRamon Luis Ayala Rodriguez
- BornFebruary 3, 1976, San Juan, Puerto Rico
- GenresReggaeton, Latin
- Also known for“Gasolina” and “Despacito”
From a block-party anthem to a worldwide number one, the odds are good a Daddy Yankee song has filled a dancefloor near you. Type the line you remember into the search box above and you may find it leads back to him.