Daddy Yankee kicked off 2012 with “Lovumba,” an infectious dance track that artfully blends dance and urban beats—underscored by Yankee’s trademark, memorable chorus and hard-hitting raps. It almost immediately rose to No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart—Yankee’s astounding NINTH No. 1 on the list--scored tens of millions of views on VEVO and became a global sensation, reaching No. 1 in dozens of countries. Seven years after “Barrio Fino” became the top-selling Latin urban album of all time and the track “Gasolina” single-handedly launched reggaetón to the World, Daddy Yankee continues to be the most influential and recognizable name in Latin urban and dance music, with over 11 million albums sold, more than 15 million fans combined throughout his social networks (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Vevo, & DaddyYankee.com) and several awards, including Urban Latin Artist of the Decade by Billboard Magazine. Named one of the most influential Hispanics in the World by both CNN and Time Magazine, Yankee continues his trailblazing path with the upcoming release of his new album in Summer 2012 on his own label, El Cartel Records, the launch of his U.S., Latin American and European tour—beginning with 12 European dates in May--and his rising business empire with the upcoming launch of his own tequila, El Cartel. At the same time, and in keeping with a long line of prestigious brand associations, Yankee has launched a new line of headphones with Section 8, the top manufacturer of music headsets and ear bugs. The exclusive line premiered at the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show. Yankee also launched his own “Legends of the Game” line of luxury watches with Azad Watches Inc., becoming the first and only Latin artist to have his own line of Azad watches. “Prestige is an album that reflects the real urban movement.  I'm returning to the formula that made this genre great, using raw reggaeton because it's the music that continues to create the most buzz with the fans. Combining as well a tropical urban fusion of which the public always desires. I decided to make the album completely in Spanish by popular demand. The fans asked for the essence and the essence is what they'll receive from my album PRESTIGE”, said Latin star. But Yankee’s influence goes beyond creative trends. At a time when the music industry model is reinventing itself, and when artists are more than ever taking charge of their careers, Daddy Yankee is at the forefront, as a businessman and owner of his repertoire, his record label and all his rights. Yankee’s maverick approach has revolutionized the way music is marketed, promoted and distributed, and his business model has served as the blueprint for countless acts that now helm their artistic and business ventures. Today, Yankee presides over an empire that includes El Cartel Records a production house; his award-winning Los Cangris Music Publishing; his men’s and women’s fragrance (DY for men and Dyamante for women); and a budding film company that produced “Talento de Barrio,” the highest-grossing film in Puerto Rico’s history, starring Yankee himself. The film’s soundtrack, sold over 1 million copies worldwide and reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Latin Album charts, with the single “Pose” also hitting No. 1 on the Hot Latin Songs chart. Acutely aware of his role and responsibility within the Latin community, Yankee founded Daddy’s House, which supports orphaned children in the Dominican Republic, and is a cabinet member of the American Red Cross. Yankee’s philanthropic efforts made him the recipient of Billboard’s Spirit of Hope Award, given yearly to an artist for outstanding humanitarian work. Daddy Yankee’s extensive accomplishments also includes: eleven Premios Juventud Awards, nine Billboard Latin Music Awards, four Premios Lo Nuestro Awards, and two Latin Grammys. Now with the release of “Prestige” Daddy Yankee proves again he’s not only a singer, Daddy Yankee is a movement. 


