STEPHANIE
Our final honoree is a true trailblazer who reshaped reggaetn from a niche urban genre into a global music powerhouse, forever changing the sound of Latin music. And as he retires at the end of his world tour, he leaves behind a legacy as one of the most celebrated and influential Latinos of our time. Let's learn more about our 2022 Legend Award Honoree, Daddy Yankee!
DADDY YANKEE
What kept me grounded definitely has been my family, my friends, my teammates. The word of God. My island. Those are the elements that kept me grounded, for all of these decades.
ANNOUNCER
For over 30 years, Ramn Ayala, better known around the world as "Daddy Yankee", has been the undisputed King of Reggaetn. Growing up in the Villa Kennedy Housing Projects of San Juan, Puerto Rico, DY initially aspired to play professional baseball. But his life shifted abruptly when he was struck by a stray bullet, ending his baseball career, and pushing him fully into music. He then spent the next decade experimenting with the Reggaetn sound and style, until the release of his iconic album "Barrio Fino" and the lead single "Gasolina" took Latin music by storm, becoming the best-selling Latin Album of the decade.
DADDY YANKEE
When when we dropped "Barrio Fino", we didn't think it was going to take over in a worldwide status. I mean, I had the vision and I dreamed about it. But when you see that, realized it is a surprise still.
ANNOUNCER
Drawn to his authenticity and music that elevated and challenged mainstream perceptions of Latinos, audiences clamored for more. Yankee's success triggered an explosion in urban Latin music globally, revitalized Latin music sales; and laid the groundwork for the rise of contemporary hitmakers like Karol G, J Balvin, and Bad Bunny. And as Yankee released hit after hit, he continued to look to the future, nurturing the next generation of artists to ensure the longevity of the genre and provide new opportunities for their success.
DADDY YANKEE
Daddy Yankee legacy definitely has been a game changer. An artist that shaped the culture. I really I really seen the results of having that vision right now seeing different talents. The rise of new artists is bringing hope to the barrio and seeing those new kids changing their lives. I see I think that that's beyond music. It's the culture and give them an opportunity to change their life. That has been DY's legacy.
ANNOUNCER
Yankee's global icon status was cemented in 2017, when he collaborated with fellow Hispanic Heritage Award honoree Luis Fonsi on the hit single, "Despacito." The song became a record-smashing hit, quickly becoming the first Spanish-language song to hit Number 1 on Billboard since the "Macarena," and being named the most listened to artist worldwide on Spotify, the first Hispanic to do so. After over 30 years in the industry, Daddy Yankee announced his new album, "Leggendaddy" would be his last, and that he was retiring from music at the end of his tour. He ends his career as one of the most successful and highly decorated musicians of all time... Even being named one of "Time Magazine" and CNN's "Most Influential Hispanics." But as he steps away from the limelight, DY leaves behind a changed world, a changed genre, a changed industry, a changed global Latin community.
DADDY YANKEE
Ese chamaco est ah y sigue ah. Ese Daddy Yankee sigue ah. El chamaco que nunca perdi la pasin por la msica, ese chamaco que que le gusta siempre innovar, que es un fiebre en el estudio. Ese chamaco est ah siempre buscan la manera de crecer como artista, pero aprendiendo a travs de los aos. Me ha interesado crecer ms como ser humano y eso me ha llenado muchsimo. Oh, thank you, thanks! Appreciate that. It's a great honor. Hey. Para m este premio significa muchsimo, un gran logro. Creo que va ms all de la msica, en la cultura, y eso es lo que yo he tratado de hacer. Desde el da uno. Impactar la cultura de una forma positiva, una manera de traer esperanza... And the main thing to put the Barrio on top of the world. And we did that.
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