Daddy Yankee's journey from reggaeton king to faith at 50
Daddy Yankee, born Ramón Ayala Rodríguez, has reached his 50th birthday with a fresh sense of purpose. The artist, who helped shape reggaeton into a global force, now reflects on a career filled with highs, challenges, and a recent spiritual transformation. His journey from San Juan's neighbourhoods to worldwide fame marks a defining chapter in Latin music history.
Growing up in Villa Kennedy and Las Lomas, Daddy Yankee developed a love for salsa and American hip-hop. Big Daddy Kane became a key influence, shaping his early musical style. His first big break came when he met DJ Playero, who featured him on Playero 34—the first project to use the term 'reggaeton'.
By the 1990s, he was already envisioning reggaeton as a unifying force for Latinos worldwide. His 2004 hit Gasolina turned that vision into reality, catapulting the genre onto the global stage. Over the years, he released influential albums like El Cartel: The Big Boss, Mundial, and Prestige, cementing his status as a pioneer.
In 2017, he teamed up with Luis Fonsi for Despacito, a record-breaking single that dominated charts and streaming platforms. The song became a symbol of reggaeton's crossover success, paving the way for artists like Bad Bunny, who later broke streaming records with over 40 billion Spotify plays by December 2025.
Yet, by 2023, Daddy Yankee announced a dramatic shift. Embracing Christianity, he stepped away from reggaeton to focus on faith and personal transformation. Now, at 50, he looks back on his life's journey—not just as a music legend, but as someone who grew through setbacks and reinvention.
Daddy Yankee's impact on reggaeton remains undeniable, from its underground roots to its current global dominance. His decision to leave music for faith marks the end of an era but also highlights his evolving priorities. As streaming continues to drive the genre's growth, his legacy lives on in the artists he inspired.
