Pitbull (rapper)
Template:Infobox musical artist 2 Armando Christian Pérez, better known by his stage name Pitbull, or his other nicknames, Lil' Chico or Mr. 305, is an American rapper. His first recorded performance was from the Lil Jon album Kings of Crunk in 2002, after which he released his debut album in 2004 titled M.I.A.M.I. (short for Money Is A Major Issue) under TVT Records. Since then, he has released two other albums under the label, El Mariel in 2006 and The Boatlift in 2007.[1] He is also the host of his own Spanish-language program on the cable channel Mun2 titled La Esquina (Spanish for The Corner).[2]
Biography
Early life and debut album
The son of first-generation Cuban-American immigrants, Pitbull grew up influenced both by the Cuban poet Jose Marti, whose works his parents made him memorize, and the Miami bass genre of hip hop music. He later expressed interest in the West coast and East coast genres later in life. In 2002, Pitbull was featured on Lil Jon and the East Side Boyz' album Kings of Crunk and the soundtrack to the film 2 Fast 2 Furious the following year. In addition, Pitbull also released several mixtapes, composed of freestyles and remixes of popular rap music. Former 2 Live Crew leader Luther Campbell featured Pitbull in his single "Lollipop".[1]
In 2004, Pitbull released his debut album M.I.A.M.I. (Money Is A Major Issue), with the lead single being "Culo" ("ass" in English) produced by Lil Jon and the Diaz Brothers. In January 2006 he guest-starred in UPN's South Beach. Also in 2006 he recorded "Nuestro Himno" in collaboration with Wyclef Jean, Carlos Ponce, and Olga Tañón.[3]
2006: El Mariel and reggaeton contributions
The first single from his 2006 effort El Mariel was "Bojangles", followed by "Ay Chico (Lengua Afuera)". The album featured guest artists such as Lil Jon, Ken-Y, Vybz Kartel, Rick Ross, Bun B, and Ying Yang Twins.[4] On the evening of July 31, 2006, when the president of Cuba, Fidel Castro, announced that he was transferring his duties to his brother Raúl Castro, Pitbull jumped into the studio at 11:00 p.m. to write the single Ya Se Acabo ("It is Over" in English). Stating the verse 'hasta luego' (which means 'see you later') during the duration of the song.[5]
Pitbull has contributed much to the reggaeton music movement. He has worked alongside Zion & Lennox in the song "Jump & Spread Out" featuring Miri Ben-Ari. He also participated in Daddy Yankee's "Gasolina" remix featuring N.O.R.E.. He was also featured in Yaga & Mackie Rank's "Muevete" hot Reggaeton single, and Elephant Man's "Rah Rah Medley" Remix. He appeared in Don Omar's pobre diabla remix and otra noche remix. In 2007, Pitbull and Freestyle legend Stevie B collaborated to remake his dance hit "Spring Love" which was titled "Spring Love 2007".
2007: The Boatlift
Pitbull's third album, titled The Boatlift, was released in November 2007, spawned by the single "Secret Admirer" featuring Lloyd on the chorus. Subsequent singles included "Go Girl" featuring Trina and Young Bo$$ and "The Anthem" featuring and produced by Lil Jon, that song sampling the hook from the song "El Africano" by Wilfrido Vargas and the beat from the song "Calabria" by Rune RK.
Discography
Albums
- M.I.A.M.I.: Money Is A Major Issue
- Released: August 24 2004
- Chart positions: 14 Billboard 200
- RIAA certification: Gold
- Singles: "Culo", "Dammit Man", "Toma"
- Money Is Still A Major Issue
- Released: November 15 2005
- Chart positions: 25 Billboard 200
- RIAA certification: 329,434[6]
- Singles: "Shake", "Everybody Get Up"
- El Mariel
- Released: October 17, 2006
- Chart positions: 17 Billboard 200
- Sales: 193,098[7]
- RIAA certification: -
- Singles: "Bojangles", "Bojangles (remix)", "Ay Chico (Lengua Afuera)", "Dime/Tell Me (remix)"
- The Boatlift
- Released: November 27, 2007
- Chart positions: 50 Billboard 200[8]
- RIAA certification: -
- Singles: "Sticky Icky", "Go Girl", "Secret Admirer", "The Anthem"
References
- ^ a b Jeffries, David. Pitbull biography. Allmusic: 2007
- ^ Pitbull's La Esquina on mun2 :: Spictacular!
- ^ Spanish Version of 'Star-Spangled Banner' Draws Protests. Fox News/Associated Press: April 28, 2006
- ^ Jeffries, David. "El Mariel" overview Allmusic: 2006
- ^ Bolden, Janee. Pitbull Takes Shots At Fidel Castro, "I'm Hoping He's Dead". SOHH.com: August 3, 2006
- ^ IndieHQ 2.0 » Independent Sales Chart 4-25-07
- ^ IndieHQ 2.0 » Independent Sales Chart 4-25-07
- ^ Alicia Keys Still Going Strong, Chris Brown Dips Out The Top 10, Pitbull Debuts In Top 50 | Hip-Hop Charts | SOHH.com /