ReaDY

Daddy Yankee is a record-breaking rapper, singer, songwriter, actor, and icon. In his first book, ReaDY, published simultaneously in English and Spanish, he shares the story of his journey from Puerto Rico to global fame, his brush with death, the reclaiming of his faith, and how tests of strength can transform your life. Known by his fans as Daddy Yankee, Raymond Ayala is a record-breaking rapper, singer, songwriter, actor, and icon. He is also a philanthropist advocating for vulnerable children and an accomplished entrepreneur. Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Daddy Yankee broke though in 2004, releasing his international hit single "Gasolina," along with the history making album Barrio Fino. In 2021, "Gasolina" was ranked number 50 on Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Songs of all Time.” In 2017 Luis Fonsi and DY collaborated on "Despacito," a chart topper in close to 50 countries and the second most-watched YouTube video ever.  After 8 studio albums, 94 singles, and over 100 music videos, Daddy Yankee has won five Latin Grammy Awards, two Billboard Music Awards, 14 Billboard Latin Music Awards, two Latin American Music Awards, eight Lo Nuestro Awards, an MTV Video Music Award, and six ASCAP Awards. Now, he is speaking to his fans, and readers everywhere in ReaDY, his first book. ReaDY is an inspirational guide to building the life you dream of in a book threaded through with the story of his rise from the streets of Puerto Rico to international superstardom. When he found himself at the wrong end of a gun, the victim of a random shooting that brought him face-to-face with mortality and ended his dream of becoming a professional baseball player, Raymond had to find a new path. He set his sights on his other passion—making music. In this collection of lessons learned in his now three-decade long career, DY shares the roots of the set of convictions that have led him to the top of his profession—to face fear, to be an ambassador for his culture and all Latin culture, dedication to family, to always be learning, and most importantly, a reliance on his faith. ReaDY shows how he transformed his story—and empowers readers to do the same. Meant to inspire his readers to action and their own transformations, ReaDY showcases Daddy Yankee’s drive, while humanizing one of the biggest music stars in the world.  

Known artistically as Daddy Yankee, Ramon Luis Ayala Rodriguez, the “King of Reggaeton,” is a record- breaking rapper, singer, songwriter, actor, and icon. Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Daddy Yankee aspired to be a professional baseball player, almost signing with the Seattle Mariners before a stray bullet subsequently ended that dream.   Turning to music, Daddy Yankee broke into the mainstream in 2004, releasing his international hit single "Gasolina," along with his history making album Barrio Fino. As of 2021, "Gasolina" is ranked number 50 on Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Songs of all Time” and was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the United States National Recording Registry. Barrio Fino has sold over 8 million copies worldwide and received platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America.   In 2006,Time Magazine ranked him as one of the top 100 influencers in the world. Ten years later, he and Luis Fonsi collaborated on "Despacito," the first primarily Spanish song to top the Billboard Hot 100 since 1996 and a chart topper in close to 50 countries. Today, Despacito is the second most-watched YouTube video ever and is credited with being instrumental in the renewed popularity of Spanish-language pop music in the mainstream market.   After 8 studio albums, 94 singles, and over 100 music videos, Daddy Yankee holds numerous accolades, including five Latin Grammy Awards, two Billboard Music Awards, 14 Billboard Latin Music Awards, two Latin American Music Awards, eight Lo Nuestro Awards, an MTV Video Music Award, and six ASCAP Awards. ReaDY is Daddy Yankee’s first book.