Daddy Yankee Honored as Latin Grammy Person of the Year

Puerto Rican singer Daddy Yankee received the Latin Grammy Person of the Year honor on Wednesday, November 11, becoming the first urban music artist to receive the tribute from the Latin Recording Academy. Previous recipients of the award include Raphael, Shakira, and Rubén Blades.

Speaking to EFE on the red carpet before the tribute, Yankee said the recognition represents an entire culture, genre, and colleagues who started with him in the early 1990s. He noted that reggaeton once faced prejudice and was associated with crime.

“It represents not only the achievement of this servant, but the achievement of an entire culture, of an entire genre, of many colleagues who started with me from the beginning of the 90s.”

Yankee recalled that at one point the government viewed reggaeton artists as criminals. He said reaching this point required many sacrifices and overcoming social challenges such as prejudice and marginalization.

The singer dedicated the award to people who believed in the movement from day one before it gained international projection. He also mentioned DJs, dancers, and followers who helped spread the music from Puerto Rico's housing projects.

The tribute coincides with the release of his album La Postal and his upcoming appearance as one of the headliners at the Coachella festival. He said people should expect a great show and good vibes.

The Latin Grammy awards gala takes place on Thursday, November 12, in Las Vegas, United States. Venezuelan artists Elena Rose, Beto Montenegro, Joaquina, and Oscar D'León also attended the gala.