Pitbull (1981-…) is a popular American rap artist and songwriter. He has been successful recording songs in both Spanish and English. Pitbull has won a number of awards for his music. In 2013, he won a Latin Grammy Award for best urban performance for his song “Echa Pa’lla (Manos Pa’rriba)” (“Go Away [Hands Up]”).
Pitbull was born on Jan. 15, 1981, in Miami, to Cuban immigrant parents. His real name is Armando Christian Pérez. He took the stage name Pitbull from the popular dog breed the pit bull . He said he identified with the breed’s reputation for being fighters. He began rapping in high school. In 2002, Pitbull was featured on the American rapper Lil Jon’s album Kings of Crunk. Crunk or krunk is a type of Southern hip-hop music that began in the 1990’s. Pitbull later released a number of successful mixtapes (taped collections of songs).
Pitbull had a breakout hit in 2004 with his debut single “Culo.” It was featured on his debut album M.I.A.M.I. (2004), which became a number-one rap album. Pitbull’s fourth studio album, Rebelution (2009), also became a number-one rap album.
Pitbull’s other hits include “Krazy” (featuring Lil Jon, 2009); “I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)” (2009); “Hotel Room Service” (2009); “Bon, Bon” (2010); “Hey Baby (Drop It to the Floor)” (featuring the American singer T-Pain, 2010); “Give Me Everything” (featuring the American singers Ne-Yo and Nayer, 2011); “Rain Over Me” (featuring the American singer Marc Anthony, 2011); “Don’t Stop the Party” (2012); “Feel This Moment” (featuring the American singer Christina Aguilera , 2012); and “Timber” (featuring the American singer Kesha, 2013). He has also performed on a number of songs recorded by other artists.
Pitbull recorded the official song of the 2014 World Cup soccer tournament, “We Are One (Ole, Ola),” featuring the American singer Jennifer Lopez and the Brazilian singer Claudia Leitte.
