Puerto Rican music icon Ramón Luis Ayala Rodríguez, globally recognized as Daddy Yankee, is ushering in a new artistic era under the moniker DY. This significant evolution will be a focal point at the upcoming Billboard Latin Music Week, scheduled to take place in Miami, Florida, from October 20-24, 2025.
The Fillmore Miami Beach will host the event, which serves as a premier annual gathering for influential figures in Latin music. Billboard Latin Music Week is a dynamic showcase featuring concerts, insightful panel discussions, and award ceremonies celebrating the genre's achievements and cultural impact. DY's reappearance has generated considerable excitement, with plans to debut new material and engage in collaborations during the week's festivities. He is set to headline a panel titled “El Poder de la Reinvenión,” discussing his career, artistic growth, and future aspirations.
Beyond his participation in Billboard Latin Music Week, DY has announced an extensive global tour planned for 2026, spanning Latin America, the United States, and Europe. This tour follows his highly successful farewell album and tour in 2022, which reportedly grossed over $200 million. His 2022 "La Última Vuelta" tour alone generated approximately $197.8 million in revenue.
Daddy Yankee's influence on urban music is profound. His 2004 hit "Gasolina" is widely credited with bringing reggaeton into the global mainstream. The song's cultural significance was further recognized in 2023 when it was inducted into the National Recording Registry at the Library of Congress. Throughout his career, DY has garnered numerous accolades, including multiple Billboard Latin Music Awards and Latin Grammy Awards, cementing his status as a pioneering force in the genre.
The transition to the name DY is reportedly linked to a strategic decision following his divorce, aiming for independent brand and business management. This new phase also reflects a personal journey, with the artist having spoken about his commitment to his Christian faith. The name change signifies a deliberate step towards a new artistic and personal direction, allowing him to connect with audiences in a fresh capacity while building upon his already transformative legacy in the global music landscape.