Pitbull

Rapper Pitbull was born Armando Christian Perez to Cuban-American parents in Miami, Florida. Growing up, Pitbull was influenced by Miami bass and other forms of hip-hop, as well as the Cuban culture of his family, a combination that would lead to his own Latin-infused brand of street rap. An appearance on Lil Jon's album KINGS OF CRUNK brought Pitbull to national notice in 2002, and in 2004 he released his full-length debut, M.I.A.M.I. EL MARIEL appeared in 2006 and THE BOATLIFT in 2007, with Pitbull working all the while on remixes and cameo appearances for hip-hop and reggaeton projects with other artists.

• hip hop/rap