Armando Christian Pérez, better known as Pitbull, is a renowned American singer and rapper from Miami, Florida. Despite a challenging childhood, Pitbull’s passion for music and his Cuban roots propelled him to success. Influenced by artists like Celia Cruz and Willy Chirino, Pitbull found his niche in the Miami Bass genre of pop music called Crunk. With collaborations with artists like Lil Jon, Eminem, and JLo, Pitbull has become an international star.
Quick Facts
- Nick Name: Lil’ Chico, Mr. 305, Mr. Worldwide
- Also Known As: Armando Christian Pérez
- Age: 42 Years, 42 Year Old Males
- Family: father: Armando Perez, mother: Alysha Acosta, children: Bryce Pérez, Destiny Pérez
- Quotes By Pitbull
- Rappers
- Height: 5’7″ (170 cm), 5’7″ Males
- Notable Alumni: Miami Coral Park High School, Doral College
- Ancestry: Cuban American
- U.S. State: Florida
- City: Miami, Florida
- Founder/Co-Founder: Bad Boy Latino, Mr. 305 Inc.
- More Facts
- Education: Doral College, Miami Coral Park High School
- Awards: Latin Grammy Award for Best Urban Performance – 2013, Billboard Music Award for Top Radio Song – 2012, iHeartRadio Music Award for Best Collaboration – 2014, ALMA Award for Favorite Male Music Artist – 2012-2011, ALMA Award for Special Achievement in Music – 2014, Bravo Otto – Super Rapper – 2011, ALMA Award for Year in Music – Dance Recording – 2009
Childhood & Early Life
Pitbull was born on January 15, 1981, in Miami, Florida to Cuban emigrants. His parents divorced when he was young, and he was raised by his mother. Even at the age of 3, he could recite the works of Cuban national hero and poet, Jose Marti. Pitbull attributes his high music acumen and popularity to his exposure to various genres such as Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Bass Music, Hip-Hop, Techno, House, and Rave during his childhood. He completed his education at South Miami Senior High School and Miami Coral Park High School, after which he focused entirely on his rapping career.
Career
Pitbull got his first break in rapping when Lil Jon, an accomplished singer, featured him in his 2002 album, ‘Kings of Crunk’. In 2004, Pitbull released his first solo album, ‘M.I.A.M.I. (Money Is A Major Issue)’, with TVT Records. The album was produced by Lil Jon and Jim Jonsin and included chart-topping tracks like “Culo”, “Dammit Man”, “Back Up”, “Toma”, and “That’s Nasty”. He released a remixed version of the album in 2005, titled ‘Money Is Still A Major Issue’, which featured one new track. Pitbull’s second album, ‘El Mariel’, was released in 2006 and included popular tracks like “Bojangles”, “Ay Chico”, “Fuego”, and “Dime”. In 2007, he released his third album, ‘The Boatlift’, which featured collaborations with artists like Lloyd, Trina, Lil Jon, and Wilfrido Vargas. Pitbull’s fourth album, ‘Rebelution’, was released in 2009 after he signed with Ultra Records. The album included hits like “I Know You Want Me”, “Hotel Room Service”, “Shooting Star”, and “Blanco”. He continued to collaborate with various artists and released his fifth album, ‘Armando’, in 2010, which was his debut Spanish-language album. Pitbull’s sixth album, ‘Planet Pit’, was released in 2011 and included the hit single “Hey Baby”. He released his seventh album, ‘Global Warming’, in 2012, which featured collaborations with Shakira, Christina Aguilera, and others. Pitbull released his eighth album, ‘Globalization’, in 2014, along with tracks like “Wild, Wild Love”, “Fireball”, and “Time Of Our Lives”. Throughout his career, Pitbull has performed in numerous concerts and tours, attracting large crowds.
Major Works
Pitbull has delivered chart-topping hits throughout his career. Some of his notable songs include “Give Me Everything”, which topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and “Hey Baby”, which reached the 7th spot. His second album, ‘El Mariel’, reached the pole position on the Billboard independent albums chart, number 17 on the Billboard 200, and second on the rap chart. His song “I Know You Want Me” reached the second position on the Hot 100 chart.
Awards & Achievements
Pitbull was honored with a ‘Key to the City’ by the city of Miami in 2009. In 2014, it was announced that he would receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Personal Life & Legacy
Pitbull has been involved in philanthropy and helped build the Sports Leadership and Management Charter Middle/High School in Miami’s Little Havana, the neighborhood where he grew up.
Trivia
Pitbull chose his stage name because he believes that the dog species pitbull characterizes everything he stands for.