Pitbull

He helped build the Sports Leadership and Management Charter Middle/High School in Miami's Little Havana, the neighborhood where he grew up.

Pitbull was born on January 15, 1981, to Cuban emigrants, in Miami, Florida. His parents divorced when he was young and he was supported by his mother alone.

Jose Marti, a Cuban national hero and poet, influenced him and even at the age of 3, he could recite his most famous works. He believes his high music acumen and popularity comes from the fact that he spent his childhood listening to Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Bass Music, Hip-Hop, Techno, House and Rave.

He completed his education at South Miami Senior High School and graduated from Miami Coral Park High School. Immediately, he was steadfast on focussing entirely on his rapping.

Lil Jon, already an accomplished singer, gave Pitbull his first rapping break in his 2002 album, 'Kings of Crunk'.

In 2004, came out ‘M.I.A.M.I. (Money Is A Major Issue)’, his first solo album with TVT Records, and Lil Jon and Jim Jonsin as the producers. Some chart topping tracks from the album are: “Culo”, “Dammit Man”, ‘Back Up”, “Toma” and “That's Nasty”.

A remixed version of M.I.A.M.I. came out in 2005, named 'Money Is Still A Major Issue' with just one new track “Everybody Get Up”, featuring Pretty Ricky.

On October 31, 2006 came out his second album ‘El Mariel’. This is the same boat that was mentioned in the Al Pacino Epic 'Scarface'. Also, he dedicated this album to his father, who had passed away in May the very same year. Some chart topping tracks from the album are: “Bojangles”, “Ay Chico”, “Fuego” and “Dime”.

In November 2007, came out his third album ‘The Boatlift'. Some famous singles and collaborations in the album are: “Secret Admirer” with Lloyd, “Go Girl” with Trina, “The Anthem” with Lil Jon and “El Africano” with Wilfrido Vargas.

Pitbull delivered chart-busters like "Give Me Everything" which topped the Billboards top 100', and “Hey Baby”, which went till the 7th spot,

‘El Mariel’ (His second album) was at the pole position on the Billboard independent albums chart, number 17 on the Billboard 200 and second on the rap chart.

“I Know You Want Me” was charted at second position on the Hot 100.