Pitbull
Photo: TVT Records
Cuban American rapper Armando Perez “Pitbull” takes on a political approach for his second studio album, “El Mariel,” scheduled for an October 31 release. According to promotional materials, in the new album he describes the image of Cuba and focuses on President George W. Bush’s war efforts. The album is a far cry from his previous work as the bilingual hip-hop artist tries to prove that his songs are more than just about getting dirty.
“They have this misconception,” said Pitbull, 25. “They’ll say, ‘He’s just this Latin rapper, he’s a reggaeton act, he’s crunk.’ They don’t know what to say about me. [After El Mariel] a lot of folks are gonna start saying, ‘You gotta watch out for that boy Pit.’”
“El Mariel” is named after the Cuban boatlift that relocated almost 125,000 Cubans to Miami, Florida. The album contains rap ballads and club bangers. Pitbull’s aim for the album is to educate his listeners regarding this event. The artist’s life parallels that of some of those who came in the 1980 boatlift.
“Some [Marielitos] yes were criminals, some came from a negative background, but you have those who became politicians, lawyers, judges, and doctors, you name it,” said Pit. “Now that I got my foot in the door it’s time to take opportunities like the Marielitos did.”
Pitbull was born to Cuban immigrants and was raised by a single mother in Miami who worked three jobs. His childhood consisted of frequent relocations and he wasn’t reacquainted with his father until he was 18. The two were on friendly terms until his father’s passing last year.
In 2005, Pitbull surpassed gold status for the sale of more than 500,000 copies of his debut album, “M.I.A.M.I.: Money Is A Major Issue,” released in the United States in 2004. Aside from the “El Mariel” album, the artist will debut his first full-length Spanish only album, “Armando,” in 2007. He is also scheduled perform at the Latin Grammy Street Party in New York, and will do the voice of one of the characters in the upcoming video game, “Scarface: The World Is Yours,” based on the 1983 film. — Sergio Carmona
To listen to “Ay Chico” from “El Mariel” click on the play button below.
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I love pitbull and the fact that he is represting all the time. My parents came in ‘El Mariel’ and I know what he’s trying to say. I feel you bro. Bueno Hialeah represnting all the time. Love ya Pitbull.
Jocy from Hialeah 24th Ave
Comment by Jocelyn Diaz — April 20, 2007 @ 6:11 pm
Love it!
Comment by Ana Maria Collins — April 20, 2007 @ 9:46 pm
i just wanna say dat pitbulls tune are the 1 he speaks the truth keep it up
Comment by sara — April 23, 2007 @ 6:46 am
I love Pitbull he is great and I love his music!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment by Jessica — May 2, 2007 @ 9:12 pm
I love you and your songes
Comment by romina — May 3, 2007 @ 4:28 pm
pitbull u are the best !!!!! i love u!!!
Comment by dulce huerta — May 3, 2007 @ 7:52 pm
! Luv P!tbull H3 !s so kut3!!!!
Comment by YESENIA — May 15, 2007 @ 10:49 am
pitbull i love ur show!! pitbulls la esqina i watch it every time it comes on!!
Comment by dulce huerta — June 5, 2007 @ 6:07 pm
i love pitbull reminds me of been bk at home…!
Comment by Babey h_x — June 21, 2007 @ 7:38 am
! luv p!tbull!! so much!!!
Comment by ms. cuban chica — July 26, 2007 @ 12:13 pm
Keep going P!tUlL……………………WE lVe U!!!!Thele lethu wele……………………..
Comment by zAx — August 9, 2007 @ 4:50 am
love ur work armando…. you make us latinos look good!!!!
Comment by erika — August 9, 2007 @ 4:24 pm
pitbull u are the best.i hope one day to know u.
Comment by yazareth — August 18, 2007 @ 4:28 pm
keep up you are the best …….. you made me priud of latinos dont forget me “`´´´……….. ok papi rico
Comment by karina — August 23, 2007 @ 12:11 pm
Love u heaps Pitbull…
Um u totaly gave us a great performance at Rock the block here in New Zealand..
You rocked the after party..
I think ur jus a realy great guy..
Good luck with everything..
Much love 2 u nd best wishes…
Mwahs xOxO
Loretta
Comment by Loretta — September 6, 2007 @ 6:04 am
Luv Pitbull he da best!!! Keep up da nasty songs dey hot especially “she’s freaky’” das one of my favorits
Comment by Cassie — September 7, 2007 @ 9:25 am
I Love pitbulls music and he is so fine!!!!
Comment by Amanda — September 20, 2007 @ 10:41 pm
Ilove u
Comment by ky — October 9, 2007 @ 4:30 pm
Hey Pitbull Oh My Gosh I love your new song fuego. My dance team called la fantasy girls made up a dance to it and it is awesome. Ahhhhhhh….. We love you.
Comment by Victoria — October 10, 2007 @ 9:10 am
dale mijo u keep on representandonos a los latinos
Comment by tania — October 10, 2007 @ 7:13 pm
hi i think u are so hot and sexy and i love ur songs!!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment by alejandra — October 10, 2007 @ 7:41 pm
hey thanks for good work. But i wanted to know one thing …..Having a name like that Pittbull do u considered giving a donation to a pitt bull rescue or even educating people out there about how fighting these dog are bad. You have the power to educate and aware people since you are often meeting them. But have that name Pittbull you should probably represent them aswell.
Comment by naima — November 25, 2007 @ 8:58 am
Heyy I have nevurr been more inspired to go after anyy of my dreams but after readin and really thinking about what ur saying it just all fits together well thank u. love Nini from Houston Texas. Lookmeup on yo my name is Shorty just rite me to show that u care plz
Comment by DESTINEE — November 27, 2007 @ 2:21 am
Hey I love your Music it makes you want to dance all the time!!!!!!!!! You are so so so so so so so so sexy and my Friend sabrina really really really really loves your music to. I love all of your songs. Just keep doing want you do. Adios
Comment by Heather — December 5, 2007 @ 1:58 pm
Hola I love your music and santa asked me what i wanted 4
christmas and i told him that i was 2 old 4 the sants thing but i told him that he couldnt give me what i wanted and he said that he could and i told him that i wanted all of your cds and a a live poster of you or you could do better and write me back
Adios
Comment by Marcy — December 5, 2007 @ 2:10 pm
You are hot!!
Comment by latindiva — December 28, 2007 @ 8:20 pm
hey papi ur sexe hey yo t admiro tanto!!
i luv u & I’m prpoud of u!tu sabes!latino!Cubano!
Comment by sol — January 28, 2008 @ 3:34 pm
i love him so muccccccccchhhhhhhh
Comment by jocelyn — February 22, 2008 @ 8:27 pm
Your the best.I love you ur sexy dam sexy.lol jaja.kisses.
Comment by Anita — March 10, 2008 @ 10:53 am
Your ma everything.Screw our haters.They be hating on us.I love you papacito bonito.Cuban Pride.Take kare chiquito bonito.[(kisses)]
Comment by Paloma — March 10, 2008 @ 10:55 am
Love pitbull ! Keep up the good work!
Your mexicana friend michelle
Comment by michelle — April 29, 2008 @ 12:10 pm
Hey Pitbull you are amazing I went to your concert at the House of Blues and you were so hot i mean you are I love all your songs and I wuld love to party all night with you love you and keep on coming TO the 619 San Diego your second home
Comment by Lizzy — April 30, 2008 @ 12:15 am
I luv you !!!!!!!!! and iluv your songs there awesome and you sexi !!!!!!!!!!!! luv ya ;) <3
Comment by hannah frey — May 7, 2008 @ 9:22 am