Name	Don Omar
Background	solo_singer
Birth name	William Omar Landrón Rivera
Alias	El Rey
Birth date	February 10, 1978
Origin	Puerto Rico
Genre	Reggaeton, Pop, Rap, R&B;
Occupation	Singer-songwriter, composer, CEO, actor
Years active	1999–present
Label	Orfanato Music Group (His Label)VI MusicUniversal Music LatinoMachete Music
Website	Don Omar }}

Don Omar, also known as El Rey (born William Omar Landrón Rivera; February 10, 1978, is a Puerto Rican Reggaetón singer and actor.

Early life

William Omar Landrón Rivera is the oldest son of William Landrón and Luz Antonia Rivera. He was raised in Santurce, a barrio of San Juan, Puerto Rico, specifically in the Villa Palmeras area. From an early age, he showed interest in the music of Vico C and Brewley MC, but never actually followed it. During his youth, he became an active member of a Protestant church, Iglesia Evangélica Restauración en Cristo, in Bayamón where he occasionally offered sermons. However, after four years, he left the church to dedicate himself to singing.

Several months later, he had his first public presentation in a night club, accompanied by disc jockey Eliel Lind Osorio. Afterwards he appeared regularly on compilation albums from popular DJ's and producers like Luny Tunes, Noriega, and DJ Eric. He also started working as a backup singer for the duo Héctor & Tito. One of the members, Héctor Delgado, helped him produce his first solo album.

Career

2000–2005: The Last Don

Don Omar's career catapulted to stardom with the release of his first studio album, ''The Last Don''. Both the studio version and its live edition have been certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. Worldwide, ''The Last Don: Live [CD & DVD]'' has sold over one million copies, according to his official website. Omar's debut single, “Dale Don Dale”, sold over 500,000 copies in South America. He earned awards for “Latin Pop Album of the Year” and "New Artist & Latin Rap/Hip-Hop Album of the Year” by the Billboard Latin Music Awards in 2003. ''The Last Don: Live [CD & DVD]'' was also nominated for "Urban Music Album" at the 2005 Latin Grammy Awards.

2006–2008: King of Kings

Omar's May 2006 album ''King of Kings'', became history's highest ranking reggaeton LP in the top 10 US charts, with its debut at #1 on the Latin sales charts and the #1 spot on the Billboard Latin Rhythm Radio Chart with his single “Angelito”. Omar was also able to beat the in-store appearance sales record at Disney World's Virgin music store previously set by pop star Britney Spears.

With the highest charting debut by a reggaeton artist, Don Omar's "King of Kings" entered at No. 7 with 74,000, beating Daddy Yankee's No. 24 entry with 2005's "Barrio Fino En Directo". In April 2007, Don Omar received the Latin Billboard award for "Reggaeton Album Of The Year" for King of Kings. The songs "Los Bandoleros" and "Conteo" were featured in the movie ''The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift'' in the ending credits.

On September 18, 2007, Landrón was briefly under police custody in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, when a local company sued him after he canceled a concert scheduled for earlier that year in La Paz, Bolivia as part of an international tour titled "Up Close". The organization claimed that he had stolen $70,000 due to the cancellation. Landrón responded that he canceled the concert because the company did not provide air tickets in time. After the case was presented before a local judge, both parts reached an agreement. Landrón was allowed to leave the country in order to comply with a previously scheduled appearance in Buenos Aires on Argentine television and returned the next day to hold his concert in Santa Cruz's Tahuichi Aguilera soccer stadium.

Landrón participated as in Gilberto Santa Rosa's presentation in an event titled "Concierto del Amor", presented in the Madison Square Garden on February 9, 2008. Where he closed the event and performed reggaeton themes.

In late 2009 Billboard recognized that this was the most successful album of the decade (since 2000) in Latin America, besides being the most successful in the history of the genre of Reggaeton and Latin music, Don Omar ended in 2009 devoting even more over its rivals as the best of this genre and urban music. It is estimated that the album until the end of 2009 according to Billboard recount has sold just over 4.1 million copies.

"Salió El Sol" is featured in the video game Grand Theft Auto IV.

2009: iDon

Don Omar's third studio album titled ''iDon'' was released on April 28, 2009. This album was dedicated to his cousin Cordell Brown. He misses his family in St.Louis, thats's why the first single from this album titled "Virtual Diva" was performed on MTV's Tr3s variety show, ''Virtual Diva''. ''iDon'''s Virtual Diva became the most requested song on Latin radio stations. The second official single, titled "Sexy Robotica", was released on June 5, 2009.

2010–present: Meet the Orphans

Don Omar confirmed the name of his upcoming collaborative album, titled ''Meet the Orphans''. The single "Hasta Abajo" was released in advance of the album. The album was set to be released on August 24, 2010 through Orfanato Music Group, but now is scheduled on October 19, 2010. He is currently signed to VI Music and Machete Music through Universal Music Latino.

Personal life

William Omar Landrón is the father of three children. He married forecaster/journalist Jackie Guerrido on April 18, 2008. Divorce rumors surrounded the couple two years into the marriage and were compounded by comments Landrón made via Twitter. In March 2011, it was revealed they had divorced. Landrón is banned from Univision, after Univision got involved with his marriage, he is no longer allowed to attend any award shows from Univision. Omar is also the owner of Orfanato Music Group.

On September 2004, Landrón and three companions were detained by police personnel in Puerto Rico. The jury was selected on July 8, 2008. Two days later, Judge Angel Ramírez Ramírez of the Tribunal de Carolina denied a prosecutor's request to extract a DNA sample from a marijuana cigarette, noting that if a previous test done in June brings back negative results the charges against Landrón may be dropped. The hearings had to be postponed on July 10, 2008, because one of the prosecution's witnesses was unable to attend due to pregnancy. The DNA tests were "inconclusive". On July 22, 2008, the charges against Landrón were dropped by the prosecution, after several inconsistencies appeared in the witness accounts.

Discography

Studio Albums

2003: ''The Last Don''

2006: ''King of Kings''

2009: ''iDon''

Live / Special Edition Albums

2004: ''The Last Don Live''

2006: ''The Last Don: The Gold Series''

2006: ''King of Kings: Armageddon Edition''

2007: ''King of Kings Live''

Compilation Albums

2005: ''Don Omar Presenta: Los Bandoleros''

2005: ''Da Hitman Presents Reggaetón Latino''

2006: ''Don Omar Presenta: Los Bandoleros Reloaded''

2007: ''Don Omar Presenta: El Pentágono''

2010: ''Don Omar Presents: Meet the Orphans''

Filmography

! Year	! Title	! Role
	''Fast & Furious''	Rico Santos
	''Los Bandoleros''	Rico Santos
		Rico Santos

See also

List of famous Puerto Ricans

List of Puerto Rican songwriters

References

External links

Official IDon Album Website

Official Website

Official MySpace

Official Facebook

Category:1978 births * Category:Living people Category:People from Carolina, Puerto Rico Category:Puerto Rican male singers Category:Puerto Rican people of African descent Category:Puerto Rican rappers Category:Puerto Rican reggaeton artists Category:Reggaeton musicians Category:Spanish-language singers

ca:William Omar Landrón de:Don Omar es:Don Omar fr:Don Omar ko:돈 오마르 it:Don Omar nl:Don Omar ja:ドン・オマール no:Don Omar pl:William Omar Landrón pt:Don Omar ro:Don Omar ru:Дон Омар fi:Don Omar sv:Don Omar ta:டான் ஒமார் tr:Don Omar

name	Marc Anthony
background	solo_singer
birth name	Marco Antonio Muñiz
birth date	September 16, 1968
birth place	New York City, U.S.
instrument	Vocals
genre	Latin, salsa, pop, Latin pop, dance-pop, freestyle (early)
occupation	Singer-songwriter, actor
years active	1989–present
label	RMM Records & Video, Columbia, Sony Music Latin
website	www.marcanthonyonline.com
spouse	Jennifer Lopez(2004–present, now separated) (two children: Emma Maribel Muriz, Maximillion David Muriz) }}

Marc Anthony (born Marco Antonio Muñiz; September 16, 1968) is an American singer-songwriter, actor and producer. Anthony is the top selling tropical salsa artist of all time. The two-time Grammy and three-time Latin Grammy–winner has sold more than 12 million albums worldwide. He is best known for his Latin salsa numbers and ballads. He was married to Singer and Actress Jennifer Lopez from 2004 to 2011, when the couple announced their separation.

Anthony has won numerous awards and his achievements have been honored through various recognitions. He was the recipient of the 2009 Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) Chair's Award. He also received the "2009 CHCI Chair's Lifetime Achievement Award" on September 16, 2009. Anthony holds the record having the most number-one singles on the Billboard Tropical Songs.

Anthony is a minority owner/limited partner of the Miami Dolphins NFL team.

Early life

Marc Anthony was born Marco Antonio Muñiz in New York City to Guillerminna, a housewife, and Felipe Muñiz, a musician and hospital lunchroom worker. His parents named him after Mexican singer Marco Antonio Muñiz. He was raised Roman Catholic.

Singing career

Muñiz began his career as a session vocalist for freestyle and Underground New York house music acts. After changing his name to avoid confusion with his namesake, Anthony worked as a songwriter and backing vocalist for pop acts including Menudo and the Latin Rascals. His first album was a freestyle music record, "Rebel", in 1988 on Bluedog Records. That same year he wrote and produced "Boy I've Been Told" for fellow freestyle artist Sa-Fire. Then in 1989, he sang backup vocals for Ann-Marie on the freestyle club hit, "With or Without You" produced by Little Louie Vega and Todd Terry. A year later, 1990, with Little Louie Vega and Todd Terry, Marc wrote and whispered a duet with Chrissy I-eece, called "You Should Know By Now". In 1991, he sang backing vocals on another freestyle track by Edmond titled "Come Back To Me". In 1992, still working with Todd Terry, he provided vocals for "Love Change" which is on the flip-side of a 12" vinyl released by Elan and The Powermachine titled "Here's Your Hat", production of Todd Terry. At the same time, he collaborated with music producer Little Louie Vega, who featured the singer on many another freestyle-flavored club hits "Ride On The Rhythm" and the "When The Night Is Over" album, which featured the Freestyle classic "Time". In 1992, Vega and Anthony opened for Latin bandleader Tito Puente at New York's Madison Square Garden. After 1992, he changed his style from freestyle to salsa and other Latin styles.

RMM Records

Otra Nota (1993) Anthony was initially reluctant to become a salsa musician and declined an offer to make a salsa album when Ralph Mercado, president of RMM Records, asked him. Anthony was in a taxi when he heard Juan Gabriel's hit song, "Hasta Que Te Conocí" which influenced him to change his mind and ask Mercado if he could record it as a salsa tune. Inspired by the music of Tito Puente, Rubén Blades and Juan Gabriel, Anthony released his Spanish-language debut, ''Otra nota'', in 1993. Anthony performed at the Radio y Musica Convention hosted by Alfredo Alonso. "Si Tu No Te Fueras", "El Ultimo Beso", "Palabras Del Alma", The album also included a cover of Bread's song, "Make It with You". Subsequent tours throughout the Americas, including an opening slot for Blades, established Anthony as one of the new stars in salsa. In 1994, he was featured in La India's album ''Dicen Que Soy'', on the song "Vivir Lo Nuestro".

His 1995 follow-up, ''Todo a su tiempo'', won Anthony a ''Billboard'' award for Hot Tropical Artist of the Year. The album was also nominated for a Grammy with songs like "Te Conozco Bien", "Hasta Ayer", "Nadie Como Ella", "Se Me Sigue Olvidando", "Te Amare", and "Llegaste A Mi". The album has sold more than 800,000 copies and has become established gold in the US and in Puerto Rico.

Anthony's next Spanish language album, ''Contra la Corriente'', was followed by the television special ''Marc Anthony: The Concert from Madison Square Garden'', broadcast on HBO on Valentine's Day 2000. The special was nominated for Music Special of the Year from ''TV Guide''. The album's song "Y Hubo Alguien" became his first number-one single on the ''Billboard'' Hot Latin Tracks Chart and the first by a salsa musician. The album became the first salsa album to enter the English language ''Billboard'' 200 chart. After an ongoing battle with RMM, he severed ties with Ralph Mercado and left the label in 1999.

Move to Sony

Anthony subsequently recorded the duet "No Me Ames" with Jennifer Lopez on her album ''On the 6'', giving her an assist in her Spanish language crossover attempt.

In 1999, riding the crossover wave of Enrique Iglesias and Ricky Martin in the Anglophone market, Anthony, working with producers Walter Afanasieff, Cory Rooney, Dan Shea, and Rodney Jerkins, released an English-language, self-titled album with the US Top 5 single "I Need to Know", and the Spanish version, "Dímelo". His song "You Sang To Me" was featured in ''Runaway Bride''. A dance version was remixed by Dutch producer Rene Van Verseveld. The album debuted at number eight on the ''Billboard'' album chart, and six weeks later went platinum; it eventually was certified triple platinum.The song "I Need To Know" earned a Grammy nomination for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.

In 2001, he debuted another salsa album, ''Libre'', which was certified gold with songs like "Celos", "Este Loco Que Te Mira", and "Viviendo". The album spent 14 weeks at the number-one spot on the ''Billboard'' Top Latin Albums chart. The year after that, he made another English-language album, ''Mended''.

In June 2004, Anthony released a Latin pop album, ''Amar Sin Mentiras''. The following month, he reintroduced its songs with a danceable salsa rhythm in another album, ''Valio La Pena''. The song "Escapémonos" was a duet with Jennifer Lopez. In the 2005 Latin Grammy Awards, his ''Amar Sin Mentiras'' won best Latin Pop Album of The Year, and his ''Valió La Pena'' won Best Tropical Album of the Year. Lopez and Anthony performed "Escapémonos" at the 2005 Grammy Awards.

On July 11, 2006, Anthony released ''Sigo Siendo Yo'', a Spanish greatest-hits album. On May 2010 realized "Iconos" – as tribute of old Latin songs by artists such as José Luis Perales, Juan Gabriel and José José.

Acting career

Anthony played supporting roles in projects including 1995's ''Hackers'', and 1996's ''Big Night'' and ''The Substitute''. He appeared with Rubén Blades and Puerto Rican pop singer Ednita Nazario in Paul Simon's 1998 stage musical, ''The Capeman'', which ran for 68 performances. He had a role in Martin Scorsese's 1999 drama ''Bringing Out the Dead'', and in 2001, opposite Salma Hayek, was in the film ''In the Time of the Butterflies''. In ''Man On Fire'' (2004), Anthony, opposite Denzel Washington, played a wealthy businessman who hires a former U.S. Marine to protect his daughter from kidnappers in Mexico City. In 2007, Anthony starred in ''El Cantante'', a biographical drama about the life of salsa music legend Héctor Lavoe, who died in 1993 from AIDS complications. Anthony's then-wife, Jennifer Lopez, narrated the story and portrayed Lavoe's wife. The film, released in August 2007, received weak reviews. In 2010, Anthony guest-starred in two episodes of the TNT medical drama "HawthoRNe" as a detective and the title character's (Jada Pinkett Smith) love interest. He was later named the executive music producer of the show. In 2011, Anthony in partnership with Lopez Simon Fuller, and concert director Jamie King launched ''Q'Viva: The Chosen'', a reality television talent search for Latin American performers.

Appearances

He appeared at the Movies Rock concert along with his wife Jennifer Lopez in 2007 where he performed Simon & Garfunkel's "Mrs. Robinson".

Anthony sang "The Star-Spangled Banner" when Oscar De La Hoya fought Floyd Mayweather Jr. for the WBC Welterweight title.

On September 21, 2001 he also sang the national anthem at Shea Stadium in the first game after the attack on the World Trade Center. On September 28, 2008, he sang the national anthem again at Shea Stadium for the New York Mets final regular season game. Also in 2001 he appeared in the 30th anniversary concert celebration 30 years of Michael Jackson's music. On September 11, 2011, he once again sang the national anthem at Citi Field in remembrance of the 10 year anniversary of the attacks.

On October 12, 2009, Anthony sang the national anthem as the Miami Dolphins played their fifth regular season game against the New York Jets.

In 2010, Anthony appeared alongside Pitbull on the Cypress Hill single "Armada Latina" for their latest album, ''Rise Up''.

On June 25, 2010, Anthony performed as part of a tribute concert to Michael Jackson on CBS News' The Early Show.

In August, 2010, Anthony guest-starred in two episodes of the television series ''HawthoRNe'' as Detective Nick Renata.

On November 11, 2010 Anthony performed his cover of "Y Como Es El" along with the original singer José Luis Perales at the Latin Grammys.

On June 12, 2011 Anthony performed "The Star Spangled Banner" before Game 6 of the 2011 NBA Finals.

On July 22, 2011 Anthony appeared on the Pitbull single "Rain Over Me" for Pitbull's latest album, PlanetPit

Personal life

In 1994, Anthony's ex-girlfriend Debbie, a NYC police officer, gave birth to their daughter Ariana.

Marc married former Miss Universe Dayanara Torres on May 9, 2000 in Las Vegas. They have two sons, Cristian Marcus Muñiz (February 5, 2001) and Ryan Adrian Muñiz (August 16, 2003). It was a rocky marriage, and they separated in early 2002. They later reconciled and renewed their vows in a formal ceremony on December 7, 2002 at San Juan's Cathedral in Puerto Rico. The rocky marriage came to an end in October 2003 with Dayanara filing for divorce in January 2004. Less than a week after the divorce was finalized, Marc Anthony married Jennifer Lopez on June 5, 2004. To help in her recovery from the divorce, Dayanara traded her engagement ring for a diamond-encrusted Cartier watch and wrote the book ''Married to Me: How Committing to Myself Led to Triumph After Divorce''.

When his divorce proceedings began, Anthony was spotted with long-time friend Jennifer Lopez. Prior to his first marriage and her second, they had briefly dated. Lopez and Anthony recorded a duet in 2004, for Lopez's film ''Shall We Dance?'' Lopez and Anthony married on June 5, 2004, less than a week after his divorce was finalized on June 1. Guests had been invited to an "afternoon party", unaware they were attending a wedding. In February 2005, Lopez said about the marriage, "Everyone knows. It's not a secret." Months later, Anthony's daughter appeared in Lopez's video "Get Right".

Twins Emme Maribel Muñiz and Maximillian David Muñiz were born February 22, 2008. ''People'' paid $6 million for the first photos of the twins. As of at least January 2008, Anthony and his family reside in Brookville, New York, on Long Island.

In 2009, Anthony and Lopez purchased a stake in the Miami Dolphins. They joined several personalities in buying small stakes in the club, including Gloria and Emilio Estefan, Venus and Serena Williams, and Fergie.

On July 15, 2011, Anthony and Lopez announced their separation. Even though they are separating, their upcoming international talent show, "!Q'Viva!" and Kohl's fashion and home lines will go as planned.

By 2012, he had started to date model Shannon de Lima.

Discography

{{external media | align = center | audio1 = You may listen to Marc Anthony's interpretation of Hernandez' "Preciosa" here | audio2 = and "Lamento Borincano" here }}

Studio albums

1991: ''When the Night is Over''

1993: ''Otra Nota''

1995: ''Todo a Su Tiempo''

1997: ''Hasta Que Te Conoci''

1997: ''Contra la Corriente''

1999: ''Marc Anthony''

2001: ''Libre''

2002: ''Mended''

2004: ''Amar Sin Mentiras''

2004: ''Valió la Pena''

2006: Sigo siendo yo

2007: ''El Cantante''

2010: ''Iconos''

Filmography

Year	Film	Role	Notes
1988	''East Side Story''	Flaco	Singer
1993	''Carlito's Way''	Cameo Appearance	Sings "Parece Mentira"
1994	''Natural Causes''	Marine Guard
1995		Agent Kee
1996	''Big Night''	Cristiano
1996	''The Substitute''	Juan Lucas
1999	''Bringing Out The Dead''	Noel
2001		Lio
2004		Samuel Ramos
2007	''El Cantante''	Héctor Lavoe
2010–2011	''HawthoRNe'' (TV series)	Officer Nick Renata	Guest: "A Mother Knows", "Picture Perfect"Main Season 3
2011	''Lopez Tonight'' (Talk Show)	Himself	Guest
2011	''The Tonight Show'' (Talk Show)	Himself	Guest

Awards and nominations

See also

List of famous Puerto Ricans

List of Number 1 Dance Hits (United States)

List of artists who reached number one on the US Dance chart

References

External links

Official Website

Marc Anthony at Billboard.com

Category:1968 births Category:Actors from New York City Category:American dance musicians Category:American male singers Category:American people of Puerto Rican descent Category:American musicians of Puerto Rican descent Category:Columbia Records artists Category:American freestyle musicians Category:Grammy Award winners Category:Latin Grammy Award winners Category:Latin pop singers Category:Living people Category:People from New York City Category:Salsa musicians Category:Songwriters from New York Category:Spanish-language singers Category:Jennifer Lopez

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Name	Tego Calderón
Background	solo_singer
Birth name	Tegui Calderón Rosario
Origin	Santurce, Puerto Rico
Birth date	February 01, 1972
Genre	Reggaeton, reggae, hip-hop, Latin, salsa
Occupation	Singer-songwriter, actor, rapper
Years active	1998–present
Label	Jiggiri Records (2000–present)Sony BMG (2001–2005)Atlantic Records (2006–present) White Lion Records (2002–present) WY Records (2010–present)
Associated acts	Voltio, Don Omar, Aventura, The Game
Website	Official Website }}

Tegui Calderón Rosario (born February 1, 1972) is a Puerto Rican rapper and actor.

Early life

Calderón was born in Santurce, Puerto Rico, the son of Pilar Rosario Parrilla, a schoolteacher, and Esteban Calderón Ilarraza, a government worker for Puerto Rico's Department of Health. Moving at a young age from his native Puerto Rico to Miami, Florida, Tego attended Miami Beach Senior High. Here he was exposed to several different cultures, eventually studying percussion and working as a drummer in a rock band. The band would cover songs produced by artists including Ozzy Osbourne and Led Zeppelin. He has noted that both of his parents were fans of Ismael Rivera, and that his father was also interested in jazz. He was influenced by both genres and incorporated them into his music, including songs such as ''Minnie the Moocher''. He eventually developed a music style that combined elements of salsa, plena, dancehall, and hip-hop, focusing on aspects of urban life in his lyrics.

Early musical career

Calderón made several cameo appearances on other rapper's albums, eventually signing with label White Lion. In 2002, he published his first full-length album titled ''El Abayarde''. Despite the fact that Reggaeton was considered an underground genre, the album sold 50,000 copies upon its release, setting a sales record for an urban music album. Three months after publishing ''El Abayarde'', Calderón organized his first concert, which took place at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico and sold out the venue. The following day he became the first rap artist to perform at the annual Puertorican ''Día Naciónal de la Salsa'' (National Day of Salsa).At the same time he finished his album ''El Abayarde'' he finished his voice training, that took three years from his life.

In August 2003, Calderón performed at the Madison Square Garden in New York City. Based on his show and performance, ''The New York Times'' noted that he "made the best case for Reggaetón as music with room to grow" being a "forward-looking performer." His second appearance at the venue was in October 2004, where he headlined an event titled ''Megatón 2004''. The concert sold out, with 20,000 in attendance, a mixed crowd of Latino and non-Latino fans.

Calderón's travels subsequently led him to Miami, where he incorporated dancehall elements into his musical style. In 2004, his album titled ''El Enemy de los Guasíbiri'' was released. The album's production included a mix of several urban genres. Calderón claimed that he preferred the influence of these other genres due to his belief that Salsa had "become too corporate and too safe". Years after its release, Calderón stated that he had never approved the release of the ''Guasibiri'' album, which he claimed was rather a collection of old songs and that it should be left out of his discography as an unauthorized album. Following the release of this album, reggaeton gained more influence with several hip-hop producers in New York. Calderón continued working on several mixtapes, being featured in remixes of Usher's "Yeah", Fat Joe's "Lean Back", N.O.R.E.'s "Oye Mi Canto" and Akon's "I Wanna Love You" and also Tego featured Aventura's "We Got The Crown".

2005–Present

Calderón participated on the 2004 and 2005 editions of New York's Puerto Rican Day parade. During this timeframe he became the first Latin American artist to be included on New York's Power-105. Calderón's influence among Latin American youth was noted in a featured published by the Village Voice. The publication claimed that he had "almost single-handedly. .. steered his country’s dominant youth culture out of the island and Latino neighborhoods, and into the American stream of pop consciousness.”

In the summer of 2005, Calderón signed a deal between Atlantic Records and his own independent label, Jiggiri Records, making him the first reggaeton artist to have a deal with a major record company.

In 2006, Calderón and both companies published ''The Underdog/El Subestimado''. He noted that the production includes influence from several Afro-Caribbean rhythms including Reggae, Salsa, Bomba and Rumba. This production featured the guests appearances of Buju Banton, Voltio, Bataklán, Eddie Dee, Luis Cabán, Yandel, Zion, Chyno Nyno, Don Omar and Oscar D'León. Several producers were involved in the album, including Cookee, Major League, Salaam Remi, Eric Figueroa, Luny Tunes, DJ Nelson, Danny Fornaris, DJ Nesty, Naldo, DJ Joe, DJ Fat and Echo & Diesel. At the presentation party for the album, Calderón explained that he no longer considers himself as a reggaeton artist because this genre of music has become too commercial. Noting that reggaeton is becoming too similar to pop music and that he does not let his children listen to it at home unless it is on the radio.

Musical styles and themes

Although Calderón is a reggaeton artist, he claims to like "all types of music". Evidence of this is seen both in his biography (he began his career in music in a metal band and attended a school for music as a drummer) as well as in his music, which incorporates "'several musical tendencies'", including sounds and rhythms from places like Africa, Colombia, and the Caribbean. He obtains the sound for his popular reggaeton music through "fusing an experimental reggaeton style strongly rooted in the working-class Caribbean aesthetics of classic salsa with a strong dose of hip-hop". On ''The Underdog/El Subestimado'', he collaborated with rap duo Anónimo Consejo to create a song entitled "Son Dos Alas" which eventually was shortened to an interdule without Calderón.

Calderón has also been praised for his lyrics, which are much more substantive and uplifting than the misogynist materialistic words that have come to define reggaeton as well as the majority of hip-hop music. Calderón has been described as "the reggaeton champion of an Afro-Caribbean working-class aesthetic" and is known for lyrics that are equal parts poetry and politics. A consistent link between all of his albums "are the social themes and the untouchable bravado that he usually transmits through his artistic outlook." According to Tony Touch, "Tego is someone who represents struggle, an underdog... He's more of an MC, a product of late-'80s hip-hop."

Film and other career projects

Calderón made his acting debut in the film "Illegal Tender" produced by John Singleton. Calderon played the role of Choco, a Puerto Rican gangster whose character was written specifically for him by director Franc Reyes.

Calderón turned down roles in both ''Feel the Noise'' and "El Cantante" and instead chose to appear in Illegal Tender out of respect for its producer. After convincing John Singleton that he wanted to appear in a comedy, Calderón is slated to appear in an upcoming Singleton film which casts him as the coach of a baseball team.

Calderón traveled to Sierra Leone along with artists Raekwon and Paul Wall to film a VH1 documentary about diamond mining entitled "Bling'd: Blood, Diamonds, and Hip-Hop." The documentary focused on the role of Hip Hop in the blood diamond trade, after the filming concluded Calderón publicly announced that he would no longer wear jewelry. His experience in Africa also changed his outlook on life, which influenced the recording of the track "Alegria", encouraging fans to not complain about life and recognize that there are other people with bigger problems in their lives.

Calderon and Don Omar are featured in ''Fast & Furious'' and ''Fast Five'', the fourth and fifth installments of ''The Fast and the Furious'' franchise.

Discography

''El Abayarde'' (2003)

''El Enemy de los Guasíbiri'' (2004)

''The Underdog/El Subestimado'' (2006)

''El Abayarde Contraataca'' (2007)

''El Que Sabe, Sabe'' (2011)

Filmography

! Year	! Title	! Role	Notes
2007	''Def Jam: Icon''	Himself	Video game, voice only
2007		Choco	Film Debut
2007	''Bling: A Planet Rock''	Himself	Documentary film / DVD
2009	''Fast & Furious''	Tego Leo	Cameo
2009	''Los Bandoleros''	Tego Leo	Lead Role / Short Film, Part of Fast & Furious
2011	''Fast Five''	Tego Leo	Supporting Role

References

External links

Official website

Tego Calderon, Artistas Destacado – Billboard En Español

Category:1972 births Category:Living people Category:Puerto Rican people of African descent Category:Puerto Rican musicians Category:Puerto Rican rappers Category:Puerto Rican reggaeton artists Category:Reggaeton musicians

de:Tego Calderón es:Tego Calderón fr:Tego Calderón ko:테고 칼데론 it:Tego Calderón he:טגו קלדרון nl:Tego Calderón ja:テゴ・カルデロン pl:Tego Calderón fi:Tego Calderón

Name	Vin Diesel
Birth name	Mark Sinclair Vincent
Birth date	July 18, 1967
Birth place	New York City, U.S.
Occupation	Actor, director, producer, screenwriter
Years active	1990–present
Partner	Paloma Jimenez
Website	VinDiesel.com }}

Vin Diesel (born Mark Sinclair Vincent; July 18, 1967) is an American actor, writer, director and producer. He became known in the early 2000s, appearing in several successful Hollywood films, including ''The Fast and the Furious'' and ''xXx''. He founded the production companies One Race Films, Tigon Studios and Racetrack Records.

Early life

Vin Diesel was born in New York City, the son of Delora, a psychiatrist and astrologer. Diesel has Italian and black ancestry. He has described himself as "definitely a person of color" and stated that he is "of ambiguous ethnicity – Italian and a lot of other stuff". Diesel has never met his biological father, and was raised by his African-American father, Irving, an acting instructor and theatre manager. He made his stage debut at age seven when he appeared in the children's play ''Dinosaur Door'', written by Barbara Garson. The play was produced at Theater for the New City in New York's Greenwich Village. His involvement in the play came about when he, his brother and some friends had broken into Theater for the New City's space on Jane Street with the intent to vandalize it. They were confronted by the theater's artistic director, Crystal Field, who instead of calling the police, handed them scripts and offered them parts in the upcoming show. He remained involved with the theatre throughout adolescence, going on to attend the city's Hunter College, where his creative writing studies led him to begin screenwriting. Diesel became an active film-maker in the early 1990s, first earning notice for the short film ''Multi-Facial'', which was selected for screening at the 1995 Cannes Festival. Diesel has identified himself as a "multi-faceted" actor as a result of early difficulties finding roles due to his mixed heritage.

In an interview on ''Late Night with Conan O'Brien'', he said that he changed his name to "Vin Diesel" while working as a bouncer at the New York City nightclub Tunnel, because in that business one's real name is not usually given out. The name "Vin" is simply a shortened version of "Vincent". He received the nickname "Diesel" from his friends who said he ran off diesel fuel, referring to his non-stop energy.

He has a twin brother, Paul, a younger brother, Tim, and a sister, Samantha.

Career

Diesel's first film role was a brief uncredited appearance in the 1990 film ''Awakenings''. He then produced, directed, and starred in the 1994 short film ''Multi-Facial'', a short semi-autobiographical film which follows a struggling actor stuck in the audition process, because he is regarded as either "too black" or "too white", or not black or white enough. He made his first feature-length film, 1997's ''Strays'', an urban drama in which he was self-cast as a gang boss whose love for a woman inspires him to try to change his ways. Written, directed and produced by Diesel, the film was selected for competition at the 1997 Sundance Festival, leading to an MTV deal to turn it into a series.

He was then cast in Steven Spielberg's 1998 Oscar-winning film ''Saving Private Ryan'' on the poignancy of his performance in ''Multi-Facial''. In 1999 he earned critical acclaim for his voice work as the title character in the animation film ''The Iron Giant''. He followed it up with a major role in the Business drama ''Boiler Room'' (2000) and then got his breakthrough role as the anti-hero Riddick in the science-fiction film ''Pitch Black'' (2000). He attained action hero super stardom with the box office hits, the street racing action film ''The Fast and the Furious'' (2001), starring opposite Paul Walker, and the action thriller ''xXx'' (2002).

In 2004, he reprised his role as ''Pitch Black's'' Riddick in ''The Chronicles of Riddick'' which was a box office failure considering the large budget. In 2005 he played a lighthearted role in the comedy film ''The Pacifier'', which became a box office success. In 2006 he chose a dramatic role playing real-life mobster Jack DiNorscio in ''Find Me Guilty''. Although he received critical acclaim for his performance, the film did poorly at the box office. Later that year he made a cameo appearance in ''The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift'', reprising his role from ''The Fast and The Furious''. Diesel was originally offered the lead in ''2 Fast 2 Furious'' but turned it down. He was also offered the chance to reprise his role from ''xXx'' in ''xXx: State of the Union'' but turned it down as well. In March 2006, Diesel stated that he was working on a sequel to ''The Chronicles of Riddick'' which as of 2011 is still in pre-production stages.

In 2007, he was set to produce and star as Agent 47 in the film adaptation of the video game ''Hitman'', but eventually pulled back and served as executive producer on the film instead. In 2008 he starred in the science-fiction action thriller ''Babylon A.D.''.

He returned to the ''The Fast and The Furious'' series, alongside all the actors from the original 2001 film, in ''Fast & Furious'', which released in April 2009. In 2011, he once again returned, for the fifth film in the series, titled ''Fast Five''.

Personal life

Diesel is noted for his recognizable deep voice; he has said that his voice broke at around age 15, giving him a mature sounding voice on the telephone.

Around 2001, Diesel dated his ''The Fast and the Furious'' co-star, Michelle Rodriguez.

Diesel has expressed his love for the Dominican Republic, and how he relates to its multicultural facets. He is also acquainted with President Leonel Fernandez, and has since appeared in one of his earlier campaign ads. "Los Bandoleros", a short film directed by Diesel, was also filmed in the Dominican Republic.

Diesel claims that he prefers dating in Europe, where he is less likely to be recognized and where celebrities are not romantically linked to each other. He prefers to maintain his privacy regarding his personal life:

Diesel has played ''Dungeons & Dragons'' for over twenty years and wrote the foreword for the commemorative book ''30 Years of Adventure: A Celebration of Dungeons & Dragons''. In the 30th Anniversary of ''Dungeons & Dragons'' issue of ''Dragon Magazine'', they examine the fact that Diesel played ''Dungeons & Dragons'', and reveal that he had a fake tattoo of his character's name, "Melkor," on his stomach while filming ''xXx''.

Diesel has a daughter, Hania Riley, born April 2, 2008, with his girlfriend, model Paloma Jimenez. Speaking to ''An tEolas'', an Irish newspaper, Diesel stated he has been seen as a hard man, but is in touch with his soft side as a father.

Filmography

Actor

''Multi-Facial'' ''Strays (film) ''Saving Private Ryan'' ''The Iron Giant'' ''Boiler Room (film) ''The Fast and the Furious (2001 film) ''xXx'' ''A Man Apart'' ''The Chronicles of Riddick'' ''The Pacifier'' ''Find Me Guilty'' ''Babylon A.D. (film) ''Fast & Furious'' ''Fast Five (film)

Year !! Movie !! Role !! Other notes
1990	''Awakenings''	Orderly
1994	|	Mike
1997	Strays'' ||	Rick
1998	|	Private Adrian Caparzo
1999	|	The Iron Giant (voice)	Animated
rowspan="2"	2000	Boiler Room'' ||	Chris Varick
''Pitch Black (film)	Pitch Black''	Richard B. Riddick
rowspan="2"	2001	The Fast and the Furious'' ||	Dominic Toretto
''Knockaround Guys''	Taylor Reese
2002	|	Xander Cage
2003	|	Sean Vetter
rowspan="2"	2004	|	Richard B. Riddick
''The Chronicles of Riddick: Dark Fury''	Richard B. Riddick (voice)
2005	|	Lieutenant Shane Wolfe
rowspan="2"	2006	|	Jack DiNorscio
''The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift''	Dominic Toretto
2008	Babylon A.D.'' ||	Hugo Cornelius Toorop
2009	|	Dominic "Dom" Toretto
2011	Fast Five ||	Dominic "Dom" Toretto

Producer

! Film Title	! Year	! Description
''Multi-Facial''	1994	Producer
	1997	Executive Producer, Producer
''xXx''	2002	Executive Producer
''A Man Apart''	2003	Producer
''Chronicles of Riddick''	2004	Executive Producer
''Life is a Dream''	2004	Documentary, Executive Producer
''Find Me Guilty''	2006	Producer
	2007	Executive Producer
''Fast & Furious''	2009	Producer
	2011	Producer

Director & Writer

! Film	! Year
''Multi-Facial''	1994
	1997

Games

# ''The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay'' (2004) # ''The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena'' (2009) # ''Wheelman'' (2009)

References

External links

Category:1967 births Category:Living people Category:Actors from New York City Category:American film actors Category:American film directors Category:American writers Category:American film actors Category:American film directors Category:American people of Italian descent Category:American film directors of Italian descent Category:American film producers Category:American screenwriters Category:American stage actors Category:American voice actors Category:American video game actors Category:American writers of Italian descent Category:Hunter College alumni Category:Dungeons & Dragons writers Category:Twin people from the United States Category:Writers from New York City

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