Pitbull
Pitbull World Tour 2011
Background information
Birth name	Armando Christian Pérez[1]
Born	(1981-01-15) January 15, 1981 (age 31) Miami, Florida, United States
Origin	Miami, Florida, United States
Genres	Hip hop, Latin rap, hip house, crunk (early)
Occupations	Rapper, singer-songwriter, record producer, television host
Years active	2003–present
Labels	RCA, TVT, Bad Boy Latino,[2] Polo Grounds, Mr. 305 Inc.
Associated acts	Lil Jon, Nayer, Jennifer Lopez, Enrique Iglesias, Marc Anthony, Shakira, Chris Brown, Gabry Ponte
Website	www.pitbullmusic.com/us/home

Armando Christian Pérez (born January 15, 1981), better known by his stage name Pitbull, is an American rapper, pop singer-songwriter and record producer. His first recorded performance was from the Lil Jon album Kings of Crunk in 2002, after which he released his debut album in 2004 titled M.I.A.M.I. (short for Money Is a Major Issue) under TVT Records. Since then, he has released three other albums under the label: El Mariel in 2006, The Boatlift in 2007, and Planet Pit in 2011^[3]

He then released Rebelution in 2009, which included singles "I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)" and "Krazy". The latter peaked at No.30 on the Hot 100 and No.11 on the Hot Rap Tracks charts while "I Know You Want Me" peaked at No.2 on the Hot 100 and peaked within the top ten spots of charts in the UK, Canada, Italy, and the Netherlands. The song reached No.1 in France and the European Hot 100 on the week ending August 29, 2009 according to Billboard magazine. He later signed with Polo Grounds Music through Sony Music and created his own label Mr. 305 Inc. Another single from Rebelution was "Hotel Room Service", which peaked at No.8 on the Hot 100. Rebelution went on to sell over 7.5 million worldwide digital singles and albums combined.^[4]

Pérez is also the host of his own Spanish-language program on the cable channel Mun2 titled La Esquina (Spanish for The Corner).^[1][5]

In 2005 Pérez and rapper Sean 'Diddy' Combs co-founded Bad Boy Latino, a subsidiary of Combs' Bad Boy Records label. It primarily focuses on Latin Rap, Latin Soul, Latin Pop and other Tropical music, and has offices in New York City and Miami.^[6][7] Along with co-founding it, Pérez currently heads the A&R division of the label.^[2][8][9]

Pérez has become a product endorser, representing alongside Drake, Rihanna, and Trey Songz the “So Kodak” campaign for the Kodak brand^[10][11] and embarking on a partnership with the soda giant Dr Pepper^[12] as part of the campaign “Vida 23” for which he recorded the song specifically featured on his album Armando.^[13] Pitbull also announced he has become the spokesperson for Voli Vodka,^[14] in which he holds a majority equity stake.^[15]

Early life[link]

Pitbull was born to Cuban parents in Miami, FL. When he was three, he could recite the works of Cuba's national hero and poet, José Martí.^[16] He encountered problems early in his career as a rapper because he was blue-eyed, white and Cuban American.^[17] He was also influenced by the Miami bass genre of pop music^[3] and has cited Celia Cruz and Willy Chirino as sources of inspiration for his music.^[18] Perez's parents separated when he was young, and he was raised by his mother. He later spent time with a foster family in Roswell, Georgia.^[19] At age 16, his mother kicked him out of their house after he became a drug dealer, as had his father before him. He then graduated from Miami Coral Park High School and focused his career in rapping.^[19]

Pitbull explained the reason behind choosing his stage name, saying about the dog "they bite to lock. The dog is too stupid to lose. And they're outlawed in Dade County. They're basically everything that I am. It's been a constant fight."^[19] After meeting Lil Jon in Miami,^[19] Pitbull was featured on Lil Jon and the East Side Boyz' album Kings of Crunk in 2002.^[3] Pitbull's song "Oye" was featured on the soundtrack to the film 2 Fast 2 Furious the following year.^[19] In addition, Pitbull also released several mixtapes, composed of freestyles and remixes of popular rap music. Campbell featured Pitbull in his single "Lollipop".^[3]

Music career[link]

2001–2003: Luke Records and TVT Records[link]

In 2001 Pitbull was signed to Luther Campbell's Luke Records by Jullian Boothe, then the label's vice-president of A&R.^[20] In 2001 Pitbull was introduced to Robert Fernandez of Famous Artist Music & Management, an independent label and management company specializing in developing artists, by the Diaz Brothers, a producer duo signed to the company.^[21] Fernandez "saw the eagerness and hunger he had" and, with the Luke Records deal ending, began working to develop Pitbull.^[21] Together they focused on creating a more radio-friendly sound. Fernandez later told HitQuarters: "At that time his music had a lot of verses and took a long time to get into the hook, and so we took time in getting the songs catchier and less on the rap side."^[21] Pitbull recorded between 50 and 70 songs.

Fernandez introduced Pitbull to Lil Jon with a mind to trying to secure the rapper a small guest intro spot on Lil Jon's upcoming album "Kings of Crunk".^[21] According to Fernandez, Jon took a liking to Pitbull and went one better by offering him his own track on the album called "Pitbulls Cuban Ride Out", a feature that would help raise the young rapper's profile.^[21]

[edit] 2004–05: M.I.A.M.I.

In 2004, Pitbull released his debut album M.I.A.M.I., with the lead single being "Culo" produced by Lil Jon and the Diaz Brothers. It peaked at No.32 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and No.11 on the Hot Rap Tracks chart. Other singles included "Dammit Man", "Back Up", "Toma", and "That's Nasty" (both featuring Lil Jon). He joined the Anger Management Tour, the 2000 hip-hop concert tour headlined by Eminem and 50 Cent.^[22] Pitbull also appeared on the Ying Yang Twins' single "Shake", which peaked at No.41 on the Hot 100 and No.12 on the rap chart, and Twista's "Hit the Floor" (#94 Hot 100, No.20 Rap). Remix album Money Is Still a Major Issue was released in November 2007; it included new track "Everybody Get Up", a duet with hip-hop/R&B group Pretty Ricky.

TVT Records, Pitbull's label at the time, and Slip-N-Slide Records disputed over the release of Welcome to the 305, an unreleased album by Slip-N-Slide that Pitbull had recorded in 2001.^[23] A Miami judge ruled that Slip-N-Slide had a legal right to release the album as it was recorded when Pitbull was a Slip-N-Slide artist, and prior to him signing with TVT Records.^[24] A U.S. District Court judge affirmed the decision further.^[25] TVT was then ordered in March 2007 to pay Slip-N-Slide $9.1 million for attempting to block the album's release to record stores and digital download entities.^[26]

[edit] 2006–08: El Mariel and The Boatlift

In January 2006, he guest-starred in UPN's South Beach. Also in 2006, he recorded "Nuestro Himno" in collaboration with Wyclef Jean, Carlos Ponce, and Olga Tañón.^[27] On Listennn... the Album, the debut album by Terror Squad member and Miami radio personality DJ Khaled, Pitbull performed on three singles: "Holla at Me" and "Born-N-Raised" alongside other Southern based rappers.

Pitbull performing at the Allstate Arena, B96 Jingle Bash, Chicago, December 15, 2009

El Mariel, Pitbull's second album, was released in October 2006. The title was in reference to the town from which the Cuban refugees came to Florida (1980) and referenced in the movie Scarface. He dedicated the album to his father, who died that year in May.^[17] Along with the usual party-oriented tracks, Pitbull also included politically-themed tracks in El Mariel.^[28] The album was released on October 31, 2006, and included singles "Bojangles", "Ay Chico (Lengua Afuera)", "Fuego", and duet with Puerto Rican singer Ken-Y, "Dime (Remix)". El Mariel topped the Billboard independent albums chart^[29] and peaked at No.17 on the Billboard 200 and No.2 on the rap chart.

Pitbull's third album, titled The Boatlift, was released in November 2007, spawned by the single "Secret Admirer" featuring Lloyd on the chorus. Earlier, Pitbull announced that this album would have a more gangsta rap edge than his earlier albums.^[30] Subsequent singles included "Go Girl" featuring Trina, and "The Anthem" featuring and produced Lil Jon, that song sampling the hook from the song "El Africano" by Wilfrido Vargas and the beat from the song "Calabria" by Rune RK. "Go Girl" peaked at No.80 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No.36 on the Hot Rap Tracks chart; "The Anthem" No.36 on the Hot 100 and No.11 on the Hot Rap Tracks.

His variety show, Pitbull's La Esquina, debuted May 2007 on the mun2 cable network.^[31] On December 21, 2007, Pitbull was arrested for drunk driving; he posted $1,000 on bail and pleaded not guilty.^[32] He was later acquitted from the charge.^[33] Pitbull also appeared on DJ Laz' "Move Shake Drop" and DJ Felli Fel's "Feel It".

[edit] 2009–2010: Rebelution and Armando

For his fourth studio album Rebelution, Pitbull released "I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)" through Ultra Records after his former label TVT Records went out of business. "Krazy" peaked at No.30 on the Hot 100 and No.11 on the Hot Rap Tracks charts. "I Know You Want Me" peaked at No.2 on the Hot 100 and peaked within the top ten spots of charts in the UK, Canada, Italy, and the Netherlands. The song reached No.1 in France and the European Hot 100 on the week ending August 29, 2009 according to Billboard magazine. On Dec. 11, 2009, Billboard announced their Year-End Canadian Update, placing "I Know You Want Me" at No.7 on the Hot 100 chart and No.2 on the CHR/Top 40 chart.^[34] He later signed with Polo Grounds Music through Sony Music and created his own label Mr. 305 Inc.^[35] Another single was "Hotel Room Service", which samples "Push the Feeling On" and which peaked at No.9 on the Hot 100. On their second collaboration since "Go Girl", Pitbull appeared on the debut single of rapper David Rush (formerly Young Bo$$), "Shooting Star", also with Kevin Rudolf and LMFAO. An amateur video of Pitbull punching a disruptive audience member at a Colorado concert leaked on the Internet in late May 2009. Pitbull explained to MTV News that it was because the fan kept throwing cash around the stage, and after Pitbull pulled him up to the stage, he threw a stash of money right in Pitbull's face.^[36] He has been tapped by the Miami Dolphins to work alongside T-Pain & Jimmy Buffett to release a new fight song for the Dolphins.^[37] The city of Miami granted Pitbull a "Key to the City" honor on August 19, 2009.^[38] Another popular single from 2009 was "Blanco", featuring Pharrell Williams of The Neptunes from the soundtrack to the movie Fast & Furious. In 2010, Pitbull performed the rap section in the Haiti benefit song "Somos El Mundo", a Spanish version of "We Are the World", that included a huge group of Latin artists led by Emilio and Gloria Estefan. He was also a featured guest on "Armada Latina", the fourth single off the album Rise Up by Latin rap legends, Cypress Hill. The song was produced by Jim Jonsin and also features Marc Anthony. Pitbull then collaborated with Alexandra Burke on the single "All Night Long". He was also featured on "DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love" by Usher.

Pitbull also released his full-length debut Spanish-language album titled Armando on November 2, 2010. Pitbull is also one of the most nominated artists of the upcoming Latin Billboard Music Awards].^[39] He garnered 7 nominations for “Latin Rhythm Airplay, Song of the Year” for “Bon, Bon”; “Latin Rhythm Airplay, Artist of the Year, Solo Artist”; “Latin Rhythm Albums, Album of the Year” for Armando; “Latin Rhythm Albums, Artist of the Year, Solo Artist”; “Social 50, Latin Artist of the Year”; “Latin Digital Download of the Year” for “Bon, Bon” and “Hot Latin Song of the Year, Vocal Event” for the song “I Like It” alongside Enrique Iglesias. He also won Telehit’s award for “Most Popular Artist”.^[40]

[edit] 2011–present: Planet Pit and Global Warming

Pitbull released his highly anticipated follow-up English album, Planet Pit, on June 21, 2011. Pitbull collaborated with T-Pain on its first single, "Hey Baby (Drop It To The Floor)". Pitbull has also collaborated with Jennifer Lopez on her single "On the Floor". On March 22, 2011, Pitbull released his second single, "Give Me Everything" featuring Ne-Yo, Afrojack and Nayer, and three months later, the song became Pitbull's first single to top the Billboard Hot 100.^[41] On May 2, 2011, Pitbull and Mýa appeared on WWE Monday Night RAW to celebrate Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's birthday.^[42][43] Pitbull appeared as musical guest on Conan on August 1, 2011.^[44] On August 22, 2011, Lindsay Lohan sued Pitbull, Ne-Yo and Afrojack in response to "Give Me Everything"'s lyrics referencing her name.^[45]

On October 7, RCA Music Group announced it was disbanding J Records along with Arista Records and Jive Records. With the shutdown, Pitbull (and all other artists previously signed to these three labels) will release his future material on the RCA Records brand. It was announced that Pitbull's seventh studio album will be titled "Global Warming". It is said the album will be released in the summer of 2012. It was also announced that the lead single from the album will be titled "Get It Started" featuring singer Shakira. Pitbull was attached to the Men In Black 3 soundtrack, releasing the song "Back in Time", which samples "Love Is Strange" by Mickey & Sylvia.

Pitbull will start his new world tour in June 2012. The tour includes the concert in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia on June 26.^[46]

Discography[link]

Main article: Pitbull discography Studio albums 2004: M.I.A.M.I. 2006: El Mariel 2007: The Boatlift 2009: Rebelution 2010: Armando 2011: Planet Pit 2012: Global Warming Compilation albums 2005: Money Is Still A Major Issue 2012: Original Hits Awards and nominations[link] Year Award Category Work Result 2008[47] Teen Choice Awards Best Hip Hop Song The Anthem Nominated 2009[48] Billboard Latin Music Awards Latin Digital Download Artist of the Year Won 2009[49] Teen Choice Awards Best Hip Hop Song I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho) Nominated 2010[50] NRJ Music Awards International Song of the Year I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho) Nominated 2010[51] Teen Choice Awards Best Rap Artist Nominated 2011[52] ALMA Awards FavoriteArtist Of the Year Won 2011[53] American Music Awards Favorite Pop/Rock Artist Nominated 2011[54] Latin Billboard Music Awards Latin Rhythm Airplay Song of the Year Bon, Bon Nominated 2011 Latin Billboard Music Awards Latin Rhythm Album of the Year Armando Nominated 2011 Latin Billboard Music Awards Latin Rhythm Airplay Artist Nominated 2011[55] Latin Grammy Awards Best Urban Music Album Armando Nominated 2011 Latin Grammy Awards Best Urban Song Bon, Bon Nominated 2011[56] Teen Choice Awards Best Hip Hop Song Give Me Everything Nominated 2011[57] PopCruch Music Awards Best Song of the Year Give Me Everything Nominated 2011[58] Billboard Music Awards Best Latin Artist Nominated 2011[59] MTV Europe Music Awards Best Hip Hop Artist Nominated 2011[60] MTV Video Music Awards Best Hip Hop Video Give Me Everything Nominated 2011 MTV Video Music Awards Best Collaboration Give Me Everything Nominated 2012[61] People's Choice Awards Favorite Hip Hop Artist Nominated 2011[62] American Music Awards Favorite Latin Artist Nominated 2012[63] NRJ Music Awards International Artist of the Year Nominated References[link] ^ a b Hustle and Row: All Aboard Pitbull's Boatlift. Latinrapper.com. Retrieved on 2012-04-11. ^ a b From the Kennel to the Streets: Pitbull Brings Miami Heat. Latinrapper.com. Retrieved on 2012-04-11. ^ a b c d Jeffries, David. "Pitbull – Biography". allmusic. http://www.allmusic.com/artist/p542550. Retrieved November 16, 2009.  ^ "Pitbull’s Rebelution Sold Over 7.5 million Worldwide Digital Singles and Albums Combined". http://planetpit.com/2011/02/15/pitbulls-rebelution-sold-over-7-5-million-worldwide-digital-singles-and-albums-combined/.  ^ Edelhauser, Kristin (September 25, 2007). "Viva Entrepreneurship". The Washington Post (The Washington Post Company). http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/26/AR2007092601051_pf.html. Retrieved August 17, 2009.  ^ "P Diddy & Pitbull launch Bad Boy Latino | P Diddy". Rap Basement. April 29, 2005. http://www.rapbasement.com/puff-daddy/p-diddy-pitbull-launch-bad-boy-latino.html. Retrieved June 15, 2011.  ^ "P.Diddy to launch "Bad Boy Latino"". Hispanicsurf.com. May 2, 2005. http://www.hispanicsurf.com/newsroom/2005/pdiddy_to_launch_badboy_latino-050205.htm. Retrieved June 15, 2011.  ^ "Pitbull speaks about Bad Boy Latino". Bad Boy Forever. http://www.badboyforever.com/article/pitbull-speaks-about-bad-boy-latino. Retrieved June 15, 2011.  ^ Up for Discussion Jump to Forums. "Bad Boy Latino Launches". Billboard. http://www.billboard.com/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1001021401#/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1001021401. Retrieved June 15, 2011.  ^ Pitbull, Drake and Trey Songz Embody “So Kodak”. Latinrapper.com. Retrieved on 2012-04-11. ^ "Wall Street Journal: Kodak Refocuses To Address Younger, Hipper Audience". http://planetpit.com/2010/09/23/wsj-kodak-refocuses-to-address-younger-hipper-audience/.  ^ Pitbull Scores Two Latin Grammy Nods and Release iPad App. Latinrapper.com. Retrieved on 2012-04-11. ^ "Pitbull at Club 23 Vida 23 with Melissa Hernandez". http://planetpit.com/2011/03/24/pitbull-at-club-23-vida-23-with-melissa-hernandez/.  ^ Pitbull Becomes Official Spokesman for Voli Vodka. Latinrapper.com. Retrieved on 2012-04-11. ^ "Pitbull Lands Equity Stake In Voli Vodka". http://planetpit.com/2011/03/25/pitbull-lands-equity-stake-in-voli-vodka/.  ^ Balmaseda, Liz (February 9, 2003). "A new breed;". The Miami Herald. Archived from the original on July 24, 2003. http://replay.waybackmachine.org/20030724130816/http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/columnists/liz_balmaseda/5135581.htm.  Also alternatively titled "Miami rapper Pitbull is poised to sink his teeth into rap's big time" ^ a b Faber, Judy (September 27, 2006). "Pitbull Sinks His Teeth Into New Album". CBS News. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/09/26/entertainment/main2042098.shtml. Retrieved August 17, 2009.  ^ Herrera, Jr., Reynaldo (May 1, 2009). "Pitbull Exclusive Interview". Open Your Eyes Magazine. http://www.oyemag.com/index.php/pitbull-rapper/. Retrieved December 26, 2009.  ^ a b c d e Wiltz, Teresa (July 25, 2004). "Hustling to the Beat". The Washington Post (The Washington Post Company). http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A9488-2004Jul23.html. Retrieved August 16, 2009.  ^ "Labels Fighting Over Music Pitbull Made When He Was A Puppy". mtv.com. August 16, 2005. http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1507698/labels-fighting-over-pitbulls-early-work.jhtml. Retrieved 25 August 2011.  ^ a b c d e "Interview with Robert Fernandez". HitQuarters. August 9, 2011. http://www.hitquarters.com/index.php3?page=intrview/2011/August8_15_33_31.html. Retrieved August 25, 2011.  ^ "For The Record: Quick News On P. Diddy, Pitbull, Gwen Stefani, Luther Vandross, Backstreet Boys, 311, Disturbed & More". MTV News. July 5, 2005. http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1505227/20050705/puff_daddy.jhtml. Retrieved August 9, 2009.  ^ Harris, Chris (August 16, 2005). "Labels Fighting Over Music Pitbull Made When He Was A Puppy". MTV News. http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1507698/20050816/pitbull_2_.jhtml. Retrieved August 9, 2009.  ^ "For The Record: Quick News On Nick And Jessica, Dr. Dre, Green Day, Ashanti, Pitbull, Wyclef Jean & More". MTV News. October 5, 2005. http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1510938/20051005/simpson_jessica.jhtml. Retrieved August 9, 2009.  ^ "For The Record: Quick News On Britney, Lindsay, Fugees, Ludacris, Dave Chappelle, T.I., Bravery & More". MTV News. January 31, 2006. http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1522917/20060131/spears_britney.jhtml. Retrieved August 9, 2009.  ^ "For The Record: Quick News On Kanye, 'High School Musical,' Angels & Airwaves, Gwen, Diddy, Public Enemy & More". MTV News. March 19, 2007. http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1554956/20070319/west_kanye.jhtml. Retrieved August 9, 2009.  ^ "Spanish Version of 'Star-Spangled Banner' Draws Protests". Associated Press. Fox News. April 28, 2006. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,193533,00.html.  ^ Rodriguez, Jayson (September 15, 2006). "Pitbull Barks About Parties, Politics On October's El Mariel". MTV News. http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1540922/20060914/pitbull_2_.jhtml. Retrieved August 9, 2009.  ^ "El Mariel > Charts & Awards > Billboard Albums". allmusic. http://www.allmusic.com/album/r858313. Retrieved August 9, 2009.  ^ Rodriguez, Jayson (April 27, 2007). "Lil Jon, Trick Daddy Among Boatload Of Guests On Pitbull's Boatlift". MTV News. http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1558115/20070426/pitbull_2_.jhtml. Retrieved August 9, 2009.  ^ "Raper Pitbull’s New TV Show ‘Pitbull’s La Esquina’" (Press release). mun2. March 21, 2007. http://www.latinheat.com/print.php?nid=1066&origen=1.  ^ Harris, Chris (December 22, 2007). "Pitbull Arrested For Drunk Driving In Miami; Will Plead Not Guilty To Charge". MTV News. http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1577522/20071221/pitbull_2_.jhtml. Retrieved August 9, 2009.  ^ "Miami rapper Pitbull acquitted of DUI". Associated Press. July 10, 2009. http://www.pbpulse.com/music/2009/07/10/miami-rapper-pitbull-acquitted-of-dui/. Retrieved May 9, 2010.  ^ "Billboard Year-End Canadian Update". Billboard Magazine. http://www.billboard.biz/billboardbiz/photos/pdf/canadian_update.pdf. Retrieved December 11, 2009.  ^ Reid, Shaheem (June 9, 2009). "Pitbull Leads A Tour Of His Miami". MTV News. http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1613531/20090609/pitbull_2_.jhtml. Retrieved August 9, 2009.  ^ Reid, Shaheem (May 27, 2009). "Pitbull On Punching Disruptive Fan: 'Natural Instinct Kicked In'". MTV News. http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1612255/20090527/pitbull_2_.jhtml. Retrieved August 9, 2009.  ^ T-Pain, Pitbull Remake Miami Dolphins Fight Song. Hhspot.com. Retrieved on 2012-04-11. ^ "Change the Locks! Pitbull Gets Keys to Miami". WTVJ. 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ABC.com. 20/11/2011. http://abc.go.com/shows/american-music-awards/winners/ThemeGallery/889892.  ^ "Billboard Latin Music Awards 2011". billboardevents.com. 28/04/2011. http://www.billboardevents.com/billboardevents/latin/images/2011_Billboard_Latin_Awards_Finalists_and_Winners.pdf.  ^ "Billboard Latin Music Awards 2011". billboardevents.com. 28/04/2011. http://www.billboardevents.com/billboardevents/latin/images/2011_Billboard_Latin_Awards_Finalists_and_Winners.pdf.  ^ "Teen Choice Awards 2011". teenchoiceawards.com. 07/08/2011. http://teenchoiceawards.com/voteMusic.aspx.  ^ "PopCruch Music Awards". popcrush.com. 01/01/12. http://popcrush.com/2011-popcrush-music-awards-vote-now/.  ^ "Billboard Music Awards 2011". billboard.com. 22/04/11. http://www.billboard.com/features/billboard-1005122862.story#/bbma/features/2011-billboard-music-awards-finalists-pg4-1005153872.story.  ^ "MTV Europe Music Awards 2011". mtvema.com. 06/11/2011. http://pt.mtvema.com/nomeados.  ^ "MTV Video Music Awards". mtv.com. 28/08/11. http://www.mtv.com/ontv/vma/2011/categories.jhtml.  ^ "People's Choise Awards 2012". peopleschoice.com. 11/01/2012. http://www.peopleschoice.com/pca/awards/nominees/.  ^ "American Music Awards 2011". ABC.com. 20/11/2011. http://abc.go.com/shows/american-music-awards/winners/ThemeGallery/889892.  ^ "NRJ Music Awards 2012". http://nrjmusicawards.nrj.fr.+28/01/2012. http://www.metrolyrics.com/2012-nrj-music-awards.html.  External links[link] Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Pitbull (rapper) Official Website Pitbull (entertainer) on Facebook Pitbull interview Pitbull feature at Inked Magazine v t e Pitbull Discography Studio albums M.I.A.M.I. El Mariel The Boatlift Rebelution Armando Planet Pit Global Warming Compilation albums Money Is Still a Major Issue Original Hits Mixtapes Pitbull : Free Agent The Streets Are Talking International Takeover: The United Nations Mr. Worldwide Concert tours Rebelution Tour Planet Pit World Tour Related articles Lil Jon v t e Pitbull singles Discography M.I.A.M.I. "Culo" "That's Nasty" "Back Up" "Toma" "Dammit Man" Money Is Still a Major Issue "Everybody Get Up" El Mariel "Bojangles" "Ay Chico (Lengua Afuera)" "Dime/Tell Me" (Remix) "Be Quiet" The Boatlift "Go Girl" "The Anthem" "Secret Admirer" "Sticky Icky" Rebelution "Krazy" "I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)" "Hotel Room Service" "Shut It Down" "Can't Stop Me Now" Armando "Watagatapitusberry" "Maldito Alcohol" "Bon, Bon" "Tu Cuerpo" Planet Pit "Hey Baby (Drop It to the Floor)" "Give Me Everything" "Rain Over Me" "International Love" Promotional singles "Fuego" "Vida 23" "Pause" "Castle Made of Sand" "Took My Love" "Shake Señora" Soundtrack "Blanco" "Back in Time" Featured singles "Shake" "Hit the Floor" "Holla at Me" "Born-N-Raised" "Crazy" "Move Shake Drop" "Feel It" "Shooting Star" "Now I'm That Bitch" "Outta Control" "Fresh Out the Oven" "Future Love" "Ni Rosas Ni Juguetes" (Remix) "Now You See It (Shake That Ass)" "Lo Hecho Está Hecho" (Remix) "Egoísta" "Armada Latina" "All Night Long" "I Like It" "DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love" "On the Floor" "Rabiosa" "Boomerang" "Suave (Kiss Me)" "Throw Your Hands Up" "Pass at Me" "I Like How It Feels" "Bailando Por El Mundo" "U Know It Ain't Love" "Rock the Boat" "We Run the Night" "Name of Love" "She Doesn't Mind (Remix)" "Dance Again" "I'm All Yours" "There She Goes" "Beat on My Drum" Other singles "Pearly Gates" "I Like - Remix" Persondata Name Pitbull Alternative names Pérez, Armando Christian Short description Date of birth January 15, 1981 Place of birth Miami, Florida, United States Date of death Place of death

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Marc Anthony
Marc Anthony performs at the White House's "Fiesta Latina", South Lawn, October 13, 2009.
Background information
Birth name	Marco Antonio Muñiz
Born	(1968-09-16) September 16, 1968 (age 43) New York City, New York, U.S.
Genres	Latin, salsa, pop, Latin pop, dance-pop, freestyle (early)
Occupations	Singer-songwriter, actor
Instruments	Vocals
Years active	1989–present
Labels	RMM Records & Video, Columbia, Sony Music Latin
Website	www.marcanthonyonline.com

Marco Antonio Muñiz (born September 16, 1968), known professionally by his stage name Marc Anthony, 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.

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.^[1] Anthony holds the record having the most number-one singles on the Billboard Tropical Songs.^[2]

Anthony is a minority owner/limited partner of the Miami Dolphins NFL team.^[3]

Early life[link]

Marco Antonio Muñiz, known professionally by his stage name Marc Anthony, born in New York City to Guillerminna, a housewife, and Felipe Muñiz, a musician and hospital lunchroom worker.^[4] Anthony is of Puerto Rican descent, and his parents named him after Mexican singer Marco Antonio Muñiz. Anthony grew up in East Harlem as the youngest of 7 children.^[5][6] He was raised Roman Catholic.^[7]

Singing career[link]

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^{[disambiguation needed ]} 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[link]

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.^[8] 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.^[9] "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.^{[citation needed]} The album became the first salsa album to enter the English language Billboard 200 chart.^{[citation needed]} After an ongoing battle with RMM, he severed ties with Ralph Mercado and left the label in 1999.^{[citation needed]}

Move to Sony[link]

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.

	"¿Ahora Quién?" (2004) noicon Sample of the first single from his 2004 album "Amar Sin Mentiras".
Problems listening to this file? See media help.

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.

Marc Anthony in 2006

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.^[10]

Acting career[link]

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 strong 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.^{[citation needed]} Anthony worked with ex-wife Lopez and director-choeographer Jamie King in late 2011 on a Latin talent series created by Simon Fuller, called Q'Viva! The Chosen. It follows Lopez and Anthony as they travel across 21 countries to find new talent.^[11]

Appearances[link]

This section, except for one claim, needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (December 2010)

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 Super 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.^[12]

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[link]

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). There were many problems in the marriage, and the couple 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. 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. Guests had been invited to an "afternoon party", unaware they were attending a wedding.^[13] In February 2005, Lopez said about the marriage, "Everyone knows. It's not a secret."^[14] Months later, Anthony's daughter appeared in Lopez's video^[15] "Get Right".

Lopez gave birth to their children, twins Emme Maribel Muñiz and Maximillian David Muñiz on February 22, 2008. People (magazine) paid $6 million for the first photos of the twins.^[16][17] As of at least January 2008, Anthony and his family reside in Brookville, New York, on Long Island.^[18]

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.^[19]

Anthony and Lopez separated in July 2011, and Anthony filed for divorce on April 9, 2012.^[20] Even though they are separating, their upcoming international talent show, "Q'Viva! The Chosen" and Kohl's fashion and home lines will go as planned.^[21]

Discography[link]

External audio
	You may listen to Marc Anthony's interpretation of Hernandez' "Preciosa" here
	and "Lamento Borincano" here

Studio albums[link]

• 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[link]

Awards and nominations[link]

See also[link]

	Puerto Rico portal
	Biography portal
	Music portal
	Latin America music portal
	Film portal

• 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[link]

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Marc Anthony

• Official Website
• Marc Anthony at Billboard.com
• Marc Anthony at the Internet Movie Database

Jennifer Lopez
Lopez arriving at the 2004 MTV Video Music Awards in August 2004
Born	Jennifer Lynn Lopez (1969-07-24) July 24, 1969 (age 42) The Bronx, New York, U.S.
Occupation	Actress, businesswoman, dancer, recording artist
Years active	1986–present
Spouse	Ojani Noa (1997–98) Cris Judd (2001–03) Marc Anthony (2004–present, divorce filed)
Partner	David Cruz (1984–94)
Children	2
Relatives	Lynda Lopez (sister)
Signature
Website
www.jenniferlopez.com www.jenniferlopezonline.com

Jennifer Lynn Lopez (born July 24, 1969) is an American actress, businesswoman, dancer and recording artist. Often referred to as J.Lo, she is reportedly the highest earning actress of Latin descent.^[1][2] Born and raised in The Bronx, New York, she enrolled in singing and dancing classes as a child and grew up in a musically influenced household. She started her career as a fly girl on the television comedy program In Living Color and a back-up dancer for Janet Jackson. Lopez gained recognition in the action-thriller Money Train (1995). Her first leading role was in the biographical film Selena (1997), which was her breakthrough role, earning her an ALMA Award for Outstanding Actress and Golden Globe nomination. She earned her second ALMA Award for her performance in Out of Sight (1998), which made her the highest-paid Latin actress. She has since appeared in various films including The Cell (2000), The Wedding Planner (2001), Maid in Manhattan (2002), Shall We Dance? (2004), Monster-in-Law (2005), The Back-up Plan (2010) and What to Expect When You're Expecting (2012).

In 1998, Lopez began recording her debut album and released On the 6 (1999), which spawned the hit singles "If You Had My Love" and "Waiting for Tonight". Her second album J.Lo (2001) reached number one on the Billboard 200 the same week her film The Wedding Planner led the box office, becoming the first person to achieve a number one film and album in the same week. It spawned the number-one single "I'm Real" which spent five weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 and "Love Don't Cost a Thing". She released J to tha L–O! The Remixes (2002), which became the first number-one remix album in the United States. Her third and fourth studio albums, This Is Me... Then (2002) and Rebirth (2005) reached number two. In 2007 she released her first full Spanish album Como ama una Mujer. Returning to music in 2011, she released her seventh album Love?, which spawned her most successful single "On the Floor", one of the best-selling singles of all time.

By 2010, Lopez had amassed estimated sales of over 55 million records worldwide,^[3] Billboard ranked her as the 27th Artist of the 2000s decade.^[4] In 2010, Lopez became a member of the judging panel for the American reality television competition American Idol.^[5] She was selected for a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2012.^[6] She led People en Español's list of "100 Most Influential Hispanics" in February 2007.^[7] That year, Lopez made the Forbes magazine's list of "The 20 Richest Women In Entertainment," ranking ninth.^[8] In 2012, Forbes placed her number one on their list of "100 Most Powerful and Influential Celebrities in the World".^[9] She has appeared multiple times on The Hollywood Reporter's Annual Actress Salary List, and is the highest-paid Latin actress in Hollywood.^[10]

Lopez also has a fashion line and various perfumes with her celebrity endorsement.^[11] She has worked with L'Oreal since 1999.^[12] A fashion icon, several of her dresses have received considerable media attention, most notably the Jungle green Versace dress which she wore at the 43rd Grammy Awards in 2000—voted the fifth most iconic red carpet dress of all time.^[13][14] Lopez advocates for human rights and vaccinations, and is a supporter of Children's Hospital Los Angeles. In 2011 she was named the most "Beautiful Person" by People magazine in its annual issue.^[15] As of 2012, her net worth is estimated to be $250 million—she has been named one of the wealthiest and most influential Hispanics in the United States.^[16] Lopez's personal life has also garnered media attention, particularly her high profiled relationships.

Life and career[link]

1969–94: Childhood and early work[link]

Castle Hill, The Bronx: the neighborhood in which Lopez was born and raised.

Jennifer Lynn Lopez was born on July 24, 1969^[17] in the Castle Hill neighborhood of The Bronx, New York. The middle child of Puerto Rican parents Guadalupe Rodriguez and David Lopez,^[18] she has an elder sister, Leslie, and a younger sister, Lynda (born June 14, 1971). David worked the night shift at the Guardian Insurance Company, before becoming a computer technician at the firm, while Guadalupe was a homemaker. When Jennifer was born, the Lopez family was living in a small apartment. A few years later, her parents had saved up enough money to be able to purchase a two-story house, which was considered a big deal for the relatively poor family.

By the age of five, Lopez began taking singing and dancing lessons. She toured New York with her school when she was seven years old.^[19] Her parents stressed the importance of work ethic and being able to speak English. They encouraged their three daughters to put on performances at home, singing and dancing in front of each other and their friends so that they would stay "out of trouble".^[19] Raised as a Roman Catholic;^[20][21][22] Lopez spent her entire academic career in Catholic schools, finishing at the all-girls Preston High School.^[23] In school, Lopez did gymnastics, ran track on a national level and was a member of the school's softball team.^[24] She excelled athletically rather than academically, competing in national track championships.^[19] In 1984, at age fifteen she began dating David Cruz, her first boyfriend.

While attending her final year of high school, Lopez learned about a film casting that was seeking several teenage girls for small roles. She auditioned and was cast in My Little Girl (1986), an low-budget film co-written and directed by Connie Kaiserman.^[25] Lopez acted as Myra, a young woman at a center for troubled girls. After she finished filming her role in the film, Lopez knew that she wanted to become a famous movie star. To please her parents, though, she enrolled in Baruch College, only to drop out after one semester. She told her parents her dream of becoming a movie star, but they ensisted that it was a "really stupid" idea and that "no Latinos did that". The differences in opinions led Lopez to move out of their family home and into an apartment in Manhattan. During this period, Lopez performed in regional productions of the musicals: Jesus Christ, Superstar! and Oklahoma. From there, she was hired for the chorus in a Golden Musicals of Broadway, which toured Europe for a period of five months. She was unhappy with the role, as she was the only member of the chorus not to have a solo. She later got a job on the show Synchronicity in Japan, where she acted as a dancer, singer and a choreographer.^[26]

Lopez gained her first regular high-profile job as a Fly Girl dancer on the television comedy program In Living Color in 1991. She applied for the job after one of the cast members was unavailable to continue with the show. Out of two thousand applicants, Lopez made it to the finals. She became the runner-up, but eventually received the role when the winner was unable to accept the job. She moved with Cruz to Los Angeles to film the series and remained a regular cast member until 1993 when she decided to pursue an acting career. After her departure from the show, Lopez became a backup dancer for Janet Jackson; also making an appearance in her 1993 video "That's the Way Love Goes".^[27][28][29] Lopez received her first professional acting gig in the direct-to-video drama film Lost in the Wild (1993), co-starring alongside Lindsay Wagner and Robert Loggia.^[30] In 1993 and 1994 Lopez starred as Melinda Lopez in the CBS television series Second Chances and its spin-off Hotel Malibu. Both shows ran for only a brief period, receiving negative reviews.^{[31][32][33][34]}

[edit] 1995–98: Selena and first marriage

Lopez's received her first high-budget film role in Gregory Nava's 1995 drama My Family, playing the character of Young Maria in the 1920s.^[35] After starring alongside Jimmy Smits and Edward James Olmos in My Family, which earned her a Independent Spirit Award nomination, Lopez starred in the action film Money Train, opposite Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson.^[36][37][38] In 1996, she reportedly beat out Ashley Judd and Lauren Holly for the supporting role in Francis Ford Coppola's 1996 comedy Jack starring Robin Williams.^[39] She then starred opposite Jack Nicholson in Bob Rafelson's well-received noir thriller Blood and Wine (1996).^[23]

Lopez's first big break came in 1996, when she was chosen to play the title role in Selena, a biopic of the Tejano pop singer Selena.^[23] Despite having previously worked with the film's director on My Family, Lopez was subjected to an intense auditioning process before she was cast in the film.^[41] Lopez played Selena in her twenties, while Rebecca Lee Maza played Selena in her younger years.^[42] During pre-production, Mexican-American activists were highly critical that Jennifer Lopez, a New York City native born to Puerto Rican parents, was selected to play Selena. They preferred an actress with Mexican roots. However, after seeing Lopez's portrayal of Selena, they revised their opinions and were more accepting of Nava's decision.^[43] Lopez earned widespread outstanding reviews and praise from critics for her portrayal of Selena. Kenneth Turan from Los Angeles Times film critic Kenneth Turan while giving the film a mixed review, he wrote that Selena was not just a celebration of Selena's life, but the actress who played her.^[44] Joe Baltake said that Lopez was "is sensational in the title role" and complimented her for pulling off lip-syncing to Selena's original tracks as her own, as she was not a trained singer at the time.^[45] She garnered multiple awards and nominations, including a Golden Globe Award nomination for "Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy".^{[citation needed]}

On February 22, 1997, Lopez married Cuban-born Ojani Noa, who she met while he worked as a waiter in a Miami restaurant; they were divorced by January 1998.^[46] Later that year, Lopez appeared in two major films. She starred in the horror film Anaconda alongside Ice Cube and Jon Voight, playing the role of Terri Flores, a director who is shooting a documentary while traveling through the Amazon River.^[47] Despite being a modest box office hit, the film was critically panned.^[48] Lopez then starred as the leading actress in the neo-noir film U Turn, which is based on the book Stray Dogs, starring alongside Sean Penn and Billy Bob Thornton.^[23] In 1998, she had one of her most acclaimed roles, starring opposite George Clooney in Out of Sight, Steven Soderbergh's adaptation of the Elmore Leonard novel.^[23][49] Cast as a deputy federal marshal who falls for a charming criminal, Lopez won rave reviews for her performance and in the process she became the first Latina actress to earn over $1 million for a role.^[50][51] That same year, she provided the voice for Azteca on the computer-animated film Antz.^[52][53] Around this time, Lopez started dating rap mogul Sean Combs. Combs allegedly showered Lopez with diamonds and jewelry, the inspiration for her 2000 hit, "Love Don't Cost a Thing".^[54]

[edit] 1999–2001: On the 6, J.Lo, The Wedding Planner and second marriage

	"If You Had My Love" noicon a 22-second sample of Lopez's debut single—"If You Had My Love"—which shot to number one in the United States, commencing Lopez's musical career
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By May 1999, publicity for Lopez's debut album had begun and the news spread fast.^[55] Lopez's debut album On the 6, a reference to the 6 subway line she used to take growing up in Castle Hill,^[23] was released on June 1, 1999, and reached the top ten of the Billboard 200. Her debut single, "If You Had My Love" was released on May 21, 1999, and reached the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 the week of June 12, 1999.^[56][57] The song stayed on the chart for a total of 25 weeks.^[57] It was proceeded by the release of "Waiting for Tonight", which peaked at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and was a dance club hit.^[58] Prior to the release of "Waiting For Tonight" as a single, a Spanish language Latin-flavored ballad with Marc Anthony "No Me Ames" was released and failed to chart on major charts.^[55][56] On the 6 featured guest artists such as Big Pun and Fat Joe on the track "Feelin' So Good", which had moderate success on the Billboard Hot 100, however failed to reach the top 50. "Let's Get Loud", the final single, earned Lopez a Grammy Award nomination in the "Best Dance Recording" category of the 2001 Grammy Awards.^[59] "Waiting for Tonight" was nominated for the same category the previous year.^[60] "No Me Ames" received two nominations at the 2000 Latin Grammy Awards – "Best Pop Duo/Group with Vocal Performance" and "Best Music Video". In addition, Lopez was nominated for more awards then any other at the 1999 The Billboard Music Video Awards, scoring seven nominations in total, leading the likes of Christina Aguilera.^[61]

On February 23, 2000, Lopez showed up to the 42nd Grammy Awards with Combs wearing a plunging exotic green Versace silk chiffon dress, which became known as the "Green Versace Jungle Dress" by Lopez. The dress, known for its low cut neck that extended before her navel and its open back, caused much controversy and garnered media attention. Images of Lopez in the green dress were downloaded from the Grammy website 642,917 times in just 24 hours after the event.^[62] Lopez was surprised by the enormous media coverage, declaring in an interview: "It was a nice dress. I had no idea it was going to become such a big deal."^[63] Versace later revealed that the dress was the turning point of her career, saying that the media now had confidence in her own work, after the death of Gianni Versace.^[63] With the release and promotion of On The 6 over, Lopez had successfully converted herself from film star to pop star within 12 months.^[64] Around this time, Lopez's fans started to dub her as "J.Lo". Lopez then starred opposite Vincent D'Onofrio, in the psychological thriller film The Cell, released on August 18, 2000.^[65] She portrayed Catherine Deane, a child psychologist who uses virtual reality to enter into the minds of her patients to coax them out of their comas. The film was released in August 2000 and became a box-office success, opening at number one.^[49][66]

By August 2000, Lopez had begun work on her sophomore album.^[67][68] J.Lo was released on January 23, 2001, and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, exceeding sales of 270,000 copies in its first week.^[69][70] In addition, the album dethroned The Beatles from the top spot.^[70] At the same time, her romantic comedy film, The Wedding Planner, which she starred in alongside Matthew McConaughey led box office receipts,^[71][72] making Lopez the first female to have a film and an album at number one in the same week.^[23][69][71] J.Lo was more urban oriented than On the 6. The lead single, "Love Don't Cost a Thing", was her first number-one single in the United Kingdom and took her into the top five on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.^[73] She followed it up with "Play" which gave her another top 20 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached number three in the UK.^[74] The album's third single "I'm Real" reached number one on the Hot 100, as well as spending over a year on the chart, with a total of 62 weeks.^[74] "I'm Real" was controversial for using a sample of the song "Firecraker"; which singer Mariah Carey had wanted to sample first. It was later shockingly announced that Carey's ex husband, Tommy Mottola had instructed record executive Irv Gotti to give Lopez the sample before Carey, and Lopez was unaware of this.^[75] "Ain't It Funny" was released; however it did not receive proper commercial promotion in the United States therefore ineligible for charting on the Hot 100. To capitalize on this, Lopez asked The Inc. Records (then known as Murder Inc.) to remix both songs ("I'm Real" and "Ain't It Funny), which featured rap artists Ja Rule (on both) and Cadillac Tah (on the "Ain't It Funny" remix). "Ain't It Funny (murder remix)" reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for several weeks, and led Radio Airplay and Pop Songs charts.^[74] On July 24, 2001, She re-released J. Lo on her 32nd birthday with the remix of "I'm Real" as a bonus track. Also, "Si Ya Se Acabó" was released in Spain, due to the success "Que Ironia." In 2001, Lopez performed on tour on the Let's Get Loud "Live in Puerto Rico" Concert. J.Lo has sold 4 million copies in the United States alone. On September 27, 2004, a box set was released by Epic Records featuring On The 6 and J.Lo combined.^[76]

Lopez next role was in a supernatural romance film, Angel Eyes which disappointed at the box office and garnered mixed reviews.^[77] Lopez's boyfriend, former back-up dancer Cris Judd—who she met on the set of the video for "Love Don't Cost a Thing"—proposed to her at a barbecue^[78] and they were married on September 29, 2001.^[79] They traveled to Italy for their honeymoon, and later stayed at the home of designer and a longtime friend of Lopez's, Donatella Versace.^[78]

[edit] 2002–03: J to tha L-O! The Remixes, This Is Me... Then and Bennifer

Following the success of the re-release of J.Lo, Lopez decided to devote an entire album to the remix effort, releasing J to tha L–O! The Remixes, on February 5, 2002. This album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, becoming the first remix album in history to debut at the top on the chart, selling over 150,000 copies in its opening week.^[80][81] Featured artists on J to tha L–O! The Remixes include P. Diddy, Fat Joe, and Nas, and the album included rare dance and hip hop remixes of past singles. It is the third all-time biggest-selling remix album in history, after Michael Jackson's Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix, The Beatles' Love and Madonna's You Can Dance, having sold a total of 1.5 million copies as of October 2010.^[82] In addition, it dethroned Alan Jackson's Drive from 3 consecutive weeks at the number-one spot on the chart.^[83][84] J to tha L-O: The Remixes sold 624,000 copies within its first month, and stayed in the top 10 of the Billboard 200 for a month, too.^[85] It remained the only album to debut at number one in the United States for nearly 10 years, until Justin Bieber's remix effort in 2011 debuted at the top spot with similar opening sales.^[86] "I'm Gonna Be Alright" which was previously on her J.Lo album was released as a single; impacting the charts by July 2002 and reached the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100.^[74][87] "I'm Gonna Be Alright" spent 23 weeks on the chart.^[74] The track "Alive" written by Jennifer and Cris Judd was released as a single from the remix album.^[88]

In May 2002, she starred in the thriller film Enough as Slim, a woman abused by her husband and on the run from him. The film garnered negative reviews;^[89] however the fight scene at the finale of the movie was praised.^[90] In addition, the film was considered a "kick-butt, female empowerment" movie.^[91]

In June 2002, Lopez filed for divorce from her husband Cris Judd when she began publicly dating actor Ben Affleck.^[92] Judd's father, Larry Judd blamed Affleck for the break up of his son's marriage. He told New York Daily News that Judd was the "best thing that happened to [Lopez]" and thought that "Mr. Affleck would honor a married women. [They'd] be happier if they just told the truth."^[93] Lopez and Affleck announced their relationship at her thirty-second birthday.^[94] They were engaged months later.^[95][96] The media dubbed them "Bennifer" during their relationship, and became a prominent supercouple in the media.

Lopez released her third studio album, This Is Me... Then, on November 26, 2002. Unlike previous albums, it was more R&B oriented and much of its lyrical structure were about her relationship with her fiancé, Affleck.^[97] The songs from the album, in particular the fifth track, "Dear Ben" detailed her romantic relationship with Affleck.^[97] The album sold over 310,000 copies in its first week, Lopez's highest first-week sales to date, and reached two on the charts in the United States, and was on the charts for a total of forty weeks.^[98] Prior to its release, the album's lead single "Jenny from the Block" was released. It reached 3 on the Hot 100, and was known for its controversial music video featuring Affleck. The song is about Lopez remaining modest and intoning her childhood roots vowing she wishes to remain simple despite her diamonds.^[97] "All I Have", a duet with LL Cool J served as the third single from This Is Me... Then. It became Lopez's fifth song to top the Hot 100 charts.^[74] "I'm Glad" and "Baby I Love U!" were released as the final singles from This Is Me... Then, both commercial disappointing, failing to match the success of her previous singles; however the music video for "I'm Glad" received four nominations at the MTV Video Music Awards the following year. The video recreated scenes from the 1983 film Flashdance, leading to a lawsuit over copyright infringement, which was later dismissed.^[99][100] This Is Me... Then has sold over 2.5 million copies to date in the United States, her last album to reach over a million copies in sales in that country.^[82]

After the release of This Is Me... Then, Lopez took time away from music to focus on films. After two consecutive critical and commercial failures in the films Enough and Angel Eyes, Lopez bounced back with the box office hit Maid in Manhattan, released on December 13, 2002. Her character, Marisa Ventura, is a struggling single mother who lives in the Bronx and makes her living cleaning rooms in a super-luxurious Manhattan hotel, and gets mistaken for a socialite by a princely politician, who she falls in love with.^[101] Maid in Manhattan was a box-office hit, opening at number one. The New York Times compared the film's storyline to her 2002 song, "Jenny from the Block", commenting, "In her new single, 'Jenny From the Block', Jennifer Lopez declares that despite her enormous wealth and global fame, she has not lost touch with her roots."^[102]

Lopez and Ben Affleck eventually succumbed to overexposure from the media, however, which caused public interest in their romance to result in less admiration and negatively affected their careers.^[103][104] Gigli, a film which Lopez starred as a lesbian opposite Affleck, was released on August 1, 2003. The film was considered a box office failure, and is often considered one of the worst films ever made.^[105][106] Once again she starred in another movie with Affleck, Jersey Girl, but only grossed $36 million at the box office and received poor reviews.

Lopez and Affleck canceled their wedding, which had been scheduled for September 14, 2003 on the Californian Coast, citing the media's interference with the event as the reason.^{[107][108][109]} Months later their wedding was canceled once again, four days before the event. Lopez was seen without her ring,^[110] and it was later confirmed that the 18-month romance ended on January 20, 2004, just three days after Affleck returned to Los Angeles from the Sundance Film Festival.^[111]

[edit] 2004–05: Shall We Dance?, third marriage and Rebirth

In August 2003, (after the international flub of "Gigli") it was announced that Lopez was star in Shall We Dance?.^[112] The move was released in 2004, in which Lopez starred as Paulina alongside Richard Gere and Susan Sarandon; it reached the third spot at the Box Office. Shall We Dance?, grossed $112,238,000, at the international box office. Domestically, Shall We Dance? grossed $57,890,460 and a total of $170,128,460 worldwide.^[113] By this time, Lopez was well established as one of the highest-paid actresses in Hollywood and the highest-paid Latin actress in Hollywood history, though she's never had a film grossing over $100 million in the USA. She was on The Hollywood Reporter's list of the top ten actress salaries in 2002, 2003, and 2004.^[10]

Lopez and Marc Anthony at the Time 100 gala event on May 8, 2006

Two months after her break up with Affleck, Lopez was publicly seen dating Marc Anthony, they were married secretly on June 5, 2004 at her Beverly Hills Mansion and maintained a quiet relationship away from the media unlike her previous.^[114][115] Two men attempted to ransom a private wedding video which was stolen from the couple for $1 million dollars, and they were arraigned in Manhattan Criminal Court on charges of conspiracy, attempted grand larceny and possession of stolen property.^[116]

Lopez released her fourth studio album, Rebirth, on March 1, 2005.^[117] The lead single was "Get Right",^[117] reaching 12 on the Billboard Hot 100, and was a dance club hit.^[118] The song reached number one in the United Kingdom. The video for "Get Right" has Lopez portraying many different characters in a nightclub and sporting several different looks and occupations.^[119] Following the release of "Get Right", the album debuted (and peaked) at number two on the Billboard 200, selling 261,000 copies in its opening week.^[120] It quickly fell off the charts, and produced one more single, "Hold You Down", which featured Fat Joe, reached number 64 on the Hot 100 while it peaked at number six in the UK and ascended to the top 20 in Australia.^[74] The song "Cherry Pie" was intended to be released as a single, however due to low sales (despite a high start) of Rebirth these plants were scrapped. Rebirth was certified Platinum in the U.S. by the RIAA; selling over 700,000 copies so far in the United States,^[82] and has enjoyed international success. In May 2005, the film Monster-in-Law was released. It was Jane Fonda's first movie in several years.^[121] It featured Lopez as Charlie, an artist who is pitted against her fiance's conniving mother when she does not accept her as her son's girlfriend (or soon-to-be wife).^{[121][122][123]} However, the $43-million film became a box-office smash debuting at number one, earning $83 million ($154.7 worldwide)^[124] during its theatrical run in summer 2005. Lopez received $15 million for her role in Monster-in-Law, remaining one of her highest paychecks for a movie yet.^[125] Later, she starred in a film entitled An Unfinished Life, which did not do well; only reaching 11 at the Box office.

[edit] 2006–08: Como Ama una Mujer, Brave and motherhood

In 2006, Lopez was featured in LL Cool J's single "Control Myself", which was released on February 1, 2006. It reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and number two on the UK Singles Chart, Lopez's first collaborative Top 10 Hit in the U.S. since 2003. Also that year, she was in the movie Bodertown; The movie is based on a series of unsolved murders in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, a maquiladora border city across the Río Bravo del Norte (Rio Grande) from El Paso, Texas. Estimates of the murders conflict, yet, conservatively speaking over four hundred women, maybe many more, have been kidnapped, tortured and murdered since 1993 in and around Ciudad Juárez.^[126] Lopez garnered a few awards and recognition for this part. The film was not a large success, though. Jennifer was one of the recipients of the Women in Film Crystal Award, after her appearance in Bordertown.^[127]

It was reported that Lopez was to release a full Spanish language album.^[128] Contactmusic.com said that Lopez would "prove critics wrong" and prove that she actually has a voice, through this new project.^[128] Upon the eve of the album's release, Lopez explained that she had previously aimed to sing in Spanish, however her career took a different path.^[129] Her first full Spanish album, Como Ama una Mujer was released on March 23, 2007. It debuted at 10 on the Billboard 200, making her one of few to reach the top ten with a Spanish album.^[130] The album was a natural and large success within the Latin community, reaching number one on Billboard Top Latin Albums, where it remained for seven weeks.^[130] Worldwide, it was a moderate success, reaching the top ten in several countries such as Italy and Germany.

Lopez with husband Marc Anthony (right) and Greek singer Kostas Martakis (left), who opened her September 2008 concert in Athens.

Como Ama una Mujer marks the highest debut sales in the United States for a Spanish album and the highest digital sales for a Spanish album.^[131] The York Press, on the album, stated that "Lopez stunned many with her Spanish-language Como Ama una Mujer, which at last proved that she is a major musical force."^[132] For promotion of Como Ama Una Mujer, Lopez traveled back to the Bronx, to meet fans and sign copies of her album in her old neighborhood.^[133] Over 500 people attended.^[133] In an interview, Lopez stated "It touches my heart to be able to bring this album back to my neighborhood, back to my home."^[134] Como ama una Mujer produced a single, "Qué Hiciste" (Spanish for "What Did You Do") which peaked at 86 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the Hot Latin Songs and the Hot Dance Club Play.^[74] She performed the song on American Idol, in the same week she was a mentor; she is the first person to perform a Latin song on the hit show.^[131] On July 24, 2007 (Lopez's birthday) Billboard magazine reported that Lopez and husband Marc Anthony would "co-headline" a worldwide tour called "Juntos en Concierto" starting in New Jersey on September 29.^[135] The tour launched September 28, 2007 at the Mark G. Etess Arena and ended on November 7, 2007 at the American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. On the finale date of their tour, Lopez and Anthony announced that they were expecting a child, her first and his fourth.^[136][137] Later that same month, it was reported that Lopez was having difficulties with her pregnancy. These reports were deemed false by per rep, stating that "she is very healthy and continuing with her schedule as planned."^[138] In August 2007, Lopez collaborated on the feature film, El Cantante, with Anthony. Lopez, who also co-produced the film, "does enough acting for the two of them in her role as Puchi, Héctor's wife" while creating a very interesting and edgy performance.^[139] The film is in English, with creative use of subtitles for songs with Spanish lyrics.