Don Omar
Encyclopedia
Don Omar, also known as El Rey (born William Omar Landrón Rivera; February 10, 1978, is a Puerto Rican Reggaetón
singer and actor.
, 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.
. 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
.
, 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. name="BILLBOARD">Billboard Latin Music Awards results 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
.
was released on April 28, 2009. This album was dedicated to his cousin Cordell Brown. He misses his family in St.Louis, that'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 July 6, 2009.
label and other reggaeton artists. The album includes the promotional single Hasta Abajo
and the album's lead single Danza Kuduro
featuring French singer Lucenzo
, as well as collaborations from Don Omar’s Orfanato Music Group
artists including Kendo Kapponi, Syko, Plan B
, Zion & Lennox, Yaga & Mackie
and Danny Fornaris.
He is currently signed to VI Music
and Machete Music
through Universal Music Latino
.
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
.
Reggaeton
Reggaeton is a form of Puerto Rican and Latin American urban and Caribbean music. After its mainstream exposure in 2004, it spread to North American, European and Asian audiences. Reggaeton originated in Puerto Rico but is also has roots from Reggae en Español from Panama and Puerto Rico and...
singer and actor.
Early life
William Omar Landrón Rivera is the oldest son of William Landrón and Luz Antonia Rivera. He was raised in SanturceSanturce, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Santurce is a district of San Juan, Puerto Rico.-Summary:Santurce is one of the top ten most populated areas of the island holding Miramar, Loíza, Isla Grande, Barrio Obrero, and Condado as main cultural hot spots for art, music, cuisine, fashion, hotels, technology, multimedia, film, textile and...
, a barrio of San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan , officially Municipio de la Ciudad Capital San Juan Bautista , is the capital and most populous municipality in Puerto Rico, an unincorporated territory of the United States. As of the 2010 census, it had a population of 395,326 making it the 46th-largest city under the jurisdiction of...
, specifically in the Villa Palmeras area. From an early age, he showed interest in the music of Vico C
Vico C
Vico C is an Puerto Rican rapper and rap artist. He is considered one of the founding fathers of rap and has played an influential role in the development of Latin American hip hop....
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
Bayamón, Puerto Rico
Bayamón is a municipality of Puerto Rico located on the northern coastal valley, north of Aguas Buenas and Comerío; south of Toa Baja and Cataño; west of Guaynabo; and east of Toa Alta and Naranjito. Bayamón is spread over 11 wards and Bayamón Pueblo...
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
Eliel (producer)
Eliel Lind Osorio , best known only as Eliel is a reggaeton producer. His partnership with Don Omar, critical acclaim and commercial success.-Biography:...
. Afterwards he appeared regularly on compilation albums from popular DJ's and producers like Luny Tunes
Luny Tunes
Luny Tunes are a Dominican reggaeton production duo consisting of Francisco Saldaña and Víctor Cabrera , who have been known for creating unique musical rhythms for some of the most popular reggaeton artists since the early 2000s.-Biography:...
, Noriega
Noriega (producer)
Norgie Noriega is a reggaeton producer known for making #1 hits in reggaeton along with reggaeton producers Luny Tunes.-Musical career:...
, 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.
2000–2005: The Last Don
Don Omar's career catapulted to stardom with the release of his first studio album, The Last DonThe Last Don (album)
The Last Don was Don Omar's solo debut album. It was released in 2003 and included collaborations from artists such as: Daddy Yankee, Héctor & Tito, Trebol Clan, among others. The Last Don sold over 300,000 units in South America and eventually over 1,000,000 units worldwide...
. Both the studio version and its live edition have been certified platinum
Music recording sales certification
Music recording sales certification is a system of certifying that a music recording has shipped or sold a certain number of copies, where the threshold quantity varies by type and by nation or territory .Almost all countries follow variations of the RIAA certification categories,...
by the Recording Industry Association of America
Recording Industry Association of America
The Recording Industry Association of America is a trade organization that represents the recording industry distributors in the United States...
. 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
Billboard Music Award
The Billboard Music Award is an honor given by Billboard magazine, the preeminent publication covering the music business. The Billboard Music Awards show had been held annually in December until it went dormant in 2007, but it returned in May 2011...
in 2003. The Last Don: Live [CD & DVD] was also nominated for "Urban Music Album" at the 2005 Latin Grammy Awards
Latin Grammy Awards of 2005
The 6th Annual Latin Grammy Awards were held in Los Angeles at the Shrine Auditorium on Thursday, November 3, 2005. It was the first ceremony to be broadcast by Univision in the United States. Ivan Lins was the big winner winning two awards including Album of the Year. He is the first and only...
.
2006–2008: King of Kings
Omar's May 2006 album King of KingsKing of Kings (album)
King of Kings is Don Omar's second studio album. It was released on May 23, 2006 three years after his debut studio album The Last Don. Songs in this album are deep and worthy of reflection, especially for sociopolitical-minded Latinos...
, 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
Angelito
"Angelito" is the first single by Don Omar taken from his album King of Kings. It reached number one on the Billboard Latin Rhythm Airplay, Hot Latin Tracks and Latin Tropical Airplay charts...
”. 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
Britney Spears
Britney Jean Spears is an American recording artist and entertainer. Born in McComb, Mississippi, and raised in Kentwood, Louisiana, Spears began performing as a child, landing acting roles in stage productions and television shows. She signed with Jive Records in 1997 and released her debut album...
.
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. name="BILLBOARD">Billboard Latin Music Awards results The songs "Los Bandoleros" and "Conteo" were featured in the movie The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift
The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift
The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift is a 2006 street racing action film directed by Justin Lin. It is the third installment in the The Fast and the Furious film series and currently the sixth in terms of series chronology...
in the ending credits.
On September 18, 2007, Landrón was briefly under police custody in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Department
Santa Cruz, with an area of 370,621 km², is the largest of the nine constituent departments of Bolivia. In the 2001 census, it reported a population of 2,029,471. The capital is the city of Santa Cruz de la Sierra. The state is one of the wealthiest states in Bolivia with huge reserves of...
, 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
Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is the capital and largest city of Argentina, and the second-largest metropolitan area in South America, after São Paulo. It is located on the western shore of the estuary of the Río de la Plata, on the southeastern coast of the South American continent...
on Argentine
Argentina
Argentina , officially the Argentine Republic , is the second largest country in South America by land area, after Brazil. It is constituted as a federation of 23 provinces and an autonomous city, Buenos Aires...
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
Gilberto Santa Rosa
Gilberto Santa Rosa, also known as "El Caballero de la Salsa" , is a Puerto Rican bandleader and singer of salsa and bolero.-Early years:...
's presentation in an event titled "Concierto del Amor", presented in the Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden, often abbreviated as MSG and known colloquially as The Garden, is a multi-purpose indoor arena in the New York City borough of Manhattan and located at 8th Avenue, between 31st and 33rd Streets, situated on top of Pennsylvania Station.Opened on February 11, 1968, it is the...
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
Grand Theft Auto IV
Grand Theft Auto IV is a 2008 open world action video game published by Rockstar Games, and developed by British games developer Rockstar North. It has been released for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 video game consoles, and for the Windows operating system...
.
2009: iDon
Don Omar's third studio album titled iDonIDon
iDon is the third studio album by Puerto Rican reggaeton performer Don Omar released worldwide on April 28, 2009 through Universal Music Group and Machete Music. The album was assumed to be named Icon when news of the upcoming album circulated the internet, but was later confirmed to be named iDon...
was released on April 28, 2009. This album was dedicated to his cousin Cordell Brown. He misses his family in St.Louis, that's why the first single from this album titled "Virtual Diva
Virtual Diva
"Virtual Diva" is the first single by Puerto Rican reggaeton performer Don Omar from his third studio album iDon. It was released on February 3, 2009 through Machete Music and VI Music...
" was performed on MTV's Tr3s variety show, Virtual Diva. iDon
IDon
iDon is the third studio album by Puerto Rican reggaeton performer Don Omar released worldwide on April 28, 2009 through Universal Music Group and Machete Music. The album was assumed to be named Icon when news of the upcoming album circulated the internet, but was later confirmed to be named iDon...
s Virtual Diva became the most requested song on Latin radio stations. The second official single, titled "Sexy Robotica
Sexy Robotica
"Sexy Robótica" is the official second single from iDon, it was released on June 5, 2009, it was originally selected as the first single, back later the producers decided that "Virtual Diva" were the first single and "Sexy Robótica" the second single from iDon.-Music video:The music video was...
", was released on July 6, 2009.
2010–present: Meet the Orphans
The album Don Omar Presents: Meet The Orphans was released on November 16, 2010. The album features the artists under the Orfanato Music GroupOrfanato Music Group
Orfanato Music Group is a Puerto Rican record label with expertise in the music and performance production industry. OMG was created by William Landron, also known as Don Omar, in 2007 to fulfill the dreams and expectations of talented musicians who desire a quality ‘finished product’ showcasing...
label and other reggaeton artists. The album includes the promotional single Hasta Abajo
Hasta Abajo
Hasta Abajo is a song from Don Omar's collaborative album Meet the Orphans released as promotional single from the album on November 17, 2009 through Machete, VI...
and the album's lead single Danza Kuduro
Danza Kuduro
"Danza Kuduro" is a hit song from Don Omar's collaborative album Meet the Orphans released as the lead single from the album on August 15, 2010 through Machete Music and VI Music. It features singer Lucenzo, a France-based artist of Portuguese origin...
featuring French singer Lucenzo
Lucenzo
Filipe Oliveira , commonly known by his stage name Lucenzo, is a Portuguese-French singer, songwriter, and producer. His parents emigrated to France from Bragança, north of Portugal. Lucenzo signed with the Universal Music record label.He is best known for his recent dance hit "Vem dançar kuduro"...
, as well as collaborations from Don Omar’s Orfanato Music Group
Orfanato Music Group
Orfanato Music Group is a Puerto Rican record label with expertise in the music and performance production industry. OMG was created by William Landron, also known as Don Omar, in 2007 to fulfill the dreams and expectations of talented musicians who desire a quality ‘finished product’ showcasing...
artists including Kendo Kapponi, Syko, Plan B
Plan B
Plan B is a popular term used to mean a reserved, secondary plan, in case a first plan fails. Plan B is also an FDA-approved emergency contraception drug.It also may refer to:-People:...
, Zion & Lennox, Yaga & Mackie
Yaga & Mackie
Yaga & Mackie are musicians, known for their collaborative work as a reggaeton duo from Puerto Rico. They are signed to Full Records.-Discography:* Sonando Diferente * Clase Aparte * La Moda * La Reunión...
and Danny Fornaris.
He is currently signed to VI Music
VI Music
VI Music is a Puerto Rican record label specializing in the reggaeton genre founded by the reggaeton artist Mario VI and Juan Vidal-Selected artists:*Angel & Khriz*Don Omar*Eliel*Magnate & Valentino*Mario VI*Gocho*Alex Gargolas*Echo...
and Machete Music
Machete Music
Machete Music is an urban music label owned by Universal Music Group. The record label had been largely associated with reggaeton music, but in recent years, it has been also been signing non-urban artists such as Malverde, Mala Rodriguez and Chino XL. The label is part of Universal Music Latin...
through Universal Music Latino
Universal Music Group
Universal Music Group is an American music group, the largest of the "big four" record companies by its commanding market share and its multitude of global operations...
.
Personal life
William Omar Landrón is the father of four children. He married forecaster/journalist Jackie GuerridoJackie Guerrido
Jackie Guerrido , is a television weather forecaster and journalist.-Early years:Guerrido was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where she received her primary and secondary education...
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
Univision
Univision is a Spanish-language television network in the United States. It has the largest audience of Spanish language television viewers according to Nielsen ratings. Randy Falco, COO, has been in charge of the company since the departure of Univision Communications president and CEO Joe Uva...
, after Univision
Univision
Univision is a Spanish-language television network in the United States. It has the largest audience of Spanish language television viewers according to Nielsen ratings. Randy Falco, COO, has been in charge of the company since the departure of Univision Communications president and CEO Joe Uva...
got involved with his marriage, he is no longer allowed to attend any award shows from Univision
Univision
Univision is a Spanish-language television network in the United States. It has the largest audience of Spanish language television viewers according to Nielsen ratings. Randy Falco, COO, has been in charge of the company since the departure of Univision Communications president and CEO Joe Uva...
. Omar is also the owner of Orfanato Music Group
Orfanato Music Group
Orfanato Music Group is a Puerto Rican record label with expertise in the music and performance production industry. OMG was created by William Landron, also known as Don Omar, in 2007 to fulfill the dreams and expectations of talented musicians who desire a quality ‘finished product’ showcasing...
.
Studio Albums
- 2003: The Last DonThe Last Don (album)The Last Don was Don Omar's solo debut album. It was released in 2003 and included collaborations from artists such as: Daddy Yankee, Héctor & Tito, Trebol Clan, among others. The Last Don sold over 300,000 units in South America and eventually over 1,000,000 units worldwide...
- 2006: King of KingsKing of Kings (album)King of Kings is Don Omar's second studio album. It was released on May 23, 2006 three years after his debut studio album The Last Don. Songs in this album are deep and worthy of reflection, especially for sociopolitical-minded Latinos...
- 2009: iDonIDoniDon is the third studio album by Puerto Rican reggaeton performer Don Omar released worldwide on April 28, 2009 through Universal Music Group and Machete Music. The album was assumed to be named Icon when news of the upcoming album circulated the internet, but was later confirmed to be named iDon...
- 2010: Meet the Orphans
Live / Special Edition Albums
- 2004: The Last Don LiveThe Last Don LiveThe Last Don Live is a live album by Don Omar. The second CD contains 3 studio tracks: Pobre Diabla and the 2 versions of Carta A Un Amigo...
- 2006: The Last Don: The Gold Series
- 2006: King of Kings: Armageddon EditionKing of Kings: Armageddon EditionKing of Kings: Armageddon Edition is basically the same album of King of Kings. It includes a DVD and four new songs.-CD 1:# "Predica" King of Kings: Armageddon Edition is basically the same album of King of Kings. It includes a DVD and four new songs.-CD 1:# "Predica" (Intro) (featuring Miri...
- 2007: King of Kings Live
Compilation Albums
- 2005: Don Omar Presenta: Los BandolerosLos BandolerosLos Bandoleros is a compilation reggaeton CD produced by Don Omar and released under his label All Star Records in 2005. It is named for "Bandoleros", a song on the CD.-Track listing:# "Intro" - Gallego# "Donqueo" - Don Omar# "Acelerá" - Angel Doze...
- 2005: Da Hitman Presents Reggaetón LatinoDa Hitman Presents Reggaetón Latino-Track listing:# "Reggaetón Latino " — 4:50# "Dile" — 3:24# "Ella y Yo" — 4:26# "Pobre Diabla " -Track listing:# "Reggaetón Latino (Chosen Few Remix)" (featuring Fat Joe, N.O.R.E. and LDA) — 4:50# "Dile" — 3:24# "Ella y Yo" (Don Omar with Aventura) — 4:26# "Pobre Diabla (Remix)" -Track listing:#...
- 2006: Don Omar Presenta: Los Bandoleros ReloadedLos Bandoleros ReloadedThis two-CD best-of carries the Don Omar seal of approval, along with five tracks performed by the reggaeton superstar, includes "Señor de La Noche" and "Anda Sola"...
- 2007: Don Omar Presenta: El PentágonoEl PentágonoEl Pentágono is a compilation album by the reggaeton producer and owner of Update Music, Revol, although the album was presented by Don Omar and released on March 27, 2007.-Track listing:-Sales and certifications:...
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 2009 in film The year 2009 saw the release of many films. Seven made the top 50 list of highest-grossing films, and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced that as of this year, their Best Picture category would consist of ten nominees, rather than five .- Highest-grossing films :Please note... |
Los Bandoleros | Omar Santos |
| 2009 2009 in film The year 2009 saw the release of many films. Seven made the top 50 list of highest-grossing films, and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced that as of this year, their Best Picture category would consist of ten nominees, rather than five .- Highest-grossing films :Please note... |
Fast & Furious | Omar Santos |
| 2011 2011 in film The year 2011 is notable for containing the release of the most film sequels in a single year, at 27 sequels. The following tables list films that are in production or have completed production and will be released in the United States and Canada at some point in 2011.- Highest-grossing films :... |
Fast Five Fast Five (film) Fast Five is a 2011 action film written by Chris Morgan and directed by Justin Lin. It is the fifth installment in the Fast and the Furious film series. It was released first in Australia on April 20, 2011, and then in the United States on April 29, 2011... |
Omar Santos |
See also
- List of famous Puerto Ricans
- List of Puerto Rican songwriters