Daddy Yankee, one of the most revered rappers in Latin music, has released the uptempo song “This Is Not a Love Song” in English.
The Cataracs, who have worked with everyone from Enrique Iglesias to Beyonce, produced the song, which also features newcomer Duncan.
There are no plans for an English-language album yet, according to a spokesperson for the entertainer, but the Puerto Rican-born artist is releasing the 10th-anniversary edition of Barrio Fino on Oct. 7.
Yankee, who has been working with producers such as Diplo and Jim Jonsin, was searching for the right English-language song. When the Cataracs song surfaced, it struck a chord.
“Over these past 10 years I focused on bringing my music to the forefront of the Latin music world, but when I got this track from The Cataracs, I knew I had to run with it,” Yankee said in a statement. “Most people have only ever heard me in Spanish so it shocks everyone to hear me rap all in English. The hook helps bring it to life. Duncan’s voice is one of a kind and he just adds that magic touch to the record.”
Daddy Yankee Remembers ‘Gasolina’ 10 Years Later
A decade ago, Barrio Fino was heard around the world. In the U.S., sales have totaled 1.08 million to date, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
The album debuted at No. 1 on Top Latin Albums on July 31, 2004. It spent 24 weeks at No. 1 and holds more weeks at No. 1 than any other urban album in the chart’s history. Only four other albums have had more weeks at No. 1. The ranking:
1. Gloria Estefan, Mi Tierra (58 weeks at No. 1)
2. Selena, Dreaming of You (44 weeks)
3. Luis Miguel, Segundo Romance (29 weeks)
4. Ricky Martin, Vuelve (26 weeks)
5. Daddy Yankee, Barrio Fino (24 weeks)
The album peaked at No. 26 on the Billboard 200 on April 16, 2005.
The live album Barrio Fino: En Directo debuted at No. 1 on Top Latin Albums on Dec. 31, 2005, and spent 14 weeks atop the chart. It reached No. 24 on the Billboard 200.
“Ten years ago ‘Gasolina’ introduced me and my music to the mainstream market and helped pave the path for many artists that came after me with a vision and a dream,” Yankee added.
“This Is Not a Love Song” goes on sale Tuesday (Sept. 9) through iTunes and other digital platforms.
