Wisin & Yandel
Biography
Wisin & Yandel is a Puerto Rican reggaeton duo consisting of Juan Luis Morera Luna (Wisin) and Llandel Veguilla Malavé (Yandel). They began their musical career in 1998. Before forming one of the most successful acts in Latin music, Wisin was a theater and acting student, while Yandel worked as a barber. The duo is often referred to as "El Dúo de la Historia" (The Duo of History).
Early Career and Rise to Fame
Wisin & Yandel started by participating in compilation albums, a common route for emerging reggaeton artists at the time. In 1998, they appeared on DJ Dicky's album "No Fear 3." Their first full-length album, "Los Reyes del Nuevo Milenio," was released in 2000 and quickly put them on the charts, leading to tours across the Caribbean, Latin America, and the United States. Their subsequent albums, including "De Nuevos a Viejos" (2001), "Mi Vida... My Life" (2003), and "De Otra Manera" (2004), were all certified gold. A pivotal moment in their career came with the 2005 album "Pa'l Mundo," which achieved international success and peaked at number one on the Billboard Top Latin Albums chart. This album featured hit singles like "Rakata," "Llame Pa' Verte," and "Noche de Sexo."
International Consolidation
Following the success of "Pa'l Mundo," they established their own record label, WY Records. Their 2007 album, "Wisin vs. Yandel: Los Extraterrestres," featuring the hit single "Sexy Movimiento," further solidified their international stardom. Their 2009 release, "La Revolución," included a collaboration with American rapper 50 Cent and also reached number one on the Billboard Top Latin Albums chart. In 2009, they won the Latin American MTV Award for "Artist of the Year" and "Video of the Year." The duo became the first and only reggaeton artists to win a Grammy Award in 2009.
Hiatus and Solo Careers
In late 2013, after their "Líderes Tour," the duo announced a hiatus to pursue solo projects, though Yandel confirmed it was not a breakup. During this period, Wisin released solo albums such as "El Regreso del Sobreviviente" (2014) and "Victory" (2017). Yandel also found success with his solo work, including the album "De Líder a Leyenda" (2013). Despite the separation, they remained on good terms and occasionally collaborated on tracks.
Reunion and Recent Work
Wisin & Yandel officially reunited in February 2018, announcing a new world tour and music. Their comeback album, "Los Campeones del Pueblo / The Big Leagues," was released in December 2018. They followed this with their final studio album, "La Última Misión," in 2022, accompanied by a world tour of the same name.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout their career, Wisin & Yandel have sold over 15 million records. They have received numerous awards, including a Grammy Award, two Latin Grammy Awards, and multiple Billboard Latin Music Awards. In 2022, they were honored with the BMI President's Award for their contributions to Latin music.