Though he’s now the mastermind of Latin-infused party anthems, the life of rapper Armando “Pitbull” Perez hasn’t always been celebration and good times. Born to Cuban exiles, he grew up surrounded by the instability of a father who dealt cocaine and a mother who worked as a stripper. After surviving foster care and being kicked out of his mother’s house at age sixteen, Pitbull knew that he wanted to pursue his dream of being a rapper. While recording and performing in Miami, the infamous Rites of Spring alum, Lil Jon, happened upon his track “Oye.” Now, with Lil Jon as a mentor and various hits climbing the charts, Pitbull is stepping out. His music combines racy Spanish lyrics with clever rhymes.

Songs you know and love:

“I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)”