Daddy Yankee and Nicky Jam have an excellent relationship today, both work and personal, but it wasn’t always like this. This is the story of his epic battle in 2004.
Daddy Yankee began his musical career at age 13 and, in the late ’90s, met Nicky Jam through DJ Playero. They formed the duo Los Cangris, creating several hits such as “En la Cama” and “Where Are the Gatas”. However, Nicky Jam, affected by addictions and legal problems, was difficult to handle. This led to the duo’s breakup in 2002.
In 2004, both released solo albums: “Barrio Fino” by Daddy Yankee and “Vida Escante” by Nicky Jam. “Barrio Fino” was a monumental success, while “Vida Escante” was moderately successful. In his song “Santifica Tus Escapularios,” Daddy Yankee launched subliminal attacks against Nicky Jam, who responded with a tiradera using the “Lean Back” beat. Daddy Yankee did not respond lyrically, but used his influence to prevent Nicky Jam from participating in events where he was also present.
Nicky Jam sank deeper into his addictions and walked away from music, resurfacing five years later in Colombia. He acknowledged his fault in the breakup and that Daddy Yankee tried to help him. In 2015, they reconciled and today they are great friends, remembering their successes together as Los Cangris.
