Still making history and still receiving ‘first ever’ awards. There probably wasn’t a dry eye in the house and behind the TV screens (mine included) for the build up to Pitbull’s performance with history of his career and again when Pitbull made his acceptance speech at being awarded the first ever Latin AMA Dick Clark Achievement Award. An award that recognises not only the dedication to music by an artist but also the manner in which they use their position to positively influence and inspire those in need and see the bigger picture that comes with a sense of ‘social responsibility’ that comes with fame and fortune. That is not visible to all in a similar position.
Who better to present the award than Mr Worldwide’s serial partner in rhyme Enrique Iglesias. Congratulations Armando on receiving this award and all that you do to for the community and inspiration, motivation, leading by example in all contexts and the nature of which cascades over to fandom.
Pitbull performed a bumper pack of old and new songs including Don’t Stop The Party and a sneaky peaky at Boom Boom Muevelo (Boom Boom! Dale mamacita!) which I can’t wait to hear the rest of. It may be near Halloween but there were no tricks just treats as Pitbull and Fifth Harmony thrilled us with the premiere of the brand new sizzler Por Favor. Without further ado let’s get our teeth stuck into the new song!
Locked in from the intro with the strings plucking away throughout. Por Favor is a sultry, sexy, Spanglish sizzler with a ‘get in your head’ kind of rhythm. Even if you don’t know Spanish, as Pitbull has said in the old school days, Pitbull will ‘put the Spanish in you’ along with Fifth Harmony with ‘Por Favor’ and a chorus that anyone can join in and understand.
Call him Mr Education or call him Mr Crazy Sexy Cool (even beautiful, sexy, sophisticated!) Pitbull slips in another homage to TLC again and seems like Mr Worldwide is having a ‘Good Time’ on this track too as he opens up with “I already seen you, mami, need a TLC (yeah), And I ain't too proud to
beg just like TLC” Seeing another side in his rhymes of rather than HIM being in control and what he will do to being the one begging what and how he wants it done to him with “Por favor, mami, me lo merezco, pretty, please” How the power switches, and then back again. Always the gentleman with please and thank you, Armando Bond shows good manners don’t cost a thing and conversely it can sway him to do anything if you say Por Favor.
A bit of French kissing, bit of Paris, more innuendo’s
Pitbull fans, ven aqui! Without ANY spoilers on the emotional and moving MUST WATCH acceptance speech and Por Favor debut below (Telmundo). Loving the suit jacket Pitbull by the way!
"I’m from the Dirty(South) but that Chico nice” As I ride through the waves of social media I can almost ‘Feel This Moment’ where hearts of fans and those beyond melt. ‘Nice’ just doesn’t seem to be a word good enough to express the kindness of Mr 305- Worldwide who is allowing the use of his private plane to bring cancer patients from Puerto Rico into the USA for treatment.
Puerto Rico which has been devastated and hit very hard by the merciless Hurricane Irma, leaves majority of the island and of course including hospitals, with a lack of power. Donations of millions are fantastic but in steps Mr Worldwide who in my eyes may as well be wearing a cape with his suit to lend his jet to bring patients over for life saving treatments.
Pitbull tells the Daily News “Thank God we’re blessed to help. Just doing my part”
"Thank you @pitbull for lending your private plane to move cancer patients from PR to USA so that they can get chemo," Tweeted Puerto Rico congresswoman Jenniffer Gonzalez.
Humble, Kind, full of humanity and practical in his actions too. Armando doing it for the cause not for applause. Not making a song and dance or grand announcement - leave that to the fans who shout from the roof tops with pride! Could we be any more proud of Armando? Could we love him anymore ? Is that even possible? God bless Armando. Always giving back and in thoughtful, practical ways. Reaching goals, wealth and success is more meaningful when it's put to good use and helping others out as they say.
Pitbull is also a part of Somo Una Voz, set up by Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony with alliance of artists working together to send help where recent disasters have occurred. Visit SomosUnaVoz.com to find out more & how to donate.
Puerto Ricans in Paris, released on the 10th June of which 'Armando Christian Perez' better known to us fans as Pitbull is an Executive Producer.
The comedy film featuring Luis Guzman and Edgar Garcia who play undercover Puerto Rican New York cops that find themselves out of their element when they are summoned to Paris to find the criminal behind a theft of an exclusive designer bag blackmailing to create more counterfeit versions.
The film is more than a designer bag full of laughs and chuckles all the way through and even more funny and entertaining than I had originally anticipated from the trailers which were enough to hook me in. There were also a few 'Bad Boy' type of humour moments in tow with a lot of unexpected little side-twists and plots along side the main plot. Absolutely hilarious.
The story, twists, banter and jokes moved at a good fast pace with a good on-screen tongue-in-cheek chemistry between the two cops. It's almost as if Pitbull's humour, cheek and quick wit is coming through in the dialogue. However, there wasn't any blatant hints of any 'Pitbull' presence in producing the movie - there were no product placements or songs (until the end when the credits rolled up when Mami Mami featuring Fuego from Dale The Album popped up) or if at both ends of the film Executive Producer Armando Christian Perez was spotted. Armando spreads his wings into movie-land introducing his exceptional producing skills away from (even though I love that direction too) 'in your face' this is a Pitbull Production/ Producing and from a different angle.
Stick around till the end for uncut scenes for more laughs. A MUST watch film. A MUST watch more than once film! I will not spoil it with any more than the synopsis below. It's something to enjoy and discover for yourself! The film, directed by Ian Edelman also features Rosario Dawson and Rosie Perez check out the trailer and link below on how to watch.
Congratulations Armando on Executively Producing and being part of bringing us such a fun movie and looking forward to more films - Cubans in London perhaps?
(Thinking out loud "Heart is pure and his (Pitbull’s) head is very shiny" - wonder if Mr Worldwide get's a lot of bald head stroke requests too!)
Ramène-moi un sac Colette …Puerto Ricans in Paris? ..il est très amusant, hilarant! Et j’ai adore!!! ( I won't translate any numbers but what I meant was "Bring me Colette’s bag….Puerto Ricans in Paris?..It’s very funny and I love it!")
'This Hispanic comedy movie, executive produced by Pitbull and directed by Ian Edelman blends the corporate world of high-end fashion design and the action of police detectives. Starring Luis Guzman and Edgar Garcia as NYPD detectives that are requested to find a specially designed, pre-release purse that has been stolen in Paris. Rosario Dawson and Rosie Perez are our 2 heroes romantic partners adding in the flare of a romantic comedy while their detective personas bring in the flavor of an action movie with the comedic twist. Puerto Ricans in Paris is sure to make everyone laugh with the comedy antics of this great duo'
Seems Pitbull just 'Can't Get Enough' of Becky G so Ole Ola here we go again with another football (soccer) song! Produced by Dr Luke, Mr Worldwide with Becky G as guest vocals present us with the official Copa America 2016 song, Superstar.
A Becky G and Pitbull collaboration is fast becoming a favourite collaboration of mine. Becky G reminds me of a younger Pitbull 'vibe' and lyrical force.
Opening with his signature introduction "Mr Worldwide" and as always graciously introducing any collaborators, in this case " Becky G!" Amongst a stadium-filled cheering crowd atmosphere to draw us right into the centre of the pitch with the upbeat sounds about to hit our ears as Pitbull smacks us with encouragement and most likely also directed to the the players on the pitch "It's not how you fall it's how you get back up" Reflecting not only the spirit of the beautiful game but also his own life, attitude and values. A lyric which can also be heard on another favourite, off his Rebelution album, Can't Stop Me Now
Far from scoring an own goal, the song is full of Latin flavour which captures the fighting spirit and party essence yet with global audience appeal that is sure to hit right at the back of the net on radio stations globally - Goaaal!
The official song cover, produced by Monkey Pig Inc is simple, effective and catching where even the texture of the gold football jumps out of the picture. Superstar is expected to be available on online stores on the 27th May.
Click on the song cover to listen to the song exclusively at PitbullUpdates.com
On that note, Pitbull Fan Unleashed checking in - checking out, 16 Teams, 10 Cities, 2 Superstars, 1 song - Dale!
‘Javi Perez Road to Recovery 5K run/walk’ is in support of raising funds to aid the recovery of the Principal of South Dade Senior High School, Javier Perez who was unfortunately involved in a fatality with an SUV last month which left him in a very critical condition as a result. Principal Perez has made progress this week. However, there’s still a way to the road to full recovery and family, and friends and that includes a special person who also has education close to his heart, Pitbull, is on board and helping to promote the event with a special message to the principal.
Wishing Principal Perez a speedy recovery and all the best to everyone taking part in the event.
Keith Urban's Sun Don't Let Me Down produced by Nile Rodgers has Pitbull on board the track with his seductive and playful rhyme and tones. Country keeps pulling Pitbull back and I just love that! The song is featured on Keith Urban's latest album Ripcord - a ripcord defined as a cord pulled to open a parachute. Urban went straight in with the risk of different artist sounds with a Mr Worldwide collaboration amongst others and obviously the parachute opened with a pleasant sound as it glides through the sky to reach the ears of listeners worldwide. Sun Don't Let Me Down. Cross-Country, Cross-genres and Cross-ability to connect with different audiences.
Let's break it down further. There are four key similarities and connections which stand out between Keith Urban and Pitbull.
Firstly, as Keith Urban finishes a new song Gone Tomorrow (Here Today) for his latest album his thoughts are with his father and father-in-law who had passed, and although this song is not the Pitbull collaboration it demonstrates shared values between the two of living in the moment. As Sun Don't Let Me Down about feeling the moment too before the night ends.
Secondly, the direction in which Keith Urban was going with Ripcord of diverse sounds and collaborations rings true to what Pitbull does with his albums and music.
Thirdly, they both take risks with their music and diversity of collaborators.
Fourth, they both love a bit of Country!
Pitbull claims the intro and makes his presence on the track very clear with his signature introduction of the artist Keith Urban and himself Mr Worldwide, going on to "They say life is short so 'imma live it up. Tonight it's goin' down (just like in another one of his Country spins- Timber!) 'Till the sun comes up. Dale!"
Upbeat, feel-good, a little reflective. A little romantic twist from Keith's story and meaning behind the song "Sun Don't Let Me Down...she's almost in my arms right now" not wanting the night and moment to end so soon as sun needs to come up at some point. I hope the sun didn't let you down and you got the girl Keith!
I think there could be a pretty cool summer night party on the beach with fairy lights linking the tree's in the background. The video playing out Keith's story while Pitbull out having fun with the crowd dancing away and Voli Vodka flowing freely. Keith obviously get's the girl and then the sun rises in the background without letting him down and Pitbull? Well he's over somewhere pulling some hair after some 'truth or dare'! (where do I sign up for the video directors seat please?)
Life's short so please can somebody fill our cups too with "Voli, water and lime" while we listen to the song below too, what do you say #PitbullGirls?
Dale!
* Keith Urban & Pitbull Picture source: Getty Images/ Rolling Stone
Pitbull continues making history and creating disruption and we're not even halfway through the year!
Congratulations to Pitbull and all of Team Pitbull on their BIG wins at The Latin Music Awards. Not only taking the 305 but also taking LATIN worldwide. This is Dale the album and it's not only got a Grammy, it's got a few Latin Billboard Awards too! Great wins for Pitbull and Mr 305 inc artists Gente De Zona see links below for full lists.
Latin Rhythm Album of the Year: Pitbull, Dale The Album - WINNER
Latin Rhythm Albums Artist of the Year, Solo: Pitbull - WINNER
Pitbull Fan Unleashed Latin Rhythms Album Artwork Cover of the Year Award - WINNER Greg Watermann
Discovering some hidden gems around Miami where Voli can be found was an eye opener and a pleasure to find some of the ‘out of the norm’ places that Voli can be enjoyed off the usual track for a tourist. First and foremost I want to thank the whole Voli Vodka team and especially the incredible Voli Girl for taking me to some of the amazing places around Miami and for the great company and time I will always remember! Here’s some of the unmissable places to visit to enjoy Voli with a whole new experience every single time from one extreme to another. Be sure to have these places on your lists to visit next time you’re in Miami for the coolest VOcktails and VOLixes!
The Drunken Dragon - 1424 Alton Road in Miami Beach drunkendragon.com
First stop is The Drunken Dragon Restaurant. Known as the first Korean/barbecue restaurant on South Beach, walking by you would be easily forgiven for wondering if you had the correct address. The exterior of this little treasure has blacked out tinted windows with a big red sign as simply ‘Market’. Which leaves you a little baffled until you realise it’s actually the name of a Latin supermarket that used to be there before. However, once you open the door to this this gastro-pub/ cocktail place you’re greeted by a welcoming, dimmed and Asian inspired wooden themed ambience. Dine at the table or bar. The restaurant has a very impressive menu with a special vegan menu range.
With some bites of sweet and spicy Edamame beans and tofu especially made kindly by the chef for us, our cocktails came in copper style mugs. I was hooked on Drunken Dragon’s Voli inspired Tai Basil Mule in particular. Made from Voli Black this cocktail is infused with basil leaf with a strong lime and ginger beer infusion. Very quenching and I would strongly recommend this Voli cocktail to be sampled. You WILL be delighted! This exotic-themed drinking and dining restaurant with it’s talented, friendly and helpful mixologists at the bar could pretty much create a bespoke cocktail with a Voli Black – Just talk to the friendly bar staff on the kind of ‘taste’ you would like and let them work their magic for you.
Fox Hole Bar - 1218 14th Court Miami Beach FL 33139
Next up is the Fox Hole bar which is conveniently located just behind the Drunken Dragon with a little unmarked entrance behind the restaurant in an alley which makes the whole experience of Drunken Dragon and Fox Hole together fun and a little mysterious itself.
If you’re planning a night out, it’s a great idea to package these two up together on the ‘Voli Bar Crawl.' Pitbull loves his sport and this cool bar is very sports orientated with TV screens all over showing Live games, arcade areas with games machines. The place soon converts into a bar/club later on in the evenings. Visiting on a Monday, this place was already getting packed out in the early evening. Nice to watch some Live sports, listen to the banter between viewers and supporting sports teams in hand with a Volito – with that added splash of water of course!
The Basement Bar - 2901 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140 basementmiami.com
Enter the Edition Hotel. Elegant, sophisticated and demure. As we make our way through to the bar located in the basement which for obvious reasons is also named as The Basement Bar, we are catapulted into another universe!
Fun, edgy, a constant stream of fast and vibrant neon style colour changing effects with a Live DJ pumping out the tunes. Entertainers skating around dressed in tu-tu's to wigs and more. This bar come nightclub is something quite unique, quirky, surreal and freakish - and it's only a Monday night! As you look around in delight and amazement while enjoying a Voli mix directly opposite and virtually attached to the bar we have a bowling alley and to the left an ice skating rink lit up bright like it's Christmas every day.
Turning up the fun factor, the Voli Girl and I managed to get the amazing DJ of the night to play Pitbull's FREE.K for us and match the vibe.
Pump up the Voli with a disco vibe, Basement let’s you come as you are and simply have FUN while you're enjoying the smooth vodka however you want it. Get fun, creative, freaky with your Voli mix. This and more is exactly what The Basement Bar allows you to do and be!
This beautiful lounge and bar is situated in the heart if Calle Ocho. Lit up fairy-light esque style from the outside. This chilled bar has comedy and open mic sessions on a Tuesday. Atmosphere on the night was very chilled and enjoyable and it's easy to get lost, sink back and relax in the ambiance and enjoy the jazz, blues and Live world music it’s fun and friendly Live band has to offer. But not relaxed to the extent you'll just want to chill. Believe me, you'll be tapping away your toes, feeling the rhythm and want to get up and dance to the music.
Beautiful Cuban art on the walls and Voli decor all over the bar. From Voli black bottles lined up on the shelves to the rubber bar mat's lining bar top to bar end. Voli napkin and straw holders, cocktail mixers to a huge lime/lemon holder case. But the best for customers is a portable Voli phone charger - enjoy the Voli, atmosphere while your phone charges! This bar is Voli-fied to the max. My favourite tipple at Club Havana is a mojito made with Voli Black. Intense, refreshing and exhilarating from the very first sip! A MUST visit and drink!
Thank you again to the wonderful Voli Girl and all of Team Voli for taking me off the grid, opening my eyes and palate to another side of Miami and experience other ways to enjoy Voli Vodka. I strongly recommend Voli fans worldwide to have the above venues on their hit list to visit on their next Voli Crawl when in Miami and indulge in these variety of 'Voli Hot Spots' and appreciate the different vibes but same great vodka each one has to offer. Enjoy!
Don't forget to check out the links below for more inspiration until you get to Miami!
I went, I saw, I fell in love with Mango's Orlando even more.
The Grand Opening in Orlando was a spectacular event. Greeted by an avenue of gorgeous Mango's dancing showgirls with headpieces and feather boas either side welcoming us into the venue dancing away to hot Latin music getting visitors warmed up and energetic before they've reached the grand area inside. Followed instantly by a beautiful Mango's lady with a tray of vodka shots filled with Pitbull's very own brand, Voli Vodka. A special line and creation of a unique signature, and appropriately named simply as 'Mango's Voli Vodka' with a blend of coconut and of course, mango! In line with the original Mango's South Beach 25th anniversary.
There was a clear and strong presence of Voli from the start who along with Pitbull have strong ties with Mango's Tropical Cafe. From backdrops, the striking Mango's Voli Vodka bottles, shot glasses, the new elegant, suave and smoothly polished Voli commercial/promo video featuring Pitbull on screens nearby to a current Voli promotional stand up life size cut-out of Mr Worldwide himself on display.
The Voli charisma continued inside with the commercial/promo video shown on screens throughout the venue and merchandise from Dale Voli hats, unique shot glasses on table through to the menu which featured the very 'moreish', sweet and sophisticated winning cocktail of the 2015 Ultimate Miami Bartender Competition - The Voli Banana Martini "A La Juan" concocted by Mango's bartender Juan Sosa.
It was a delight to watch the extremely talented and gorgeous salsa dancers give a dazzling performance to a catchy and uplifting theme tune which does and is very welcome to linger around in the head long after the performance and day is over "Come Fall In Love, Come Fall In Love, Come Fall In Loooove ..With Mango's" a perfect fit with Mango's signature slogan "Come Fall In Love"
The grand central area features a platform for a Live band with the majestic staircases either side of the performance area. Mango's is always a guaranteed place for a captivating experience. A night full of high energy performances back to back with continuous salsa performers, gorgeous guys wearing six-packs to the show stopping and breathtaking performances of the Michael Jackson impersonator who not only looked but also danced liked the late King of Pop to the point. Thrilling the crowd and driving it wild with his moves, smoke and other special effects taking the energy in the place to the next level.
The treats didn't stop there. A special Live performance by Pitbull percussionist and sensational artist Papayo who performed 'Echa Pa'lla - Manos Pa'arriba' for which Papayo and Pitbull walked away with a Latin Grammy award for their collaboration under the Best Urban Performance categoty at the 14th Latin Grammy Awards. A song which also involved songwriter, producer and Pitbull's DJ from back in the day, DJ Buddha. Papayo wowed the crowd with more of his hits such as Si Te Agarro featuring Pitbull's official DJ Chino and Fito Blanko of Mr Worldwide's very own label Mr 305 Inc of which Papayo is also under. Papayo also sang his own unique Latin spin on Cheerleader. Papayo was accompanied by Miami's hottest Latin DJ, Voli Vodka Ambassador who can also be heard on Pitbull's Globalization station on SiriusXM, the extremely talented DJ Africa on the decks.
The Mango's Orlando interior is just as breathtaking as it's illuminating exterior. Already one of America's largest clubs in the country at 55,000 square feet. The venue is HUGE along with its central staircase and performance area also includes an upstairs for dining, drinking whichever takes your fancy. A balcony over looking International Drive and Vodou Lounge to dance along or chill to hip hop, reggaeton and more.
Bar tops detailed with unique and vibrant mosaic designs to aquatic motion fish images through submarine style window screens behind bar areas to enchant even more.
It was a pleasure and honour to meet Joshua Wallack (Chief Operating Officer) and David Wallack (owner) and watch a heartwarming father and son speech along with plentiful of other industry speeches made. Thank you Joshua and David for taking the time to chat and congratulations on such a wonderful concept and place. A very special thank you also to the Voli Vodka team without whom I would not be able to be there to see this wonderful event. A huge thank you to the Mango's team in Orlando and South Beach for having me, truly an honour to be at such an incredible place, event and personal favourite organisation and all that it represents. There's something for everyone at Mango's Tropical Cafe.
It's been a joy to watch the development and construction of this beautiful giant through the eyes of social media and how magnificent Mango's Orlando has grown. The non stop captivating performances left me in awe. This along with the cuisine, drinks, friendly staff, dancers and overall team with the ambiance, decor, and tropical Latin paradise feel is simply genius and an absolute MUST to experience and allow oneself to be caught in Mango's magnetic charm and infectious energy.
Check out more of the pics and videos below from the event below.
Thank you, enjoy and dale!
With Antonio Laracuente (VP Operations Mango's Orlando) & The NEW Mango's Voli
Having teamed up with Visit Florida last month as a partner and ambassador, Pitbull goes with the tourist board from Florida to Fulham. Always one for 'sharing and caring' Mr Worldwide spreads some sunshine into London with Visit Florida as the main sponsor of London's oldest football
Club- Fulham FC (soccer to my friends across the pond!)
Earlier Pitbull tweeted a photo of the Fulham kit with the number 305 (obviously!) on the back as a thank you to the club.
Joining up the dots for those scratching their heads at the Putney End and outside the club trying to working out what, why, how at this sponsorship could even be conceived? Fulham FC's owner and Chairman Shahid Khan is also the owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars - Florida which is also his home and so seems like a natural alliance. (See what Shahid Khan and Chief Marketing Officer of Visit Florida Paul Phipps had to say about the sponsorship deal by clicking on the link below and find out more about Fulham Football Club)
See the Visit Florida distinctive blue logo on the players home, away and third kit- whether you're freezing and supporting the home team from the Riverside, Hammersmith or Johnny Haynes Stand as a reminder to book that holiday to a warm and sunny Florida where as Pitbull says are full of 'sexy beaches! Hotels!' There will also be presence of Visit Florida on the roof of Fulham FC's home and stadium Craven Cottage at it's Riverside Stand end as well as on the landing approach from London’s Heathrow Airport.
In a twist to Mr Worldwide's lyrics "cooler than a polar bears toenails..come play with the big (London) boys in the Premier League!"
Good luck to the Cottagers and Lilywhites on Tuesday against the Wolves!
So the question now is where to put Pitbull? Goalie? midfield, defence, forward? (Do we need to explain the offside rule?)
