The rapper will bring his music to the MassMutual Center on Friday at 8 p.m.
Pitbull Ironically, hip-hop artist Pitbull doesn't seem to know much about dogs, but he knows a lot about the image he wants to present to the public.
Pitbull, born Armando Perez, once said he chose the name because the dogs are "too stupid to lose," (in fact, pit bulls are very intelligent dogs) and that they are banned in some places. He felt their tenacity and outlaw image fit well with his own life, where he had to scrape and struggle from a very early age.
The rapper will bring his music to the MassMutual Center on Friday at 8 p.m. The show is sponsored by MGM Resorts International.
"One of the cornerstones of our MGM Springfield plan is to leverage our world-class entertainment relationships for the City of Springfield and it's great existing venues, including the MassMutual Center," Bill Hornbuckle, President of MGM Resorts and MGM Springfield, said. "We decided not to wait until we win the Western Massachusetts gaming license. Let's start now."
Pitbull was born in Miami, but after his mother kicked him out of the house during his teen years, he spent most of his those years with a foster family in Georgia. During high school he became intrigued with hip-hop, particularly the Notorious B.I.G. and Nas. After graduating he declined going on to college in order to pursue a career in rapping.
At the tender age of 21 he was already gaining notoriety, appearing as a guest artist on the album "Kings of Crunk" by Lil John and the Eastside Boyz.
Two years later he released his first album "M.I.A.M.I." (Money Is A Major Issue) on the TVT label. The album reached as high as number 14 on the Billboard hot 200, and featured his earlier mentor Lil John as well as Trick Daddy and Fat Joe. His second release in 2006, "El Mariel" made it to number 17 on the Billboard hot 200. In the meantime he is also toured with Eminem and 50 Cent on the Anger Management tour. Keeping busy, he released his third album, "The Boatlift," in 2007. It again featured guest artist Lil John, as well as Trina. He also debuted a variety show, "Pitbull's La Esquina" in May of that 2007 on the mun2 cable network. In December of that year he was arrested on drunk driving charges but was later acquitted.
In 2009, he issued his fourth album, "Rebelution," and was giving the key to the city for Miami in August. Going back to his roots, Pitbull released his first all Spanish-language album, "Armando," in November 2010. Not slowing down at all, he followed up that album with a 2011 release, "Planet Pit" and 2012's "Global Warning" which featured Shakira on the first single, "Get It Started."
Pitbull has also appeared in a handful of films, such as "Blood Money," "Epic" and "Jennifer Lopez: Dance Again." He also graced the small screen on television shows such as "Punk'd" and "Dancing with the Stars."
The rapper has also been nominated for dozens of music awards, and one has won several over the years. These include a Billboard music awards for top radio song in 2012 and several Billboard Latin Music awards in 2013, including one for song artist of the year, male.