Tempo

Tempo, born David Sánchez Badillo on September 25, 1977, in Ponce, Puerto Rico, is a pioneering figure in reggaeton and Latin hip-hop, known for his commanding lyricism and impact on the genre. He began writing rap lyrics at age 11 and emerged in the 1990s with hits like "Figura de Campeona" and collaborations with DJ Playero and Mexicano 777. His albums Game Over (1999) and New Game (2000) achieved gold certification, solidifying his status as a leading voice in Puerto Rican music. In 2002, Tempo released Éxitos, a greatest hits album, but his career faced a turning point with his arrest and 11-year incarceration for drug-related charges. Despite his imprisonment, he remained relevant, releasing Free Tempo (2009), which featured hits like "Deja Que Hable el Dembow" with Wisin y Yandel and earned a Latin Grammy nomination. Upon his release in 2013, Tempo re-entered the music scene with the mixtape Free Music and a headline concert at the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum. Subsequent projects like Back to the Game (2018) and the Tempo es Tempo EP series (2020-2023) showcased his resilience and dedication to the craft, cementing his legacy as a controversial yet iconic figure in Latin urban music.