Pitbull, a Cuban American pop star and rapper of the moment, will perform at the Dubai World Trade Centre at the end of next month.
The artist is no stranger to the UAE, having performed at Yas Island's Skybar in 2010 as part of celebrations surrounding the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix. His star has risen significantly since then, sparked by the release of Planet Pit last June. His most mainstream offering to date, the album produced the chart topper Give Me Everything, featuring Neyo. Pitbull currently has three tunes on Top 40 charts on both sides of the Atlantic: Back in Time, featured on the Men in Black III soundtrack, Dance Again, a collaboration with Jennifer Lopez, as well as International Love, produced with Chris Brown.
Although last year's album - and those high-profile collaborations - propelled Pitbull to stardom, the 31-year-old has been making music for eight years. His early albums exhibited a thuggish flavour, closer to gangster rap, with songs centred on his home city of Miami, with tracks including 305 Anthem and Defend Dade. His star began to rise as he hooked up with crossover hip-hop stars, including Lil Jon and P Diddy, and found both a comfortable and profitable fit with the club-inspired sounds.
Pitbull also traded his once-local outlook for a global view - he rebranded himself from Mr 305 to Mr Worldwide and ditched his former wear of Cuban flag inspired jerseys for tailored suits - while retaining his ear for a catchy hook and witty punch lines. As he quips in Give Me Everything, his career is now "locked-up like Lindsay Lohan."
Pitbull is performing at the Dubai World Trade Centre on June 29. Ticket details have yet to be released.
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