Early life
Ivy Queen was born in Añasco, Puerto Rico. When she was young, Queen's parents moved to New York, where she was raised. She did not finish high school, reaching eleventh grade in the mainland United States, and studied music at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center.Musical career
1995–99: The Noise, ''En Mi Imperio'' and ''The Original Rude Girl''
When she was 18, Ivy Queen moved to San Juan, where she met rapper and producer DJ Negro. In 1995, Queen joined an all-male Puerto Rican group called the Noise, at the invitation of DJ Negro. The group became part of the emerging reggaeton scene. DJ Negro began producing a series of CDs centered around the Noise. Ivy Queen made her first appearance on the fifth installment of the CD series on a track called "Somos Raperos Pero No Delincuentes". She became tired of the violent and sexual themes often used in reggaeton, and wished to write about a wider variety of subjects. DJ Negro convinced Queen to go solo, and in 1997 she recorded her first solo album, '' En Mi Imperio''which featured the hit single " Como Mujer"for Sony Discos. In 1998, Queen launched her second album, ''The Original Rude Girl''which featured Don Chezina, Alex D'Castro, and Domingo Quiñonesand worked with1999–2004: ''Diva'' and ''Real''
In 2003, Ivy Queen released '' Diva'', her third studio album. It spawned hit singles including "Quiero Bailar". The album is considered to have been important for exposing reggaeton to a mainstream audience in 2004. After the success of the albumwhich was certified platinum by the RIAA, Ivy Queen released a platinum edition of ''Diva'' in 2004. The platinum edition was nominated for "Reggaeton Album of the Year" at the 2005 ''Billboard'' Latin Music Awards. "Quiero Bailar", the album's lead single, became the first Spanish-language track to reach number one on the Rhythmic Top 40 chart of Miami's WPOWan American radio station that does not usually play Spanish music. Queen's fourth studio album, '' Real'', was originally planned to be her first full-length English language album after she received contract offers from several record labelsincluding Sony. Queen said that it was a good opportunity to reach other markets, and in particular the competitive market of English rap. Sony's offer to record an English-language album came after they noticed that her previous Sony albums were being heard in London, thanks to the success of ''Diva''. The album included collaborations with artists including2005–07: ''Flashback'' and ''Sentimiento''
In 2005, Ivy Queen partnered with José Guadalupeco-founder of Perfect Image Recordsto form the record label Filtro Musik. Later that year, Univision Records signed Filtro Musik to promote Ivy Queen's fifth studio album '' Flashback'' (2005). This ensured that the album was positioned in Latin and mainstream accounts that would normally not carry Latin product. Queen's first compilation album '' The Best of Ivy Queen'', consisting of tracks from ''Diva'' and ''Real'', was released the same year. On October 29, 2005, she released '' Flashback'', which contained the singles " Cuéntale", " Libertad", and " Te He Querido, Te He Llorado". At the 2006 ''Billboard'' Latin Music Awards, ''Flashback'' was nominated for "Reggaeton Album of the Year" for a second consecutive year. The following year, Ivy Queen, and Gran Omar presented the reggaeton and hip hop compilation album ''Cosa Nostra: Hip Hop''. She later appeared on the Spanish-language recording of the2008–10: ''Ivy Queen 2008 World Tour LIVE!'' and ''Drama Queen''
In 2008, Queen released the single " Dime", which was featured on her first live album '' Ivy Queen 2008 World Tour LIVE!''. In April 2010, she was signed to Machete Music. The signing, described as a 360 deal, includes profit sharing in tours, sponsorships and merchandising. Univision Records, was acquired by Machete's parent company Universal Music Latin Entertainment in 2008. Walter Kolm, president of2011–2021: ''Musa'', ''Vendetta'', Raiz No Rama Tour
On August 21, 2012, Queen's eighth studio album '' Musa'' was released. It debuted and peaked at number 15 on the ''Billboard'' Top Latin Albums chart. She said that spending two years away from the media has helped her emotionally and mentally. She also said that the album is "very mature and complete", because although her style is urban and reggaeton it also features fusions of rhythms and instruments with their own styles. The album managed a nomination for Best Urban Music Album at the Latin Grammy Awards of 2013. It was announced in September 2013, that Queen had changed management and returned with Jorge "Goguito" Guadalupe, president and co-founder of Filtro Musik, to release her ninth studio album, entitled '' Vendetta'' in February 2014. Following the birth of her first biological child, Queen then announced that she would embark on a U.S. tour entitled the " Viva Puerto Rico Tour". The tour, launched on January 29, 2014, included performances at various gay clubs in cities of the United States and Puerto Rico, such as New York, Orlando, Miami, Houston, Seattle, San Francisco, San Diego, Atlanta, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Tampa, and Ponce. Queen's ninth studio album was released on February 3, 2015. An extended play version of the album was released on December 9, 2014. The studio album version was originally announced for a release in February 2014, and later some time in 2014. The extended play version of the album, entitled '' Vendetta: First Round'', includes the first four singles from the album: " Soy Libre", "Vamos A Guerrear", "Naci Para Amarte", and the title track "Vendetta", on disc one. Disc two features a DVD with the music videos to these songs as well as a forty-five-minute documentary of the making of the album. Upon its release, it managed to debut at number thirty on the ''Billboard'' Latin Albums chart and number five on the ''Billboard'' Latin Rhythm Albums chart for the week of December 27, 2014. The album is composed of four separate simultaneously released albums, in the genres of urban, hip hop, bachata and salsa. Each releases contains eight songs musically devoted to the specific genre. The urban releases features2023-present: Tenth studio album, continued recognition
In September 2023, Queen held her first concert in Puerto Rico in 15 years. In 2024, Queen became the first reggaeton artist to headline a concert at the Carnegie Hall. In 2025, an Afrobeats — “Casi Casi” was released, the first in a series of singles to ultimately culminate with the release of her tenth studio album. Queen describes the album as a release for all generations of her fans.Musical style
Musical style
Queen's musical style is classified as reggaetonan urban genre with roots in Latin and Caribbean music.Lyrics and messaging
Queen said that to stand out in the male-dominated world of reggaeton, she would have to deliver a strong point of view from a female perspective, saying, "God blessed me with a powerful voice. It is not feminine. It is not masculine. It is just a thick voice." Queen also stated that her achievements are all due to the fact that she is an artist who, "always [has] something to say, something to contribute. [She] never came with empty rhythm or lyrics. [Men saw that] the girl that could write and sing and go to the platform and kill, as we say". She created music people's bodies could move to but was consistent in standing her ground and standing for agency and women empowerment. Instead of the vulgar lyrics common in reggaeton, Queen prefers to sing about defending women while touching on themes of social political matters, homosexuality, racism, love and heartbreak. Queen says she writes songs that "put bad men in their places or stand up for the single mothers". In "Que Lloren" she discusses romance from a woman's perspective while belittling the stereotype that men shouldn't cry or show emotions. In "Quiero Bailar" she "berates a lover who thinks that just because they dance she is automatically going to bed with him". According to Ivy, men commonly misinterpret consent to dance with sexual interest within reggaeton dance culture. Since beginning her career, Queen has wanted to create and compose songs "that have some kind of subject matter" so that people understand the concept and message. "Mi Barrio" is a socio-political charged song which criticizes "the problems present in Añasco, Puerto Rico". Queen compared the song to "Corazones" by Daddy Yankee from his album ''Barrio Fino''.Legacy
According to Jon Pareles of the ''New York Times'', Queen is the "only significant female reggaeton rapper". She is known as the "Queen of Reggaeton" in the traditionally male-dominated genre. She is also known "La Diva", "La Potra", "La Caballota", and "La Reina". She has become the "indisputable lead female voice of Latin urban and reggaeton music [and] an international icon for Latin music itself." She has been referred to as a "trailblazer" within the genre of Reggaetón. About.com named Queen one of the ten most influential women in Latin music in the category Reggaeton/Hip-Hop while selecting ''Sentimiento'' as Queen's best album. In 2007, a book about Queen's success and rise to success as a hip hop artist was released. In 2006, at the 2006 Premios Juventud, third annual Premios Juventud, Queen was presented with the Diva Award, honoring Queen for her career. In 2013, ''Latina'' named Queen the best Latina rapper of all time. In 2016, the magazine listed Queen as one of the best reggaeton artists of all time. In 2017, Queen was nominated to be inducted into the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame. She was inducted in 2019. In 2021, she was awarded the Urban Icon Award, in recognition of her musical achievements and inspiration on the Latin urban music genre, which was presented by the Latin Urban Music Conference in Colombia. In 2023, Queen was presented with the Musical Legacy Award at the Premio Lo Nuestro 2023, 35th Lo Nuestro Awards, becoming the first female artist to be recognized with the award. This award is typically awarded to "artists whose musical legacy and contributions have largely influenced their respective genres." That same year, at Billboard Women in Music, Queen was recognized with the Icon Award, "given to accomplished women who have made historic contributions to the music industry." Later that year, Billboard ranked the 50 best Spanish-language rappers of all time, ranking Queen at number 8 on the list. Later that year, at the inaugural Rolling Stone en Español Awards, Queen was presented with the Legacy Award, recognizing her musical career.Influenced artists
Reggaetón duo Jowell & Randy cite Queen as one of their musical influences. Queen is also a musical influence for Colombian singer Farina (singer), Farina, Dominican singer Natti Natasha, American singer Mariah Angeliq, Colombian singers Karol G and Kali Uchis, Mexican singer Bellakath, Spanish singers Bad Gyal and Rosalía, Puerto Rican rappers Bad Bunny, Villano Antillano, Young Miko and American rappers Bia (rapper), Bia and Cardi B.Philanthropy
Queen is a spokeswoman for the cancer charity Susan G. Komen for the Cure because her mother is a cancer survivor. Queen was involved in a charity marathon run in Puerto Rico called "Carrera por una Cura" ("Run for a Cure"). The marathon in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in which celebrities such as Puerto Rican actress Adamari López, and Puerto Rican singer Kany Garcia among others, ran for the prevention and cure of cancer. The marathon was dedicated to Adamari López, who suffered from breast cancer in 2007. In 2012, then-California governor Jerry Brown designated June 10 as "Ivy Queen day" in West Hollywood for her work advocating LGBT rights. In 2021, Queen performed at the official Latino inaugural celebration for US president Joe Biden.Other media
Queen has been writing her autobiography, ''Detrás Del Glamour'' (Behind Glamour), since late-2007. She said that she is writing it "because people see me but don't know what I've been through." She said the book will detail her life and the hardships she has lived through, including being homeless and not having food to eat while she pursued her musical career. In December 2009, Ivy Queen launched a reggaeton doll. It was named "Queenie" and featured Queen's signature, long fingernails, and was manufactured by Global Trading Partners. The doll came with a recording device containing remixes of Queen's songs including "Menor Que Yo", "Que Lloren", and "Cuéntale". A case with accessories was also included. Queen made her acting debut in February 2012 in the Spanish-language production of Eve Ensler's play "The Vagina Monologues" staged in Orlando, Florida.In other music
In 2006, Puerto Rican singer Don Omar referenced Queen on the track "Jangueo" from his second studio album, ''King of Kings (Don Omar album), King of Kings''. Also in 2006, Dominican rapper Redimi2 mentioned Queen on "Declaró", featured on the Los Bandoleros Reloaded, reloaded edition of Omar's 2005 album ''Los Bandoleros (album), Los Bandoleros''. Later in 2009, Omar mentioned Queen on "Hasta Abajo (Don Omar song), Hasta Abajo", a promotional single for his 2010 album, ''Meet the Orphans''. In 2016, Almighty referenced Queen on the remix of Benny Benni's "Power" which also featured Daddy Yankee, Ozuna, Anuel AA, Pusho, D Ozi, Gotay El Auténtico, Alexio and Kendo Kaponi. That same year, Tego Calderon referenced her on "Muy Pocas", a collaboration with Yaga & Mackie, Mackie. In 2017, American rapper Travis Scott referenced Queen on the remix of Puerto Rican singerLoud: The History of Reggaeton
In August 2021, Queen narrated the Spotify Studios podcast ''Loud: The History of Reggaeton.'' The podcast explores the roots of reggaeton in Panama and Puerto Rico. It also discusses the genre's current global success.Personal life
Ivy Queen was married to fellow reggaeton singer Omar Navarro, known by his stage name Gran Omar. They were divorced in 2005. Queen said she never found Omar in the act of adultery, and said that if she had, she would be in La Vega Altaa women's prison in Puerto Rico. She also said she had not physically assaulted Omar's alleged mistress. She stated they had not lived together for two months, citing the "extensive travels of her husband and his workload of being a producer" as causes of the end of the nine-year marriage. A year after their separation, Omar said that Queen had tricked him, and that she owed him money from the sales and production of the album ''Cosa Nostra: Hip-Hop'', which they presented together because of their obligations and contract with Univision. Jorge GuadalupeIvy Queen's managerinvited Omar to take legal action. Guadalupe called Omar "someone who misses the money and the high-life" he had while he was married to Queen. No legal action was taken, however. Omar appeared on television station Telefutura's program ''Escandalo TV, Escándalo TV'' and accused Queen of being unfaithful in their marriage. Queen however, denied the claims. Queen was in a relationship with DJ Urba from mid-2006 to the end of 2007. In 2010, after Queen invited American actor Vin Diesel to attend 2010 Premios Juventud, it was rumored they were in a relationship together. She told ''Escándalo TV'' that there was no romance between them and that they were just good friends. Ivy Queen has said she identifies with "Menor Que Yo"a song where she was "talking about reality when she wrote it"in her personal life. She said the song is about what happens to a lot of women. "I was talking about reality when I wrote it. About what happens to a lot of women. I think that there's no age requirement for two people who love each other. It's mostly about how people react when they see a mature woman who's with a younger man ... They think it's for money. They never think that there might be a connection, chemistry. She later said "Sentimientos" was the song that best represented her at that time, saying, " ... if you think you can only conquer me if you're famous, rich and have an expensive car, you're wrong, because I'm a woman who needs affection, someone to open the door for me, to bring me flowers and sing to me." Queen does not drink alcohol. She said that although she quit high school after fourth year (eleventh grade), she graduated from the academy "Street" with a Bachelor of Life and honors. She said her vocabulary is "that of the street", and that if she could do something other than singing she would go to college. Queen married Puerto Rican choreographer Xavier Sánchez in late 2012. She announced in June 2013 that the couple were expecting their first child. Before becoming naturally pregnant, Queen adopted two Latino children. She revealed her baby bump at the Calibash 2013 concert which was headlined by R&B singer Chris Brown. The baby was born in November 2013. In 2024, Queen announced that she had separated from her husband. In June 2016, Queen's father died of pulmonary cancer.Discography
Studio albums
*1997: '' En Mi Imperio'' *1998: '' The Original Rude Girl'' *2003: '' Diva'' *2004: '' Real'' *2005: '' Flashback'' *2007: '' Sentimiento'' *2010: '' Drama Queen'' *2012: '' Musa'' *2015: '' Vendetta''Awards and nominations
Filmography
Film and television
Guest appearances
See also
*List of Puerto Ricans *History of women in Puerto RicoReferences
External links