Western Union, teamed up with Latin Grammy-award winner, Daddy Yankee on Thursday afternoon in New York City's super- stylish Trump Soho Hotel to announce "Love in Any Language", a national campaign to help consumers express their love for family, friends, and loved ones. "Love in Any Language" enables consumers to upload their own original song and music video and the opportunity to win $10,000.
Wearing Christian Louboutin sneakers, a buttery brown leather jacket, black jeans, and dark shades Daddy Yankee had a one-on-one interview with the New York Fashion Examiner regarding the Western Union campaign, his upcoming movie projects, his recent weight loss, Chris Brown, politics, and his absolute love of fashion.
Last year, Daddy Yankee was named the "Urban Latin Artist of the Decade" by Billboard Magazine. With over 8 million records sold, he has been named as one of the most influential celebrities in the world. The native of Puerto Rico has over 6 million fans on Facebook and over 1 million followers on Twitter.
Daddy Yankee states during the launch of the campaign:
"Western Union and Love in Any Language is music to my ears. Consumers of all ages across the U.S. have an opportunity to be creative and resourceful using their talent while anyone interested to express and share their love through original songs and lyrics and share it with the world."
In discussing the Love in Any Language campaign, Daddy Yankee tells to the New York Fashion Examiner:
"We use the music to unify the whole world and the United States...that's beautiful." In a very relaxed voice the innovative artist continues,"...I've done songs for my mother. But, love has to be involved in the song (for Western Union)."
Married since age 17, we asked DY what is the key to a great relationship, he states:
"Be sincere....be sincere. Everybody's intelligent. You can lie to a woman and a woman can lie to a man. At the end of the day, everybody' will know what's going on."
While starring on the Bold and the Beautiful in 2010, Daddy Yankee admits to me that he doesn't really watch soaps. And he surely doesn't have the time...he is founder of his own record label, El Cartel Records, working on a new album to be released this year, and has an upcoming movie that will begin shooting at the end of the year, in which he will play a boxer. The thinner-than-usual, but handsome, Daddy Yankee says:
"I've dropped, like, 35 pounds for the character and I have to drop like 25 more...so it's gonna be a little bit of a sacrifice. I love acting and that's why I'm doing it, I love that process."
In regard to his 2008 public endorsement of then-Presidential candidate, John McCain, we asked DY if he would endorse Donald Trump for President if he runs.
"I'm not talking about politics anymore, but I'm a man of ideals and I respect everybody's ideas and I love democracy."
Noting his reluctance to discuss political issues, we coyly say:
"Well, Trump says he may run...so I thought I'd ask." He replies smiling, "One thing I will say is...he will be interesting!"
Telling DY, I noted his Louboutin sneakers, which I personally am in love with despite their $995 price tag. He tells me,
"I'm a man of fashion, I love fashion. I'm always involved in fashion. Fashion and music they are like twins, they go together, hand-in-hand."
Asking the Latin Artist of the Decade about his favorite designers, he lights up, eyes smiling behind his shades, stating,
"Oh, my God, I have so many! From Louboutin, from Gucci, from Dolce, from Italy, from different places, even things that cost $35, they all look stylish. It all depends on the style. It's not the money, it's the look."
Feeling on strong ground again, I ask what he thinks about the Chris Brown/Good Morning America issue that happened earlier in the week. He gets reluctant and tells me,
"Nah...I like Chris Brown, he's a great kid. That's all I gotta say...Chris is cool people."
The Love in Any Language contest is sponsored by Western Union and they will chose 10 finalists after public voting ends, so encourage your family, friends from Facebook, and Twitter to vote for contestants. From the 10 finalists, final judging will be made for one grand prize winner. The Grand Prize winner will receive $10,000 and appear at the 2011 Billboard Latin Music Conference in Miami on April 27th! Go to www.loveinanylanguage.com to enter!
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