Don Omar and Daddy Yankee have put an end to their years-long feud and rivalry, and have made peace.
In separate posts on social media, the two reggaeton titans expressed appreciation for one another and acknowledged the significant role each has played in globalizing the genre. Don Omar was the first to share a lengthy post on Instagram on Tuesday (Dec. 12), just days after Yankee gave his farewell show in Puerto Rico after announcing his retirement and that he was dedicating his life to Christianity.
“Today we close the book that kept the best chapters of our controversial rivalry,” the “Dale Don Dale” singer wrote. “Thank you for your words and for listening to mine that came from the heart as well. I wish you the best for you and your family. Thank you for your competitiveness and admirable discipline but even more thank you for what you did for our music.”
He continued: “Thank you for collaborating and for competing because I did it with a titan. I keep the good memories, the laughs, the dreams together and the desire for a last round with such a great adversary. We will meet again soon because I owe you a hug and thank you in person. In the meantime, long live King Daddy.”
Most recently, Don Omar announced his return to the stage with an ambitious U.S. tour. Back to Reggaetón, produced by CMN, is set to kick off in March. Shortly after Don Omar shared the post to his more than nine million followers, Yankee also offered heartfelt words toward the artist, with whom he had on-and-off feuds throughout his decades-long career.
“William, thank you for giving us both the opportunity to speak to each other from the bottom of our hearts,” Yankee began. “Don Omar, you have also done great things for this genre and within the rivalry as you rightly say that divided us, today I feel calm to know that that is behind us, and we are an example that we may have differences but there will always be room for forgiveness. You have also been a great adversary and I will never cease to recognize all that you have also done for our movement.”
Yankee ended by saying he felt “calm and at peace” knowing that they were leaving behind the controversies that often pitted the two against each other. “I hope that our last round will be against the enemy of souls, battling together in the army of the Lord! I wait for you on this side! God bless you, your family and all your faithful followers.”
In 2016, the two sat down — for the first time ever — for a Mano a Mano panel at the Latin Music Week conference. While there was little interaction between the two, Don and Yankee were polite to each other and took turns answering questions from Billboard‘s Leila Cobo.
Despite the rivalry and all, the pair still collaborated with each other throughout the years. In 2003 they released “Gata Gangster” and “La Noche Está Buena” with Hector “El Father.” Two years later, they unleashed “Yo Soy de Aquí” and, in 2020, the “Hasta Abajo Remix.” In 2016, duo also went on a co-headlining tour together.
