Daddy Yankee, or DY as of recently, is splashing into summer with the joyous, soon-to-be anthem “Sonríele,” which he released on Thursday (July 10).
Marking his first release under HYBE Latin America, a division of HYBE — the company behind BTS, KATSEYE, SEVENTEEN and ENHYPEN — the merengue track is both infectious and uplifting, with DY offering a message of resilience. “Give me a smile,” he sings over a hip-swiveling beat. “Smile at life that joy cures the soul/ Give thanks to the one above for waking up another day and the bad things leave.”
With that a spiritual and hopeful outlook, DY continues his commitment to dedicate his life to Christianity after announcing his retirement from reggaeton in 2022. “This isn’t about a comeback. It’s about connection,” the Puerto Rican hitmaker said about “Sonríele” in a statement. “Life’s not perfect, but we have to smile through it. This song was born from what we live every day — it’s my way of telling people not to give up, to appreciate the little things and never let anyone take their joy away.”
“Sonríele” was preceded by a teaser featuring actor Anthony Ramos, who asks Daddy Yankee if he’s ready, to which he replies, “I’m back.” After spearheading the reggaetón movement with his 2004 breakthrough hit “Gasolina,” DY announced he was “retiring” in 2022, although since he’s released a handful of singles, including “Loveo” and most recently, “En El Desierto.”
The song’s music video was recorded across three locations, including including New York City’s Bushwick neighborhood, where DY once lived and allowed him to “reconnect with the streets that shaped him and the memories of his humble beginnings,” according to a press release.
Watch the “Sonríele” music video below:
