News: Pitbull Gets Political On Sophomore Album El Mariel

With the new album, named after the infamous Cuban boatlift that relocated almost 125,000 cubanos to Florida, Pitbull is determined to make the biggest impact a Latino has made in hip-hop since Big Pun. Inspired by one of the most dramatic events in Cuban history, El Mariel is overflowing with enlightening gems, rap ballads and club bangers.

After the success of his gold-selling debut, M.I.A.M.I., the music community was having a difficult time placing a label on Pit.

"They have this misconception about Pit," said the 25-year-old Cuban-American. "They'll say, 'He's just this Latin rapper, he's a reggaeton act, he's crunk.' They don't know what to say about me. [After El Mariel], a lot of folks are gonna start saying, 'You gotta watch out for that boy Pit.'"

Crossing over different cultures is one of Pit's strong suits, and showcases that talent on his new project. On "Dime," his collaboration with Puerto Rican crooner Ken Y, Lil' Jon produces Pit's Latin version of Usher's "Lovers and Friends." "Ay Chico" finds Ying Yang Twins producer, Mr. Collipark, providing the rapper with a bass-heavy booty shaker.

Although this is only his second records, Pit isn't satisfied with being a successful artist solely in the U.S. market. Witnessing how reggaeton has exploded with his help, Pit is not one to play the wall. After the release of El Mariel, he will debut his first full-length Spanish only album, Armando, during the first quarter of 2007. But, don't expect the flavor of the month genre to be his backdrop of choice.

"[Armando] is an Afro-Cuban based project. A lot of energy and just a different movement," said Pitbull. "Lil' Jon, Orishas, the Diaz Brothers, Jim Jonsin, Echo from Puerto Rico and Mr. Collipark are gonna be working on it. I would love for me and Jon to have a number one record on the Latin charts. It would be me bringing him over just like he brought me over to his side."

While his Spanish-language debut is still months away, Pit is concentrating on delivering an educational and entertaining opus with his sophomore release. From being a rising underground MC to an internationally known artist, Pit is following in the footsteps of those who came in the infamous 1980 boatlift.

"Some [Marielitos] yes were criminals, some came from a negative background, but you have those who became politicians, lawyers, judges, and doctors, you name it," explained Pit. "Now that I got my foot in the door it's time to take opportunities like the Marielitos did."