Daddy Yankee has officially returned to music with “El Toque,” the lead single from his groundbreaking new album “Lamento en Baile,” marking his first studio project since converting to Christianity and his formal retirement in 2022. The album was released on October 16, 2025, under DY Records, representing a transformative new chapter in the reggaeton legend’s career.
The Significance of “El Toque” in Daddy Yankee’s Musical Evolution
“El Toque” serves as more than just a single—it represents Daddy Yankee’s spiritual awakening and his transition toward what he calls “music with purpose.” In the song, Daddy Yankee uses the expression “el toque” as a metaphor for divine impulse or the “inner calling” that transforms life. The production incorporates 808 bass, soft guitars, and choral sections that reinforce the contrast between the rhythmic force of the genre and the serenity of the message.
The music video for “El Toque” was filmed in South Korea, creating a striking cross-cultural experience that merges Korean traditional architecture and dancheong visuals with Daddy Yankee’s rhythmic vocals and rap. This international collaboration demonstrates the global appeal of his new musical direction while maintaining his signature urban sound.
“Lamento en Baile”: A Testament to Faith and Transformation
The album title “Lamento en Baile” comes from Psalm 30:11, which translates to “You have turned my mourning into dancing,” perfectly encapsulating the essence of the project—the ability of faith to transform pain and sadness into joy and celebration. The acronym LEB refers to the Hebrew word “Lēb,” meaning “heart,” but with deeper connotations relating to the center of thoughts, emotions, and consciousness—essentially, the inner person.
The album features 19 tracks with only one collaboration—”ABCD” featuring Christian rapper Alex Zurdo. Notable tracks include “Sonríele,” “Quién es Dios,” “Tan invitao,” “Gloria,” “Toy hermoso,” “LEB,” and “Jezabel y Judas,” the latter produced by legendary producer Sergio George, who previously collaborated with Daddy Yankee on hits like “De vuelta pa’ la vuelta” and “Bonita.”
The Personal Journey Behind the Music
The album was recorded during one of the most challenging periods of Daddy Yankee’s life—his divorce process with Mireddys González. During this difficult personal stage, Daddy Yankee transformed pain into rhythm and introspection into joy, giving life to a project that combines spirituality, energy, and artistic renewal.
For the first time in his career, Ayala experienced creative challenges, stating, “For the first time in my life, the muse shut down. That had never happened to me before. Ever.” However, this period of struggle ultimately led to his most meaningful musical project yet.
A New Chapter: From Retirement to Renewal
Daddy Yankee officially announced his retirement from reggaeton in December 2023 during his “La última vuelta” concert series, where he publicly revealed his conversion to Christianity, though he had taken that spiritual step since 2016. In a recent Billboard interview, he expressed that his current purpose is to “transform lives through music,” speaking about his “renewed Christian faith” that he cultivated during his departure from the industry.
“This is an obligation that all of us who are in the faith, who are converted, have. I can’t convert and stay silent, you know? This isn’t just about making Christian music. The challenge is putting the kingdom in pop culture,” the artist explained in Billboard’s cover story.
Musical Style and Production Innovation
The album combines elements of reggaeton, Latin pop, gospel, and rap, integrating Daddy Yankee’s characteristic urban sound with themes of faith, hope, and redemption. At a conceptual level, the album develops a spiritual narrative that contrasts human suffering with the celebration of life through music.
The productions combine classic reggaeton rhythmic bases with piano arrangements, gospel-inspired choirs, and modern synthesizers, with a more minimalist approach than the artist’s previous works. The lyrics address messages of personal transformation, reconciliation, and gratitude while maintaining connection with his general audience from a renewed spiritual perspective.
Global Distribution and Industry Impact
The album was released under HYBE Latin America, marking Daddy Yankee’s partnership with the global entertainment company as part of their “multi-home, multi-genre” strategy. The album is available worldwide through DY Company LLC, ZRPZ Records, and HYBE Latin America on all major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, and YouTube Music.
Return to Live Performance
The album release serves as a prelude to Daddy Yankee’s anticipated performance at the 2025 Billboard Latin Music Awards on October 23 in Miami, marking his return to live stages after nearly two years of absence. This will be his first televised performance in three years, demonstrating his commitment to sharing his transformed message with a global audience.
Industry Recognition and Future Prospects
Daddy Yankee is set to participate in the “Power of Reinvention” panel at Billboard Latin Music Week 2025, running October 20-24 at the Fillmore Miami Beach, where he will discuss his legendary career, artistic evolution, and how he’s shaping his next chapter.
In October 2024, Concord purchased key elements of his music publishing and master-recording catalog, including chart-topping hits “Gasolina,” “Con Calma,” and “Despacito,” covering work from 2002 through 2019. This business move allows him creative freedom under his new DY Publishing venture.
The Message Behind the Music
“With ‘Lamento en baile’ I wanted to show that even in life’s most difficult moments, music has the power to heal, inspire, and celebrate. Each song tells a story from my heart, and I can’t wait for my fans to dance and feel this journey with me,” Daddy Yankee expressed in an official statement.
The artist emphasized the difference between success and purpose, explaining, “It wasn’t the same to have a life of purpose as a life of success.” While his previous goal was transforming the music industry—an objective tied to business, prestige, and personal dreams—his current mission is entirely different: “transforming lives through that same instrument.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning behind Daddy Yankee’s “El Toque”?
“El Toque” serves as a metaphor for divine impulse or the “inner calling” that transforms life, representing Daddy Yankee’s spiritual awakening and transition toward faith-based music while maintaining his signature urban sound.
When was “Lamento en Baile” released?
The album “Lamento en Baile” was released on October 16, 2025, marking Daddy Yankee’s first studio project in three years since his 2022 album “Legendaddy.”
How many songs are on the new album?
The album contains 19 tracks with a total duration of 53 minutes, featuring only one collaboration with Christian rapper Alex Zurdo on the track “ABCD.”
Where was the “El Toque” music video filmed?
The music video for “El Toque” was filmed in South Korea, featuring striking visuals of Korean traditional architecture and dancheong that merge with Daddy Yankee’s rhythmic vocals and rap.
What does “Lamento en Baile” mean?
The title “Lamento en Baile” comes from Psalm 30:11, meaning “You have turned my mourning into dancing,” representing the transformation of pain and sadness into joy and celebration through faith.
Is this Daddy Yankee’s first Christian album?
Yes, “Lamento en Baile” is Daddy Yankee’s first Christian-themed project and represents his transition toward what he calls “music with purpose” following his public conversion to Christianity in 2023.