Raymond Ayala, globally recognized as Daddy Yankee, experienced a profound shift in his life following his 2022 retirement announcement from music. After releasing his acclaimed final studio album, "Legendaddy," and concluding a record-breaking farewell tour that grossed $197.8 million, Ayala shocked the world once more on December 3, 2023. At the final date of his tour in San Juan, Puerto Rico, he declared his conversion to Christianity, stating, "Tonight, I recognize, and I’m not ashamed to tell the whole world, that Jesus lives in me and I live for him. A story ends and a new story begins."

Following his conversion, Ayala immediately embarked on a new path, spreading the word of the Lord through music and charitable deeds. He released uplifting songs, undertook missions to Africa, and made spontaneous appearances in churches across Puerto Rico and other Latin countries, embracing a new brand of "music with a purpose." This period culminated in a Latin Grammy win for Best Urban Song for his non-album single, "Bonita," released in 2023. However, just as this new chapter seemed to unfold seamlessly, Ayala faced significant personal turbulence when his wife of nearly three decades filed for divorce in December 2024.

What began as an amicable separation soon deteriorated into a series of public legal disputes concerning his extensive businesses and assets, including past catalog negotiations. This period of intense personal and professional pressure led to a creative block for the artist. "For the first time in my life, the muse shut down," Ayala revealed, a feeling he had never experienced before. He candidly admits that this challenging phase was integral to fostering a "total dependency on God," understanding that God himself would be his inspiration even when his creative muse faltered.

Now 49, Ayala has embraced a dramatically different second act, with Jesus at its core. His renewed focus is on creating commercially successful "music with a purpose" – positive and inspirational, rather than overtly religious. He is scheduled for his first public interview in three years at Billboard Latin Music Week on October 22 and will perform as Daddy Yankee at the Billboard Latin Music Awards on October 23, marking his first televised performance in three years.

His upcoming album, "Lamento En Baile" (Mourning Into Dancing), is set for release on October 16, and marks his first since 2022 and his public conversion. The title, derived from Psalm 30:11, encapsulates its optimistic essence, reflected in the vibrant merengue single "Sonríele" (Smile), which is currently charting. This album also represents the first release under his new imprint, DY Publishing, symbolizing the rebuilding of his music catalog. In October 2024, Concord acquired significant elements of his publishing and master-recording catalog, spanning works from 2002 to 2019, including hits like "Gasolina," "Con Calma," and "Despacito." Earlier, parts of his catalog were reportedly acquired by Cinq Music and a private fund around 2021 before being sold to Concord.

Ayala is releasing his new music on his own DY Records through a license deal with HYBE Latin America, a partnership announced in July alongside "Sonríele." HYBE Latin America, launched in 2023, is betting big on Daddy Yankee as its first major established artist, seeing him as an icon who can help them "do something new" and send positive messages globally. Ayala, now managing himself 100%, values HYBE's progressive mentality and constant reinvention, finding it compatible with his new vision. He recently filmed a video for his upcoming single "El Toque" in South Korea, incorporating Korean dance elements, reflecting his strong following in Asia.

The seeds of Ayala's conversion were subtly present in his music long before his public announcement. He revealed that he first converted to the Lord at 19 but "diverged from the path," though his lyrics remained clean and G-rated, setting him apart in a genre often associated with explicit content. Tracks like "Coraza Divina" (2007) and those on "Barrio Fino" (2004) hinted at a higher power and resilience. He privately converted again in 2016 but delayed a public announcement due to numerous existing contractual obligations, choosing to fulfill them before openly declaring his faith. "I wanted to get to where I am now and not owe anything to anyone," he explained regarding his 2023 public revelation.

The past year's challenges profoundly impacted Ayala, teaching him the importance of self-love, establishing healthy limits, and assertive communication, even within his inner circle. Having been unflappable and scandal-free throughout his career, this turbulent period necessitated a deeper personal transformation. He also learned to be "100% involved" in all aspects of his business, no longer delegating tasks he once did. He advises new artists, regardless of fame, to secure prenuptial agreements, underscoring the unpredictable nature of the music industry.

Despite the shift in content and purpose, Ayala remains committed to a robust marketing and promotion strategy for his "music with a purpose." Industry experts like iHeartLatino's Pedro Javier González and HYBE Latin America's Juan Sebastián Arenas recognize the growing audience for inspirational music and commend Ayala's smart approach to creating positive, faith-adjacent lyrics without alienating secular audiences. For Ayala, this is more than just making Christian music; it's about making "the kingdom part of pop culture," revolutionizing and reinventing the industry with a new purpose: transforming lives.