Gerardo Biography & Awards

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Artist Info

Born

April 16, 1965 Guayaquil, Ecuador

Biography

A native of Ecuador, Gerardo became a chart-topping rapper/singer with the success of "Rico Suave," a boisterous single from his 1991 debut album, Mo' Ritmo. Gerardo established himself as one of the first breakthrough Latin dance performers singing in the English/Spanish mixture known as Spanglish, and he returned in 1992 with the Chuck Reed-produced Dos. After releasing 1994's Asi Es and 1995's Derrumbe, the Latin rap artist hung up his signature bandana and refashioned himself as an A&R executive for Interscope Records. While working for Interscope, Gerardo was responsible for bringing Enrique Iglesias to the United States, effectively launching the artist's American career. He then returned to music in 2001 with Gerardo: Fame, Sex y Dinero, which featured the hit single "Sigo Siendo Rico." ~ Drago Bonacich & Andrew Leahey, All Music Guide