Miami rapper Pitbull was honored on Thursday (April 23) night by Billboard in winning the first ever “Latin Digital Download Artist of the Year.”
The title was presented at the annual Latin Music Awards, and awarded based on Pitbull’s breakout, Lil Jon-assisted single “Krazy.”
Having beat out fellow nominees Aventura, Enrique Iglesias, and Shakira, Pitbull was humbled by the strong fan support he’s received throughout his career.
“This is the beginning of a new phase in my career and it’s an honor to win this award with such great artists nominated in the same category,” Pitbull explained to AllHipHop.com. “It just goes to show that hard work does pay off. Thank you to the fans; without them none of this would be possible.”
The Latin emcees credits a multi-faceted media campaign for much of his success.
Online, he helms a social networking platform called Planet Pit, which brings together his fans from around the globe.
Musically, his hit single “Krazy” sold over 700,000 downloads in its first week back in October 2008.
Pitbull’s latest track, the Pharell-assisted “Blanco,” is featured on the original soundtrack to the smash sequel Fast & Furious 4.
Pitbull fans can catch the Latin star over the next two months at these following headlining tour dates:
April 24 – Circa Nightclub Toronto, Canada “April 25 – Manhattanville College Purchase, New York April 26 – Roxy Lawrence Boston, Massachusetts April 30 – Belly Up RESCHEDULE SHOW DUE TO SNOWSTORM Aspen, CO May 1 – Grand Sierra Casino Reno, NV May 2 – U92 Cinco De Mayo Show Salt Lake City, UT May 7 – Costas Night Club Palm Springs, CA May 9 – KIIS Wango Tango Anaheim, CA May 15 – Monte Carlo Seattle, WA May 17 – Fresno County Fairgrounds Car Show Fresno, CA June 7 – WSPK Show Poughkeepsie, NY