Pitbull to receive top honor at BMI Latin Awards

After dominating pop radio for most of 2011 with a string of ubiquitous Latin-flavored dance-pop/rap hits, Pitbull will receive the top honor at the 19th annual BMI Latin Awards on March 30 in Las Vegas.

The Cuban American rapper will receive the BMI President’s Award at the ceremony, which salutes the songwriters and publishers of the previous  year’s most-performed Latin songs on radio and television in the U.S.

Pitbull, born Armando Christian Pérez, is being honored because he “distinctly and profoundly influenced the entertainment industry,” according to the organization. Previous honorees include Juanes, Kike Santander, Taylor Swift, Emilio and Gloria Estefan and Willie Nelson.

Aside from serving crossover chart-toppers such as “Give Me Everything,” “Rain Over Me” and “International Love” and remaining the go-to guy for a quick-tongued guest feature, Pérez has exhaustively branded himself outside music. He has a line of low-calorie fruit and fusion flavored vodkas called Voli, which he advertises in his music videos and lyrics. He has also signed deals with Kodak, Dr Pepper and Sheets energy strips, and teamed with Bud Light.

The BMI Latin Awards will also celebrate the Latin song, songwriter and publisher of the year.

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-- Gerrick D. Kennedy

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Photo: Armando Christian Pérez, who is better known by his stage name Pitbull, performs at Power 106 radio's annual Cali Christmas concert at the Gibson Amphitheatre in 2010. Credit: Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times.