Exclusive: See Pitbull like you may not have seen him — before he became famous
By Miami Herald Archives
Is that Pitbull?
Yes, it is.
When you think of Pitbull, you think of the man with the sunglasses and suit and the musical hits.
But it wasn’t always that way.
Let’s go back to a time when no one outside Miami could translate, or even pronounce, the word “Dale!” Back before he hosted New Year’s Eve celebrations and cranked out all the songs on your workout playlist.
A time when Armando Christian Perez was just a Miami kid with big dreams.
Now Pitbull has come full circle, as his company attempts to demolish a childhood home in Wynwood and build an office complex to house his music label.
Let’s take a walk back in time with these exclusive photos from the Miami Herald Archives to see Pitbull before his evolution into Mr. 305 and Mr. Worldwide.
Pitbull in the 305
In 2003, rapper Pitbull hangs in the Wynwood neighborhood he grew up in. MARICE COHN BAND Miami Herald File
In 2004, Ariel Barak and Brooke Silver talk to rapper Pitbull at Club Deep in Miami Beach. Raul Rubiera Miami Herald File
In 2004, Florida DJ Select hangs with Pitbull Raul Rubiera Miami Herald File
In 2004, rapper Vido, left, producer Jim Jonsin, center and Pitbull react to the tv cameras in the streets of Miami Beach. Raul Rubiera Miami Herald File
In 2003, Pitbull, at his favorite barber shop, a grafitti-walled Little Havana hub where he got a 12-dollar fade cut. Although he was unsigned at the time, his music was blowing up the radio charts. Miami Herald File
In 2003, Pitbull, gets a haircut at his favorite barber shop in Little Havana. His barber was 20-year old Josue Romero, the son of the owner. Miami Herald File
A 2004 photo of rapper Pitbull in Miami Beach. Raul Rubiera Miami Herald File
In 2008, Pitbull poses for a photo shoot. Gaston De Cardenas El Nuevo Herald File
Pitbull in 2008. Gaston De Cardenas El Nuevo Herald File
Another Pitbull glamour shot in 2008. Gaston De Cardenas El Nuevo Herald File
In 2003, Pitbull hangs out in the neighborhood he grew up in, near his mother's old house in Wynwood. MARICE COHN BAND Miami Herald File
In 2009, Jennifer Lopez and Pitbull attend a post VMA dinner at The Waverly Inn in New York City. Gabriela Maj Getty Images
Pitbull performs in 2007 at Bayfront Park in Miami. Miami Herald File
Pitbull aka Armando Christian Perez, walks through a crowd of after taking the stage for a conversation with Manny Medina, the founder of eMerge Americas. eMerge Americas TechWeek Summit took place at the Miami Beach Convention Center C.W. Griffin Miami Herald File
In 2004, Pitbull performs at a Miami awards show at Players nightclub. Miami Herald File
In 2005, Pitbull acknowledges fans at the Intercontinental hotel in downtown Miami. Patrick Farrell Miami Herald File
Pitbull at the Premios Lo Nuestro. Pedro Portal El Nuevo Herald File
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