Miami rapper Pitbull has brought a little fleck of salsa flavor to hip-hop, citing Celia Cruz as an early influence. He has also pressed, at least figuratively, to broaden the borders of the genre, with a record called “Globalization,” which includes perplexing but strangely catchy style mash-ups like “Day Drinking,” a song that celebrates guzzling booze while the sun is up set to a country-reggae-rap hybrid.
Pitbull started out dealing cocaine and transitioned into rapping. He’s since evolved into a dapper figure, always sporting snug Italian suits. And he’s as much interested in business — with numerous sponsorship deals, and a globally eclectic radio station — as he is in rapping. He’s a mogul, into brands and deals, but with an admirable commitment to helping the Latino community in his native Miami. If he hasn’t entertained the idea already, maybe he should consider running for office.
Pitbull takes the stage at Xfinity Theatre, 61 Savitt Way, Hartford, Saturday, Aug. 6, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $29.95 to $139.95. Information: livenation.com.
