Ten years ago on this day (October 31, 2006) in Pitbull history, his second studio-album, “El Mariel” was released! The album, which included the singles, “Bojangles“, “Ay Chico“, “Be Quiet“, and more, was very special to Pit and his Cuban-heritage.

“This album, to me it’s not only entertaining, but it’s educating at the same time,” said Pitbull in a 2006 interview with NPR. The education goal for this album was to put the spotlight on his Cuban-roots, especially the El Mariel Boatlift in the 1980’s, where his father served as a intermediary bringing hundreds of Cuban exiles over to the states.

“El Mariel” also has a deep and personal meaning to it, as it was dedicated to Armando’s father, who passed away in May prior, and his late friend, Eddie Hidalgo. He also dedicated the album track, “Raindrops” to both of them.

The album debuted at No. 17 on the Billboard 200, No. 1 on the Billboard Independent Albums, No. 5 on the R&B Albums, and No. 2 on the Rap Albums charts. It also sold nearly 50,000 albums within it’s first week. Overall, the album has sold over 300,000+ copies. Both “Bojangles” and “Ay Chico (Lengua Afuera)” ranked on Billboard’s Hot 100 and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts and “Dime (Remix)” peaked at No. 15 on the Billboard Latin Songs chart.

Watch “The Making of El Mariel” below!

And reminisce of the amazing singles of the album by watching their music videos below!