TAINY'S ALBUM, DATA, 2 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Marco Efraín Masís Fernández, iconically known as Tainy, is a Puerto Rican music producer who has been shaping the Latin music genre for two decades. Throughout those 20 years, Tainy has cemented his legacy as one of—if not the—most influential and gifted producers behind some of the genre’s most iconic songs. Early in his career, he collaborated with legends like Daddy Yankee, Don Omar, Wisin & Yandel, Zion & Lennox, Tego Calderón, and even Héctor "El Father." Tainy was instrumental in reggaeton’s rise, becoming a true godfather of the genre, helping it evolve from a sound into a global cultural movement.

As trends shifted, the industry evolved, and the genre expanded, many of reggaeton’s pioneers stepped back. But Tainy is the rare exception—his longevity is one of the key reasons why reggaeton has skyrocketed to heights no one could’ve imagined. Fast forward 20 years, and he’s still shaping the sound, producing hits with the genre’s new generation—Bad Bunny, Jhay Cortez, Karol G, J Balvin, Rauw Alejandro, Feid, and many more. His role has never just been as a producer—Tainy has always been a visionary, helping discover talent and shape the sound we hear today.

In 2019, Tainy teamed up with music executive Lex Borrero to create NEON16, a music label, media hub, and talent incubator that has helped Latin music cement its place in the mainstream. One of NEON16’s most powerful creations is Tainy’s debut solo album, DATA—a landmark project that not only impacted me personally as a creative, but also paved the way for countless artists and creatives across the Latin music space.

DATA is Tainy’s first completely solo studio album, where every track was not only produced by him, but where he also played a huge role in the visual direction—collaborating closely with DATA’s creative director, Elliot Muscat. This album served as a wake-up call—not just for creatives, but for artists and labels who underestimated the power of visuals and creative direction in music. Despite the fact that Tainy doesn't sing or rap on the album, the visuals, marketing, and storytelling elevated DATA into a global moment. From the stunning visuals for live performances to immersive DATA exhibits in Miami—where fans could walk through projection rooms, see original sketches, and hear the music in an art installation setting—the rollout of the album redefined what a producer-led project could be.

Creatively, the album was historic—but the music itself was just as groundbreaking. The collaborations with Sech, Bad Bunny, Jhay Cortez, Myke Towers, Rauw Alejandro, Young Miko, and Omar Courtz showcased the respect Tainy commands from the new generation. At the same time, appearances from legends like Daddy Yankee, Jowell y Randy, Chencho Corleone, and Wisin & Yandel were a reminder of the deep roots of his legacy. Tracks like "PASIEMPRE," "MOJABI GHOST," and "VOLVER" reminded fans around the world of just how emotionally powerful music production can be.

The two-year anniversary of DATA is a reminder of how far Latin music has come. Today, artists from all over the world are collaborating to create reggaeton and other Latin sounds, regardless of language—and producers are finally getting their own spotlight. Producers like Ovy on the Drums and Calleb Calloway are following in Tainy’s footsteps, hoping to one day reach the success he’s made possible for others.

More importantly, DATA showed the industry the importance of visual identity and creative direction in an era where music alone isn’t enough. Tainy’s DATA album is a staple in Latin music history—and a reminder that his legacy is still being written, one visionary project at a time.

Written by Jospeh Hernandez Torrejon Photos provided by Tainy's Team