HispanicBusiness

Don Omar, a platinum-selling reggaeton rapper and singer, will begin his first headlining tour of the United States next month, playing a mix of arenas and amphitheaters, including New York's Madison Square Gardens.

The artist, born William Omar Landron in Villa Palmeras, Puerto Rico, is one of the best-known reggaeton artists in Latin America and considered a pioneer in the movement's explosive growth. His 2003 debut album generated awareness of the musical style among English-speaking listeners, placing him alongside singers like Daddy Yankee and Tego Calderon as the face of the burgeoning style.

Reggaeton, which blends Puerto Rican music with hip-hop and reggae, became popular with Hispanic youth inthe 1990s and since has spread to broader audiences in North America, Europe and Asia. The genre's growing popularity is one of the few bright spots in the music industry, which almost across the board has seen sales dip in recent years.

In 2005, Latin was the only music category to see its sales increase in the United States, selling 36 million units, up 13 percent from the previous year, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

Don Omar's second album, King of Kings, recently celebrated its 15th consecutive week at the top of Billboard's Latin Albums chart, and opened at No. 7 on the pop charts. That's the best showing of any reggaeton disc in history.

The Puerto-Rican born artist began his music career singing back up for the duo Héctor y Tito. He burst out as a solo artist in 2003 with his platinum-selling debut, The Last Don. He has been nominated for a 2006 American Music Award for "Favorite Latin Music Artist."

Since the release of King of Kings, he has embarked on an international tour throughout South America, Central America, Europe and Asia.

"I've always envisioned the King of Kings project as my opportunity to push beyond the limits of reggaeton and bring a new level of artistry and innovation to my music," said Don Omar. "I am thrilled to have the opportunity to bring this vision to life now with an incredible live show for my fans across the United States."

The tour is scheduled to kick off Oct. 13 in Atlanta.

Tour dates, subject to change, include:

10/13, Atlanta, Ga.
10/14, Uncasville, Conn.
10/20, Washington, D.C.
10/21, Chicago
1026, Los Angeles
10/27 Los Angeles
10/28, Fresno, Calif.
11/3, Hidalgo, Texas
11/4, Houston
11/10, New York City
11/11, Atlantic City, N.J.
11/16, Fort Myeers, Fla.
11/18, Kissimmee, Fla.
11/19, Miami
12/2, San Juan, P.R.
12/3, San Juan, P.R.