Martha Ivelisse Pesante Rodríguez, known as Ivy Queen, was born on March 4, 1972, in Añasco, Puerto Rico. Her family moved to New York City during her childhood, where she developed an interest in music. At age 18, she returned to San Juan and joined the all-male reggaeton group The Noise in 1995, contributing to the track 'Somos Raperos Pero No Delincuentes.' She launched her solo career in 1996 with the album En Mi Imperio, followed by The Original Rude Girl in 1998. Ivy Queen gained prominence with her 2003 album Diva, which achieved platinum status from the RIAA and featured the hit 'Quiero Bailar.' Subsequent releases like Real (2004), Flashback (2005), and Sentimiento also earned gold and platinum certifications. Her lyrics address female empowerment, relationships, and social issues within the reggaeton genre. She is recognized for high-energy live performances, including her 2008 worldwide tour culminating in the filmed World Tour Live! DVD and CD at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico.