| Nely | |
| Birth Name: | Josías de la Cruz |
| Birth Date: | 19 March 1987 |
| Birth Place: | Puerto Rico |
| Years Active: | 2003–present |
| Label: | Artillery Music |
Josías de la Cruz (born March 19, 1987), known professionally as Nely el Arma Secreta,[1] is a Puerto Rican reggaeton producer, introduced in the genre by Luny Tunes.[2]
Nely was born and raised in Puerto Rico. His parents are from the Dominican Republic. He began with music at the age of five years, playing drums in his local church. Aged 14 he began experimenting with reggaeton.[3] He quickly established himself as the top producer for some of the music industry's biggest stars.[4]
Nely was part of the reggaeton explosion, contributing to their highest selling albums including Mas Flow 2 and Wisin & Yandel's Pa'l Mundo. He produced many hits including Gansta Zone (Daddy Yankee & Snoop Dogg), Conteo (Don Omar), Rakata (Wisin & Yandel), Noche de Travesura (Héctor el Father & Divino), Cuanto Tengo Que Esperar (Zion & Lennox), Contacto (Yaviah), Burn It Up (R. Kelly) and Obsession (Frankie J).[5]
Nely founded the label Artillery Music in 2007 which fellow producer Tainy is also a member.[6]