R.K.M & Ken-Y
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R.K.M & Ken-Y |
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R.K.M. & Ken-Y (born José Nieves and Kenny Vázquez) are a popular reggaetón duo from Puerto Rico.
Early Career
The duo started their career of music in high school. R.K.M. (formerly known as "Rakim") got inspired by the recent explosion of reggaeton music in the 90's. He encouraged Ken-Y to join him to form a duo. They later would perform at sweet 16 birhtday parties and other public events.
Soon the duo went on to record their music. Nicky Jam gave the duo a chance to make an appearance on his album, Vida Escante. R.K.M. & Ken-Y were featured on "Pasado" and "Me Estoy Muriendo". The two singles were instant hits all across Latin America. They also won The Draft, a contest for upcoming Latin artists.
Professional Career
This success caught the eyes of Omar and Ralphy Pina, two reggaeton moguls. They were quickly signed to the label and a year later released "Masterpiece". The album was a huge sensation and has been nominated for Premio Lo Nuestro of 2007. Their first hit single was "Down". The track reached #1 on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart in 2006. The album also spawned 4 other singles, music videos, and many awards. Although their album went platinum, it sold about 600,000 copies.
The duo soon after went on a tour across the world. They have released their songs performed on tour onto an album entitled "Masterpiece: World Tour (Sold Out)". They also have released a special edition version of the album entitled "Masterpiece Commemorative Edition".
They are currently working on their fourth studio album entitled The Royalty, which is set to release on June 1, 2008.[2]
The first single of their new album would be "Mis Días Sin Ti" a song they collaborated with Findy and Daddy Yankee, months ago. This new version would be with R.K.M. instead and some parts of the song will be in English. In the song you hear Raphy Pina announcing the return of RKM & Ken-Y February 15, 2008. The date is actually a concert they are holding in the Choliseo in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The concert's headline is Romantic en el Choliseo. Famous reggaeton artists like Wisin & Yandel, Tito "El Bambino", Nicky Jam, and Arcangel were present. Other artists like N'Klabe, and Karis were also present.
Since their debut album, R.K.M. & Ken-Y have gone on to appear and guest star on many songs. They have worked with artists such as Don Omar, Daddy Yankee, José Feliciano, Pitbull, Hector "El Father", David Bisbal, and many others. They rose from a no name group to one of the most respected reggaeton duos in music today.
It is also rumored that they are starting their own label in 2008. The name hasn't been decided yet but it is known that it will focus on Christian artist. Both artists have commented that this is their way of thanking God for what he has done with them.
Style
R.K.M. provides his romantic rapping verses for many songs while Ken-Y provides the vocal lyrics. R.K.M. tends to have fast, upbeat verses while Ken-Y sings many hooks. The style is similar to other reggaeton duos, such as: Wisin y Yandel and Zion & Lennox.
R.K.M. & Ken-Y are considered one of the most successful pioneering duos of romantic reggaeton music.
Personal Life
Before becoming reggaeton artists, Ken-Y worked at McDonald's, while R.K.M. worked as a pizza delivery boy.
R.K.M. has two sons. Ken-Y has a daughter named Kimberly and has recently broken up with Spanish pop singer Ana Isabelle. Ken-Y also has a pet named Lala. Ken-Y's mother is also very involved in her son's career.
Discography
- Masterpiece (2006)
- Masterpiece: World Tour (Sold Out) (2006)
- Masterpiece: Commemorative Edition (2007)
- The Royalty August 01, (2008)
| Song Title | Chart Performance | Year Released |
|---|---|---|
| Down | #1 (Billboard) | 2006 |
| Llorarás | #1 Billboard 2007 | 2006 |
| Igual Que Ayer | N/A | 2006 |
| Me Matas | N/A | 2006 |
| Mis Días Sin Ti | N/A | 2008 |
Singles
- 2006:Masterpiece: Dime
- 2006:Masterpiece: Amiga Mía
- 2006:Masterpiece: Amigo
- 2006:Masterpiece: Yo Te Motivé
- 2006:Masterpiece: Adiós
- 2006:Masterpiece: Dame Lo Que Quiero
- 2006:Masterpiece: Igual Que Ayer
- 2006:Masterpiece: Sacarte De Mi Mente (Ft. Nicky Jam)
- 2006:Masterpiece: Hazlo Mi Amor
- 2006:Masterpiece: Cruz y Maldición
- 2006:Masterpiece: Down
- 2006:Masterpiece: Dime Que Será
- 2006:Masterpiece: Si La Vez (Remix) (Ft. Cruzito)
- 2006:Masterpiece: Suéltate (Ft. Cruzito)
- 2006:Masterpiece: Me Matas
- 2007:Masterpiece: Commemorative Edition: Down (Remix) (Ft. Hector "El Father")
- 2007:Masterpiece: Commemorative Edition: Tell Me (Ft. Pitbull & Frankie J)
- 2007:Masterpiece: Commemorative Edition: Cruz y Maldición (Remix) (Ft. Nicky Jam)
- 2007:Masterpiece: Commemorative Edition: Oh Oh ¿Por Qué Te Están Velando?
- 2007:Masterpiece: Commemorative Edition: Llorarás
- 2007:Masterpiece: Commemorative Edition: Me Matas (Remix) (Ft. Daddy Yankee)
- 2007:Premonición: ¿Quién Me Iba A Decir? (Ft. David Bisbal)
- 2007:Me Matas (Remix 2) (Ft. Daddy Yankee & Cruzito)
- 2008:Mis Días Sin Ti (Remix) (Ft. Daddy Yankee & Findy)
- 2008:The Royalty: Mis Días Sin Ti
- 2008:The Royalty: Te Amare (Ft. Jayko)
Collaborations
- 2004: Warriors 4 Los 14 Guerreros "Una Noche Más"
- 2004: Warriors 4 Golpe De Estado "Quiero"
- 2004: Vida Escante "Me Estoy Muriendo", "Pasado" feat. Nicky Jam
- 2004: Los Bandoleros "Si La Ves" feat. Don Omar
- 2005: Bando Korrupto 2 "Yo No Sé"
- 2005: Buddha's Family 2 Desde La Prisión "Hoy Te Vi"
- 2005: El Draft 2005 "Tú No Estás"
- 2005: Los Kambumbos Tierra De Nadie "Matándonos"
- 2005: Fuera De Serie Live "Ando Solo" (Ken-Y feat. Polaco)
- 2005: Pina All Stars 2 "Tú Vas a Ver", "Nena"
- 2005: Ground Zero "Baílalo"
- 2005: Millennium "Ella Me Hechiza"
- 2006: Rompecuellos "La Noche Más Triste" (Ken-Y feat. Lito MC Cassidy)
- 2006: Gargolas: The Next Generation "Un Sueño"
- 2006: Toby Love "Tengo un Amor (Remix)" feat. Toby Love
- 2006: Chosen Few II: El Documental "Quiero Conocerte"
- 2006: The Bad Boy "Te Vas" (Hector "El Father" feat. Ken-Y)
- 2007: Los Vaqueros Wild Wild Mixes "Quizás (Remix)" (Tony Dize ft. Ken-Y)
- 2007: Ivy Queen "En Que Fallamos (Remix)" (ft. Ken-Y)
- 2007: It's My Time "Fans" (Tito "El Bambino" ft. RKM & Ken-Y)
- 2007: La Nueva Escuela "Ya No Estás" ft. RKM y Ken Y
- 2007: Los 4 Fantasticos "La Amas Como Yo" (Karis ft. Ken-Y)
- 2007: Señor Bachata "Mar y Cielo" (José Feliciano ft. RKM & Ken-Y)
- 2007: The Black Carpet "Gas Pela" (Nicky Jam ft. RKM)
- 2007: The Black Carpet "Ton Ton Ton" (Nicky Jam ft. RKM & Ken-Y)
- 2007: The Black Carpet "Quédate Con Él" (Nicky Jam ft. Ken-Y & Cruzito)
- 2008: Ana Isabelle "Quien Dijo Amigos (Remix)" (RKM & Ken-y)