José Nieves (R.K.M) and Kenny Vázquez (Ken-Y), both from Gurabo, Puerto Rico, are a Grammy Award-nominated reggaeton duo.

Early career [edit]

The duo started their career of music in high school. R.K.M (formerly known as "Rakim" but changed to avoid confusion with established Hip-Hop artist Rakim) was 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 birthday parties and 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^[vague] all across Latin America.^{[citation needed]} They also won The Draft, a contest for upcoming Latin artist. They won the best Latin and reggae award in 2007. They are also very famous.

Professional career [edit]

This success caught the eyes of Raphy Pina, reggaeton moguls. They were quickly signed to the label and a year later released "Masterpiece". The album was nominated for Premio Lo Nuestro of 2007.^[1] Their first hit single was "Down", reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart in 2006. The album also spawned 4 other singles, music videos, and many awards^[vague]. Although their album went platinum, it sold about 600,000 copies.^[1] 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".

Their studio album, The Royalty, was released September 9, 2008.

The first single of the album was "Mis Días Sin Ti". Raphy Pina announced the return of R.K.M & Ken-Y February 15, 2008. The date is actually a concert they held in the Choliseo in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The concert's headline is "Romantic en el Choliseo". Reggaeton artists like Wisin & Yandel, Tito "El Bambino", Nicky Jam, Rene Moz 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 Cruzito (Singer), Don Omar, Daddy Yankee, José Feliciano, Pitbull, Héctor "El Father", David Bisbal, Ivy Queen, Chino & Nacho, Hector Acosta "El Torito", Plan B, Tony Dize, Zion & Lennox.

Separation [edit]

On April 10, 2013, producer Raphy Pina announced that the duo will separate but after they continue with their scheduled performances and appearances. Both artists took this decision mutually with each one focusing on solo projects in the making.^[2][3][4]

Style [edit]

R.K.M provides 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.

Personal Lives [edit]

On January 16, 2009 R.K.M married Gladys Morales in Caguas, Puerto Rico.^{[citation needed]} R.K.M has two boys and Ken-Y remains unmarried but has two girls.^{[citation needed]}They continue to reside in Puerto Rico.

Discography [edit]

Mixtape [edit]

• Esperando El Momento (2005)

Studio albums [edit]

• Masterpiece (2006)
• The Royalty/La Realeza (2008)
• Forever (2011)

Compilation/Live Albums [edit]

• Masterpiece: World Tour (Sold Out) (2006)
• Masterpiece: Commemorative Edition (2007)
• Romantico 360°: Live From Puerto Rico (2009)
• The Last Chapter (2010)
• La Formula (album) (2012)

Singles [edit]

• "Dame Lo Que Quiero"
• "Down"
• "Me Matas"
• "Igual Que Ayer"
• "Down (Remix)"
• "Oh Oh, ¿Porqué Te Están Velando?"
• "Llorarás"
• "Mis Días Sin Ti"
• "Te Regalo Amores"
• "Tuve Un Sueno"
• "Vicio Del Pecado"
• "Quiero Un Pueblo Que Cante" (featuring Plan B, Cruzito & Tony Dize)
• "Te Ame En Mis Suenos"
• "Por Amor A Ti"
• "Más"
• "Mi Corazón Esta Muerto"
• "Cuando Te Enamores"
• "Princesa" (Ken-Y only)

Collaborations [edit]

References [edit]

External links [edit]

• R.K.M. & Ken-Y's Universal Music Latin Entertainment Official Website
• Official MySpace
• Official Website
• Official Website on Pina Records
• Official Twitter Page