R.K.M & Ken-Y was a Puerto Rican

reggaeton Reggaeton (, ) is a modern style of popular music, popular and electronic music that originated in Panamanian reggaetón, Panama during the late 1980s, and which rose to prominence in the late 1990s and early 2000s through a plethora of Puert ...

duo formed in 2003 by José Nieves (R.K.M) and Kenny Vázquez (Ken-Y). The artists are renowned in the Latin music world for being the first to successfully fuse mainstream

pop music Pop music is a genre of popular music that originated in its modern form during the mid-1950s in the United States and the United Kingdom.S. Frith, W. Straw, and J. Street, eds, ''iarchive:cambridgecompani00frit, The Cambridge Companion to Pop ...

with the reggaeton street rhythms of

Puerto Rico ; abbreviated PR), officially the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, is a Government of Puerto Rico, self-governing Caribbean Geography of Puerto Rico, archipelago and island organized as an Territories of the United States, unincorporated territo ...

and expose the style to a wide international audience. The sound introduced by R.K.M & Ken-Y would go on to inspire the pop reggaeton songs of successful acts such as

CNCO CNCO was an American latin boy band based in Miami, Miami, Florida. The group consisted of Richard Camacho, Erick Brian Colón, Christopher Vélez and ZABDIEL, Zabdiel De Jesús; Joel DELEŌN, Joel Pimentel was a member until his departure in M ...

J Balvin José Álvaro Osorio Balvín (born 7 May 1985), known professionally as J Balvin, is a Colombian singer. He is one of the best-selling Latin artists, with 35 million records sold worldwide. Balvin was born in Medellín. At age 17, he moved to th ...

, and

Maluma Juan Luis Londoño Arias (born 28 January 1994), known professionally as Maluma, is a Colombian singer. Born and raised in Medellín, he developed an interest in music at a young age, recording songs since age sixteen. Arias released his debu ...

. The duo had a very successful career with the Spanish-speaking audience of Latin America, the

United States The United States of America (USA), also known as the United States (U.S.) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It is a federal republic of 50 U.S. state, states and a federal capital district, Washington, D.C. The 48 ...

, and

Spain Spain, or the Kingdom of Spain, is a country in Southern Europe, Southern and Western Europe with territories in North Africa. Featuring the Punta de Tarifa, southernmost point of continental Europe, it is the largest country in Southern Eur ...

until their separation in 2013. In June 2017, the duo announced their official return by

Pina Records Pina Records is a Puerto Rico-based record label founded by music producer Rafael "Raphy" Antonio Pina Nieves in 1996. Pina Records is one of the longest-running reggaetón record labels; in 2026, the label will celebrate its 30-year anniversary ...

. In mid-2021 the Duo confirmed that they are on hiatus and are currently working on their solo projects.

Early career

R.K.M & Ken-Y hail both from

Gurabo, Puerto Rico Gurabo () is a Gurabo barrio-pueblo, town and Municipalities of Puerto Rico, municipality in eastern Puerto Rico. It is located in the central eastern region, north of San Lorenzo, Puerto Rico, San Lorenzo; south of Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico, T ...

, Ken-Y was born on September 7, 1984, and has turned into one of the most recognized duos in

. The duo started their music career in high school. R.K.M (formerly known as "Rakim" but changed to avoid confusion with the established hip-hop artist

Rakim William Michael Griffin Jr. (born January 28, 1968), better known by his stage name Rakim (), is an American rapper. He is one half of Golden age hip-hop, golden age hip hop duo Eric B. & Rakim, with whom he released four albums: ''Paid in Full ...

) was inspired by the explosion of reggaeton music in the 1990s. He encouraged Ken-Y to join him to form a duo; they performed at 15th birthday parties (quinceañeras) and public events. In 2002 both artists were discovered by veteran reggaeton producer and former artist Q Mack Daddy (who also discovered

Magnate & Valentino :''The article covers the duo's career as well the individual careers of Magnate and Valentino after break-up'' Magnate & Valentino were a Puerto Rican reggaeton duo made up of Ramón del Robledo Nuñez Oliviera known as Magnate (born 24 Octobe ...

and worked for

Héctor el Father Héctor Luis Delgado Román (born September 4, 1979), also known by his stage name Héctor el Father, is a Puerto Rican rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer and pastor. He rose to fame as a member of the duo Héctor & Tito Los Bambinos. ...

's Gold Star Music record label). Q Mac gave the duo their first big break in Puerto Rico on the fourth volume of his famous compilation series "The Warriors". After debuting with "Una Noche Mas" from Q Mac's album "The Warriors 4: Los 14 Guerreros", the song was a local hit in Puerto Rican radio and caught the attention of many record producers as most people noticed the duo's similarity to popular reggaeton artists

Zion & Lennox Zion & Lennox was a Puerto Rican music duo from Carolina, Puerto Rico. In 2004, Zion & Lennox released their first studio album titled '' Motivando a la Yal'' under White Lion Records. After their first album, Zion & Lennox decided to start thei ...

. After working with DJ Negro on The Noise Live: Asi Comienza El Ruido and Mr. Notty (Money Machine) for the compilation "Ban-2 Korrupto", the success of these songs drove a bidding war between Puerto Rican labels to sign them. Ultimately, the duo chose to sign with Pina Records in early 2004 making their first appearance in the greatest hits various artists album "Pina All-Stars 2" which included 3 new songs from R.K.M y Ken-Y to introduce the duo to a wider audience. After being featured on reggaeton records with veteran labelmate

Polaco Polaco is surname of: * Jorge Polaco (1946–2014), an Argentine filmmaker * Peter Polaco, better known as Justin Credible (born 1973), American professional wrestler * Pico Polaco, a mountain in the Cordillera de la Ramada range of the Andes of A ...

, the duo received their first big break on an international scale in 2005 by working with the renowned artists

Don Omar William Omar Landrón Rivera (born February 10, 1979), known professionally as Don Omar, is a Puerto Rican rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, and actor. He is also known as the " King of Reggaeton" by music critics and fans alike. The ...

and

Nicky Jam Nick Rivera Caminero (born March 17, 1981), known professionally as Nicky Jam, is an American singer. He is best known for hits such as " X", " Travesuras", " El Perdón", " Hasta el Amanecer", and " El Amante"; the latter three are from his 20 ...

. R.K.M y Ken-Y recorded the collaboration "Si La Vez" with Don Omar from his various artists' album " Los Bandoleros" executively produced by Don Omar.

gave them a chance to make an appearance on his album, "

Vida Escante ''Vida escante'' is the first studio album by American reggaeton singer Nicky Jam. It was released in 2004 on Pina Records Pina Records is a Puerto Rico-based record label founded by music producer Rafael "Raphy" Antonio Pina Nieves in 1996. ...

". They were featured on "Pasado" and "Me Estoy Muriendo". These songs were very popular within the reggaeton community. The duo's contribution to the Don Omar album helped mold the group into a more mainstream attraction. Soon afterward

Chencho Corleone Orlando Javier Valle Vega (born February 19, 1979), known professionally as Chencho Corleone or simply Chencho, is a Puerto Rican singer, songwriter and record producer. He was a member of the reggaeton duo Plan B with his cousin Maldy. Aw ...

(from reggaeton duo Plan B) allowed R.K.M y Ken-Y to appear on his various artists' album "El Draft" co-executively produced with Boy Wonder (Chosen Few Entertainment). Boy Wonder, the producer of the CD/DVD Chosen Few El Documental, and

, of the popular but controversial duo Plan B, were producing a CD entitled "El Draft Del Reggaeton" which provided up-and-coming artists a shot at recognition. Fans were allowed to vote for their favorite artists and R.K.M y Ken-Y won the competition which made their song into the album's lead single. "Tu No Estas" from "El Draft Del Reggaeton" became R.K.M y Ken-Y's first song to chart in the

. This newfound exposure built up anticipation for their debut album, " Masterpiece: Nuestra Obra Maestra" distributed by

Universal Latino Universal Music Latin Entertainment, a division of Universal Music Group, is a record company specialized in producing and distributing Latin music in Mexico, the United States, and Puerto Rico. UMLE includes famous Latin music labels such as Uni ...

in partnership with

International success

In 2006, R.K.M & Ken-Y's debut album "

Masterpiece A masterpiece, , or ; ; ) is a creation that has been given much critical praise, especially one that is considered the greatest work of a person's career or a work of outstanding creativity, skill, profundity, or workmanship. Historically, ...

" was released, debuting at #2 on the Latin Billboards, behind only

Marc Anthony Marco Antonio Muñiz (born September 16, 1968), known professionally as Marc Anthony, is an American singer and actor. He is the top selling salsa artist of all time. A four-time Grammy Award, eight-time Latin Grammy Award and twenty-nine-tim ...

's " Sigo Siendo Yo: Grandes ''Éxitos''." Their single "Down" debuted at #1. On August 18, the duo had their first concert in a sold-out Choliseo. Currently, they are working on a Pina Records compilation album titled "Los Magnificos." The album was nominated for Premio Lo Nuestro of 2007. Their first hit single was "Down", reaching #1 on the ''Billboard'' Hot Latin Songs chart in 2006 and would win Best Reggaeton Song at the Billboard Latin Music Awards. Four other singles were released from the album, as well as music videos. The album went double Latin platinum in the United States and sold about 600,000 copies worldwide. The duo had many successful tours across the world for various years after "Masterpiece" including headlining the world-renowned

Viña del Mar International Song Festival The Viña del Mar International Song Festival () is an annual international music festival held every third week of February in Viña del Mar, Chile. Started in 1960 it is the oldest and largest music festival in Latin America, and one of the long ...

Chile Chile, officially the Republic of Chile, is a country in western South America. It is the southernmost country in the world and the closest to Antarctica, stretching along a narrow strip of land between the Andes, Andes Mountains and the Paci ...

. They have released the songs performed on tour on an album entitled '' Masterpiece: World Tour (Sold Out)''. They have also released a special edition version of the album entitled '' Masterpiece: Commemorative Edition''. Their second studio album, '' The Royalty: La Realeza'', was released on September 9, 2008. The first single released from the album was "Mis Días Sin Ti". Raphy Pina announced the return of R.K.M & Ken-Y on February 15, 2008. The date was a concert they held in the Choliseo in

San Juan San Juan, Spanish for Saint John (disambiguation), Saint John, most commonly refers to: * San Juan, Puerto Rico * San Juan, Argentina * San Juan, Metro Manila, a highly urbanized city in the Philippines San Juan may also refer to: Places Arge ...

. The concert's headline was "Romantic en el Choliseo". Reggaeton artists like

Wisin & Yandel Wisin & Yandel were a Puerto Rican reggaeton duo consisting of Wisin and Yandel. They started their career in 1998 and stayed together until 2023, winning several awards including a Grammy Award in 2009. They became the first and the only regga ...

Tito "El Bambino" Efraín David Fines Nevares (born October 5, 1981), known professionally as Tito El Bambino, is a Puerto Rican singer and songwriter who rose to fame as part of the duo Héctor & Tito. In 2010, his song "El Amor (Tito El Bambino song), El Amor" ...

, Rene Moz and

Arcángel Austin Agustín Santos (born December 23, 1985), better known by his stage name Arcángel, is an American rapper and singer. He is often described as one of the most influential artists in the Latin urban genre, as well in Latin music overall, ...

were present. Other artists like

N'Klabe N'Klabe is a Puerto Rican people, Puerto Rican salsa music, salsa group formed in 2003. History N'Klabe was formed in 2003 by Félix Javier "Felo" Torres. They have released several albums, including their debut album, ''Salsa Contra Viento y Mar ...

and Karis were also present. Three years later they released their final studio album, ''Forever'', on February 14, 2011, two singles were released from the album, and have featured in this album

Alexis & Fido Alexis & Fido, a.k.a. Los Pitbulls,Reggaetón 'Pitbulls' Ready To ...

and

Arthur Hanlon Arthur Hanlon is an American pianist, songwriter and arranger renown in Latin music, with multiple hits on the Billboard charts and collaborations with Latin music's biggest names. Born to Irish-American parents, Hanlon is from Detroit, Michigan, ...

. In 2012 they released "Cuando Te Enamores", which became part of the most popular album of 2013, ''La Fórmula'', featuring Plan B, Zion & Lennox,

, Lobo and more, which was the last work of R.K.M & Ken-Y before returning as a duo in mid-2017. Since their first album, R.K.M & Ken-Y have appeared and guest starred on many songs. They have worked with artists such as Cruzito,

Daddy Yankee Ramón Luis Ayala Rodríguez (; born February 3, 1976), known professionally as Daddy Yankee (), is a Puerto Rican rapper, singer, songwriter, and actor who rose to worldwide prominence in 2004 with the song "Gasolina". Dubbed the "Honorific ...

José Feliciano José Montserrate Feliciano García (; born September 10, 1945) is a Puerto Rican musician. He recorded many international hits, including his rendition of the Doors' " Light My Fire" and his self-penned Christmas song "". Music genres he explo ...

Pitbull Pit bull is an umbrella term for several types of dog believed to have descended from bull and terriers. In the United States, the term is usually considered to include the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, American B ...

David Bisbal David Bisbal Ferre (born 5 June 1979) is a Spanish singer, songwriter, and actor. He gained his initial fame as the runner-up on the first edition of the reality television talent show '' Operación Triunfo''. He has since released five studi ...

Ivy Queen Martha Ivelisse Pesante Rodríguez (born March 4, 1972), known professionally as Ivy Queen, is a Puerto Rican rapper, singer and actress. She is considered one of the pioneers of the reggaeton genre, commonly referred to as the Queen of Reggae ...

Chino & Nacho Chino & Nacho is a Venezuelan pop duo, consisting of Jesús Alberto Miranda Pérez (Chino) (born November 15, 1984) and Miguel Ignacio Mendoza Donatti (Nacho) (born August 22, 1983). In 2010, the group won a Latin Grammy for Best Urban Album f ...

, Hector Acosta "El Torito", Plan B,

Tony Dize Antonio Feliciano Rivera (born May 31, 1982), known professionally as Tony Dize, is an American singer. His first recorded performance was from the album ''Blin Blin, Vol. 1'', with Wisin & Yandel in 2003, after which he collaborated with other ...

and Zion & Lennox.

Separation

On April 10, 2013, producer Raphy Pina announced that the duo would separate but they continued with their scheduled performances and appearances. Both artists took this decision with each focusing on future solo projects. After Ken-Y left Pina Records he signed with a label called Fresh Production. On January 22, 2016, Ken-Y released his first solo album The King Of Romance which features

, Natti Natasha, and

Manny Montes Emmanuel Rodríguez, better known as Manny Montes, is a Puerto Rican rapper, known one of the major Christian artists in Puerto Rico. He has been nominated multiple times for the Premios Arpa and recently, at the Tu Música Urbana Awards for "Mejo ...

. The singles that were released on this album were "Te Invito A Volar", "Sentirte Mía", "Fórmula De Amor", and "Como Lo Hacia Yo". The album hit No. 1 in the Latín Rhythm Albums category. R.K.M was also making an album called ''Diferente'', which means "different", which is an album that will change how R.K.M is viewed as not only a rapper but a singer too. It was originally supposed to be released in 2017 but was never released due to him and Ken-Y getting back together. But in a recent post on August 15, 2020, by R.K.M on his official

Instagram Instagram is an American photo sharing, photo and Short-form content, short-form video sharing social networking service owned by Meta Platforms. It allows users to upload media that can be edited with Social media camera filter, filters, be ...

that "Diferente" is Coming.

Reunion

On June 23, 2017, after four years of separation, R.K.M & Ken-Y returned to their duo status. They grew up together and felt they needed to work together to be successful. Under the command of its creator ''Raphy Pina'' the duo announces their return ready to fall back on the world with their unique style. The duo starts their union with the remix of success played by

Arcángel & De La Ghetto Arcángel & De la Ghetto are an American reggaeton duo, consisting of Austin "Arcángel" Santos and Rafael "De la Ghetto" Castillo. Arcángel and De la Ghetto duo began when they met in a studio in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and would be signed ...

's "Más Que Ayer". The duo in October 2019 had their most recent hit "Cuando Lo Olvides" which peaked in the Latin charts this song goes back to their romantic roots. In mid-2020 rumors speculated that the duo are not together anymore after R.K.M started working on his solo album "Diferente", R.K.M and Ken-Y both confirmed the separations and are currently working on their solo projects. From their return to separation (2017–2020) the duo has collaborated with huge stars like Arcángel, De La Ghetto,

, Plan B,

Natti Natasha Natalia Alexandra Gutiérrez Batista (born December 10, 1986), better known by her stage name Natti Natasha (stylized all caps), is a List of people from the Dominican Republic, Dominican singer, songwriter and composer. She was signed to Don Om ...

Ozuna Juan Carlos Ozuna Rosado (; born March 13, 1992), known simply by his surname Ozuna, is a Puerto Rican singer, born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico to a Dominican father and a Puerto Rican mother. Five of his studio albums have topped ...

Noriel Noel Santos Román (born June 26, 1994), known by his stage name Noriel, is a Puerto Rican rapper and songwriter. Noriel became known after singing with Maluma on his track "Cuatro Babys" and releasing a popular album called ''Trap Capos: Seaso ...

Darkiel Omar David Hernández Colón, known as Darkiel, is a Puerto Rican reggaeton singer and actor, born in Lares. He is better known for his role in the Netflix biographical series of Nicky Jam called '' Nicky Jam: El Ganador''. Career Darkiel starte ...

Divino Daniel Velázquez (born August 7, 1977), better known by his stage name Divino, is a Puerto Rican reggaeton singer. Early life, family and education Divino and his family moved from The Bronx, New York, to Ponce, Puerto Rico. Divino, age fi ...

, Chris Wandell and

Lyanno Edgardo Rafael Cuevas Feliciano (San Juan; Puerto Rico, April 22, 1995) better known by his stage name as Lyanno, is a Puerto Rican singer and songwriter. Music career He studied sound engineering at the Liceo de Arte y Tecnología of San Ju ...

, and more. Their list of hits include "Tonta", "Zum Zum", and "Cuando Lo Olvides".

Discography

Studio albums

* ''

'' (2006) * '' The Royalty: La Realeza'' (2008) * ''

Forever Forever or 4ever may refer to: Film and television Films * ''Forever'' (1921 film), an American silent film by George Fitzmaurice * ''Forever'' (1978 film), an American made-for-television romantic drama, based on the novel by Judy Blume * '' ...

'' (2011)

Live albums

* '' Masterpiece: World Tour (Sold Out)'' (2006) * '' Romantico 360°: Live From Puerto Rico'' (2009)

Compilation albums

* '' Masterpiece "Commemorative Edition"'' (2007) * ''

The Last Chapter The Last Chapter may refer to: * Fallada: The Last Chapter, a 1988 East German drama film * The Last Chapter (TV series), a 2002 Canadian television miniseries * The Last Chapter (album), a 2010 album by R.K.M & Ken-Y * Terrorizer: The Last Chapter ...

'' (2010)

Solo albums

* Ken-Y: ''The King Of Romance'' (2016) * R.K.M: ''Diferente'' (coming soon)

Singles

* " Down" * "Me Matas" * "

Dame Lo Que Quiero ''Dame'' is a traditionally British honorific title given to women who have been admitted to certain orders of chivalry. It is the female equivalent of ''Sir'', the title used by knights. Baronet, Baronetesses Suo jure, in their own right also u ...

" * "Igual Que Ayer" * "Down (Remix)" (featuring Héctor el Father) * "Oh Oh, ¿Porqué Te Están Velando?" * "

Llorarás "Llorarás" ''( English: You Will Cry)'' is a song by Puerto Rico reggaetón duo R.K.M & Ken-Y from their first compilation album '' Masterpiece: Commemorative Edition'' (2007). It was released as the lead single from the album, which is a re-edi ...

" * "Mis Días Sin Ti" * "

Te Regalo Amores "Te Regalo Amores" ''(English: I'll Give You Love)'' is a song by Puerto Rican reggaeton duo R.K.M & Ken-Y from their second studio album '' The Royalty: La Realeza'' (2008). It was written by Jose Nieves and Kenny Vazquez, produced by Los Magni ...

" * "Tuve Un Sueño" (featuring Plan B) * "Vicio Del Pecado" * "Quiero Un Pueblo Que Cante" (featuring Plan B, Cruzito &

) * "Te Ame En Mis Suenos" * "Por Amor A Ti" * "Más" * "Mi Corazón Esta Muerto" * "Cuando Te Enamores" * "Princesa" (Ken-Y only) * "Donde Estas" (R.K.M only) * "Navegar En Mis Recuerdos" (Ken-Y only) * "Quedate Junto A Mi" * "Regalo De Quinceanera" (Ken-Y only) * "Prefiero Morir" (Ken-Y only) * "A Ella Le Gusta El Dembow" (featuring

) * "Tonta" (featuring Natti Natasha) *"Zum Zum" (featuring Daddy Yankee & Arcángel) *''No Reciclo Amores" *"Una Noche Mas" *”Cuando Lo Olvides” *“Mascara” *”Pa'l Espejo” *"Jugaste a Perderme" (featuring Peter Nieto) (2021) *"Paso a Paso" (featuring 4K Musica) (2022)

Collaborations

Awards and nominations

Grammy Awards

''Billboard'' Latin Music Awards

Premios Lo Nuestro

Premios Juventud

Premios MTV Latinoamérica

Tu Música Urbana Awards

Viña del Mar International Song Festival

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2009 2009 was designated as the International Year of Astronomy by the United Nations to coincide with the 400th anniversary of Galileo Galilei's first known astronomical studies with a telescope and the publication of Astronomia Nova by Joha ...

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Premios People en Español

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References

{{Authority control Living people People from Gurabo, Puerto Rico Puerto Rican reggaeton musicians 21st-century Puerto Rican male singers 21st-century Puerto Rican singers Puerto Rican musical duos Reggaeton duos Musical groups established in 2003 Universal Music Latino artists Year of birth missing (living people) 2003 establishments in Puerto Rico