R.K.M & Ken-Y


R.K.M & Ken-Y, is a reggaeton duo formed in 2003 by José Nieves and Kenny Vázquez. The artists are renowned in the Latin music world for being the first to successfully fuse mainstream pop music with the reggaeton street rhythms of Puerto Rico 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, J Balvin and Maluma. The duo had a very successful career with the Spanish speaking audience of Latin America, the United States and Spain until their separation in 2013. In June 2017, the duo announced their official return by Pina Records.

Early career

Rakim & Ken-Y hail both from Gurabo, Puerto Rico, Ken-Y was born on September 7, 1986 and have turned into one of the most recognized duos in Reggaeton. The duo started their music career in high school. R.K.M 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 and public events.
In 2002 both artists were discovered by veteran reggaeton producer and former artist Q Mack Daddy. 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 y Lennox. After working with DJ Negro on The Noise Live: Asi Comienza El Ruido and Mr. Notty 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 RKM y Ken-Y to introduce the duo to a wider audience.
After being featured on reggaeton records with veteran labelmate Polaco, the duo received their first big break on an international scale in 2005 by working with the renowned artists Don Omar and Nicky Jam. RKM y Ken-Y recorded the collaboration "Si La Vez" with Don Omar from his various artists album "Los Bandoleros" executively produced by Omar.Nicky Jam gave them a chance to make an appearance on his album, Vida Escante. 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 afterwards Chencho gave RKM y Ken-Y the opportunity to appear on his various artists album "El Draft" co-executively produced with Boy Wonder. Boy Wonder, producer of the CD/DVD Chosen Few El Documental and Chencho, 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 given the opportunity to vote for their favorite artists and Rakim 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 RKM y Ken-Y's first song to chart in the United States. This newfound exposure built up anticipation for their debut album, "Masterpiece: Nuestra Obra Maestra" distributed by Universal Latino in partnership with Pina Records.

International success

In 2006, R.K.M & Ken-Y's debut album "Masterpiece: Nuestra Obra Maestra" was released, debuting at #2 in the Latin Billboards, behind only Marc Anthony's "Sigo siendo yo." 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 The Masterpiece including headlining the world renowned Viña Del Mar festival in Chile. They have released the songs performed on tour on an album entitled '. They have also released a special edition version of the album entitled '.
Their 2nd studio album,, 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 February 15, 2008. The date was actually a concert they held in the Choliseo in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The concert's headline was "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.
And three years later they released their final studio album "Forever" on February 14, 2011, Two singles were released from the album, And have features in this album Zion & Lennox, Alexis & Fido and Arthur Hanlon.
On 2012 released Cuando Te Enamores which became part of the most popular album of 2013 La Formula featuring Plan B, Zion & Lennox, Arcangel, Lobo and more. Which was the last work of R.K.M & Ken-Y before returning as a Duo on 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, Don Omar, Daddy Yankee, José Feliciano, Pitbull, Héctor "El Father", David Bisbal, Ivy Queen, Chino & Nacho, Hector Acosta "El Torito, Plan B, Tony Dize and Zion & Lennox.

Separation

On April 10, 2013, the 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.

Reunion

On June 23, 2017 and after four years of separation. R.K.M & Ken-Y return with the perfect formula to conquer their seat. They Grew up together and felt they needed to work together in order 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's Más Que Ayer.
The Duo on October 2019 has had their most recent hit "Cuando Lo Olvides" That peaked in Latin charts this song goes back to their romantic roots. R.K.M & Ken-Y, are currently working on Destiny which will be their newest studio album.
Since returning in mid 2017 the duo has collaborated with huge stars like “Arcangel”, “De La Ghetto“, “Daddy Yankee”, “Plan B”, “Natti Natasha”, “Noriel”, “Darkiel”, “Divino”, ”Chris Wandell” and “Lyanno”.

Discography

Studio albums

Awards and Nominations

Grammy Awards

YearRecipientAwardResultRef.
2009""Best Latin Urban Album

Billboard Latin Music Awards

YearRecipientAwardResult
2007"Down"Hot Latin Song of the Year
2007"Down"Latin Ringtone of the Year
2007"Down"Reggaeton Song of the Year
2007"Masterpiece"Reggaeton Album of the Year
2007"R.K.M y Ken-y"Hot Latin Songs Artist of the Year
2008"Igual que Ayer"Reggaeton Song of the Year
2008"Me Matas"Latin Ringtone of the Year
2009"The Royalty: La Realeza"Latin Rhythm Album of the Year, Duo or Group
2010"R.K.M y Ken-y"Latin Rhythm Airplay Artist of the Year, Duo or Group
2011"R.K.M y Ken-y"Latin Rhythm Albums, Artist of the Year, Duo or Group
2012"R.K.M y Ken-y"Latin Rhythm Albums, Artist of the Year, Duo or Group
2012"R.K.M y Ken-y"Latin Rhythm Songs, Artist of the Year, Duo or Group

Premios Lo Nuestro

Premios Juventud

YearRecipientAwardResultRef.
2007"R.K.M y Ken-y"My Urban Artist

Premios MTV Latinoamérica

YearRecipientAwardResultRef.
2007"R.K.M y Ken-y"MTV Tr3s Viewer's Choice Award — Mejor Artista Pop

Tu Música Urbana Awards

YearNominated workCategoryResult
2019"R.K.M y Ken-y"Urban Artist Duo or Group
2019"Zum Zum"Urban Song Duo or Group
2019"Zum Zum" Remix of the Year

Viña del Mar International Song Festival

Premios People en Español