José Nieves (R.K.M) and Kenny Vasquez (Ken-Y), both of Gurabo, Puerto Rico, are a Grammy Award-nominated reggaeton duo.
The duo started their career of music in high school. R.K.M (formerly known as "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. They also won The Draft, a contest for upcoming Latin artist. They won the best Latin and reggae award in 2007. In Friday 16, January 2009 RKM married with Gladys Morales in Caguas.
This success caught the eyes of Omar and Raphy Pina, two 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. 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. 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".
Their fourth studio album, The Royalty, was released September 9, 2008.
The first single of the album was "Mis Días Sin Ti", a song they collaborated on with Findy and Daddy Yankee, months earlier. This new version was with R.K.M instead and some parts of the song are in English. In the song, Raphy Pina announces the return of RKM & 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, 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, Don Omar, Daddy Yankee, José Feliciano, Pitbull, Hector "El Father", David Bisbal, and many others.
On May 30, 2008, they performed at a Hillary Clinton rally in San Juan. The group was included in a concert titled "Vota o quédate callao".
The Duo will be performing in the Aragon Ballroom for their album The Royalty on April 25, 2009. In 2009, The Romantic Duo will be releasing a second edition of their album "The Royalty" called "The Royalty: Deluxe Edition". |
