RKM & Ken-Y

In 2003, Jose Nieves, performing as RKM, joined Kenny Vasquez, known as Ken-Y, to create the reggaeton duo RKM & Ken-Y. Within just a few years, the pair advanced rapidly through the scene and stood by 2006 among the genre’s most influential acts. Both natives of Gurabo, Puerto Rico, they first took the stage at neighborhood house parties and clubs, with Ken-Y delivering the vocals while RKM supplied the lyrics and rap cadence. A chance notice from producer Chencho secured their earliest contract on Money Machine Records, the imprint belonging to longtime artist Notty Play, whose operation carried local weight yet offered little distribution power. Exposure on mixtapes and compilations next attracted reggaeton MC Nicky Jam and Raphy Pina, producer and owner of Pina Records. The move to Pina Records became decisive for their rise, opening collaborations with Don Omar, Nicky Jam, Polaco, and Lito. Their debut album, Masterpiece, earned strong sales and critical praise. Nieves and Vasquez trace that accomplishment to a guiding belief they expressed this way: “Our mission is to use our music to reach all kinds of people: young kids, adolescents, adults, rappers, Christians -- everybody -- and bring reggaeton into areas of the world where it's never been before.”