Best reggaeton duo
R.K.M. & Ken-Y
R.K.M & Ken-Y is a reggaeton 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 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. 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 (formerly known as "Rakim" but changed to avoid confusion with the established hip-hop artist Rakim) 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.[2] In 2002 both artists were discovered by veteran reggaeton producer and former artist Q Mack Daddy (whom also discovered Magnate y Valentino and worked for Hector El Father'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",[3] 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 (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 RKM y Ken-Y to introduce the duo to a wider audience.[4] 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 (from reggaeton duo Plan B) gave RKM y Ken-Y the opportunity to appear on his various artists album "El Draft" co-executively produced with Boy Wonder (Chosen Few Entertainment). 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.[5] This newfound exposure built up anticipation for their debut album, "Masterpiece: Nuestra Obra Maestra" distributed by Universal Latino in partnership with Pina Records.
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Chino & Nacho
Chino & Nacho were 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 for Mi Niña Bonita. Before forming a duo, Chino and Nacho were both part of the Venezuelan merengue boy band Calle Ciega alongside Luifer, Gabo Marquez and Emilio Vizcaino where they started their musical careers. They released five albums, with the hit single, "Mi Cachorrita" on Una Vez Más. Calle Ciega gained significant airplay in Venezuela and surrounding countries. The group fought for having more publicity than other Venezuelan groups like 3 Dueños. Calle Ciega employed various musical genres, though most reggaeton, and liked to mix salsa and merengue with reggaeton. The group later stopped releasing singles, and eventually broke up into what is now Chino & Nacho and Los Cadilacs. Chino & Nacho debuted their first album nationwide in 2008, circulating in Venezuela and neighboring countries. Their first album, named Época de Reyes, was released in 2008 and made available in many Latin American countries. They released five albums in total – Época de Reyes, Mi Niña Bonita, Mi Niña Bonita: Reloaded, Supremo and Radio Universo. They won Pepsi Venezuela Music Awards for Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year in 2012,[1] for Video of the Year in 2013,[2] for Theme of the Year in 2015,[3] and for Artist of the Year, Tropical Fusion Artist of the Year, and Theme of the Year in 2017.[4] Amid rumors, the duo announced their breakup on February 24, 2017, citing solo careers and different musical tastes.[5] On March 11, 2020, after several days of rumours on social media, the duo reconciled and announced their return to music, as well as the release of "Raro" on March 13, 2020, their first single in three years following their break-up.