RKM, formerly known as Rakim, is half of the popular reggaeton duo RKM & Ken-Y. Whereas the chief role of Ken-Y is to sing the hooks of the songs, the role of RKM is to rap the verses. Born José Nieves on February 6, 1985, in Gurabo, Puerto Rico, RKM debuted alongside his partner, Ken-Y, on two songs from Nicky Jam's album Vida Escante, one of which, "Me Estoy Muriendo," became a hit single. Following a hit contribution to the compilation El Draft 2005, "Tu No Estas," RKM & Ken-Y made their album debut with Masterpiece (2005), a tremendous commercial success that spawned the chart-topping hit "Down" as well as two other big hits, "Igual Que Ayer" and "Me Matas."